Chinese Vice President Han Zheng opened the fifth day of the UN General Assembly’s General Debate on Sept. 26 by proposing “four steps” built on President Xi Jinping’s four global initiatives on development, security, civilization and governance. “The world wants peace not war,” he said. He called for rejecting “the Cold War mindset and bloc confrontation,” and said countries should “oppose unilateral military actions that violate the UN charter and circumvent Security Council authorization.” He added: “Major countries shoulder special responsibilities for safeguarding international peace and security, and they should take the lead in complying with the rules.” Referring to the U.S. without naming it, he said China “urges the relevant country to immediately stop using threat of force against Cuba, and immediately and completely lift the blockade and sanctions against Cuba.” He called for the Palestinians to govern the West Bank and Gaza, and said China would continue to play “a constructive role in its own way” toward a political settlement in Ukraine.

On development, Han called for keeping it “at the center of the international agenda,” for developed countries to “honor their commitment to development, financing and climate financing,” and for developing artificial intelligence “for the positive and for good” while narrowing the digital divide. “Protectionism produces no winners,” he said. “Decoupling and cutting off supply chains disrupt global industrial and supply chains, and harm the interests of all parties.” He urged UN reform that would “enhance the performance of its bodies, rather than merely cut its budgets and mandates.”