Madam Chair,

Since the outbreak of the crisis in Ukraine, Director General Grossi and the secretariat of the IAEA , with the support of member States, have carried out a series of work on the issue of nuclear safety and security at the Zaporozhye nuclear power plant, endeavouring to ensure the nuclear safety and security of the plant in question and resolutely avoiding the occurrence of any man-made nuclear accident. China has always actively supported the IAEA in these endeavours, and supports Director General Grossi and the secretariat in maintaining full and effective communication and cooperation with all parties concerned, so as to ensure the safe and smooth operation of the IAEA support team, including normal rotation.

The issue of the safety of nuclear facilities is an aspect of the Ukrainian crisis, the resolution of which ultimately depends on the prospects for a political settlement of the crisis in Ukraine. As the Ukrainian issue is now at a critical juncture in the negotiations for a settlement, China expects the international community to create a favourable climate for a political solution to the crisis and for all parties to play a constructive role, further strengthen communication and coordination and carry out more practical cooperation.

China will continue to actively promote peace and dialogue in accordance with the ‘four principles’ outlined by President Xi Jinping, uphold an objective and impartial stance, and play a constructive role in promoting a political settlement of the Ukrainian crisis, so as to fundamentally eliminate nuclear security risks. China is ready to maintain communication with all parties in this regard.

Thank you, Madam Chair.