China's deputy permanent representative to the United Nations Geng Shuang on Monday called for the political settlement to the Ukraine crisis at an early date at a Security Council meeting on the ongoing Russia-Ukraine conflict.
The Ukraine crisis persists, marked by a continuous influx of weaponry and ammunition onto the battlefield, accompanied by an expansion in their variety and scope. This escalation has led to rising lethality and casualty rates, with greater risks of loss and proliferation, which has caused concern among people, Geng said.
While weapons may bring about the end of wars, they alone cannot secure lasting peace. Though the origins of conflicts may differ, they ultimately must find solutions through diplomatic negotiations, he said.
China calls on all relevant parties to prioritize peace and humanitarian crisis, direct their resources and endeavors towards diplomatic efforts aimed at stopping the fighting, and jointly promote a political solution to the Ukrainian crisis at an early date, according to the Chinese envoy.
"Here, I reiterate our call on the parties to the conflict to demonstrate political will, meet each other halfway, start peace talks at an early date and stop the fighting. We call on the international community to create conditions and provide assistance for it. China is ready to continuously make unremitting efforts and play a constructive role in promoting a political solution to the Ukrainian issue at an early date," said Geng at the meeting.
China calls for political settlement to Ukraine crisis at early date: envoy
China calls for political settlement to Ukraine crisis at early date: envoy
On his second official visit to China, Prime Minister of the Republic of Vanuatu Charlot Salwai expressed admiration for China's remarkable ability to balance preserving its cultural heritage with embracing innovative transformation.
Salwai paid an official visit to China from July 7 to 12. During his trip, he toured the southern province of Guangdong and explored the megacities of Beijing and Shanghai. His visit included tours of high-tech companies, a ride on a high-speed train, and a performance of traditional Cantonese opera.
In an interview with China Central Television Network (CCTV) aired on Friday, Salwai recounted his journey starting with a warm welcome that included enjoying Beijing Roast Duck, also known as Peking Duck -- a culinary delight introduced to him by the Chinese ambassador in Vanuatu.
"Many had to say. Peking Duck. Because we had it here on our arrival, so it was very tasty. And I understand that the Chinese ambassador in Vanuatu brought us to one of the traditional restaurants, small but beautiful," he said. The prime minister sees China's preservation of its culture as a vital lesson in understanding one's roots and the journey to the present day, acknowledging China's efforts to integrate cultural preservation with modernization.
"It's going to be my second official visit to China. I'm always impressed to see big changes and especially innovations made by China and especially the cities. Because a big impression is to see how China continues to maintain and keep its culture. Because I think it's the basis of everything -- to know where you come from and to understand where we are today. I feel that China is doing a lot to maintain its culture, but at the same time, doing, innovating to transform its culture,” Salwai said.
He also emphasized the importance of learning from China's sustainable development strategies.
"Today, it comes from a long way, some hardship, the government, and also the people of China. So, I'm impressed to see what is done, especially how China associates infrastructure development with nature. That's meant to keep, continue to keep the environment. It takes effort with the climate change by maintaining the ecosystem. I think it's something that, for a small country like Vanuatu, is important to learn. So, we are here. I'm here with my delegation to learn," Salwai said.
Vanuatu's PM commends China's cultural preservation, innovation amid fast growth
