President, 

I thank Special Representative Bintou Keita, Under-Secretary-General Jean-Pierre Lacroix, and Assistant Secretary-General Joyce Msuya for their briefings. 

In recent days, tensions have escalated dramatically in eastern DRC, with M23 launching offensives in North Kivu, capturing key towns such as Masisi, Minova, and Saké, resulting in heavy civilian casualties and displacements. It is shocking that M23 fired at MINUSCO positions, resulting in the death of three UN peacekeepers and the injury of many others. There were also serious casualties among SAMIDRC troops. China condemns the M23 attacks against local civilians and peacekeepers. We express our condolences to the peacekeepers who lost their lives, and sympathy to the injured. Considering the current situation in Eastern DRC, I would like to emphasize the following points. 

First, China strongly urges M23 to cease attacks immediately. At present, M23 continues to launch attacks and openly claims that it wants to take Goma, which is a matter of grave concern to China. The possibility of further escalation of the fighting is deeply disconcerting. The relevant actions of M23 constitute a serious violation of the ceasefire agreement and jeopardize regional peace and stability. China calls on M23 to abide by the ceasefire agreement, stop resorting to force, withdraw from the territories it has taken, and return to the track of political settlement. All external forces should refrain from providing military support to M23 and other armed groups to prevent further deterioration of the situation. 

Second, the protection of civilians should be the top priority. International humanitarian law is the bottom line that must be respected. No matter what the demands and objectives of the M23 armed attacks are, it should not come at the cost of civilian lives, and it should not attack civilians and civilian facilities. At present, a large number of civilians have fled their homes seeking refuge and there is a severe shortage of humanitarian supplies. The international community should provide timely humanitarian assistance. M23 should ensure that the channels of humanitarian assistance are open and unimpeded. 

Third, MONUSCO should be supported in performing its duties in accordance with its mandate. MONUSCO is at the forefront of the conflict and is carrying out its peacekeeping mandate in line with the Council resolutions. M23 should not threaten the safety and security of peacekeepers. Attacks on peacekeepers may constitute war crimes. China supports MONUSCO in strengthening its defensive measures in Saké and Goma, and opposes acts such as jamming GPS signals that impede MONUSCO's mandate delivery. We also call on all parties to refrain from spreading misinformation and disinformation against MONUSCO and peacekeepers. 

Fourth, we must firmly support regional mediation efforts. Under the current circumstances, it is even more urgent to scale up mediation efforts. Although the tripartite summit has been postponed, the Luanda process remains an effective platform for resolving the issues of Eastern DRC. China expects the DRC and Rwanda to stay committed to the track of political dialogue and strengthen communication and find a lasting peace program. China supports Angola and other parties concerned in continuing to intensify their diplomatic efforts to ease the situation. It is our hope that SRSG on DRC Ms. Keita and the Special Envoy of the SG for the Great Lakes region Mr. Xia Huang will strengthen coordination and provide greater support for the Luanda and Nairobi processes. 

President, 

China reiterates its firm support for the sovereignty and territorial integrity of the DRC and the support for the efforts of the DRC Government in safeguarding national security. We support the Council in speaking with one voice as soon as possible, and creating enabling conditions to promote the deescalation of the crisis in eastern DRC and maintain regional stability. 

I thank you, President.