China applauds the essential role of the Non-Aligned Movement (NAM) for developing countries in international affairs and says the country is a natural partner to the NAM, Chinese State Councilor and Foreign Minister Wang Yi said in a statement on Tuesday.

Wang made the remarks at a high-level meeting marking the 60th anniversary of the NAM. The NAM, established in 1961, today includes 120 member states and 18 observer states.

According to Wang, China, as a natural partner of the NAM, always supports developing countries in political, economic and international affairs. It will continue uniting with all developing countries and jointly open up the new prospect for development.

Noting the recent turbulence in international affairs, Wang said China is ready to work with all NAM members to contribute to global development, advocate a new type of international relations, and serve as a practitioner of multilateralism and a pioneer of international cooperation.

First, continue to be a contributor to global development, Wang stressed, noting that development holds the key to the well-being of the people.

During the General Debate of the 76th Session of the United Nations General Assembly, President Xi Jinping officially put forward the Global Development Initiative to advance the implementation of the UN 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development, pursue more robust, greener and more balanced global development, and build a global community of development with a shared future. 

"We welcome active support and participation from NAM members to form international consensus and galvanize concerted actions," the Chinese foreign minister said.

Second, continue to be an advocate of a new type of international relations. Wang called on the international community to respect the sovereignty and development path independently chosen by each other, uphold equity and justice in international affairs, listen to the voice of developing countries, and safeguard their interests.

"Hegemony and power politics did not work in the past 60 years, nor will they ever work today. All countries, regardless of size, strength and wealth, are equal," he pointed out.

Third, continue to be a practitioner of multilateralism, Wang said, underscoring that multilateralism is not a choice but a necessity.
The Chinese foreign minister reiterated that practicing true multilateralism means safeguarding the status and role of the United Nations (UN) as well as the international law and order, rather than refraining from building exclusive blocs for the purpose of ideological and geopolitical rivalry or impose the will of a few countries and their so-called rules onto others.

It also means upholding the purposes and principles of the UN Charter, pursuing extensive consultation, joint contribution and shared benefits, and increasing the representation and say of developing countries in world affairs, Wang added.

Fourth, Wang hopes China and the NAM will continue to be an example of international cooperation.

He proposed to enrich South-South cooperation, enhance dialogue and exchanges between developing countries on governance, and step up communication and coordination on major international and regional issues to strengthen the forces for a prospective and progressive world steadily.

China will continue to support the cause of the NAM and enhance its cooperation with the NAM to jointly write a new chapter of developing countries seeking strength through unity and make further, new contributions to world peace and development, Wang pledged.