Chinese envoy reaffirms commitment to upholding multilateralism, UN Charter

China's Permanent Representative to the United Nations Zhang Jun (C, Front) addresses a Security Council open debate on upholding the UN Charter at the UN headquarters in New York, on Jan. 9, 2020. Zhang Jun on Thursday reaffirmed China's commitment to upholding multilateralism as well as the purposes and principles of the UN Charter. (Xinhua/Li Muzi)

UNITED NATIONS, Jan. 9 (Xinhua) -- China's Permanent Representative to the United Nations Zhang Jun on Thursday reaffirmed China's commitment to upholding multilateralism as well as the purposes and principles of the UN Charter.

Speaking at a Security Council open debate on upholding the UN Charter, Zhang said that as a cornerstone of multilateralism, the charter establishes the basic norms governing international relations in the present day, develops generally recognized principles of international law, and charts the way forward for human society.

Unilateralism is dealing heavy blows to the international rule of law and the international order, while protectionism is plunging the world economy into a pit of uncertainties and acts of bullying is threatening global peace and stability, he said.

Against this backdrop, Zhang said "revisiting and reminding ourselves of the spirit of the charter is all the more relevant" as this year marks the 75th anniversary of the UN.

Zhang noted that China was the first country to sign the UN Charter. "It has consistently and scrupulously adhered to the purposes and principles of the charter and has unfailingly supported efforts to defend the authority and functions of the United Nations."

China's proposal of building a community of shared future for humankind is a continuation and sublimation of the purposes of the UN Charter, he said, affirming that China will honor its commitment, uphold the principle of peaceful settlement of disputes, and uphold sovereign equality, political independence and territorial integrity of all countries and non-interference in other countries' internal affairs, and the principle of no threat or use of force.

China will fulfill its responsibilities under the UN Charter, actively participate in UN peacekeeping operations, seriously fulfill its financial obligations to the UN, and support the organization's central role in international and multilateral affairs, he added.

China will actively implement the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development and continue to promote high-quality development of the Belt and Road Initiative, so that the dividends of China's development can benefit all countries in the world, Zhang said.

Regarding the situation in the Middle East and the Gulf, Zhang emphasized that the "U.S. unilateral adventurist act" has led to a high degree of tensions in the region.

He said China supports the UN secretary-general's call for peace. China has been actively engaged in diplomatic efforts and is committed to playing a responsible and constructive role in safeguarding international law, equity and justice, and regional peace and stability.

China calls on the relevant parties to exercise maximum restraint, do the utmost to return to dialogue and consultation without delay, jointly work for the de-escalation of tensions and uphold the Iran nuclear deal, he said.

Zhang warned that if the situation in the region spun out of control, it would not serve the interests of any party. "Restoring peace is of crucial importance to the entire world. The Security Council should uphold its responsibility vested by the UN Charter to maintain international peace and security."

On upholding the UN Charter, the Chinese envoy made a four-point proposal. First, he said, the international community must pursue mutually beneficial cooperation. "It is imperative to create greater opportunities through cooperation, overcome the risks and challenges, achieve common development, and strive for win-win results on an equal footing."

Second, he said, the international community must be guided by international rule of law, and oppose "the practice of putting a country's own interests above those of other countries, wanton misinterpretation of international law, the hegemonic logic of selectivity, and long-arm jurisdiction and unilateral sanctions."

Third, the international community must adhere to equity and justice. "Matters of international nature are to be discussed and managed by us all. Each country's sovereignty, independence, territorial integrity and independent choice of development path must be respected," Zhang said.

Fourth, the international community must take effective actions. "The charter should be put into practice on the ground, to generate tangible results. The Security Council must always act in the interests of world peace, enhance mutual trust, strengthen unity and avoid the politicization of certain issues," he added.

During Thursday's debate, UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres, Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister of Vietnam Pham Binh Minh and representatives of more than 110 countries made statements on the topic of upholding the UN Charter.