On April 26 to 27, 2021, the 77th Session of the United Nations Economic and Social Commission for Asia and the Pacific (ESCAP) was held virtually under the theme, "Building back better from crises through regional cooperation in Asia and the Pacific". Vice Foreign Minister Ma Zhaoxu attended this session and delivered a speech via video link at the general debate.

Ma Zhaoxu said, COVID-19 is still spreading across the world and taking its toll on the Asia-Pacific region. All parties in the region need to take effective steps in solidarity to steadily achieve economic recovery and sustainable development. First, practice multilateralism and ensure vaccine accessibility and affordability in developing countries, with a view to building a global community of health for all. China takes concrete actions to honor its solemn commitment of making its vaccines a global public good. We are working on providing vaccines to 80 developing countries with urgent needs, exporting vaccines to more than 40 countries, and donating vaccines to UN peacekeepers. We have announced our decision to supply 10 million doses of vaccines to WHO's COVAX facility. Second, stay committed to regional economic integration, safeguard the multilateral trading system with the WTO at its core, and build an open economy. Third, continue to seek greater synergy between the Belt and Road Initiative and the ESCAP under the principle of extensive consultation, joint contribution and shared benefits to help strengthen connectivity in the Asia-Pacific region. Fourth, promote innovative, inclusive and green development, facilitate the dissemination and application of digital technology, speed up digital infrastructure construction, implement the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development at a faster pace, and fully deliver on the Paris Agreement on climate change.

Ma Zhaoxu noted, this year marks the centenary of the founding of the Communist Party of China (CPC). The CPC has rallied and led the Chinese people in making remarkable development achievements. China has achieved the sustainable development goal on poverty reduction ten years ahead of schedule, contributing significantly to the global endeavor to fight poverty and to the implementation of the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development. This year also marks the 50th anniversary of the restoration of China's lawful seat at the United Nations. China firmly upholds the international system with the United Nations at its core and the international order underpinned by international law. China will continue to support the ESCAP in fully bringing out its role. China will work with other parties to promote development and prosperity of the Asia-Pacific region, and build a community with a shared future for mankind.

The parties made positive remarks on China's significant contributions to pushing cooperation in the Asia-Pacific region, protecting the global public health safety and facilitating cooperation in the anti-pandemic battle and economic recovery, and expected China to play a greater role.