Remarks by Chargé d'Affaires a.i. of the Permanent Mission of the China to the United Nations Ambassador Sun Lei at the Briefing by the UN Secretary-General on His Priorities[...]

President, 

China thanks Secretary-General António Guterres for the briefing. China aligns itself with the statement made by the G77 and China.

At present, the world is full of turmoil and changes and the UN faces severe challenges. The more complex the international situation becomes, the more imperative it is to uphold the authority and status of the UN and safeguard its central role in international affairs. China highly commends the achievements made by the UN under Secretary-General's leadership over the past nine years, and supports him in continuing to discharge his responsibilities. I want to emphasize three points. 

First, we must resolutely uphold the purposes and principles of the UN Charter. The principles of sovereign equality, non-interference in internal affairs, peaceful settlement of disputes, and no use or threat of force in international relations are fundamental tenets of the Charter. They serve as essential guidelines for managing international relations and constitute the bedrock of international peace and security. The UN must resolutely defend the victorious outcomes of World War II and uphold the post-war international order, firmly oppose unilateralism and hegemony, and reject any attempt to revive militarism. 

Second, we must advance the three pillars in a balanced manner. Peace and security, development, and human rights are mutually reinforcing, and none should be neglected. For the Global South, development issues are of paramount importance and must always be put at the center of the international agenda. The UN should act with a heightened sense of urgency, push member states to implement the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development, bridge the North-South and digital divides, and promote common development and win-win cooperation. 

Third, we must reform and improve global governance. The value of the UN lies in safeguarding the common interests of all member states. Supporting the UN in keeping pace with the times, enhancing its effectiveness and efficiency, and promoting the establishment of a more just and equitable global governance system are the shared aspiration of the UN membership. They are also the intent behind China's initiative to establish the Group of Friends of Global Governance. China supports the Secretary-General's efforts to advance the UN80 Initiative, and looks forward to positive outcomes from the reform process and building solidarity and cooperation, thereby injecting confidence and momentum into the UN and multilateralism. 

Peace and development must be actively pursued and also be maintained. China will work with all parties to firmly support multilateralism and the international system with the UN at its core, maintain peace, promote development, and advance the building of a community with a shared future for humankind. 

Thank you, President.