Mr. President,

Please allow me to warmly congratulate you on your assumption of the Presidency of the current session of the UN General Assembly. I a confident that with your wisdom and experience, you will be able to accomplish this lofty mission successfully. At the same time, I would like to express my appreciation to Mr. Opertti for his contribution as President of the last session of the General Assembly. I also wish to take this opportunity to extend my sincere congratulations to the Republic of Kiribati, the Republic of Nauru and the Kingdom of Tonga on their admission to the membership of the United Nations.

Mr. President,

The current session of the General Assembly, as the last one of this century, is of special significance. "A review of the past may help us predict the future." In retrospect , humanity, during the past century, created unprecedented material wealth and culture and at the same time, suffered from the scourge of two World wars and the ordeal of the Cold War that lasted nearly fifty years. Since the end of the Cold War, the world has been moving toward mu1tipoiarity and the overall international situation toward relaxation. The maintenance of peace, the pursuit for stability and the promotion of development have become the common aspiration and demand of the people of all countries. Nevertheless, the harsh reality suggests that the world is far from being tranquil. The Cold War mentality still lingers on. Hegemonism and power politics have manifested themselves in new expressions. Military blocs are being expanded and reinforced and the tendency of military intervention is on the rise. Triggered by ethnic, religious and territorial issues, regional conflicts and disputes keep cropping up one after another. The disparity between the North and the South has become ever more striking. The gap between the rich and the poor continues to grow. World peace is still elusive and development faces even more serious challenges.

Hegemonism and power politics are the root cause for the turmoil in the world today. The outbreak of war in Kosovo has sounded a loud alarm for us all. A regional military organization, in the name of "humanitarianism" and "human rights", bypassed the United Nations and took military actions against a sovereign state. It created an ominous precedent in international relations. This act is a violation of the UN Charter and other universally recognized norms governing international relations. It has eroded the leading role of the United Nations in safeguarding world peace and security and gravely undermined the authority of the UN Security Council. During the war, the Chinese Embassy in the Federal Republic of Yugoslavia was bombed, which caused heavy casualties and loss of property. It was an incident rarely seen in diplomatic history and naturally roused the utmost indignation of the entire Chinese people and strong condemnation by the international community.

As a permanent member of the UN Security Council, China has held clear and consistent position on the issue of Kosovo. We seek no selfish interests and only uphold justice. For the sake of peace, we have maintained that the Kosovo issue should be resolved through peaceful negotiations on the basis of respect for the sovereignty and territorial integrity of the Federal Republic of Yugoslavia and guarantee of the legitimate rights and interest of all ethnic groups in Kosovo. We are opposed to the use of force under whatever pretext.

Mankind is at the threshold of the 21st century. Where should the world go? What kind of a new international political and economic order should be established? These are urgent questions facing the governments and people of all countries.

The world is undergoing significant and profound changes. A changed world calls for a corresponding new international political and economic order. Establishment of a just and reasonable new international order is necessitated by world peace and development and is the common aspiration of the international community. It should be based on the Five Principles of Peaceful Coexistence, the purposes and principles of the UN Charter and other universally recognized principles governing international relations. In this connection, I wish to highlight the following points:

1. Sovereign equality and non-interference in each other' s internal affairs. Such arguments as "human rights taking precedence over sovereignty" and "humanitarian intervention" seem to be in vogue these days. Some countries have even put such arguments into practice. We believe that it is the sacred duty of all governments to promote and protect human rights and fundamental freedoms and that all countries are under obligation to promote and protect human rights and fundamental freedoms of their own people in accordance with the purposes and principles of the UN Charter and the international human rights instruments and in light of their respective national conditions and relevant laws. However, as political system, the level of economic development, history, cultural background and values vary from country to country, it is only natural that countries have different interpretation and even diverging views on human rights. Countries should engage in dialogues and exchanges on the basis of equality and mutual respect so as to better understand each other, expand common ground and handle their differences properly, rather than resort to confrontation or interference in others' internal affairs under the pretext of human rights. The issue of human rights is, in essence, an internal affair of a country, and should be addressed mainly by the government of that country through its own efforts. Ours is a diversified world. Each country has the right to choose its own social system, approach to development and values that are suitable to its national conditions. The history of China and other developing countries shows that sovereignty of a country is the prerequisite for and the basis of human rights that the people of that country can enjoy. When the sovereignty of a country is put in jeopardy, its human rights can hardly be protected effectively. Sovereign equality, mutual respect for state sovereignty and non-interference in each other' s internal affairs are the basic principles governing international relations today. In spite of the major changes in the post-Cold War international situation, these principles are by no means out-of-date. Any deviation from or violation of these principles would destroy the universally-recognized norms governing international relations, and would lead to the rampage of hegemonism; if "might is right" should prevail, new "gun-boat policy" would wreak havoc, the sovereignty and independence by virtue of which some small and weak countries protect themselves would be jeopardized and international peace and stability would be seriously endangered. The Kosovo crisis has proved that to make the so-called "humanitarian intervention" in a sovereign state with neither a mandate from the UN Security Council nor prior consent of the country concerned will cause a greater humanitarian catastrophe in stead of resolving the problem. In view of this, under the current circumstances, the principles of respect for state sovereignty and non interference in each other' s internal affairs must be strengthened effectively rather than weakened, in order to maintain world peace and stability.

2. Pacific settlement of international disputes. This principle initiated by the Hague Peace Conference held 100 years ago is now an important principle of the UN Charter and a basic principle of contemporary international law. The century-long history shows that deviation from this principle led to "the scourge of war, which twice brought untold sorrow to mankind", and inflicted tremendous suffering on the people of the countries subjected to foreign aggression. In the current international situation, adherence to the principle of pacific settlement of international disputes is still of major immediate significance.

Pacific settlement of international disputes is predicated on the non-use and non-threat of force in international relations. We maintain that to handle state-to-state relations with mentality and modality of "hot war", "cold war", "power politics" or "bloc politics" will get nowhere. All international disputes and regional conflicts should be resolved justly and fairly through peaceful negotiation and consultation on the basis of equality, rather than by arbitrary use or threat of force on strength of military superiority. Only in this way can there be a fundamental solution to disputes or conflicts without complicating or aggravating them or leaving a hidden peril behind. Only in this way can states co-exist in harmony and attain common prosperity. And this is the only way to a lasting peace and stability in the world. Otherwise, the world will never be tranquil.

3. To strengthen the role of the United Nations and preserve the authority of the Security Council. The role of the UN is indispensable to the achievement of genuine peace and development and to the establishment of a just and reasonable new international order. To strengthen the UN' s role goes with the historical trend, meets the needs of the times and conforms to the shared aspiration of all people in the world.

In order to strengthen the UN' s role, efforts should first be made to uphold the sanctity of the purposes and principles of the UN Charter. The most important reason for which the UN has been able to grow from 51 founding members to its current size is that it has acted according to these purposes and principles. Those purposes and principles have already taken deep root in international practice and formed a legal basis on which peaceful and friendly relations between countries are regulated. It is the view of the Chinese Government that despite the great changes that have taken place in the international situation, the purposes and principles of the UN Charter are still relevant. We are opposed to any irresponsible interpretation or revision of them, under whatever excuse.

If the UN' s role is to be strengthened, the authority of the Security Council must be preserved. According to the provisions of the UN Charter, the Security Council shoulders primary responsibility for safeguarding international peace and security. It has been proved that the role of the Security Council is irreplaceable. Given the current circumstances, it is imperative to preserve the Security Council's authority and leading role. Any act to weaken this authority or to impose the will of an individual country or a group of countries on the Security Council is very dangerous. Instead of maintaining peace, it will further breed power politics and hegemonism and give rise to endless troubles.

If the UN's role is to be strengthened, it is essential to ensure to all member states the right to equal participation in international affairs, so that their reasonable propositions will be fully reflected and their legitimate rights and interests protected by the UN. Decisions made by the UN must give expression to the common will of the majority of its members. Any attempt by a few countries or a group of countries to monopolize world affairs and decide the destiny of the people of other countries goes against the trend of the times and will never succeed.

4. To foster a new security concept and safeguard international security. The old security concept based on military alliance and arms build-up does not help safeguard international security, still less build a lasting peace in the world. In today' s world, it is necessary to foster a new security concept that satisfies the needs of the times and to explore new ways of maintaining peace and security. The core of the new security concept should be mutual trust, mutual benefit, equality and cooperation. The Five Principles of Peaceful Coexistence and the purposes of the UN Charter are the political foundation for the maintenance of international security, and mutual-beneficial cooperation and common development its economic guarantee. Dialogue on an equal footing, full consultation and peaceful negotiations are the right way to maintain international security.

Relaxation in the international situation and the disarmament process are mutually complementary. It is regrettable, however, that some recent negative developments in international situation have seriously hindered the healthy development of the disarmament process. How to promote the disarmament process, prevent arms race and maintain international security have become a pressing concern for the international community. We are opposed to any attempt to seek military strength that goes beyond the needs of legitimate defense of a country under an unreal excuse. We are also opposed to any attempt to restrict and weaken other countries in the name of disarmament and non-proliferation in order to seek absolute unilateral security supremacy for one country or group of countries. We call on the international community to take the new security concept as a guideline and promote the healthy development of the disarmament process thoroughly in the interest of world peace and security.

5. To reform the international economic system and promote common development of all countries. The old and irrational economic order has seriously impeded the sound development of world economy, further widening the gap of wealth between the North and the South. The East Asian financial crisis that broke out two years ago has affected many countries in the world. To prevent financial risks and ensure economic security has become an urgent task facing many countries, especially the developing countries. The world economy is an inter-related and indivisible whole. All members of the international community should step up cooperation and jointly promote a steady growth of world economy in a responsible and risk-sharing spirit. Therefore, it is necessary to reform the current international economic and financial systems. The United Nations and the international financial institutions should earnestly construct a framework to prevent and overcome financial and other economic risks. Accordingly, the developed countries should undertake more obligations. The developing countries have the right to equal participation in world economic decision-making and formulation of relevant rules. In the new round of negotiations that will soon begin in the World Trade Organization, the reasonable demands of developing countries should be fully reflected. Cooperation should be strengthened on the basis of equality and mutual benefit. No country should prejudice other countries' economic security and development by virtue of its economic, technological and financial advantages. We should all oppose trade discrimination, the rich bullying the poor and arbitrary resort to economic sanctions or threat of sanctions against other countries. The developed and developing countries both have their own advantages and should learn from each other to make up for their deficiencies, so as to achieve common sustainable development. Moreover, on such global issues as environment, population, poverty and debt, the developed countries should not shirk their responsibility and obligation, but rather, they should take the lead in providing technological and financial assistance to the developing countries. We deem it necessary for the United Nations to hold a special conference at an appropriate time to discuss the globalization of world economy, in order to promote international cooperation in this field and common prosperity.

Mr. President,

The People' s Republic of China will soon celebrate its 50th anniversary. For half a century, especially in the last 21 years of reform and opening-up, great changes have taken place in China, and the Chinese people have scored tremendous achievements in socialist economic, political and cultural development as well as in diplomatic and other endeavors. Following Hong Kong' s return to the motherland the year before last, the Chinese Government will soon resume the exercise of sovereignty over Macao. At present, China enjoys po1itical stabi1ity, sustained economic growth, national unity, and social tranquillity and progress. Although there are all kinds of difficulties and severe challenges on our road ahead, we are confident and capable of overcoming the difficulties, meeting the challenges with success and pushing forward the all-round socialist cause of building a strong, prosperous, democratic and culturally-advanced country.

In the face of the international vicissitudes, the Chinese Government will steadfastly take economic development as the central task, resolutely press ahead with reform and opening-up, persistently maintain social stability and unswervingly pursue an independent foreign policy of peace. We are willing to continue to develop friendly relations and cooperation on the basis of the Five Principles of Peaceful Coexistence with all other countries in the world and make our due contribution to safeguarding world peace and promoting common deve1opment.

The Chinese Government and people will, as always, resolutely safeguard China's sovereignty and territorial integrity, and continue to advance the great cause of national reunification. It is a fact universally recognized by the international community that there is only one China in the world, that Taiwan is an inalienable part of Chinese territory and that the Government of the People's Republic of China is the sole legitimate government representing the whole of China. China' s territory and sovereignty are abso1ute1y indivisible. To realize the ultimate reunification of the motherland represents the common aspiration and firm resolve of all the Chinese people, including the Taiwan compatriots, and no force can hold them back. The Chinese Government will continue to adhere to the set policy for settlement of the Taiwan question. We are firmly opposed to any attempt to create "Taiwan independence", "two Chinas", or "one China, one Taiwan". All moves to split the motherland are doomed to failure. China's great cause of national reunification must be accomplished and will surely be accomplished.

A couple of days ago, the Taiwan province of China was hit by severe earthquakes that inflicted heavy losses in life and property on our Taiwan compatriots. We are deeply concerned by the gravity of the disaster and hereby express our sympathy and send our condolences to victims of the disaster and those who lost their loved ones. Chinese on both sides of the Taiwan Straits are of the same flesh and blood and the pain and suffering of the Taiwan compatriots touch the heart of all Chinese. We wish to offer whatever assistance we can to moderate the loss brought about by the earthquakes. I would like to take this opportunity to thank the President of the General Assembly and the international community for their sympathy, condolences and offer of help.

Mr. President,

The 21st century is dawning. The world has bright prospects, and the new century is bound to be a more splendid one. The Chinese people stand ready to work together with the people of other countries for the establishment of a just and rational new international order, for peace and development in the new century, and for the all-round progress of human society.

Thank you, Mr. President.