A Chinese envoy on Tuesday called for the cessation of hostilities in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC).

Stressing that the security situation in eastern DRC remains tense and its humanitarian situation has continued to deteriorate recently, Sun Lei, China's deputy permanent representative to the United Nations, said the international community should spare no effort to lift millions of people in eastern DRC from their sufferings and bring them the dawn of lasting peace.

The conflicts in eastern DRC were eased for some time in terms of intensity. However, the 23 March Movement (M23) is still fortifying military deployment and occupying more towns. Sporadic exchanges of fire have claimed hundreds of innocent lives, he told the Security Council.

"China reiterates that Security Council Resolution 2773 must be implemented, that acts of harming civilians and violating international humanitarian law must end, and that indiscriminate killings of innocent lives must be held accountable.”

All parties must make a lasting ceasefire an overwhelming premise and cease any actions that might lead to escalation, he added.

The implementation of the peace agreement between the DRC and Rwanda has been lagging recently, with future prospects being uncertain. China encourages the DRC, Rwanda, and others to demonstrate political will and honor their commitments, said the Chinese envoy.

The international community, he added, must continue to support the mediation by Qatar and facilitate a consensus on the peace agreement between M23 and the DRC as soon as possible.

Underscoring that the humanitarian situation in the DRC is one of the most pressing global crises, he said protracted conflicts and turmoil have caused massive civilian displacement.

The parties concerned are obligated to ensure that the humanitarian corridors stay safe and unhindered. Obstructing humanitarian relief work violates international law, Sun added.

“The humanitarian response for the DRC is facing a huge funding gap. The international community, traditional donors in particular, should provide more financial support to meet the basic survival needs of the local population.”

As a good friend of the countries in the region, China remains committed to working with all parties and making unremitting efforts to restore peace and stability and achieve development and prosperity in the region, he said.

Xi: Forge ahead in advancing modernization

President Xi Jinping has called on the Chinese people to continue drawing on historical experience and forge ahead with determination in advancing Chinese modernization, as the country prepares to mark its National Day on Oct 1.

Xi, who is also general secretary of the Communist Party of China Central Committee and chairman of the Central Military Commission, made the remarks on Tuesday while addressing a reception held in Beijing to celebrate the 76th anniversary of the founding of the People's Republic of China.

Xi said that over the past 76 years, under the Party's leadership, the Chinese people have relied on self-reliance and unremitting struggle to achieve remarkable accomplishments that will be remembered by history.

"Looking back, the Chinese nation has advanced from the brink of peril to the great journey of rejuvenation. The path has been arduous and filled with hardships, but it has also been full of passion and triumphant progress," he said.

In his address, Xi recalled the grand commemorations hosted earlier in September marking the 80th anniversary of the victory in the Chinese People's War of Resistance Against Japanese Aggression (1931-45) and the World Anti-Fascist War.

The events, he said, have greatly inspired the national spirit, motivated patriotic enthusiasm and forged the strength of working hard.

"We must continue to draw on historical experience to build our country better, and to ensure that the cause pioneered by the older generations of leaders and revolutionary martyrs continues to thrive," Xi said.

Highlighting the progress made this year in various undertakings despite complex circumstances, Xi said that China has further deepened reforms across the board, advanced high-quality development, improved people's livelihoods and made new headway in exercising full and rigorous Party self-governance.

As the 20th CPC Central Committee will convene its fourth plenary session in October to discuss major issues related to the formulation of the 15th Five-Year Plan (2026-30) for national economic and social development, Xi called for efforts on the new journey in the new era to plan and implement the goals, tasks and strategic measures for the period and to secure decisive progress toward the basic realization of socialist modernization.

To fully, faithfully and resolutely implement the "one country, two systems" policy, Xi stressed the importance of supporting the Hong Kong and Macao special administrative regions in better integrating into the country's overall development, developing the economy and improving people's well-being.

Xi also called for deepening cross-Strait exchanges and cooperation, firmly opposing "Taiwan independence" separatist activities and external interference, and resolutely safeguarding national sovereignty and territorial integrity.

Facing a rapidly evolving international landscape unseen in a century, he underlined the need to champion the shared values of humanity, practice genuine multilateralism, and advance the Global Development Initiative, the Global Security Initiative, the Global Civilization Initiative, and the Global Governance Initiative, so as to jointly build a community with a shared future for humanity.

"The great rejuvenation of the Chinese nation is a noble cause unprecedented in human history. Both aspirations and challenges inspire us to forge ahead with a spirit of urgency and perseverance," Xi said.

The reception, held at the Great Hall of the People, brought together dignitaries including Party and State leaders, foreign envoys and recipients of national honors.