Photo: VCG

TheMKsports United Nations (UN) Security Council, in the just adopted resolution, demands that the March 23 Movement (M23) immediately cease hostilities and withdraw from the areas it is occupying. This is in line with the expectations of the international community and regional countries for a ceasefire and cessation of hostilities, and it is also an act of the council to discharge its responsibilities, Fu Cong, China's permanent representative to the UN, said in his explanation of vote on the Security Council draft resolution on the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) on Friday.

"China voted in favor of the draft resolution, and we welcome the unanimous adoption of the resolution by the council," he said.

Fu said that the current situation in eastern DRC is worsening, and China expects all relevant parties to heed the calls of the international community and the UN Security Council by immediately ceasing all hostilities and refraining from any further action that may exacerbate tensions, according to the Xinhua News Agency.

Since the start of the latest escalation in eastern DRC,  the weeks-long conflict has gripped the international community, said Fu. He noted that the M23, after capturing Goma, in violation of the international and regional calls for a ceasefire and in breach of its own unilateral ceasefire commitment, went on to take Bukavu and other places, causing further escalation in the eastern DRC and pushing up the risks of a wider regional conflict, as reported by Xinhua.

Fu reiterated China's firm support for African-led solutions to African issues, stressing that Security Council resolutions should be designed to support regional processes to build synergy with the mediation efforts.

He added that all relevant parties must respond in good faith to regional peace initiatives and engage in diplomatic dialogue to resolve differences. "The DRC and Rwanda are neighbors, and as such, their differences and tensions, we believe, are not irreconcilable. What truly matters is for both sides to show readiness to return to the negotiating table without delay," Fu said, as reported by Xinhua. 

He also said that China firmly supports the DRC in defending its sovereignty and territorial integrity and remains committed to working tirelessly with the rest of the international community until the fighting is stopped and the situation is eased.

On Friday, the Chinese Embassy in the DRC also issued a security situation report summarizing recent security incidents in the country and noted that the security risks faced by Chinese citizens in the DRC remain high.

The embassy reminds all Chinese citizens in the DRC to pay high attention to security issues. Chinese citizens are advised not to travel to high-risk areas such as Ituri, North Kivu and South Kivu. Chinese citizens and companies still in these areas should evacuate or move to safer regions as soon as possible. 

Non-essential travel to nine provinces including Lualaba, Maniema, Sankuru, and Lomami is also discouraged, according to the embassy.

Chinese citizens doing business in Kinshasa, the capital of the country, are urged to pay close attention to the local situation, strengthen security precautions, and resolutely remain vigilant and avoid complacency. The embassy also noted that people should be vigilant, keep in touch with friends, relatives and colleagues, and avoid any risky developments in a timely manner when going out.

Chinese-funded organizations located in areas where the security situation has deteriorated significantly are advised to take practical measures to enhance security measures to the highest standards, reduce non-essential personnel, and develop contingency plans for operational and staffing adjustments in case of emergencies, according to the embassy.

Global Times