International: August 26: China has called for ceasefires in conflict-affected areas to ensure a safe environment for food production. Fu Cong, China’s Permanent Representative to the United Nations, made the remarks in a speech on Tuesday at a UN Security Council high-level open debate on “Armed Conflict and Food Security.”

Fu Cong said armed conflict is one of the major causes of humanitarian crises and hunger. Therefore, the Security Council should prioritise political solutions to conflicts and actively facilitate mediation and dialogue among the parties involved to establish lasting ceasefires as soon as possible. This would help create the basic conditions necessary to restore agricultural production, he said. He stressed that international humanitarian law must be upheld and that hunger should never be used as a weapon of war.

Fu Cong noted that amid growing geopolitical competition and regional conflicts, the international community should ensure safe trade by land and sea and maintain the normal supply of essential commodities such as food and fertiliser. He said China welcomes the UN initiative to establish an interim operational arrangement for the Strait of Hormuz and supports a greater role for the United Nations in this regard.

He said the international community should provide greater assistance to developing countries to strengthen their capacity for food production self-sufficiency. More effective and targeted measures are needed to help them address the impacts of natural disasters, narrow development gaps, and reduce the risks of conflict and food insecurity.

Fu Cong stressed that food security is a global issue requiring coordinated action and joint efforts by all countries. It cannot depend on the decisions of a few countries or any particular interest group.

He further said that, as one of the world’s largest grain-producing countries, China has ensured basic self-sufficiency in grain production and security in staple grains through its own efforts. This is not only an important achievement in China’s development, but also a significant contribution to safeguarding global food security.

Fu Cong said that, upholding the vision of building a community with a shared future for humanity, China is willing to work hand in hand with all parties to completely eliminate hunger from the world and maintain peace, security, development and prosperity.

Source: Ruby-Foysal-Suborna, China Media Group.