Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi has called for a renewed commitment to true multilateralism and urged the global community to work towards a more just and equitable global governance system. Speaking at the United Nations Security Council’s high-level meeting on “Practicing Multilateralism, Reforming and Improving Global Governance,” Wang emphasized the need for unity and cooperation in addressing global challenges.
With the 80th anniversary of the United Nations approaching in 2025, Wang highlighted the significance of the UN-centered international system in safeguarding human progress. “In the face of a turbulent and changing international landscape, multilateralism with coordination and cooperation at its core is the best solution to global issues,” he said.
Four-Point Proposal for Global Governance
Wang Yi presented a four-point proposal to enhance global governance:
Upholding Sovereign Equality: All countries should participate, make decisions, and benefit as equals. Respect for each nation’s independent development path and non-interference in internal affairs are essential.
Upholding Fairness and Justice: Global governance must ensure justice prevails. International affairs should not be monopolized by a few countries. Reforming the Security Council should increase the representation of developing countries, especially African nations, to address historical injustices.
Upholding Solidarity and Coordination: International cooperation is key to improving global governance. Countries should embrace extensive consultation, joint contribution, and shared benefits, replacing confrontation with coordination.
Upholding an Action-Oriented Approach: Improvements in global governance require concrete actions, not just words. UN agencies should focus on seeking solutions to issues like protracted conflicts and technological challenges.
“No country can prosper alone,” Wang stated, emphasizing that mutually beneficial cooperation is the right choice for the future. He encouraged the Global South to lead in improving the global governance system while striving towards modernization together.
Addressing Global Issues
On the Middle East situation, Wang Yi underscored the importance of upholding the two-state solution and seeking a comprehensive, just, and lasting settlement to the Palestinian question to achieve lasting peace and security in the region.
Regarding the Ukraine crisis, he reiterated China’s call for a political settlement and support for all efforts conducive to peace. “China has been pushing for peace talks since the start of the crisis,” he noted.
China’s Commitment to Multilateralism
Wang highlighted China’s unwavering commitment to global governance and multilateralism. He mentioned initiatives like the Global Development Initiative, the Global Security Initiative, and the Global Civilization Initiative as China’s contributions to reforming and improving the global governance system.
As a founding member of the United Nations, China takes the lead in practicing true multilateralism. “China pursues peace and security, advances common development, champions openness and inclusiveness, and upholds multilateral cooperation,” Wang said. He added that China is a member of almost all universal intergovernmental organizations and supports the UN’s central role in international affairs.
Looking ahead, Wang Yi expressed China’s readiness to work with all parties to usher in a new era of multilateralism and make global governance more fair and equitable as the United Nations enters its next 80 years.
