Addressing the United Nations General Assembly on Saturday, the Chinese foreign minister issued a strong rebuke of hegemony and trade protectionism as he championed an equal and just global order.
Wang also called for a ceasefire in the Middle East after Hezbollah leader Hassan Nasrallah was killed in an overnight Israeli air strike — a major escalation of their conflict.
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“Today, the sovereignty of all countries in the world is equal, a large number of countries in the Global South are thriving, and the era when one or two major powers had the final say is gone forever,” Wang said.
“In the face of unilateral bullying of sanctions and blockades, China firmly supports all countries in defending their legitimate rights,” Wang said. “We jointly oppose technological blockades and resist decoupling and breaking of [supply] chains.”
In his speech at the UN, Wang said “extraterritorial nations” should not “extend their black hands” to Asia. Photo: Reuters alt=In his speech at the UN, Wang said “extraterritorial nations” should not “extend their black hands” to Asia. Photo: Reuters>
He added that sanctions and pressure will not bring monopoly advantages. “Suppression and containment cannot solve difficulties at home. The Chinese people’s right to pursue a better life is inalienable,” he said, adding that China would further expand its reform and opening-up economic policies.
Wang, who is attending the annual gathering of world leaders on behalf of Chinese President Xi Jinping, took an apparent swipe at the US, which has ramped up trade and technology restrictions, ranging from EV tariffs to semiconductor bans against China, which it sees as posing a rising challenge to its global dominance.
In his speech, Wang urged “extraterritorial nations” not to “extend their black hands” to Asia.
“China is well aware that what Asia needs is stable development,” the 70-year old senior envoy said. “Asia has the wisdom and ability to stabilise the situation through regional cooperation and to handle differences through dialogue and consultation…[We] resolutely resist any forces that stir up trouble and provoke confrontation in the region.”
Wang also reiterated China’s determination to reunite with Taiwan, an issue he described as “a matter of principle” for China that allowed “no grey area or ambiguity”.
Most countries, including the US, do not recognise Taiwan as an independent state, but Washington is opposed to any move to take the self-governed island by force and is committed by law to supplying weapons for its defence.
Wang also called for a de-escalation of the conflict in Ukraine and reiterated China’s determination to reunite with Taiwan. Photo: Reuters alt=Wang also called for a de-escalation of the conflict in Ukraine and reiterated China’s determination to reunite with Taiwan. Photo: Reuters>
Wang also called for de-escalations of conflicts in Ukraine and the Middle East. On Gaza, he said China supports a “two-state” solution and Palestine’s membership at the UN.
“Power cannot represent justice,” he said. “The Palestinian issue is the greatest wound to human conscience…the historical injustice suffered by the Palestinian people can no longer be ignored and a comprehensive ceasefire is urgent.”
Meanwhile, the US and EU have intensified their criticisms of China’s support for Russia, sanctioning dozens of mainland companies they accuse of sending dual-use goods to the Kremlin.
In a meeting with Wang on Friday, US Secretary of State Antony Blinken reiterated the Washington’s “strong concern” over the issue. Wang, in response, urged the US not to “indiscriminately” impose sanctions on China.
This article originally appeared in the South China Morning Post (SCMP), the most authoritative voice reporting on China and Asia for more than a century. For more SCMP stories, please explore the SCMP app or visit the SCMP’s Facebook and Twitter pages. Copyright © 2024 South China Morning Post Publishers Ltd. All rights reserved.
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