Chinese Vice-President Han Zheng told the 81st UN General Assembly in New York that the international system established after the Second World War must be upheld. “The world wants peace, not war,” Han said.
Han called for disputes to be settled through dialogue and opposed “unilateral military actions that violate the UN Charter and circumvent Security Council authorisation”. “Major countries shoulder special responsibilities for safeguarding international peace and security, and they should take the lead in complying with the rules, upholding the rule of law and doing what’s right,” Han said.
On the Middle East, Han called for the sovereignty of regional countries to be respected and said Gaza’s reconstruction should proceed “in accordance with the principle of the Palestinians governing Palestine”.
Han also supported a return to the two-state solution and called for an end to sanctions and the blockade against Cuba.
On Ukraine, Han said China would continue supporting efforts towards a political settlement.
Han called for an inclusive global development partnership focused on poverty reduction, food security and the energy transition.
Developed countries should honour development and climate-finance commitments, Han said.
On artificial intelligence, Han called for a “people-centred approach” that used the technology positively, narrowed the digital divide and delivered broadly shared benefits.
Han also defended the World Trade Organisation-centred trading system. “Protectionism produces no winners,” Han said.
China supports UN reform but wants changes to strengthen the organisation’s institutions and mandates while increasing the influence of the Global South. “Multilateralism is a choice made by humanity after going through scourges, and fairness and justice are the joint pursuit of the people of all countries,” Han said.
Han said China had contributed about 30% of global economic growth in recent years and mobilised more than $23 billion through the Global Development Initiative.
China had also granted zero-tariff access to African countries and least-developed countries with which Beijing maintained diplomatic relations, Han said.
“China will join hands with all other countries to build a community with a shared future for humanity and make the world a better place for all of us,” Han said.
–UN/ChannelAfrica–
