Multilateralism, vital role of UN highlighted

President Xi Jinping said on Friday that it is imperative to further practice genuine multilateralism and revitalize the status and role of the United Nations amid more pronounced volatility and uncertainty in the international landscape, during a meeting with UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres.

Xi expressed China's high regard for Guterres' efforts over the past 10 years in leading the UN to resolutely safeguard multilateralism, actively address climate change and other global challenges, promote global governance in emerging fields such as artificial intelligence and launch the UN reform process.

As this year marks the 55th anniversary of the restoration of the People's Republic of China's lawful seat in the UN, Xi said that China has remained a builder of world peace, a contributor to global development and a defender of the international order over the past 55 years.

It has consistently and firmly supported the UN, he added.

Upholding fairness and justice, Xi said that the sovereignty, territorial integrity and legitimate rights and interests of every country must be respected, and cautioned that the world should not revert to the era of the law of the jungle.

While underscoring the need to adhere to the purposes and principles of the UN Charter and safeguard the international system and rules established after World War II, Xi also called for advancing UN reform to improve its effectiveness and efficiency.

He said that more than 190 countries around the world are aboard the same ship of a shared future, calling on them to pull together to address global challenges.

Stressing that major countries should take on greater responsibilities and demonstrate a broader vision, Xi said that China has consistently taken concrete actions to actively explore the right way in which major powers can coexist in the new era.

Lauding Xi's leadership, Guterres noted that, no matter how difficult or complex the international situation, China has always firmly supported multilateralism, backed the work of the UN and promoted international cooperation. It has set an example for the world in this regard, he added.

The UN chief expressed admiration for China's consistent commitment to addressing development imbalances, tackling climate change, promoting the responsible use of technology for the common good, and upholding fairness and justice, as well as for its major concepts and initiatives.