At the United Nations General Assembly’s Fourth Committee, China’s deputy permanent representative, Geng Shuang, delivered a compelling call to action: decolonization must go beyond ending military rule. While 65 years ago the UN adopted the Declaration on the Granting of Independence to Colonial Countries and Peoples, he argued that the remnants of a colonial mentality still shape global power dynamics today.
Reviving a 65-Year Mission
Geng marked the anniversary of the historic declaration as a reminder that the physical end of colonial rule is only part of the story. “Eradicating colonialism entails more than ending military occupation,” he said. “We must also resist the intangible colonial mindset in ideological, political, economic and cultural domains.”
A New Lens on Decolonization
Highlighting China’s Global Governance Initiative launched in September, Geng stressed the need for a more just and equitable system that upholds sovereign equality. According to his speech:
- 65 years since the UN’s first anti-colonial declaration
- 17 non-self-governing territories still seeking self-determination
- Fourth international decade (2021–2030) dedicated to eradicating colonialism
Backing Resolutions & Rights
Geng urged support for a draft resolution from Venezuela—on behalf of the Group of Friends in Defense of the Charter of the United Nations—proposing an International Day Against Colonialism in All Its Forms and Manifestations. He said endorsing this measure would advance democratization and the rule of law in international relations.
Next Steps & Global Call
China reaffirmed its backing for the decolonization of 17 non-self-governing territories and promised to stand by their residents in exercising their right to self-determination. On the unresolved case of the Malvinas Islands, Geng reiterated China’s consistent support for peaceful negotiations under the UN Charter, encouraging all parties to seek a just, lasting solution.
Reference(s):
Chinese envoy: Eliminating colonial mentality key to better governance
cgtn.com
