Remarks by Ambassador Geng Shuang at the Special Event to Commemorate and Promote the International Day of Multilateralism and Diplomacy for Peace

Your Excellency Ambassador Moncada, Colleagues, 

China commends Venezuela for hosting this special event on behalf of the Group of Friends in Defense of the UN Charter for a second year, to commemorate the International Day of Multilateralism and Diplomacy for Peace. I also thank the previous speakers for their remarks. 

As we mark the 80th anniversary of the UN, we are facing a world in growing turmoil and transformation, where multilateralism is under strain, justice and fairness are being undermined, and instability and uncertainty continue to rise. Today, what we need more than ever are multilateralism and diplomacy, and global peace and security. I have three points. 

First, the authority of the UN Charter must be firmly upheld. The Charter underpins the post-war international order and the basic norms of international relations. Yet, certain country has disregarded its authority, pursued hegemony and bullying practices, and used the UN only when it fits its own benefit. Against this backdrop, the international community must reaffirm its commitment to a UN-centered international system and resolutely oppose any actions that contravene or undermine the Charter. 

Second, multilateralism must be reinvigorated. In recent years, we have seen that certain country has “put its own interests first” by practicing double standards, breaking agreements, withdrawing from international organizations and imposing unilateral measures. These have led to a severe blow to the UN and multilateral systems, and a serious threat to global peace and development. Recently, the United States has imposed tariffs on all of its trading partners, which severely infringes upon the legitimate rights and interests of all countries, severely violates WTO rules, severely threatens global economic stability and severely undermines the multilateral order. 

The international community must see clearly the unilateral, protectionist, and coercive nature of U.S. actions. We must stand united to defend every country’s right to development and restore confidence in multilateralism by speaking out firmly against the U.S. placing its own interests above others’. 

Third, global governance must be reformed and improved. All countries should engage in global governance in the spirit of extensive consultation, joint contribution and shared benefits, and ensure that international affairs are not dominated by a few, development gains are not monopolized by a few, and the legitimate rights and interests of the Global South are not violated by a few. The international community need to enable multilateral institutions including the Security Council to fulfill their responsibilities effectively and ensure tangible progress in reforming the global governance system. 

Colleagues, 

In February this year, during China’s presidency of the Security Council, we convened a high-level open debate on “Practicing Multilateralism, Reforming and Improving Global Governance,” which sent a strong, unified message in support of multilateralism. Going forward, as a supporter, advocate, and practitioner of multilateralism, China will continue to work with all countries to firmly promote the UN’s central role in international affairs, advance an equal and orderly multipolar world and a universally beneficial and inclusive economic globalization, and build a community with a shared future for mankind. 

Thank you.

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