Chinese envoy to UN highlights national stability as top priority in South Sudan

As South Sudan is welcoming its first general election this year, safeguarding national stability is the overriding priority for the country, a Chinese envoy to the UN highlighted on Thursday.

Sun Lei, China’s chargé d’affaires ad interim to the United Nations, made the remarks at an UN Security Council open meeting on South Sudan.

“Recently, the South Sudan National Elections Commission has officially announced general election to be held at the end of this year. The transition has reached a pivotal stage, and maintaining national stability is the fundamental precondition. We call on all parties to stay calm and restrained, refrain from violence, and prevent any escalation,” Sun said.

“Protecting civilians and humanitarian workers is a red line under international humanitarian law that all parties are obliged to obey. China supports South Sudan government and the UN Mission in South Sudan in further advancing inter-communal dialogue, rolling out more confidence-building measures, and fostering harmonious coexistence and solidarity among its people,” Sun said.

South Sudan’s National Elections Commission (NEC) announced on Monday that the country’s first general elections since gaining independence in 2011 will be held on Dec. 22.

Fixed cameras on an offshore wind farm in east China’s Zhejiang Province have recorded the hitting of Typhoon Dolphin, while the farm has activated its highest-level emergency response to the 13th typhoon of the year.

At 13:00 on Sunday, the Huadian Yuhuan offshore wind farm near Zhejiang’s Pishan Island was caught in the storm’s force-12 wind zone, with gusts exceeding 46.1 meters per second.

All the 32 turbines have been safely shut down, with blades yawing into a defensive position against the fierce winds and raging waves.