Chinese envoy urges efforts to better protect civilians in armed conflicts (2)

According to the Chinese envoy, the Security Council should as a priority urge the parties concerned to cease hostilities and achieve a ceasefire.

He stressed that only by actively promoting a political solution by peaceful means through dialogue and negotiation can civilian casualties be minimized.

"Military means, more often than not, result in bigger crises, more bloodshed and more civilian causalities," Wang said.

The ambassador also underlined that actions to protect civilians must comply with the purposes and principles of the UN Charter, especially the principle of respecting the sovereignty, unity and territorial integrity of countries.

The Security Council mandates should not be arbitrarily interpreted in the name of protecting civilians, nor should they be exploited as pretext for "regime change", Wang said.

In addition, he said that UN peacekeeping operations must continue to abide by the principles of objectivity and neutrality and avoid taking sides in local political disputes or even becoming a party to the conflict.

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