China on Wednesday welcomed the efforts made by Sudan and Chad to improve their bilateral relations.

Minister Counselor of China's UN mission La Yifan told a Security Council meeting that China followed closely the security and humanitarian situation in the two African countries.

Armed conflicts in the region resulted in deteriorating humanitarian situations, which are common in many hot-spot areas, he said.

Only by bringing about a peaceful environment can a humanitarian crisis be resolved in a fundamental way, he noted.

The humanitarian situation in the border areas between Sudan and Chad is in every way linked to their bilateral relations, La said.

With improved relations, the tension in the border areas between the two countries can be eased, he said.

To date, Sudan and Chad have completed the process of normalization of ties and have dispatched ambassadors reciprocally. The two sides also planned to conduct joint patrols along the borders.

"We hope this will help improve the humanitarian situation in the border areas," he said.

(Xinhua News Agency December 4, 2008)