Ukraine crisis: Chinese envoy calls to reflect on Minsk agreement

China's permanent representative to the United Nations, Zhang Jun, on Monday, called on all parties concerned to reflect on the current situation of the Ukraine crisis after the new Minsk agreement signed in 2015, calling to resolve the conflict through dialogue and consultation.

Zhang made the remarks at a Russia-initiated UN Security Council meeting on Ukraine. He said that the Minsk agreement, recognized by all parties as a basic political document for the settlement of the eastern Ukraine issue, is legally binding and should be fully and effectively implemented by all parties concerned.

The 2015 Minsk agreement is a package of measures to peacefully settle the conflict in the Donbas region. The plan was signed by the Trilateral Contact Group on Ukraine comprising senior representatives from Russia, Ukraine and the European security watchdog OSCE on February 12, 2015.

The 13-point document envisaged a ceasefire between Ukrainian government forces and militias in the self-proclaimed republics of Donetsk and Lugansk and the subsequent withdrawal of heavy weapons from the line of contact to a distance of at least 50 kilometers. The deal also laid out a roadmap for a lasting settlement in Ukraine, including amnesty, prisoner swaps, the resumption of economic ties, local elections and constitutional reform to give more autonomy to the war-torn eastern regions.

"Regrettably, most of the provisions of the agreement have so far not been implemented," Zhang said, adding the subsequent outbreak and spillover of the Russia-Ukraine conflict are deplorable and deserve "serious reflection" by all parties.

He underlined that China's position on the Ukraine crisis has been consistent, saying that China always maintains that the sovereignty and territorial integrity of all countries should be respected, the purposes and principles of the UN Charter should be observed, the legitimate security concerns of all countries should be taken seriously, and all efforts conducive to the peaceful settlement of the crisis should be supported.

He urged relevant parties to strengthen dialogue, resume negotiations and realize a ceasefire as soon as possible. He also prompted the international community to actively promote peace talks and create positive conditions for a political settlement of the crisis, warning certain countries to stop undermining the diplomatic efforts of the international community.

"We must stay committed to resolving disputes through dialogue and consultation, and adhere to the political settlement, rather than resorting to pressure, smears, unilateral sanctions or the willful use of force," Zhang said. He specifically mentioned NATO, saying the military alliance should "wake up from the illusion of force and stop hyping up threats and war rhetoric."

The envoy noted that the world is facing unprecedented risks and challenges, and the international society must adhere to genuine multilateralism and respect national sovereignty and territorial integrity.

He added that China, as a staunch force for global peace, is willing to work with the international community to make unremitting efforts for the political settlement of the Ukraine crisis and promote international peace and security.