A Chinese envoy on Wednesday said that China will continue to fully support Secretary General Antonio Guterres and the work of the United Nations (UN), and work with other countries to make more contributions to the cause of international justice.

Zhang Jun, China's permanent representative to the UN, made the remarks at the secretary general's briefing on the annual work priorities of the UN. 

Under the leadership of Guterres, the UN has actively responded to risks, challenges and uncertainties, and has made great efforts to maintain peace and promote sustainable development, Zhang said.

"As we enter the new year and face numerous challenges, the world needs a strong United Nations," Zhang said, calling on "all parties to work together to overcome difficulties and fully support the United Nations in playing a central and leading role in international affairs."

Noting that "no matter how the international situation changes, the core values of the United Nations Charter remain unchanged," Zhang called on all parties to adhere to the purposes and principles of the UN Charter and oppose all double standards, as well as uphold fairness and justice and let the Palestinian people and other suffering people see the hope of peace.

"Under the banner of the United Nations, we will make every effort to strengthen unity, advocate cooperation and abandon confrontation," he added. 

The global governance system and the reform of the UN must reflect the current international political reality, correct the historical injustice suffered by developing countries, and promote the development of the international order in a more fair, just and reasonable direction, Zhang said.

(Cover photo: The United Nations headquarters in New York, U.S., July 24, 2024. /CFP)