Remarks on Syria by China’s Permanent Representative to the UN Ambassador Fu Cong at the UN Security Council Briefing

President,

I thank Deputy Special Envoy Claudio Cordone, Under-Secretary-General Tom Fletcher, and Special Representative Vanessa Frazier for their briefings. I also welcome the presence of the representatives of Syria, Egypt, and Türkiye to today's meeting. 

Tensions in the Middle East persist with spreading spillover effects, adding new complexities to the existing fragility in Syria. Much is at stake now, and the pendulum could swing to either war or peace. China calls on the relevant parties to seize the window of peace, exercise maximum restraint, demonstrate utmost sincerity, and continue to settle disputes through political and diplomatic means, with a view to achieving a comprehensive and lasting ceasefire. It is imperative that the international community act in concert to keep the flames of war in the Middle East from flaring up or expanding further and from impacting Syria's security and stability. I will make three points. 

First, we must jointly support an inclusive political transition. China notes that the Syrian transitional government has taken pragmatic steps towards implementing the comprehensive integration agreement for the northeast, achieving positive progress. However, tribal tensions in the Suwayda region remain acute amid a persistently tense security environment. Reports of new sectarian conflicts in Hama Governorate are particularly worrying. Political dialogue should be a continuous process. All Syrian parties should uphold the Syrian-led and Syrian-owned principle, and address each other's concerns through extensive political dialogue to effectively promote internal reconciliation and achieve peaceful coexistence at an early date. In this process, the legitimate rights and interests of all groups in Syria must be fully guaranteed and large-scale violence must never be allowed to recur. 

Second, we must jointly support the stabilization of the security situation. The complete eradication of terrorist forces entrenched in Syria is a vital prerequisite for restoring peace and stability. For some time now, terrorists within Syria have been rampant, staging frequent terrorist attacks. This warrants our high vigilance. It also serves as a reminder that we must maintain a clear understanding of the complexity and severity of the counter-terrorism situation in Syria. The international community must resolutely abandon double standards on counter-terrorism and oppose a selective approach. We call on the Syrian transitional government to fulfill its international obligations and take all effective measures to firmly combat all international terrorist organizations designated by the Council, including the ETIM.

Third, we must jointly support the improvement of the humanitarian situation. Since the onset of the rainy season, heavy rainfall has persisted in northern and northeastern Syria, leading to floods in multiple governorates and exacerbating the humanitarian situation. After years of conflict and turbulence, 15.6 million people across the country are in urgent need of humanitarian assistance, and approximately 1.8 million displaced persons require resettlement. China supports the overarching goal of shifting humanitarian aid towards development assistance. China also supports Syria's integration into the global economic system to restore its own development impetus. We call on the international community to increase humanitarian aid to Syria and make greater efforts to address the most pressing humanitarian needs. 

President, 

Respecting Syria's sovereignty, independence, unity, and territorial integrity is the fundamental principle that must be upheld in resolving the Syrian issue. Israel's military operations within the separation zone and its attacks on southern Syria violate international law and must stop immediately. The 1974 disengagement agreement must be respected and abided by. Israel should withdraw from the Syrian territory without further delay. 

China stands ready to work with the international community to play a constructive role in promoting long-term peace and stability in Syria and restoring peace and stability to the Middle East. 

Thank you, President.