China's UN Ambassador Ma Zhaoxu ( Photo: VCG)

The introduction of an arms embargo on South Sudan is not conducive to the political process in the country, said China's permanent representative to the UN on Friday. 

The African Union and the Intergovernmental Authority on Development, two major mediators in South Sudan, have indicated that additional punitive measures are not advisable. The Security Council must listen to them, said Ma Zhaoxu, the Chinese ambassador. 

"Sanctions serve only as a means, not an end. Any measure by the council must be conducive to the political settlement of certain issues." 

The South Sudan political process has achieved positive and recognized progress. It shows that all parties in South Sudan have the will to pursue peace and resolve issues through political channels, he said. 

In today's context, the Security Council must play its constructive role and continue to support the mediation efforts of regional players, said Ma. "While they are working hard, we must hold our confidence and keep up our patience so as to jointly facilitate the political process in South Sudan." 

Although the draft was modified to accommodate the views of China and several other council members, it still insists on imposing an arms embargo, which could lead to further escalation, Ma said. That's why China abstained in the voting, the ambassador said. 

China has been supporting the peace process in South Sudan and will continue to do so, he said. 

The Security Council on Friday adopted the US-drafted resolution to impose an arms embargo on South Sudan in addition to current sanctions, till May 31, 2019. 

The resolution won nine votes in favor, the minimum requirement for adoption. China and five other council members abstained.