China Urges More Global South Representation at UN

Emerging markets suffer from inadequate representation at the UN, its authority increasingly challenged by escalating political and economic disputes worldwide, Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi said on Wednesday.

The comments came in a rare press briefing in Beijing for the issue of a white paper outlining ways to make global governance more just and equitable. “Countries, whether large or small, strong or weak, developed or developing, are equal members of the international community,” Wang said, calling for more voices from the Global South.

New challenges bring intertwining global crises, Wang said, adding that the ship of civilization has entered dangerous waters with hidden reefs and violent storms. The disputes reveal deep-seated conflicts while black swan and grey rhino events emerge continually, he said.

Wang urged efforts to commit firmly to a ceasefire in the Middle East, calling on all parties to work towards laying the foundation for a sustainable security architecture in the region. China routinely presents itself as a peacemaker in both the Middle East and Ukraine conflicts, urging dialogue as it seeks global stability and an indispensable diplomatic role.

The biggest buyer of Iranian and Russian oil, including pipeline supplies and seaborne shipments, China’s white paper aims to build international consensus on effective responses to global challenges. Upholding the UN’s authority and status is fundamental to the success of this initiative.