China Calls for Collaborative Efforts to Strengthen European Security Architecture
China’s Permanent Representative to the United Nations, Fu Cong, addressed an informal UN Security Council meeting with the EU Political and Security Committee on Thursday, urging joint efforts to build a more effective European security architecture.
With the Ukraine crisis persisting for over two years and conflicts showing no signs of abating, Fu emphasized the necessity of a political solution that addresses the underlying security concerns in Europe. He called for renewed negotiations, stating that resolving the crisis requires addressing the legitimate security interests of all countries involved.
“Nobody should have the illusion that they can force the other side to the negotiating table by gaining the upper hand on the battlefield,” Fu said. “Such a mindset could only further escalate confrontation and prolong the war.”
Fu highlighted the importance of considering all nations’ legitimate security concerns in a balanced manner. He appealed for collaborative efforts to establish a balanced, effective, and sustainable security framework for Europe.
“The world today is faced with major challenges and a grim security situation,” he noted. “To end conflicts, restore peace, and effectively address different kinds of threats and risks, we must tackle the root causes of conflicts, jointly pursue peace and stability, and make genuine efforts to uphold the spirit of multilateralism.”
Fu underscored the central role of the United Nations in the international system and called on the European Union to shoulder its responsibilities as an important force on the global stage. He warned of the potential for a lose-lose scenario if countries fail to embrace multilateralism.
“Many issues facing today’s world, such as security, trade, and technology, may end up in a lose-lose scenario if handled inappropriately,” he cautioned. “That’s why we need multilateralism, with the UN at the center, to help us find a proper solution. Countries don’t have to engage in zero-sum competition. There is no need for a new Cold War. And the world is big enough for all countries to progress together.”
Acknowledging the natural occurrence of differing views among nations, Fu stressed that such differences should not hinder partnerships. He reaffirmed China’s commitment to Europe, placing it high on Beijing’s diplomatic agenda and viewing the European Union as a key partner for cooperation.
“China has always attached great importance to its relations with the EU and hopes to see the EU strengthen its strategic autonomy, play a greater role in international affairs, and make greater contributions to world peace and security,” Fu said.
Looking ahead, Fu highlighted that next year marks the 50th anniversary of diplomatic ties between China and the EU. He expressed China’s readiness to deepen cooperation with the EU to safeguard world peace, promote common development, and improve global governance.
The EU Political and Security Committee, responsible for the bloc’s common foreign and security policy as well as its common security and defense policy, participated in the meeting, underscoring the significance of dialogue between China and the European Union on global security issues.
Information based on reports from Xinhua
Reference(s):
China calls for more effective European security architecture
cgtn.com
