China's Permanent Representative to the United Nations Ma Zhaoxu (C, front) addresses the Security Council open debate on the protection of civilians in armed conflict, at the UN headquarters in New York, May 23, 2019. Ma Zhaoxu on Thursday asked for efforts to prevent conflict or resolve conflicts peacefully to protect civilians. (Xinhua/Li Muzi)
UNITED NATIONS, May 23 (Xinhua) -- A Chinese envoy on Thursday asked for efforts to prevent conflict or resolve conflicts peacefully to protect civilians.
"Conflict prevention and conflict resolution through peaceful means represent the most effective way of protecting civilians," said Ma Zhaoxu, China's permanent representative to the United Nations.
The Security Council should earnestly fulfill its primary responsibility of maintaining international peace and security, and strive to resolve conflicts by promoting dialogue and consultation and political negotiations so that civilians can be spared from the scourge of war, he told the council in an open debate on the protection of civilians in armed conflict.
"We must oppose the use of force or the threat of use of force, and oppose power politics and bullying," he said.
The international community should form a concept of common, comprehensive, cooperative and sustainable security concept, build partnerships based on dialogue rather than confrontation, friendship rather than alignment, so as to create a world of lasting peace and universal security, said the Chinese envoy.
He also asked the international community to nurture a sense of community of shared future for mankind, advocate the concept of global governance based on the idea of shared growth through discussion and collaboration, and strive to create a peaceful and stable international environment.
Ma said the national government concerned and the parties to the conflict must assume the responsibility for civilian protection. The international community should provide constructive assistance in this regard, but only on the basis of respect for sovereignty of the country concerned.
The actions of parties to the conflict are bound by international law and Security Council resolutions. In situations where conflicts are unavoidable, innocent civilians must be spared by all means. In addition, the abuse of military force or acts in disregard of humanitarian consequences must be avoided. Military force must be used proportionally. The use of heavy explosive weapons of wide-area impact in densely populated areas must be prohibited, he said.
It is strictly forbidden to gain military superiority by attacking civilians. Violations of international humanitarian law should be investigated and punished, he said.
UN peacekeeping missions must strictly abide by their mandates and meet their obligations of protecting civilians, said the Chinese ambassador.
He also asked for efforts to bolster international cooperation against terrorism and resolutely crack down on terrorist acts that endanger the safety and security of civilians.
Humanitarian assistance to civilians affected by armed conflict and the protection of humanitarian workers, health workers and health facilities, as well as specific vulnerable groups such as women, children, refugees, and displaced persons should be strengthened, he said.
