Remarks by Ambassador Dai Bing at Security Council briefing on Tigray

Mr. President,

I thank Secretary-General Guterres for his briefing. And I welcome the presence of Ambassador Taye, Permanent Representative of Ethiopia, to this meeting.

At present, the situation in Ethiopia is facing many challenges. Maintaining peace and stability of the country and ensuring peaceful coexistence of all ethnic groups is not only in the common interests of the Ethiopian people, but also vital to peace and security of the Horn of Africa. It is also the goal that the international community makes joint efforts for. We hope all parties in Ethiopia will resolve conflicts and differences through political dialogue, ease tensions and avoid further escalation of conflict, so as to create conditions for achieving peace and reconciliation.

China welcomes the Ethiopian Government's recent efforts in alleviating the humanitarian situation in Tigray and neighboring areas. In the meantime, due to conflicts, the humanitarian situation in relevant Ethiopian states has become increasingly grave and humanitarian needs in Amhara and Afar have increased. We hope all parties in Ethiopia will continue to make efforts to expand humanitarian access and ensure the timely delivery of humanitarian goods to its people. China has provided emergency food assistance to the Tigray region, and we call on the international community to step up humanitarian assistance. International humanitarian agencies, while carrying out their work, should uphold the UN guiding principles on humanitarian assistance and respect the sovereignty of Ethiopia.

China firmly supports Ethiopia's efforts in safeguarding national sovereignty and unity, and will continue to support the Ethiopian people in achieving national peace, stability, development and prosperity. We hope the international community will support the Ethiopian Government in achieving a comprehensive and lasting ceasefire, and effectively promoting national reconciliation. China opposes interference by external forces in Ethiopia's internal affairs in the name of human rights and humanitarian matters. We support the AU and the regional countries to resolve African issues in the African way, and welcome the appointment of the former President of Nigeria Mr. Obasanjo as the AU High Representative for the Horn of Africa. We hope the UN and AU will strengthen their collaboration and jointly play a constructive role in promoting reconciliation among all Ethiopian parties through dialogue. The unilateral sanctions imposed by individual country on Ethiopia are inconsistent with international law and the basic norms of international relations. Instead of resolving conflicts, they will only interfere with the political settlement.

China believes the Ethiopian Government has the ability and wisdom to handle its internal affairs well and firmly believes the Ethiopian people can overcome difficulties and tackle the current challenges. China stands ready to work along with the international community to support Ethiopia's commitment to national unity, restoration of stability and achievement of development.

Thank you, Mr. President.