Joint Statement Delivered by China on Behalf of the Group of Friends of Global Governance at the Special Committee on the Charter of the United Nations and on the Strengthening[...]

President,

I have the honor to deliver this joint statement on behalf of the 49 members of the Group of Friends of Global Governance.

Fifty years ago, the 30th General Assembly of the United Nations adopted resolution 3499, establishing the"Special Committee on the Charter of the United Nations and on the Strengthening of the Role of the Organization", with the aim to strengthen the role of the United Nations for the maintenance of international peace and security, the development of co-operation and the promotion of the norms of international law. Today, the world is filled with uncertainty and instability, coupled with mistrust and rising polarization. Faced with major choices between peace and conflict, progress and regression, order and chaos, we once again stand at a new crossroads. Against this backdrop, the full implementation of the mandate of the Special Committee is more urgent than ever. Hereby I would like to highlight three key points:

First, we must safeguard the Charter of the United Nations and uphold the international rule of law. The Charter is the fundamental guideline for conducting international relations and the cornerstone of the international order. The basic norms of international law, including sovereign equality, non-interference in internal affairs, and the prohibition of the use of force, as enshrined in the Charter, must be respected and implemented. All States, regardless of size, strength or wealth, are equal. Mutual respect and peaceful coexistence should prevail. We call upon all parties to uphold the international order underpinned by international law, ensure the international norms to be applied equally and consistently, and reject double standards and selective application.

Second, we must practice genuine multilateralism and take an action-oriented approach. Multilateralism remains the core concept of the existing international system and order, and the United Nations serves as the central platform for global governance. We support the advancing of the UN80 Initiative. This reform, however, is not simply about cutting budget or downsizing staff, but about strengthening the role of the United Nations, promoting balanced progress across the three pillars, and enhancing the well-being of humankind. 

Third, we must uphold the peaceful settlement of disputes in accordance with Chapter-VI of the UN Charter and oppose unilateral sanctions. Article 33 of the Charter sets out multiple means of dispute settlement. The right to freely choose means of dispute settlement should be respected. Any attempt to impose one's will upon others by coercion, threat or use of force in international relations must be rejected. In this regard, we note the establishment of the International Organization for Mediation in October 2025 in the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region of China, which provides additional options for the peaceful settlement of international disputes. We also note the adoption of Security Council's resolution 2788 (2025) on peaceful settlement of disputes. The Security Council sanctions should be implemented in a way that complies with the Charter and international law, and in a manner that minimizes adverse impacts on civilians and third States.

President,

The Group of Friends of Global Governance stands ready to work with all parties to jointly safeguard the purposes and principles of the Charter of the United Nations, support the central role and preserve the intergovernmental character of the United Nations, and promote a more just, inclusive and equitable global governance system.

I thank you.