UNITED NATIONS, September 26 — Chinese Vice President Han Zheng called for stronger multilateral cooperation, peaceful settlement of disputes and greater support for developing countries as he outlined a four-point approach to global security, development and governance at the 81st United Nations General Assembly.
Addressing the General Debate in New York, Han said geopolitical conflicts, widening development gaps and mounting global challenges required countries to work together. He said China would continue cooperating with other countries to build what Beijing describes as a “community with a shared future for humanity.”
Han linked that vision to four initiatives proposed by Chinese President Xi Jinping — the Global Development Initiative, Global Security Initiative, Global Civilization Initiative and Global Governance Initiative.
China calls for dialogue over confrontation
Han’s first proposal focused on safeguarding the postwar international order and pursuing common security.
He called for disputes to be resolved through dialogue and consultation and opposed unilateral military actions that violate the UN Charter or bypass Security Council authorization.
Han also called for rejecting what he described as a Cold War mentality and bloc confrontation.
Greater support urged for Global South
On development, Han called for economic growth to remain central to the international agenda and urged greater resources and support for countries in the Global South.
He identified poverty reduction, food security and energy transition as priority areas while also calling for efforts to narrow the digital divide.
The Chinese vice president backed the multilateral trading system and an open world economy, saying economic globalization should be more inclusive and deliver benefits more broadly.
Han calls for greater exchanges between civilizations
The third part of Han’s proposal focused on exchanges and mutual learning among civilizations.
He called for greater use of the UN platform to strengthen people-to-people exchanges, improve mutual understanding and encourage the development of diverse civilizations.
Han also urged countries to respect development paths and social systems chosen independently by their peoples and called for greater sharing of governance experiences.
China backs stronger role for UN
Han’s fourth proposal focused on multilateralism, fairness and international governance.
He said all countries, regardless of their size, should be treated as equal members of the international community and argued that global affairs should be handled through consultation.
Han said China supported reforms aimed at strengthening the United Nations and improving its ability to respond to challenges including climate change and public health security.
He also recalled that the People’s Republic of China restored its lawful seat at the United Nations in 1971.
Han said China had pursued peaceful development and supported the interests of developing countries. He also said China had contributed around 30 percent to global economic growth over many years.
Han holds meetings with world leaders
During his stay in New York, Han held separate meetings with Bulgarian President Iliana Iotova, Serbian President Aleksandar Vucic, Cypriot President Nikos Christodoulides, Ghanaian President John Dramani Mahama and Kiribati President Taneti Maamau.
According to the Chinese account, discussions covered strategic trust, practical cooperation, multilateral coordination and sustainable development.
Han said that regardless of changes in the international environment, China would remain committed to peace and development, fairness and justice, and multilateralism.