Addressing the 81st session of the United Nations General Assembly in New York on Saturday, Chinese Vice President Han Zheng positioned his nation as a pillar of stability in an evolving global landscape. He emphasized the need to protect the international order established after World War II, asserting that the global populace desires peace rather than conflict.
“We should turn into action the vision of common, comprehensive, cooperative and sustainable security, and reject the Cold War mindset and bloc confrontation,” Han stated. He further noted that major powers bear a unique responsibility to lead by adhering to international law and safeguarding global peace.
Reiterating China’s diplomatic stance, Han affirmed that despite shifting international dynamics, Beijing remains committed to multilateralism, fairness, and development. He expressed a willingness to collaborate with other nations to construct a community with a shared future for humanity.
While not explicitly naming the United States, Han’s speech appeared to address recent geopolitical tensions, particularly regarding Iran. He criticized unilateral military actions that bypass UN Security Council authorization, a clear reference to recent US strikes on Iran. Han called for respect for Middle Eastern sovereignty, the maintenance of stable supply chains, and the protection of global trade.
The Chinese vice president also addressed other regional issues, urging the lifting of the blockade on Cuba and calling for the early restoration of the two-state solution for Israel and Palestine to being back “on the right track.”
China’s address comes on the fifth day of the UNGA debate, following sessions where small island nations highlighted the urgency of climate action and European leaders discussed UN reforms. Pakistan’s Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif previously accused India of aggression, a claim New Delhi denied by counter-accusing Islamabad of exporting terrorism.
The call for a two-state solution is long overdue. Both sides need to stop obstructing progress.
Stable supply chains and global trade protection are key. Glad China is focusing on economic stability amidst geopolitical noise.
Interesting how they mentioned Iran without naming the US directly. Subtle but effective diplomacy there.
Cold War rhetoric is outdated, but the tension is real. Hope this leads to actual dialogue, not just more speeches.
Finally, someone calls out the double standards. Unilateral military action undermines the very order China claims to protect.