Published on: 2026-07-16
Source: People’s Republic of China — Translation
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UN, July 16 /Xinhua/ — The International Criminal Court (ICC), located in The Hague, Netherlands, must remain independent and impartial. This was stated on Wednesday by Sun Lei, the Chargé d’Affaires ad interim of the Permanent Mission of China to the UN, at a UN Security Council meeting dedicated to the ICC’s work on Sudan.
More than 20 years have passed since the Security Council referred the situation in Sudan’s Darfur to the ICC, the diplomat recalled, adding that China supports the international community in combating the most serious international crimes and punishing them according to the law, in order to deter acts of violence.
At the same time, Sun Lei noted that matters related to international crimes are extremely sensitive and have far-reaching consequences. When addressing such issues, the ICC must exercise caution, be guided by facts and laws, and ensure openness and transparency of the relevant proceedings, he emphasized.
“International judicial mechanisms must perform their duties independently and impartially, strictly adhere to the norms of international law, avoid politicization and selective justice, and earn the trust of all parties through concrete actions,” the diplomat said.
The ICC must respect the judicial sovereignty of the respective states, Sun Lei emphasized.
According to him, China consistently emphasizes that the principle of complementarity enshrined in the Rome Statute is an important foundation for the work of the ICC, which should adhere to this principle when considering any cases and fully respect the judicial sovereignty and jurisdiction of the respective countries.
The situation in Darfur is conditioned by complex historical circumstances and contemporary realities. “International judicial activity should contribute to the restoration of peace and stability in Sudan, not exacerbate tensions between the parties,” the diplomat noted.
China firmly supports Sudan’s efforts to protect sovereignty, unity, and territorial integrity and is ready to work with all parties to help Sudan promptly restore peace and stability, as well as achieve development and prosperity, assured Sun Lei.
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