Ending armed conflicts is greatest protection for civilians: Chinese envoy

A Chinese U.N. envoy said on Tuesday that putting an end to armed conflicts is the greatest protection for civilians, as countless lives are suffering from the ongoing Israeli attacks in the Gaza Strip.

Fu Cong, China's permanent representative to U.N., made the statement at a Security Council open debate on the protection of civilians in armed conflicts.

"Saving lives is a noble goal in armed conflicts, but we must recognize that as long as the conflict continues, civilian lives are always at risk," he said.

Noting that the primary responsibility of the Security Council is to maintain international peace and security, and that the Gaza conflict, which has lasted more than seven months, has caused unprecedented civilian casualties and a humanitarian disaster, the Chinese envoy said that priority must be given to facilitating an immediate and comprehensive ceasefire in Gaza, urging Israel to immediately stop its collective punishment of the Palestinian people and to stop advancing its military attacks on the southern Gaza city of Rafah neighboring Egypt.

He stressed that the international humanitarian law is a bottom line that must be observed by all, adding that humanitarian assistance must not be politicized and basic goods such as food and medicine must not be weaponized.

"The Security Council should continue to uphold the authority of the international humanitarian law and ensure its universal and consistent application. Double standards or selective application of the humanitarian law are unacceptable and are tantamount to condoning more violations," Fu said.

The Chinese envoy said that strengthening the governance capacity of the countries involved in the conflict is a fundamental solution. When dealing with conflicts, the international community should take systematic measures to support the countries involved in the conflict to effectively enhance their national defense, public security and anti-terrorism capabilities. Meanwhile, efforts should be made to help the countries involved to accelerate development and gradually address the deep-seated causes of conflicts.

He said that China is willing to continue to work with the rest of the international community to make unremitting efforts to eliminate the scourge of war and ensure the happiness and tranquility of the people as soon as possible.

Ending armed conflicts is greatest protection for civilians: Chinese envoy

Ending armed conflicts is greatest protection for civilians: Chinese 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