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Remarks by Ambassador Zhang Jun at Security Council Open Debate “Maintenance of International Peace and Security: Exclusion, Inequality and Conflict”

(From Chinese Mission to the United Nations)

2021-11-09 15:30

Mr. President,

China wishes to thank Mexico for its initiative to convene this open debate and welcomes Your Excellency President López for presiding over today's meeting. Secretary-General Guterres, in his briefing, provided us with an insightful perspective and food for thought for our discussion. I wish to thank him. I also listened attentively to the statement made by Ms. Lourdes Tiban Guala. 

Equality, as a value, is an eternal pursuit of human society. Regrettably, in this 21st century, inequality between and within countries remains ubiquitous and is often a major source of tension and conflict. The prevalence of unilateralism and hegemonism has perpetuated the unfair and irrational arrangements within the global governance architecture, serving as the main drivers of inequality in international relations. The COVID-19 pandemic, climate change and the application of emerging technologies are also exacerbating the challenges presented by the wealth gap and the North-South divide, giving rise to new forms of inequalities. The international community, including the Security Council, should pay high attention to this, strengthen coordination in the context of peace and security, and respond collectively. 

Mr. President, 

Achieving inclusive development for all is the fundamental way to address inequality and eliminate conflict. 

The most salient manifestation of inequality facing the world today is the yawning gap in immunization between developed and developing countries, which not only hinders global pandemic response, but also constitutes grave injustice to the people in developing countries. We call for vigorous international cooperation on vaccines, making sure vaccines can be accessible and affordable as a public good to people all over the world. 

China has been working hard towards this goal. China has so far provided over 100 countries and international organizations with more than 1.6 billion doses of vaccines. In the course of this year alone, we will provide over 2 billion doses overseas. China is the largest provider of vaccines to the world. 

In the post-COVID era, development is the foremost rigid demand of people in all countries. A people-centered approach is a must while making the cake bigger, The fruits of development ought to be shared fairly, so that all people can enjoy a better life. 

In the era of globalization, the world's long-term development cannot be predicated on some countries getting richer or others mired in protracted poverty and backwardness. Only by fundamentally eradicating development inequality, inadequacy and imbalance, and achieving common development of all countries, can the world stride towards a better future. Such practices as beggar-thy-neighbor policy, crisis export and making gains at other's expense would only destroy the foundation of common development. These practices are neither ethical nor tenable. Not long ago, Chinese President Xi Jinping put forward the Global Development Initiative. A core idea of this is to uphold inclusiveness and benefits for all, advocate building partnerships, leaving not a single country behind in global development. We should place development front and center in international cooperation, continue to nurture an open world economy, and create conditions for the full implementation of the 2030 Agenda.

Mr. President, 

To promote and guarantee social equality, durable and solid institutional arrangements are essential. 

In the process of reconstruction, post-conflict countries should be mindful of their own national realities, build broad-based and inclusive political architecture, improve the rule of law, ensure equal participation of all social groups and strata in national governance, and truly let the people be the masters of their country. 

History has time again shown us that undermining the principle of sovereign equality, arbitrarily interfering in other countries' internal affairs, imposing governance models on developing countries and even pitting one faction against another often lead to internal conflicts in these countries. The disastrous fallout of power politics and military intervention would become a hotbed of extremist ideologies, playing into the hands of those preaching hatred and inciting violence. These lessons must be learned conscientiously. 

We should promote and foster international relations featuring mutual respect, fairness, justice, and win-win cooperation. It is imperative to uphold equality of nations, large and small, practice true multilateralism, and stay firmly committed to the purposes and principles of the UN Charter so that all countries and peoples can partake in peace, development and dignity, and jointly shape the future of humankind. In this regard, the Security Council shoulders important responsibilities and carries universal expectations of the international community. China stands ready to work with all members of the Council in an unremitting effort to build a better future. 

Thank you, Mr. President.

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