On Tuesday, Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi chaired a high-level open debate at the United Nations Security Council on “Practicing Multilateralism, Reforming, and Improving Global Governance” under the agenda item “Maintenance of International Peace and Security.”
The meeting, held under China’s presidency of the Council, provided an opportunity for member states to reflect on the United Nations’ history, reaffirm their commitment to multilateralism, and collaborate on building a just and equitable global governance system.
Wang Yi highlighted significant developments over the past 80 years, noting the world’s journey toward multipolarity and economic globalization. “People around the world have forged ahead together to overcome challenges,” he said, emphasizing the rise of the Global South and the move beyond Cold War-era confrontations.
“The international community drew painful lessons from the scourge of two world wars, and the United Nations was founded,” Wang Yi stated. He stressed the urgent need to “reinvigorate true multilateralism and speed up efforts to build a more just and equitable global governance system” in the face of global crises.
Addressing current conflicts, Wang Yi reiterated China’s support for all efforts conducive to peace talks in Ukraine. On Middle East tensions, he emphasized the importance of upholding the two-state solution. “Gaza and the West Bank are the homeland of the Palestinian people, not a bargaining chip in political trade-offs. The Palestinians governing Palestine is an important principle that must be followed in the post-conflict governance of Gaza,” he asserted.
Wang Yi concluded by reinforcing the significance of UN Security Council resolutions, stating that they are legally binding and must be upheld by all countries.
