NEW YORK: While the US has been hijacking the ongoing United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) and turning it into a platform for touting its so-called leadership and peddle its “multilateral approach,” Chinese Vice President Han Zheng sent out a clear signal upholding true multilateralism and elaborated in a comprehensive way on how to work together in building an open and inclusive world with lasting peace and prosperity.
The senior Chinese official also reiterated China’s consistent position on the Taiwan question as some US-backed forces and the DPP authorities have been making some “trivial noises” at this annual gathering of world leaders, repeating their old trick of trying to turn the Taiwan question into a global topic.
In sharp contrast to the so-called “multilateral approach” adopted by the US, which is considered pseudo-multilateralism as its alliance-centered mindset only serves Washington’s hegemony, China’s approach in addressing the reform and development of global governance aims to build a community with a shared future for mankind and provide a solution for common challenges, experts said.
Defending true multilateralism
Speaking at the General Debate of the 78th session of UNGA on Thursday, Han called on the international community to follow the direction of a multipolar world and to make global governance more just and equitable.
Han said the legitimate security concerns of all countries should be addressed, the sovereignty and territorial integrity of all countries should be respected, and differences and disputes should be resolved in a peaceful way through dialogue and consultation.
When it comes to the Ukraine crisis, Han said China supports all efforts that are conducive to the peaceful resolution of the crisis and stands ready to continue playing a constructive role for the early attainment of peace.
Han also put forward a four-point proposal for tackling world affairs including upholding equity and justice, and maintaining peace and security; pursuing mutual benefit and delivering win-win outcomes, and achieving development for all; staying open and inclusive, and advancing human civilization; and staying true to multilateralism and improving global governance.
The vice president said that China will remain a member of the big family of developing countries. As the largest developing country, China is a natural member of the Global South, sharing weal and woe with the vast number of developing countries, Han said.
‘Trivial noises’ on Taiwan question
Besides China’s approach to safeguarding and promoting multilateralism, a clear message from the Chinese leader on the Taiwan question was also put under the spotlight, as a small number of countries, along with the DPP authorities, have been making some noises at the ongoing UNGA and repeating some old tricks of hyping the island joining the UN as an independent representative.
China resolutely safeguards its sovereignty and territorial integrity. The government of the People’s Republic of China is the sole legal government representing the whole of China, and Taiwan has been an inalienable part of China’s territory since ancient times, Han told the meeting.
No one or force should ever underestimate the firm resolve, strong will and great capability of the Chinese people to safeguard their national sovereignty and territorial integrity, he said.
