Your Excellency Foreign Minister Dr. Vivian Balakrishnan,

Excellencies, colleagues and friends,

This year faces unprecedented global challenges. While the biggest challenge is posed by the COVID-19 pandemic, unilateralism constitutes even more detrimental damage and threat to the world. It is weakening multilateralism and hindering international cooperation. In defending multilateralism, small states play an important leading role. In defending multilateralism, Small states matter, all states matter.

Fighting the COVID-19 pandemic is a test of multilateralism. We should send messages of strength, hope and confidence, by keeping solidarity, supporting the United Nations and the World Health Organization, putting the people at the center in fighting the pandemic.

In this fragmented world, problems faced by the international community are the problem between multilateralism and unilateralism, the problem between right and wrong. China is a dedicated supporter, defender and promoter of the UN Charter and the UN. At this critical moment, China, as always, takes the side of multilateralism, and takes the side of international justice.

We appeal to all member states to join us and work tirelessly to realize the vision envisaged by the founding fathers of the UN, and jointly build a community of shared future for humankind. With solidarity and unity of member states, the UN will not fail the expectations of the world.