China has assumed the rotating presidency of the United Nations Security Council for February, focusing on strengthening multilateralism and improving global governance. Fu Cong, China’s permanent representative to the UN, announced on Monday that China aims to reaffirm member states’ commitment to working together to address global challenges.
“As the world enters a turbulent period with conflicts reaching new highs since the Cold War, there’s a rising call from the international community, especially the Global South, for reforming and improving the global governance system,” Fu said during a press briefing.
He emphasized the need for solidarity within the Security Council, stating, “Division and confrontation have often replaced cooperation. The council has been unable to act effectively in the face of major security crises. This situation cannot continue.”
Under China’s initiative, a high-level open debate titled “Practicing Multilateralism, Reforming and Improving Global Governance” is scheduled for February 18. “As we mark the 80th anniversary of the founding of the United Nations this year, the debate aims to encourage countries to revisit the original aspirations of the UN, reaffirm their commitment to multilateralism, and explore ways to reform and improve global governance,” Fu explained.
On global and regional issues, Fu highlighted the ongoing focus on the Middle East, striving for lasting political solutions. “It’s necessary for the Security Council to pay close attention to the ceasefire in Gaza and take timely actions to ensure that agreements are fully implemented and humanitarian access remains open and unhindered,” he said. “China will urge the council to closely follow the challenges confronting UNRWA.”
Fu also addressed the volatile political and security situations in parts of Africa, underscoring the challenges in peacekeeping, peace-building, and humanitarian assistance. “The Security Council and the wider international community must maintain and increase their attention and support for Africa,” he urged. “As the president, China will work with other council members to promote dialogue and consultation, seeking political solutions to African issues.”
The Security Council consists of five permanent members—China, the United States, Britain, France, and Russia—and ten non-permanent members. The presidency rotates monthly among its 15 members based on the English alphabetical order of their country names.
