Key facts
- China's Foreign Minister Wang Yi stated that emerging markets are underrepresented at the United Nations.
- Wang Yi called for more voices from the Global South to be heard.
- He referenced the Middle East and Ukraine conflicts.
- China released a white paper proposing reforms for more just and equitable global governance.
- Wang Yi stressed the importance of upholding the UN's authority.
China's Foreign Minister Wang Yi stated on Wednesday that emerging markets suffer from inadequate representation at the United Nations, whose authority is increasingly challenged by escalating political and economic disputes worldwide. Speaking at a rare press briefing in Beijing to launch a white paper on global governance, Wang called for more voices from the Global South to be heard, asserting that all countries, regardless of size or development status, are equal members of the international community.
Wang described the current global situation as entering dangerous waters with hidden reefs and violent storms, citing deep-seated conflicts and the continuous emergence of 'black swan' and 'grey rhino' events. He referenced the conflicts in the Middle East and Ukraine without providing specific details. The white paper aims to build international consensus for more effective responses to global challenges, with Wang emphasizing that upholding the United Nations' authority and status is fundamental to this initiative.