Foreign Minister calls for global cooperation at UN

As unilateralism and protectionism are posing major threats to the international order in today's world, "China has never been and will never be an onlooker," said Wang Yi, China's state councilor and foreign minister on Friday in his speech at the General Debate of the 74th session of the UN General Assembly.

Regarding economic and trade frictions and differences, Wang said China is committed to resolution in a "calm, rational and cooperative manner," and is willing to show the "utmost patience and goodwill."

"Should the other side act in bad faith, or show no respect for equal status or rules in negotiations, we will have to make necessary responses to safeguard our legitimate rights and interests, and to uphold international justice," he emphasized.

"China is a country with a 5,000-year civilization, 1.4 billion hardworking and courageous people, and a vast land of 9.6 million square kilometers. China will not ever be cowered by threats, or subdued by pressure," he added.

Wang said that the international order needs to abide by laws and rules, and
the opportunities arising from the new round of scientific and technological revolution are opportunities for the world.

"It is not legitimate or justifiable for any country standing from a position of power to impose unilateral sanctions or exercise long-arm jurisdiction over other countries, as such practice has no basis in international law," he said.

"To put one's own interests above the common interests of all other countries is a typical bullying practice that finds no support of the people," he added.

Wang made his remarks at the General Debate of the 74th session of the United Nations General Assembly on Friday at the UN headquarters in New York.

As this year marks the 70th anniversary of the founding of the People's Republic of China, Wang reflected on China's brilliant development achievements over the past 70 years.

He said the secret behind China's development is "our adherence to the centralized, unified leadership of the Communist Party of China, to the development path suited to China's national conditions, to the fundamental state policy of reform and opening up, and to a people-centered development philosophy."

China's achievements are not only its own, but also for the world and humankind. Wang said over the past 70 years, China has integrated itself into the global community and made its contributions to the world, actively boosting world peace and prosperity through its development.

Wang said today, China has become an anchor of stability for world peace.

Wang reiterated China's attitude towards Intermediate-Range Nuclear Forces (INF) Treaty, saying the country will continue to take an active part in the international arms control process. He also announced that China has initiated domestic legal procedures to join the Arms Trade Treaty.

Wang also touched on China's position regarding the Iranian nuclear dispute, as well as the conflicts in Palestinian, Afghanistan, the Korean Peninsula, Myanmar, Bangladesh and Kashmir.

Facing international uncertainties, Wang said China will continue to pursue the major country diplomacy with distinct Chinese features.

"Permanent members of the Security Council need to lead by example, as major countries should shoulder special responsibilities for maintaining a stable international order," Wang concluded, adding China stands ready to work with other parties to fulfill responsibilities as a major country to uphold global peace and justice.

Wang also said China has become the leading engine of global development, emphasizing the country's pursuit of mutually beneficial cooperation.

"China is committed to fostering an open world economy and upholding the WTO-centered multilateral trading regime," he said, stressing that China is committed to making globalization "more open, inclusive, balanced and beneficial to all."

Wang emphasised that development is the master key to solving all problems, suggesting it "should be placed at the center of the global macro policy framework, with continued focus on priority areas such as poverty reduction, infrastructure, education, and public health."

"We need to maintain global development cooperation with North-South cooperation as the main channel, supplemented by South-South cooperation. We need to build an open world economy and help developing countries better integrate into the global industrial and value chains," he said.