A top Chinese diplomat has called on the international community to help Libya overcome its long-standing political crisis and achieve national unity. On Friday, Sun Lei, China’s Deputy Permanent Representative to the United Nations, addressed the UN Security Council, emphasizing that Libya must resolve political disagreements to hold national elections and restore stability.
China Urges Global Support to Help Libya Move Forward
Sun Lei stressed that leaders in both western and eastern Libya must show real political will. Only through unity and compromise can Libya complete the preparations for nationwide elections, a crucial step toward ending years of conflict and division.
Since the fall of Muammar Gaddafi’s government in 2011, Libya has faced deep political challenges. Competing leaders and factions have created instability, weakening the government and making it difficult for the country to function as a unified state. This division has slowed national governance and hindered progress.
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Sun Lei acknowledged some progress, noting the United Nations Support Mission in Libya (UNSMIL) has helped leaders negotiate and find common ground. However, he stressed that much more needs to be done.
“It is vital that parties in both western and eastern Libya act urgently to settle key issues,” Sun Lei said, highlighting the need for swift action to overcome obstacles that have blocked elections for years and to pave the way for a stable and unified Libya.
Call for Respecting UN Decisions and Reducing Foreign Interference
In his address to the UN Security Council, China’s Deputy Permanent Representative Sun Lei stressed that all Libyan parties must fully implement existing UN Security Council resolutions to support peace and national unity.
Sun Lei highlighted the ongoing presence of foreign fighters, mercenaries, and outside military forces as a major challenge. He called on these groups to leave Libya, noting that their presence undermines trust and makes political negotiations harder.
The Chinese envoy also urged Libyan leaders and the international community to curb illegal arms trafficking, which has fueled conflict and instability across the country. By stopping the flow of weapons, Libya’s political environment could become safer and more conducive to dialogue.
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Sun Lei warned against foreign interference in Libya’s internal affairs. He said outside powers should not shape Libya’s future for their own interests and emphasized the importance of respecting Libya’s sovereignty.
He also stressed the need to reduce violence and create a secure environment for political progress. Libyan parties must unite to build effective institutions, including a unified government, legal system, and public services, ensuring that all citizens benefit from stability.
Sun Lei’s remarks reflect China’s position that peaceful negotiation and respect for international agreements are essential to resolving Libya’s long-standing conflict. He affirmed China’s readiness to cooperate with other countries to help Libya overcome political deadlock.
Economic and Humanitarian Issues Must Be Addressed Alongside Politics
Aside from urging political action, China’s Deputy Permanent Representative to the UN, Sun Lei, highlighted Libya’s pressing economic and humanitarian challenges. He stressed that improving the lives of ordinary Libyans must go hand in hand with political progress.
Libya, rich in oil and other resources, has suffered economically due to years of conflict and division. Rival factions have controlled separate economic institutions, including the national budget, banks, and currency systems, leading to fiscal fragmentation, illegal currency printing, and unstable exchange rates.
Sun Lei welcomed a recent agreement among Libyan parties on a unified development program, calling it a positive step toward addressing these economic issues. He emphasized the importance of establishing a single national budget, which is crucial for fair resource distribution and the rebuilding of essential services such as health care, education, and infrastructure. Without it, economic inequality and regional mistrust will persist.
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The Chinese envoy also pointed to Libya’s ongoing humanitarian crisis. Years of conflict have left many families displaced, struggling to access food, medical care, and basic services. Sun Lei encouraged the international community to provide practical support to meet these urgent needs.
By linking economic stability and humanitarian aid with political progress, Sun Lei underscored China’s view that meaningful political solutions must improve everyday life for Libyans. He concluded by reaffirming China’s readiness to work with all countries committed to helping Libya achieve peace, unity, and stability, urging coordinated international action to break the country’s long-standing political deadlock.