On February 23, 2015, Foreign Minister Wang Yi spoke to the media after presiding over a Security Council open debate at the United Nations (UN) headquarters in New York.

Wang Yi said that this year marks the 70th anniversary of the victory of the world anti-fascist war and the founding of the UN. China proposed to hold today's Security Council open debate with two purposes: first, to take history as a mirror and reiterate the firm commitment to the purposes and principles of the UN Charter; second, to open up the future and explore effective ways to maintain international peace and security under the new situation.

Wang Yi thanked members of the Security Council and member states of the UN for their support to and participation in China's proposal. Wang Yi said that representatives from more than 80 countries signed up to deliver speeches today. While holding differing perspectives, they all agree on the theme of this open debate. Through this meeting, China hopes to voice a clear and important stance with the international community:

First, uphold the spirit of the UN Charter. The United Nations has gone through 70 years of ups and downs, yet the Charter still bears important practical significance. The Charter should be used as a "golden rule" instead of just being worshiped, because the purposes of the Charter represent the common aspirations of mankind and the principles of the Charter still serve as the cornerstone to guide contemporary international relations.

Second, attach new connotation to the Charter. As the world is developing and the era is changing, development and innovation are needed as we inherit the Charter. President Xi Jinping proposed to establish a new type of international relations with win-win cooperation as the core, which in essence carries forward the purposes and principles of the Charter and makes innovation to the traditional philosophy of international relations.

Third, strengthen the collective security mechanism established by the Charter. In face of the frequently emerging global threats and challenges, no country can stand alone. The only way out is to uphold multilateralism and seek common and collective security. In face of the incessant regional conflicts and wars, no country can win all battles alone. We need to safeguard the authority of the Security Council, and let the UN play its role.

Wang Yi said that today's meeting will reveal the prelude of the series activities commemorating the 70th anniversary of the founding of the UN. China appeals that all member states could actively participate in jointly reviewing and summarizing the history as well as envisioning and opening up the future, so as to make our planet a more peaceful and beautiful place!