On August 1, Ambassador Zhang Jun, Permanent Representative of China to the UN, briefed the press at the UN on China’s work plan for its rotating Security Council Presidency in August, and answered questions from the media.

On strengthening the role of the UN and China’s contribution to the organization, Ambassador Zhang pointed out that the UN is a banner of multilateralism and a symbol of collective strength. Its role will remain irreplaceable no matter how the international situation may change. However, the UN does not exist in a vacuum. The strength of the UN originates from the support and contribution of its Member States. In this regard, major countries, in particular, should take the lead in carrying out their obligations, and playing a responsible role. China is always a firm supporter of the UN. We have been working closely with the UN, and taking concrete actions to support the organization in addressing global challenges, upholding peace and security, and promoting common development. 

Ambassador Zhang said that China is committed to practicing true multilateralism. One fundamental goal of China’s approach to international affairs is to safeguard the UN-centered international system and support the central role of the UN in international affairs. As Secretary-General Guterres said, the partnership with China is an important pillar of the UN and multilateralism. China is committed to safeguarding world peace and security. China firmly champions the basic norms of international relations based on the purposes and principles of the UN Charter. We believe that hotspot issues must be solved politically, and fully support the mediation efforts of the Secretary-General. Not long ago, President Xi Jinping proposed the Global Security Initiative, which has charted the course forward for us to get out of the current global security dilemma. 

Ambassador Zhang said that China has been making unremitting efforts in advancing the UN development agenda. We have achieved the poverty reduction goal in the 2030 Agenda 10 years ahead of the schedule. President Xi has also put forward the Global Development Initiative, which injects fresh impetus to achieving the SDGs, addressing the global food crisis and inequality and imbalance in global development, thus making China’s contribution in this regard. China is taking concrete actions against climate change. As the largest developing country, China strives to achieve carbon peak before 2030, and carbon neutrality before 2060. This will be the world’s fastest transition from carbon peak to neutrality. We know this will be a huge task and requires enormous sacrifices, but we will honor our commitment.

Ambassador Zhang said that China has been actively carrying out its financial obligations to the UN. China is the second largest contributor to the UN regular budget and peacekeeping assessments. Despite arduous tasks at home in addressing the pandemic, developing the economy and improving people's livelihood, China still manages to overcome these difficulties and pays the dues and assessments in full and on time, offering strong resource support for the UN's work and its peacekeeping efforts.

Ambassador Zhang stressed that last year, China and the UN celebrated the 50th anniversary of the restoration of the lawful seat of the People’s Republic of China at the UN. In February this year, President Xi Jinping had an in-depth exchange of views on enhancing China-UN cooperation with Secretary-General Guterres, who came to Beijing for the Winter Olympics, and reached important common understandings. The 20th National Congress of the Communist Party of China will be held in a few months, which will elevate China-UN cooperation to a new height and put it to a new starting point. As China continues its development, we will make even greater contributions to the cause of the UN, and peace and development of the world.