FM: Nations only out for themselves lose credibility

Wang advocates multilateralism as he meets with UN General Assembly head

State Councilor and Foreign Minister Wang Yi said that a country would lose credibility if it considers only its own interests or promotes its own profits at the expense of others.

Wang made the remark on Tuesday in a meeting in Beijing with Miroslav Lajcak of Slovakia, president of the 72nd Session of the United Nations General Assembly.

Wang called for upholding multilateralism, saying improving and developing the concept is crucial given the current international situation.

The objective of multilateralism should be to develop win-win cooperation, Wang said, adding that dealing with global challenges requires global effort, and one single country or alliance of countries won’t be able to carry the load.

Wang said realizing sustained world peace and common development must adhere to win-win cooperation in keeping with the principles of wide consultation, joint contributions and shared benefits.

He highlighted the importance of international rules in upholding multilateralism, saying the purpose and principles of the UN Charter should be safeguarded.

Each and every UN member should honor its commit- ment and fulfill its international obligations, Wang said. Adhering to multilateralism should promote fairness and justice, he said, and extensive and equitable participation of countries in global governance should be upheld.

More representation and giving a bigger voice to developing countries and small to medium-sized countries also should be considered, he said.

Wang called for effective action in upholding multilateralism, saying it should not just be a topic for conversation.

It is imperative that countries jointly safeguard the international system with the UN at the core as well as international rules with the World Trade Organization at the core, he said.

International communities should work together, he said, to advance dialogue and consultations in resolving hot regional issues and dealing with such global threats and challenges as terrorism and climate change.

Wang said China stands firm in its support for the UN in its role of safeguarding world peace and promoting development, and it is willing to strengthen cooperation with the UN in international affairs.

Lajcak extended his gratitude to China for its support for the UN and multilateralism, saying the UN should play a bigger role in dealing with global challenges.

China’s proposal for building the community of a shared future for mankind and the Belt and Road Initiative will make important contributions to advancing world peace and global development, Lajcak said.