A Chinese envoy on Thursday called for joint efforts to build a more effective European security architecture when he addressed an informal UN Security Council meeting with the EU Political and Security Committee.

The Ukraine crisis has lasted for more than two years, and conflicts show no sign of ending. Fu Cong, China's permanent representative to the United Nations, urged a political solution that addresses the security architecture of Europe and called for negotiations. 

Fu said that "nobody should have the illusion that they can force the other side to the negotiating table by gaining the upper hand on the battlefield. Such a mindset could only further escalate confrontation and prolong the war."

He said that in the current situation, all countries's legitimate security concerns should be taken seriously and addressed in a balanced manner. He called for joint efforts to build a balanced, effective, and sustainable European security architecture.

"The world today is faced with major challenges and a grim security situation. To end conflicts, restore peace, and effectively address different kinds of threats and risks, we must tackle the root causes of conflicts, jointly pursue peace and stability, and make genuine efforts to uphold the spirit of multilateralism," he said. "In this context, the United Nations, as the core of the international system, must live up to its mission, and the EU, as an important force on the international stage, must shoulder its responsibilities."

Fu warned of a lose-lose scenario if countries failed to uphold multilateralism. "Many issues facing today's world, such as security, trade, and technology, may end up in such a lose-lose scenario if handled inappropriately," he said.

"That's why we need multilateralism, with the UN at the center, to help us find a proper solution. Countries don't have to engage in zero-sum competition. There is no need for a new Cold War. And the world is big enough for all countries to progress together," he said.

Fu said that it's natural for countries to have different views on certain issues, but these differences should not prevent countries from treating each other as partners. China puts Europe high on its diplomatic agenda and views Europe as a key partner for cooperation. China has always attached great importance to its relations with the EU and hopes to see the EU strengthen its strategic autonomy, play a greater role in international affairs, and make greater contributions to world peace and security, said Fu.

Next year will mark the 50th anniversary of the diplomatic ties between China and the EU. Fu said China stands ready to deepen cooperation with the EU and together safeguard world peace, promote common development, and improve global governance.

The EU Political and Security Committee is responsible for the bloc's common foreign and security policy and common security and defense policy.

(With input from Xinhua)