Chinese FM dismisses unilateralism, protectionism at UN

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03:21

Protectionism will only hurt oneself and unilateral moves will bring damage to all, Chinese State Councilor and Foreign Minister Wang Yi told world leaders at the UN's annual gathering, stressing that no one should be allowed to put their own interest above others.

"International rules and multilateral mechanisms are under attack... China's answer is clear-cut. All along, China has upheld the international order and pursued multilateralism," Wang noted.

Addressing the 73rd session of the UN General Assembly on Friday, he urged the world to safeguard rules and orders, uphold fairness and justice while supporting the United Nations' central role in international affairs, and called on efforts in the following principles:

First, the world shall pursue win-win cooperation.

Second, all nations shall act upon rules and order.

Third, the world shall uphold fairness and justice.

Fourth, all nations must act to deliver real results.

Watch the replay of CGTN's live stream of Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi at the 73rd UN general debate

Highlights of Wang's speech:

Chinese State Councilor and Foreign Minister Wang Yi addresses the 73rd session of the UNGA in New York, September 28, 2018. /VCG Photo

Korean Peninsula issue:

Expressing China's full support to denuclearization, Wang said China hopes to see positive moves made by both the Democratic People's Republic of Korea (DPRK) and the United States, to meet each other halfway.

The DPRK side should put forward concrete steps towards the denuclearization of the Peninsula, while the US should give "timely and positive responses," Wang added.

China is willing to facilitate dialogue between the DPRK and US, and will continue to contribute to the developments on the Korean Peninsula.

"China will continue to take its international responsibilities (to solve this issue)."

China-US trade friction:

Speaking of the China-US trade frictions, Wang made his stance clear: "China will not be blackmailed or yield to pressure."

He said economic globalization shouldn't be a process for some to gain and others to lose, nor should it result in widening the gap between the north and the south, and it's important to adapt to the trend of globalization making it a process inclusive and balanced, with win-win results and benefits to all.

International trade should not be a zero-sum game, he stressed, and protectionism will only hurt oneself and subsequently bring damage to all.

Wang said: "Regarding trade frictions, China stands for a proper settlement based on rules and consensus, based on dialogue and consultation on an equal footing. China will not be blackmailed or yield to pressure."

He added, China has taken steps not only to defend its own legitimate rights and interests, but to uphold the international trading system for global recovery and common interests of all countries.

Wang Yi addresses the 73rd session of the UNGA in New York, September 28, 2018. /VCG Photo

Iranian nuclear issue:

Regarding the Iranian nuclear issue, Wang said it is a crucial time to continue to implement the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA), which is a consensus-based multilateral agreement endorsed by the UN Security Council, and it serves as the common interests of the parties concerned and international community.

He warned if the JCPOA failed to implement, the international non-proliferation regime will be undermined, and the world and regional peace and stability will be jeopardized.

He said China urges parties concerned to continue observing and implementing the JCPOA, and the possibility to resolve the Iran nuclear issue could be explored through a transparent and open platform.

China's achievements 40 years after reform and opening up:

Since the 40 years of China's reform and opening up, drastic changes have taken place. The country has "worked hard, and forged ahead."

The country has successfully lifted over 700 million people out of absolute poverty. Moreover, foreign investment have achieved an average annual growth rate of 14.5 percent.

China will keep its doors wide open, Wang added.

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