Stating that the world is facing “changes not seen in a century,” Foreign Minister Wang Yi of China told the UN that “peace is the path” to a better future.
He called for human progress, for peaceful coexistence to be upheld, and “a security architecture that ensures enduring stability” to be put in place. A development paradigm that promotes shared prosperity is to be fostered. “Gone are the days when one or two major powers called the shots on everything,” he said, calling for true multilateralism in a non-unipolar world.
“The aspirations of the Global South nations for modernization have never been stronger,” he said, as he called for “a new type of international relations characterized by mutual respect, fairness, justice and win-win cooperation.” As “no one can enjoy security alone” countries must respect each other’s development interests.
He reiterated calls for motions towards peace in Ukraine, such as not expanding the battlefield and urging dialogue.
“Might cannot replace justice,” he said, respecting Israel’s military actions. “Palestine’s long-held aspiration to establish an independent state should not be shunned anymore, and the historical injustice suffered by the Palestinian people should not be ignored anymore. There must not be any delay in reaching a comprehensive ceasefire, and the fundamental way out lies in the two-state solution… China is a staunch supporter of Palestine’s full UN membership.” He spoke of China’s efforts in mediating unity among groups in Palestine.
Palestine is “the biggest wound to human conscience,” he said. “There must be no delay in a comprehensive ceasefire.”
Overall the goal must be to “put development at the top of the global agenda.”
Wang Yi reiterated China’s absolute commitment to no-first use of nuclear weapons, making it unique among the Permanent Five members of the Security Council.
