A Chinese envoy said on Monday that the international community must make every effort to promote a ceasefire in Sudan.
Speaking at a UN Security Council meeting on Sudan, Sun Lei, China's deputy permanent representative to the United Nations, said the international community should persistently pursue peace talks, alleviate the humanitarian crisis, and stand together to maintain regional stability.
"As the conflict in Sudan drags on, it has not only caused heavy casualties and displacement of ordinary people, but also severely undermined development of the country and impacted the stability of neighboring countries. This tragedy should not continue. The Sudanese people's desire for peace is growing, and the responsibility of the UN Security Council and the international community is becoming even greater. China has consistently stressed that sanctions are a means, not an end, and should not become a substitute for diplomatic efforts. The UN Security Council should use this special tool prudently, fully respect Sudan's sovereignty, take into account the legitimate concerns of the country concerned, and ensure that sanctions are objective, just and effective," said Sun.
China welcomes the Sudanese government's initiation of an inclusive political dialogue and supports the United Nations in playing its central mediation role, Sun said.
The international community should effectively safeguard Sudan's sovereignty, unity and territorial integrity, adhere to the principle of Sudan's ownership, and avoid imposing external solutions, he added.
Since erupting on April 15, 2023, the war in Sudan has killed tens of thousands, displaced millions, and ruined the economy.
Politically, Sudan is deeply divided, with an internationally recognized government aligned with the Sudanese Armed Forces (SAF), and a parallel administration declared by the paramilitary Rapid Support Forces (RSF) in alliance with political and armed groups.
Analysts warn that this fragmentation of authority is prolonging the conflict and raising fears of further instability.
China calls for all-out efforts to promote ceasefire in Sudan
China calls for all-out efforts to promote ceasefire in Sudan
China's ambitious "fitness for all" nationwide public health campaign and its determined drive to become a leading sporting nation are unlocking vast opportunities for sportswear businesses in the country's massive consumer market, said Adidas CEO Bjorn Gulden.
Speaking in an interview with China Global Television Network (CGTN) in Shanghai, Gulden said the German sportswear giant's localized approach to the Chinese market is a direct response to competition from stronger-than-ever local brands.
Under its "In China, For China" strategy, the company has delegated full product and creative control to its China team, which now designs and develops roughly half of Adidas products locally to match regional fashion trends and consumer preferences, with a shorter supply chain made possible by producing on the ground.
"Competition forces you to be better. And I'm sure that the reason why we have chosen to do 'In China, For China' model is because of competition. The old days when Adidas and all the brands were just exporting, I would say, concepts into China that were the same as in Europe and in America is over. That's why we have designers and creatives that work in China on a supply chain that is shorter because you can produce here. And that is of course to compete also against the local brands by making sure that we are better," he said.
Noting the evolution of sportswear from functional attire to everyday fashion, Gulden welcomed China's policies encouraging people to get active, saying they are bringing more consumers into the sportswear industry.
"Most sports products today are not being used for sports. They're being used as a comfort shoe or as a lifestyle item, and it's part of our life. It's very, very good that China is pushing sports more. The more people that do sports, the more importance sports get both from selling products, but also to widen the audience for sports culture products," Gulden said.
China's "fitness for all" strategy aims to get around 40 percent of the population exercising regularly by the end of the decade, backed by thousands of new and upgraded community sports facilities, expanded venue space and "15-minute fitness circles" designed to put public exercise areas within a short walk of every urban and rural resident.
China's push to become leading sports nation benefits sportswear businesses: Adidas CEO
