A Chinese envoy on Monday called on all parties to the conflict in Sudan to immediately cease hostilities and pursue a political solution, stressing that ending the fighting is the most urgent task at present.

Sun Lei, China's deputy permanent representative to the United Nations, made the remarks on Tuesday at a UN Security Council meeting on Sudan. He noted that the situation in Sudan has continued to deteriorate, and that greater efforts from the international community are needed to help Sudan end the conflict at an early date and achieve peace, stability and development.

Sun said the conflict in Sudan, now approaching its third year, has triggered the world's largest humanitarian crisis, with neighboring countries also bearing serious spillover effects.  

"China urges all parties to act in the fundamental interests of the Sudanese people, heed the calls of the international community, immediately and unconditionally stop hostilities, and explore a political solution through dialogue and negotiation," he said.

Sun stressed the need to effectively protect civilians as well as the safety of UN personnel and institutions.

He added that all external actors should refrain from providing military support to local armed groups, and called on all parties to respect Sudan's sovereignty, unity and territorial integrity.

The international community, Sun said, should continue to support the Sudanese government in advancing its political roadmap and support the Sudanese people in exploring development paths and institutional arrangements suited to their national conditions, without imposing external solutions. He also opposed actions that could lead to division and warned against geopolitical manipulation.

Addressing the worsening humanitarian crisis, Sun emphasized that ensuring sustained access for humanitarian supplies and their orderly distribution is critical. China supports continued coordination between the Sudanese government and UN humanitarian agencies to guarantee the supply of essential goods such as food, drinking water and medicines to meet the basic needs of the population.

He also called on the international community, particularly traditional donors, to increase input and responsibly deliver on humanitarian assistance commitments.

Sun said China has consistently upheld an objective and impartial position on the Sudan issue and stands ready to work with the international community to help bring an early end to the fighting, ease the humanitarian crisis, and realize lasting peace, development and prosperity in Sudan.