China’s top diplomat seeks support for UN amid Mideast conflicts

China’s Foreign Minister Wang Yi on Wednesday sought support for the UN amid the ongoing armed conflicts in the Middle East.

Wang made the remarks during a meeting with Annalena Baerbock, president of the 80th session of the UN General Assembly, according to a readout by the Chinese Foreign Ministry.

“It is high time to support, reinvigorate, and strengthen the United Nations amid growing turbulence and escalating hotspot issues,” said Wang.

Addressing Baerbock, former foreign minister of Germany, Wang said: “We hope and believe that you will unite the vast majority of (UN) member states, uphold sovereign equality, defend the rule of international law, promote dialogue and consultation, and consolidate the foundation of multilateralism.”

“China is willing to continue to support you in fulfilling your duties,” he said.

The meeting in Beijing comes amid a ceasefire in the US-Israeli war with Iran, which has been in place since April 8.

Despite ceasefires in Gaza and Lebanon, Israel continues its attacks almost every day.

“The world today is experiencing increased turmoil, with hotspots escalating and certain countries pursuing a power-first approach, openly challenging the UN's status and role,” said Wang.

The UN and multilateralism face severe challenges, he noted.

“Faced with these headwinds and adverse currents, we must uphold the right path of unity and cooperation, and not allow the law of the jungle to prevail,” Wang added.

“Faced with hegemonic bullying, we must safeguard fairness and justice, and not allow whoever has the strongest fist to have the final say."

He also said Beijing’s policy is based on “a long-term perspective,” fulfilling its “important responsibility of maintaining world peace and security, resolutely defending the purposes and principles of the UN Charter, and making Chinese contributions that can withstand the test of history and time.”

Wang stressed that the UN General Assembly Resolution 2758 “completely resolved the issue of representation” for all of China, including Taiwan, in the UN.

It has been “universally observed by the UN system. China appreciates this and opposes any words or actions that challenge the authority of the resolution,” he added.