The security situation in Syria deserves special attention. The international community should continue to support Syria in fighting terrorism in line with international law and Security Council resolutions, said Zhang Jun, China's permanent representative to the United Nations.

 

There is a significant increase in attacks by the Islamic State in Syria. Recently, improvised explosive devices and mine explosions have caused great casualties. Many incidents are attributed to designated terrorist groups, he told the Security Council.

 

Counter-terrorism is an unfinished battle and a long-term task. The international community must remain vigilant and adopt unified standards to combat terrorism, including in Syria, he said.

 

The development of COVID-19 in Syria cannot be overlooked. Forceful measures as well as more assistance must be put in place, he said.

 

The Syrian government has taken decisive actions in many areas to reduce the risk of transmission and save lives. The international community needs to back up these efforts, he said, adding that China, which has already delivered two batches of medical supplies to Syria, will continue to provide necessary assistance to the Syrian people.

 

He reiterated China's firm support for the Syrian-led, Syrian-owned political process, and China's stance that the sovereignty, independence, unity, and territorial integrity of Syria must be upheld.

 

China is glad to know that the third-round meeting of the Constitutional Committee resumes in Geneva on Thursday, he said. "We hope the meeting will be a productive one."

 

Zhang rejected groundless accusations of the United States against China at the Security Council meeting.

 

If the United States truly cares about the humanitarian situation in Syria, it can do many things instead of blaming others, including lifting unilateral sanctions, he said. "I strongly urge the U.S. to stop politicizing the Syrian humanitarian issue and match its words with deeds."