The United Nations Security Council passed a resolution on Monday proposed by the United States calling for "a swift end to the conflict" between Ukraine and Russia and urging "a lasting peace" as the world observed the third anniversary of the war.
The resolution was approved with 10 votes in favor, none against, and five abstentions from France, Britain, Denmark, Greece and Slovenia. The resolution also mourns the loss of life in the war, without blaming Russia.
"Despite differences in positions, dialogue is always better than confrontation, and peace talks are always preferable to war. China supports the US-Russia agreement to start peace talks," Fu Cong, China's permanent representative to the UN, said at the meeting.
"China expects all parties involved, as well as relevant stakeholders, to engage in the peace process at the appropriate time, seeking a fair and lasting resolution that addresses mutual concerns. The goal should be to reach a binding peace agreement that is accepted by all parties," he said.
Fu then emphasized that because the conflict is taking place on European soil, "Europe ought to play its part for peace, to jointly address the root causes of the crisis, and to find a balanced, effective, and sustainable security framework, so as to achieve long-term security and stability on the European continent".
Fu reiterated China's guidance on the Ukraine issue is that the sovereignty and territorial integrity of all countries should be respected; the purposes and principles of the UN Charter observed; the legitimate security concerns of all countries given due regard; and all efforts conducive to the peaceful settlement of the crisis supported.
Fu noted that China has sent its special envoy to actively engage in diplomatic mediation, has maintained contacts with the parties concerned, including Russia and Ukraine, and has also partnered with Brazil and other countries in creating the Group of Friends for Peace, thus "constituting an important force for supporting and promoting peace".
Earlier Monday, the UN General Assembly also approved two draft resolutions on Ukraine.
One resolution, proposed by Ukraine and co-sponsored by European countries, demands an immediate withdrawal of all Russian troops from Ukraine and condemn Russia's role.
It was passed by 93 countries, while 18 opposed, and 65 abstained. Both the US and Russia voted against the resolution.
The US declined to endorse Ukraine's UN resolution, and at the last minute, introduced its own competing version, urging its allies to support it instead. The US resolution was approved by 93 countries, opposed by eight, while 73 abstained.
The vote took place in the 193-member General Assembly, where resolutions are not legally binding but serve as a gauge of global opinion. Seeking stronger backing, the United States pushed for a vote on its proposal in the more influential UN Security Council, where adopted resolutions are binding. China, which holds the council's presidency this month, presided over the voting.
"We expect the international community to foster a favorable environment for the political resolution of the crisis and the General Assembly to play a constructive role in building a consensus for peace among its member states," Fu said at the General Assembly.
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