This week at the 80th session of the United Nations General Assembly, Chinese premier Li Qiang sat down with Annalena Baerbock, president of the UNGA, to map out reforms aimed at making the United Nations leaner and more pragmatic.
Li argued that as the world shifts into a new era of turbulence and transformation, the United Nations has become more vital than ever, and China stands ready to support its authority and performance through targeted reforms.
Highlighting Chinese president Xi Jinping's recently launched Global Governance Initiative (GGI), Li explained that the framework is designed to help the UN tackle modern challenges by encouraging closer cooperation among countries and streamlining multilateral mechanisms.
China is prepared to strengthen coordination with the United Nations and all stakeholders, he said, in order to foster a more just and equitable global governance system and advance a community with a shared future for humanity.
Li called for a balanced approach to the UN's three pillars—peace, development, and human rights—with renewed emphasis on the development agenda. He also stressed the need to enhance governance in emerging fields such as artificial intelligence, cyberspace, the polar regions, and outer space to keep pace with rapid innovation.
On sensitive issues, Li underscored that the Taiwan question lies at the core of China's most critical interests. He expressed confidence that Annalena Baerbock and the United Nations will uphold the one-China principle in line with UNGA Resolution 2758.
Baerbock praised China as a steadfast supporter of the UN, noting that President Xi's four global initiatives align closely with the purposes and principles of the UN Charter. She expressed hope that under this year's theme—"Better together: 80 years and more for peace, development and human rights"—countries will deepen cooperation and work hand in hand to promote global peace and sustainable development.
Reference(s):
Premier Li: China supports building a more effective, pragmatic UN
cgtn.com
