China, UNGA Leadership Reaffirm Support for Multilateralism Amid Global Challenges

BEIJING: Chinese Vice President Han Zheng met with President of the 80th session of the United Nations General Assembly Annalena Baerbock in Beijing, where both sides expressed strong support for multilateralism and enhanced cooperation with the United Nations.

During the meeting, Han said China is ready to use the Global Governance Initiative as a platform to deepen collaboration with the UN, support the General Assembly in upholding genuine multilateralism, and work together to maintain global peace, security, and development.

Baerbock described China as a key partner of the UN and an important pillar of multilateralism, noting her appreciation for China’s initiatives. She said she looks forward to strengthening cooperation with China to reinvigorate multilateralism and promote global peace and development.

Separately, Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi also held talks with Baerbock in Beijing. He stressed that it is “high time to support, reinvigorate and strengthen the UN amid growing turbulence and escalating hotspot issues,” according to Xinhua.

Wang added that certain countries following a “might-is-right approach” are undermining the UN’s role, posing serious challenges to both the organization and the broader multilateral system.

Chinese experts highlighted that amid intensifying geopolitical tensions and major power rivalries, China’s consistent backing of the UN is vital for preserving the international system centered on the organization.

“The role of the UN depends on the support and cooperation of its member states, especially major powers. But in recent years, competition and confrontation among major countries have significantly weakened the UN’s role,” said Zhang Guihong.

He further noted that some recent military actions by countries such as the US were conducted outside the UN framework and contradicted the organization’s principles.

Zhang added that Baerbock’s visit reflects expectations for China to provide stronger support to the UN at a time when some countries are distancing themselves from UN institutions. Many developing nations and middle powers increasingly look to China to help uphold the international order and strengthen the UN’s role.

“Among all major countries today, China is the clearest and most steadfast supporter of the UN and of the international order centered on the UN. If Baerbock hopes to make the General Assembly play a stronger role, that cannot be separated from China’s support and closer cooperation with China,” said Cui Hongjian.

Baerbock thanked China for its long-standing support for the UN and the General Assembly, saying the country has played a leading role in promoting multilateralism, international law, and global peace, development, and human rights.

Her visit comes as China hosts a series of high-level international engagements amid global uncertainty. Recent visitors include Belgium’s Deputy Prime Minister Maxime Prévot, Australian Foreign Minister Penny Wong, and Pakistani President Asif Ali Zardari.

Han Zheng also met with Penny Wong in Beijing to discuss bilateral ties, while Wang Yi co-chaired the eighth China-Australia diplomatic and strategic dialogue with her.

Since arriving in China on April 25, President Zardari has visited Hunan and Hainan provinces, holding meetings with local officials, touring industrial sites, and advancing cooperation agreements as both countries mark 75 years of diplomatic relations.

Meanwhile, Maxime Prévot visited Hong Kong and Hangzhou, where he expressed optimism about the future of Volvo’s operations in Belgium following meetings with executives from its parent company, Geely.

Experts noted that the recent wave of high-level visits highlights China’s growing global influence and its role as a stabilizing force. They added that China’s openness and emphasis on peaceful cooperation are increasingly gaining recognition internationally, while such engagements also help foster a clearer and more balanced understanding of China, particularly among European nations.