Xi's speech to UN boosts 'global confidence', envoy says

President Xi Jinping's speech Tuesday to the United Nations General Assembly helps to "boost global confidence and strength" and demonstrates China's courage and sense of mission as a responsible country, said China's ambassador to the United Nations.

Xi puts forward a series of "new propositions, new conclusions and new measures" on issues such as building unity in the fight against the pandemic, rebuilding the economy, developing international relations, and improving global governance, said Zhang Jun, China's permanent representative to the UN.

In particular, Xi's proposal of a global development initiative grasps the major, urgent issues the world currently faces. It reflects the common aspiration of the international community, especially the developing countries, the ambassador said.

"It can be said that with the world at a historical crossroad, Chinese leaders once again offer China's vision and plan," he said. 

He noted that representatives from many countries "spoke highly of President Xi's important speech", which was delivered by video to UN Headquarters in New York. They believe the remarks "chart the course for the future of the world" and show China's courage and sense of mission as a responsible power, Zhang said.

This year marks the centenary of the founding of the Communist Party of China, as well as the 50th anniversary of the restoration of China's lawful seat at the UN, he said. 

"At this historical moment, President Xi's attendance at the UN General Assembly and his delivery of an important speech is of special historical significance," he added.

Zhang made the comments after listening to Xi's speech along with representatives from more than 190 countries during the first day of the UN's annual General Debate. 

The gathering kicked off as world leaders took turns presenting their insights about climate change, the pandemic, global insecurity and other challenges facing the world. The discussion this year takes place through a hybrid format due to COVID-19. 

Noting that this year marks the 50th year anniversary of the restoration of China's lawful seat at the UN, President Xi vowed to continue to "take China's cooperation with the United Nations to a new level". 

Xi stressed the importance of beating the COVID-19 pandemic through a coordinated global response. He reiterated China's support for the fair and equitable distribution of vaccines in the world.  

To that end, China will strive to provide 2 billion doses of vaccines to the world by the end of this year. In addition, China will donate $100 million to COVAX (COVID-19 Vaccines Global Access) and 100 million doses of vaccines to other developing countries this year, the president said. 

Xi proposed a "global development initiative" that would be "more robust, greener and more balanced". He emphasized a "people-centered" and "benefit for all" approach to development. He also urged more support for developing countries.

China has pledged an additional $3 billion in international assistance in the next three years to help developing countries recover from the pandemic, Xi said.

On climate change, Xi said China will enhance support for other developing countries in developing green and low-carbon energy. China will not build new coal-powered projects abroad, he said.

Xi urged countries to strengthen solidarity and to accommodate diverse paths to modernization. He reiterated China's call for the practice of "true multilateralism" and to uphold the international system with the UN at its core.