By Micah Jonah
January 13, 2026
China’s Deputy Permanent Representative to the United Nations, Sun Lei, has urged all parties involved in the Ukraine conflict to prioritise peace, dialogue and unity, stressing that the crisis has reached a decisive moment for a negotiated settlement.
Speaking on Monday at a United Nations Security Council briefing, Sun said the war has entered a critical stage where political and diplomatic solutions must take precedence over continued confrontation.
He called on all sides to demonstrate restraint, strengthen communication, work collectively towards ending the conflict through dialogue rather than escalation.
According to Sun, China maintains that there is no military solution to the Ukraine crisis and that negotiations remain the only viable path to lasting peace and stability.
He emphasized the need for the international community to support efforts that promote de escalation, mutual trust and inclusive dialogue, noting that prolonged fighting would only deepen humanitarian suffering and global instability.
Sun reaffirmed China’s position in favour of respecting the purposes and principles of the United Nations Charter and addressing legitimate security concerns of all parties through political means.
He added that unity within the international community is essential to creating conditions for peace talks and preventing further deterioration of the situation.
China, he said, will continue to play a constructive role in encouraging negotiations and supporting initiatives aimed at achieving a political resolution to the Ukraine conflict.
