Former diplomat says China's global order concept places UN at center

China's concept of the international order places the United Nations at the center of the legal and economic system, said former Chinese Vice Foreign Minister Fu Ying at the 7th Paris Peace Forum in the French capital on Monday.

Speaking on a panel addressing the global impact of the U.S. presidential election, Fu contrasted China's concept with that of the West. She also noted that rapid global change and years of strategic overreach by the United States have made Americans increasingly hesitant to engage extensively in world affairs.

"Sometimes, Americans act as saboteurs, undermining the Western global order itself," she said.

On the U.S. election's impact, Fu questioned whether the U.S. would address the flaws in the Western global order by making it more inclusive and open, or further undermine it.

Participants of the forum, themed "Wanted: A functioning global order," also underscored the importance of multilateralism in global governance. 

Justin Vaisse, director-general of the Paris Peace Forum, emphasized the need to "regroup and convene all who stand for coordination and cooperation" to ensure the survival of multilateralism.

He cautioned that poor global governance and inadequate management of public goods could lead to an increased likelihood of future conflicts.

At the forum, representatives from governments, international organizations, non-governmental organizations and think tanks engaged in wide-ranging discussions on issues from escalating geopolitical tensions and climate change to the regulation of artificial intelligence.

Initiated by French President Emmanuel Macron to promote multilateral cooperation and address global challenges, the Paris Peace Forum was first held in 2018.

(With input from Xinhua)