‘Preserve post-war order,’ China tells UN General Assembly

“The world wants peace, not war,” Han said at the General Debate of the Assembly’s 81st session.

He said the UN-centered international system and international order, underpinned by international law that emerged after the Second World War “must be upheld,” calling for disputes to be resolved through dialogue rather than “unilateral military action in violation of treaties.” UN Charter and avoid Security Council authorization.”

With power comes responsibility

“Major countries bear special responsibilities for maintaining international peace and security, and they must take the lead in abiding by regulations, upholding the rule of law and doing the right thing,” he said.

Regarding the Middle East, Han said the sovereignty of countries in the region, including in the Gulf region, must be respected, and called for reconstruction in Gaza to continue “in accordance with the principle of the Palestinian people governing Palestine,” and also a return to a two-state solution.

Regarding Ukraine, he pointed to the “four points” put forward by President Xi Jinping as “fundamental guidelines for China in playing a sustainable constructive role in its own way to achieve a political resolution of this crisis.” He also called for an immediate end to the blockade and sanctions against Cuba.

Turning to development, Han called for a global partnership “based on unity and equality, balanced and inclusive,” with priority given to poverty alleviation, food security and energy transition. Developed countries, he said, must honor their funding and climate finance commitments.

‘Human-centred’ AI

Regarding artificial intelligence, he said the world “must take a society-centered approach and develop AI for positivity and good, narrowing the digital divide and driving universally beneficial development.”

He added that “protectionism does not produce winners,” and called for the World Trade Organization (WTO)-centric system to be maintained.

Regarding cultural exchange, Mr. Han said “diversity has created splendor in the world,” and that “condescending attitudes and selfish mindsets have no place in interactions between different cultures.”

Reaffirming his support for the UN, he said: “Multilateralism is a choice made by humanity after suffering, and fairness and justice are the common ideals of the people of all countries.”

Amplifying the voice of the ‘Global South’

China supports UN reform, he said, but wants it to strengthen – not just reduce – the organization’s body and mandate, while increasing the voice of Southern countries.

He also praised coming out Secretary General Antonio Guterres who will leave office at the end of 2026 and said China wants his successor to be someone who “respects the UN Charter, has extraordinary abilities, upholds integrity and justice, and shows courage and dedication.”

Mr. Han commemorated 55 years since General Assembly resolution 2758, adopted on October 25, 1971, which recognized the Government of the People’s Republic of China as China’s sole legitimate representative at the United Nations.

Since then, he said, China has been a “stabilizing force in times of turmoil,” with the best peace and security record among major powers and making the largest contribution to peacekeeping operations of any permanent member of the Security Council.

He said China has driven about 30 percent of global growth in recent years, mobilized more than $23 billion under the Global Development Initiative, and provided zero tariff access to all African countries and least developed countries with ties to China.

“China will join hands with other countries to build a community with a shared future for humanity and make the world a better place for all of us,” Han said.