Chinese envoy urges U.S. not to obstruct efforts for peace in Ukraine

A Chinese envoy on Thursday called on the United States not to obstruct peace efforts in the Ukraine crisis as U.S.-led arms transfers to Kyiv continue.

Geng Shuang, China's deputy permanent representative to the United Nations, made the remarks at a UN Security Council meeting, where UN Under-Secretary-General for Disarmament Affairs Izumi Nakamitsu noted that Ukrainian armed forces continue to receive arms transfers and other forms of military support, including heavy conventional weapons.

Nakamitsu expressed concern over the use and transfer of cluster munitions, highlighting their indiscriminate nature and potential for widespread pollution.

Geng stated that the immediate priority is to adhere to the principles of no battlefield spillover, no escalation of hostilities, and no incitement by any party to quickly de-escalate the situation and seek a political solution to the crisis.

China urges all parties involved in the conflict to demonstrate political will and engage in peace talks as soon as possible, Geng said. He also called on the international community to create favorable conditions and provide constructive assistance for this process.

Geng asserted that it is the United States that has been aggravating security tensions in Europe, increasing trust deficits, and promoting divisive confrontations. He added that after the conflict broke out, the U.S. continued to send weapons to the battlefield, openly advocating for the weakening and defeat of Russia, pushing its geopolitical strategy in a blatant manner.

Geng also accused the U.S. of repeatedly smearing China's peace efforts, tying China to Russia, trying to drive a wedge between China and Europe, and deliberately fostering camp-based rivalry.

Selling fear, creating enemies and inciting confrontation will not only bring disputes and chaos to the world but will also ultimately harm the U.S. itself, Geng warned.

In response to Deputy U.S. Ambassador to the UN Robert Wood's accusations that China has provided decisive support for Russia, Geng stated that China has not provided weapons to any party in the Ukraine conflict and has strictly controlled dual-use items.

He added that Chinese companies engage in regular trade with countries worldwide, including Russia and Ukraine, in compliance with World Trade Organization rules and market principles, and are beyond reproach.

From the very beginning, China has called for a ceasefire, an end to hostilities, the resolution of disputes through diplomatic negotiations, and a push toward a political solution, according to the Chinese envoy.

Over the past three years, China has been vocal and active in these efforts, he said. "Who is truly supporting peace, and who is obstructing it? I think the international community sees this very clearly."

China opposes the United States' use of the Ukraine issue to discredit and pressure China, imposing unilateral sanctions and illegal "long-arm jurisdiction" on Chinese entities and individuals, Geng said, adding that China will take all necessary measures to protect the legitimate rights and interests of Chinese companies and citizens.