President,

China applauds Pakistan's initiative in convening this open debate and welcomes Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Mohammad Ishaq Dar for presiding over today's meeting here in New York. We also extend our thanks to Secretary-General António Guterres for his briefing. China welcomes the Security Council's unanimous adoption of the resolution on strengthening mechanisms for the peaceful settlement of disputes.

Eight decades ago, the World Anti-Fascist War ended in great victory. The signing of the UN Charter established the basic norms governing international relations and embodied humanity's shared aspiration to end the scourge of war and maintain world peace. Eighty years later, the world is entering a new period defined by turbulence and transformation. Peace and development remain arduous missions and are far from accomplished. The 80th anniversary of the UN provides the international community with a pivotal opportunity to revisit its founding aspirations, revitalize multilateralism, and forge ahead in the interests of international peace and security. I'd like to highlight the following points:

First, we need to commit to settling disputes by peaceful means. It is inevitable that tensions and frictions sometimes arise between countries, but pressuring, imposing sanctions, or even resorting to force is often counterproductive, as they lead to greater conflicts and add to the pile-up of hatred and animosity. Countries must respect each other's national sovereignty and territorial integrity, take seriously each other's legitimate security concerns, resolve differences through mutual understanding and accommodation, and move towards greater consensus through dialogue and engagement. The international community, particularly major countries, should build bridges for dialogue and cooperation rather than stoke or fuel the flames and instigate confrontation.

Second, we need to commit to respecting the purposes and principles of the UN Charter. We witness many conflicts and confrontations today—not because the Charter is outdated, but because its purposes and principles have failed to be fully respected. The Charter is the unshakeable bedrock of the international order; it is not an à la carte menu to be selectively followed. The international community must reject the law of the jungle, where more powerful nations bully weaker ones. We must adhere to Charter principles including sovereign equality, non-interference, and peaceful settlement of disputes, upholding equality of all nations—large and small—and safeguarding international equity and justice.

Third, we need to commit to enabling the Security Council to effectively fulfill its responsibilities. The Council shoulders the primary responsibility for maintaining international peace and security in the face of major crises and conflicts. It must resolutely perform its Chartermandated functions and take timely, effective action. Council members should rise above self-interest, prioritize the common good, abandon geopolitical calculations, and seek unity and cooperation. Resolutions adopted by the Council are legally binding and must be implemented in both letter and spirit, without selective application, much less double standards. The UN Secretary-General and its Special Envoys and Special Representatives play an important role in mediation and conflict resolution and should operate in close synergy with the Council.

Fourth, support for the active role of the Global South. Most countries of the Global South have suffered invasion, colonization, and plunder—and thus deeply understand the value of peace. They represent a stabilizing, constructive, and progressive force in the midst of the tectonic changes in the world. China, Brazil, and other Global South countries formed the “Friends for Peace” Group in response to the Ukraine crisis. BRICS nations have actively voiced their positions on major issues—such as the Palestinian-Israeli conflict—and contributed to political solutions. All parties should continue to support regional organizations like the African Union, ASEAN, and the Arab League in deepening their partnerships with the UN and playing leading roles in resolving regional conflicts.

President,

With regard to peace and security, China's track record is second to none among major countries. President Xi Jinping put forward the Global Security Initiative and advocated the vision of common, comprehensive, cooperative and sustainable security, offering a practical path to address the global security deficit. China works tirelessly to encourage and facilitate peace talks, actively exploring distinctly Chinese solutions to hotspot issues, and has made significant contributions to UN peacekeeping operations. China also co-established the International Organization for Mediation with over 30 countries, which is an important public good for the rule of law that contributes to improving global security governance. We encourage and welcome more countries to join the Organization.

In today's world of turmoil and change, there is no royal road to peace. China remains ready to work with the international community to uphold true multilateralism, continue building world peace, contribute to global development, safeguard international order, and foster a community with a shared future for humankind. Together, we can shape a better future for all.

Thank you.

Second Round of Remarks by Ambassador Fu Cong at the UN Security Council High-level Open Debate on  Promoting International Peace and Security through Multilateralism and Peaceful Settlement of Disputes

President,

I would like to make a brief response to the statement just made by the U.S. representative. I would like to emphasize that China has indisputable sovereignty over Nanhai Zhudao and their adjacent waters. China's territorial sovereignty and maritime rights and interests in the South China Sea have sufficient historical and jurisprudential basis. China's position on the South China Sea arbitration case has always been consistent and clear. China does not accept or recognize the so‑called arbitration award and rejects any claims or actions based on it.

In fact, in recent years, through joint efforts with ASEAN countries, the overall situation in the South China Sea has remained stable, and there is no problem with the  freedom of navigation and overflight. China has consistently worked with all concerned countries to properly manage differences over the South China Sea through dialogue and consultation, based on respect for historical facts and international law.

Now let's look at the United States. The United States, in complete disregard of the historical context and objective facts concerning the South China Sea, has been stirring up trouble, sowing discord, and undermining regional trust. To date, the United States has not acceded to UNCLOS, yet it frequently acts as if it were the judge of the Convention, issuing directives to and interfering in the affairs of other countries. This is utterly absurd.

The U.S. also deploys offensive weapons in the South China Sea—such as land‑based intermediate‑range missiles—and frequently sends its large, advanced ships and aircraft to conduct military reconnaissance and exercises under the guise of freedom of navigation, blatantly intruding into China's territorial waters and airspace.

Who is truly trying to stir up trouble in the South China Sea and disrupt the region is well known to all. Who is engaging in coercion and bullying in the South China Sea, threatening freedom of navigation, is self-evident.

Thank you.