China, France condemn armed attacks on peaceful nuclear facilities

China and France support the non-proliferation of nuclear weapons and condemn armed attacks on nuclear power plants and other peaceful nuclear facilities.

That's according to a joint statement between the two states following the visit of French President Emmanuel Macron to China, published by the Chinese Embassy in Ukraine, according to an Ukrinform correspondent.

"As permanent members of the UN Security Council, China and France are committed to seeking constructive solutions based on international law for challenges and threats to international security and stability," the statement said.

Both states reaffirmed their support for the "Joint Statement on the Prevention of Nuclear War and the Avoidance of an Arms Race" issued by the leaders of China, France, Russia, the United Kingdom and the United States (the five permanent members) on January 3, 2022. As emphasized in the statement, "A nuclear war cannot be won and cannot be fought."

"The two countries are willing to strengthen coordination and cooperation, jointly safeguard the authority and effectiveness of the arms control and non-proliferation system, and advance the international arms control process," the statement said.

China and France also support all efforts to restore peace in Ukraine "on the basis of international law and the purposes and principles of the UN Charter" and pay special attention to the security of nuclear facilities in Ukraine.

"The two sides oppose armed attacks on nuclear power plants and other peaceful nuclear facilities, and support the constructive role of the International Atomic Energy Agency in promoting the safety and security of peaceful nuclear facilities, including efforts to ensure the safety and security of the Zaporizhzhia Nuclear Power Plant," the document states.

In the joint statement, China and France emphasized the importance of strict observance of international humanitarian law by parties to the conflict.

In particular, the two countries called for the protection of conflict-affected women and children in accordance with international commitments, increased humanitarian assistance to conflict areas, and the provision of safe, rapid, and barrier-free humanitarian access.