Chinese Foreign Minister Li
Zhaoxing said on Wednesday China favours an enhanced role for
the United Nations (UN) to promote world peace and development.
"China is of the view that the future well-being of mankind
hinges on closer international cooperation, multilateralism and
world multi-polarization,'' Li Zhaoxing told the UN General
Assembly.
Li said, "Peace and development remain the overriding themes of
the times and the shared aspiration of people of all races, colours
and nationalities.
"Yet worrisome aspects of the international situation are
numerous,'' he added.
Li said local wars and conflicts kept flaring up, and
non-traditional security concerns such as terrorism,
drug-trafficking, weapons proliferation, the spread of diseases and
environmental degradation have become more pronounced. These
factors are making the security situation even more
complicated.
He said humanity is still confronted with severe challenges.
"The continued, widening gap between the North and South and the
aggravated disparity between the rich and poor have become a major
factor that breeds new conflicts and wars and undermines regional
stability.''
The Chinese minister put forth a five-point proposal to address
the problems. It recommends:
- promoting democracy in international relations to bring about a
new regime in which all countries are equal and no country has the
right to impose its will on others;
- cultivating a new security concept featuring mutual trust,
mutual benefit, equality and cooperation;
- supporting diversity in the mode of development;
- supporting the rise of developing countries;
- and stepping up multilateral cooperation.
Li said, "China also supports the UN in conducting necessary
reforms to enhance its role and efficacy in light of changing
circumstances.''
"The UN is a microcosm of our world. The hope of the world rests
on a strong UN.
"To build a better future for mankind, it is incumbent upon us
to first turn the UN into a forum of cooperation instead of a
coliseum of recrimination.''
Li said China stands for stronger international cooperation and
the achievement of common development.
"The key lies in establishing a fair and equitable new world
economic order in response to the requirement of economic
globalization,'' he said.
Li said an open and fair multilateral trading regime should be
established and improved. Close attention should also be given to
reforming and improving the international financial system.
And stronger South-South cooperation and North-South exchanges
should be promoted, he said.
In a speech at a Security Council ministerial meeting, Li also
said China supports an active role for the United Nations in
helping nations to establish and safeguard justice and the rule of
law after major conflicts
He noted that early restoration of the judicial system and rule
of law to protect human rights is a necessary condition for
stability and development after a conflict.
Li also pointed out that a broadly representative government
should be established as soon as possible to help bring about
national reconciliation and ensure a harmonious coexistence of all
ethnic groups.
Li on Wednesday also met with delegation heads of some countries
attending the 58th session of the UN General Assembly. He talked
extensively with these leaders on issues of common concern.
(China Daily September 26, 2003)