FM urges major countries to uphold the rule of law at Security Council meeting

Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi called on Tuesday for renewed commitment to the United Nations Charter while warning against unilateral actions and double standards amid growing geopolitical tensions and challenges to multilateralism.

Wang, who is also a member of the Political Bureau of the Communist Party of China Central Committee, made the remarks when presiding over a high-level meeting of the UN Security Council on upholding the purposes and principles of the UN Charter and strengthening the UN-centered international system.

The current international situation is undergoing the most complex and profound changes seen since World War II, he said, emphasizing that the challenges confronting the world today test the international community's conviction to safeguard peace, its resolve to uphold justice, and its courage to pursue reform and innovation.

READ MORE: Chinese foreign minister meets with Guterres on strengthening UN role

"We must unite and take action to uphold, revitalize and strengthen the UN," Wang said.

The meeting, held under China's rotating presidency of the Security Council for May, was attended by representatives from over 100 countries, including more than 20 foreign ministers and high-level delegates.

Wang urged the international community to reaffirm the spirit of the UN Charter, saying that the surging global conflicts are "not a sign of the charter's obsolescence", but proof of the failure to uphold the international order and basic norms of international relations established under it.

"Major countries in particular should shoulder their responsibilities, uphold the rule of law and fairness, and reject double standards, exceptionalism and selective application of rules," he said.

Wang noted that holding a Security Council membership is "not a privilege, but a responsibility", and he urged members to "rise above national self-interest".

He also called for improvements to the council's working methods to ensure objectivity, fairness and inclusiveness in draft resolutions and initiatives, and urged permanent members to strengthen coordination and seek consensus on major issues.

"Unilateral military actions without Security Council authorization and unilateral sanctions beyond the scope of Security Council resolutions lack legitimacy," Wang said.

He urged the UN to coordinate global action and mobilize global resources, providing greater financial, technical and intellectual support to countries of the Global South in key areas such as poverty reduction.

On global governance challenges, Wang said that China "supports a greater UN role in the political settlement of hot spot issues and is open to exploring a comprehensive mediation model involving the UN, regional organizations, stakeholders and professional institutions".

Noting that the UN's role "must be strengthened, not weakened" and its standing "must be upheld, not replaced", he urged member states to fulfill their financial obligations to the UN and support its work.

Following the meeting, Wang told reporters that China has maintained communication and coordination with the United States and Iran, as well as important regional and international partners, regarding the Middle East situation.

"We believe that the sovereignty, security and territorial integrity of all countries in the region must be respected; that civilian and nonmilitary targets must be protected; that the security of passages and energy infrastructure must be safeguarded; and that the provisions of the nuclear nonproliferation regime must be implemented," he said.

Wang said the key to resolving the conflict lies in talks between the US and Iran. He welcomed mediation efforts by countries including Pakistan and voiced support for diplomatic efforts made by both sides.

Regarding the selection of the next UN secretary-general, Wang outlined China's position. "Going forward, China will work with other members and take a responsible attitude toward participating in the selection process of the next secretary-general," he told reporters.

The qualifications for the role include "commitment to the UN Charter, outstanding competency, integrity and impartiality, and initiative to take responsibility and deliver", he added.

ALSO READ: Wang: China-Panama ties shouldn't be disrupted by any third party

Asked about China's proposal to help the Security Council better carry out its mission, Wang said the council remains at the core of the international collective security mechanism, and it has shouldered the primary responsibility for maintaining international peace and security through more than 80 years of changes and challenges.

"At the same time, we need to admit that in recent years, on major hot spot issues, the Security Council has at times been absent. So in order to reinvigorate the UN, we need to first reinvigorate the Security Council," he said.

Earlier on Tuesday, Wang met separately with UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres.

Xinhua contributed to this story.

Contact the writers at minluzhang@chinadailyusa.com