UNITED NATIONS – As the Ukraine crisis drags on, the conflict remains caught in an escalatory spiral, a Chinese envoy said on Monday, calling for unremitting efforts by all sides toward a political settlement of the crisis.

In his remarks at a UN Security Council briefing on Ukraine, Sun Lei, China's deputy permanent representative to the United Nations, said that with the number of strikes, casualties and infrastructure destruction from the battlefield changing every day, one truth remains unchanged: military means cannot bring about peace, and allowing the conflict to continue will only take a greater toll.

ALSO READ: Ukraine accuses Russia of attacking Chernobyl nuclear waste storage site

On the complexity of the crisis, the difficulty of reaching a peace agreement, and the vital and challenging path toward a political settlement, Sun set a four-point expectation in light of the current situation.

He called on the parties concerned to put the people first and keep exercising the utmost restraint to refrain from any action that may aggravate tensions and escalate conflicts and to prevent the situation from getting out of control.

He urged all relevant sides to keep demonstrating patience, good faith and flexibility, resume peace talks as soon as possible, and address the legitimate security concerns of one another, with a view to reaching a comprehensive, lasting and binding peace agreement.

READ MORE: Putin says Russia ready for peace deal with Ukraine

The ambassador expressed hope that regional countries and the international community will amplify the voice of reason, calling for a ceasefire and peace talks, and engage in greater diplomatic efforts to build trust and mediate a settlement, instead of fanning the flames or adding fuel to the fire.

He also called on all relevant sides, in full compliance with the principles of the UN Charter, to commit to resolving the root causes of the crisis, in order to shape a balanced, effective and sustainable security architecture for the region.

Noting that China's position on the Ukraine issue has all along been objective and impartial, Sun said China will continue its efforts, along with the international community, to contribute positively to the political settlement of the crisis.