On March 17, 2023, Ambassador Fu Cong, Head of the Chinese Mission to the EU, met with Dr. Knut Doermann, Head of the Delegation of the International Committee of Red Cross (ICRC) to the EU, NATO, and Belgium. They exchanged views on the humanitarian crisis in Ukraine and China-ICRC cooperation.

Ambassador Fu said that China attaches great importance to and supports the ICRC’s work. The 20th National Congress of the Communist Party of China and the just-concluded “Two Sessions” have charted course for China’s humanitarian efforts in the new era. China appreciates the ICRC’s contribution to the international humanitarian cause and hopes to deepen communication and cooperation.

Ambassador Fu emphasized that realizing peace and development is the fundamental approach to address the humanitarian crisis, and ceasing hostilities the top priority to resolve humanitarian crisis in Ukraine. The recent China’s Position on the Political Settlement of the Ukraine Crisis puts forward by China includes respecting the sovereignty of all countries, abandoning the Cold War mentality, ceasing hostilities, resolving the humanitarian crisis, protecting civilians and prisoners of war, and launching peace negotiations. The aim is to promote peace talks. In this connection, China is ready to work with the international community, including the ICRC, to continue dealing with the humanitarian crisis caused by the conflict and play a constructive role in the political settlement of the Ukraine crisis.

Dr. Doermann congratulated Ambassador Fu for assuming the new role. Noting the long-term friendship and partnership between the ICRC and China, he spoke highly of China’s contribution to the international humanitarian efforts. He said that addressing the humanitarian crisis in Ukraine is a priority of the ICRC, and the 12 proposals in China’s position document are largely in line with the ICRC’s position. He expressed the hope to continue working closely with China and jointly promote the international humanitarian work, including seeking the settlement of the humanitarian crisis in Ukraine.