Global rules cannot be written by individual countries: Chinese President Xi takes swipe at U.S.

“We should resolutely uphold the authority and standing of the United Nations and work together to practise true multilateralism,” Xi said at a conference.

October 25, 2021 06:03 pm | Updated 07:17 pm IST - Beijing:

Chinese President Xi Jinping

Chinese President Xi Jinping

Chinese President Xi Jinping said on Monday that the international law with the United Nations (UN) at the core should be observed by all countries without exception and the global rules cannot be written by individual countries, in a veiled attack on the U.S.

“We should resolutely uphold the authority and standing of the United Nations and work together to practise true multilateralism,” Xi said in Beijing while speaking at a conference marking the 50th anniversary of the restoration of the “lawful seat” of China in the UN and its inclusion as a veto-wielding permanent member of the UN Security Council.

Also read | China's new law 'formalises' its LAC actions

“Countries should uphold the international system with the United Nations at its core, the international order underpinned by international law and the basic norms of international relations based on the purposes and principles of the UN Charter,” Xi said.

In a veiled attack on the U.S. and its allies, Xi said, “international rules can only be made by the 193 UN Member States together and not decided by individual countries or blocs of countries.” “International rules should be observed by the 193 UN Member States and there is and should be no exception. Countries should respect the United Nations, take good care of the UN family, refrain from exploiting the Organisation, still less abandoning it at one’s will, and make sure that the United Nations plays an even more positive role in advancing humanity’s noble cause of peace and development,” he said.

The relations between the U.S. and China are at an all-time low. The two countries are currently engaged in a bitter confrontation over various issues, including trade, Beijing’s aggressive military moves in the disputed South China Sea and human rights in Hong Kong and Xinjiang region.

Also read | 43 countries call on China at UN to respect Uighur rights

Xi said Chinese people have always upheld the authority and sanctity of the UN and practised multilateralism and China’s cooperation with the UN has deepened steadily for the past 50 years.

He said China has faithfully fulfilled its responsibility and mission as a permanent member of the UN Security Council, stayed true to the purposes and principles of the UN Charter and upheld the central role of the UN in international affairs.

China has stood actively for political settlement of disputes through peaceful means, Xi said, adding that it has sent over 50,000 peacekeepers to UN peacekeeping operations, and is now the second-largest financial contributor to both the UN and its peacekeeping operations.

He said the international community should step up cooperation and work together to address the various challenges and global issues facing humanity.

Also read |'U.S. will defend Taiwan against China'

The international community is confronted by regional disputes as well as global issues such as terrorism, climate change, cybersecurity and biosecurity, Xi said.

“Only with more inclusive global governance, more effective multilateral mechanisms and more active regional cooperation, can these issues be addressed effectively,” he said.

0 / 0
Sign in to unlock member-only benefits!
  • Access 10 free stories every month
  • Save stories to read later
  • Access to comment on every story
  • Sign-up/manage your newsletter subscriptions with a single click
  • Get notified by email for early access to discounts & offers on our products
Sign in

Comments

Comments have to be in English, and in full sentences. They cannot be abusive or personal. Please abide by our community guidelines for posting your comments.

We have migrated to a new commenting platform. If you are already a registered user of The Hindu and logged in, you may continue to engage with our articles. If you do not have an account please register and login to post comments. Users can access their older comments by logging into their accounts on Vuukle.