China has called on the international community to take concrete action to ensure the safety of humanitarian workers and United Nations (UN) personnel.

Sun Lei, China's deputy permanent representative to the UN, made the remarks during an open debate at the United Nations Security Council on Wednesday regarding the safety and security of humanitarian personnel and the protection of United Nations and associated personnel.

Speaking at Wednesday's meeting, UN's top aid coordinator, Tom Fletcher, demanded action and accountability on the protection of humanitarians.

At least 326 humanitarians were killed in the line of duty across 21 countries during 2025, bringing the total killed over three years to over 1,010, according to Fletcher. Of that total, more than 560 died in Gaza and the West Bank, 130 in Sudan, 60 in South Sudan, 25 in Ukraine and 25 in the Democratic Republic of the Congo.

"This is not an accidental escalation. It is the collapse of protection," he told ambassadors at the meeting.

Sun said conflicts persist worldwide, with tensions, including in the Middle East, Sudan and the Democratic Republic of Congo, leaving civilians displaced and affected by violence and disasters. Humanitarian workers have served as lifelines in conflict zones, while UN staff and peacekeepers have made every effort to protect civilians, even at the cost of their lives.

Sun expressed concern regarding the frequent attacks on humanitarian workers and UN personnel in conflict zones. He emphasized that humanitarian workers and UN personnel must not be targeted during military operations, and that humanitarian assistance should not be exploited for military purposes.

These principles, he said, are fundamental rules of international humanitarian law and must not be challenged. Any violations of international humanitarian law must be met with strict accountability, with no tolerance or impunity, he added.