Xi: China supports UN system

President Xi Jinping talks during a videoconference from Beijing with United Nations Secretary-General Antonio Guterres on Wednesday as the international organization celebrates its 75th anniversary. [Photo/Xinhua]

Unilateralism and hegemony will lose backing of the people, he tells Guterres

China never seeks ideological confrontations or decoupling with other countries, nor does it pursue hegemony, President Xi Jinping said on Wednesday in a videoconference with United Nations Secretary-General Antonio Guterres.

He pointed out that "what we care about the most is to help the 1.4 billion Chinese people lead a better life and make greater contributions to mankind".

However, he added, China also will not tolerate harm to its national sovereignty, national dignity or development, and the country will take a firm stance to safeguard its legitimate interests and safeguard the justice of the world.

All countries should go beyond the limitations of nationality, ethnicity, culture and ideology and promote the building of a community with a shared future for mankind, he said.

The outbreak of COVID-19 has amplified problems in the global governance system, and all countries should make efforts to improve the system rather than try to destroy it to create another one, Xi said.

There is only one system in the world, that is, the international system with the UN at the core, and the set of UN Charter-based norms on international relations is the only set in the world, he said.

Noting that COVID-19 is still spreading around the globe, Xi said China would like to share its experience with all countries without any reservation, and will continue to offer support and help to countries that are in need.

China firmly supports the UN system, especially the World Health Organization, to play the leading role in strengthening global cooperation and joint prevention, Xi said.

Xi reaffirmed his commitment that after the development of a vaccine is completed and it is put into use, China will make it a public good and contribute to its accessibility and affordability in developing countries.

The outbreak of COVID-19 has led to the emergence of many new problems, but the fundamental problems are in regard to peace and development issues, Xi said, adding that unilateralism and hegemony will lose the support of the people.

All countries should make efforts to minimize the pandemic's impact on the economy and people's lives, mobilize the resources and strength of the whole world, help all nations take practical measures in cutting debt and increasing aid, assist developing countries with development and narrow the gap between the rich and the poor.

Guterres said that facing the challenges of COVID-19 and climate change, all countries should uphold multilateralism, strengthen international cooperation and build a stronger UN.

He thanked China for the country's firm support for multilateralism and the UN. The UN will fulfill its duty better with China's support, he said, adding that China has played an important role in maintaining global peace and promoting common development.

Guterres said he greatly appreciated the measures and proposals announced by Xi at the UN General Assembly to promote multilateralism, deal with climate change and promote sustainable development.

The UN supports China in jointly building the Green Silk Road and supports China in deepening cooperation with Africa and developing nations, he said.

The UN hopes to enhance cooperation with China and expects China to play a leading role, he said, adding that China has the capacity to achieve its development and make greater contributions to the world.

State Councilor and Foreign Minister Wang Yi, as Xi's special envoy, will attend on Thursday a UN Security Council conference on safeguarding international peace and security and global governance in the post-COVID-19 era.

Wang will attend the meeting via video link, according to the Foreign Ministry.