BEIJING: Emerging markets face inadequate representation at the United Nations (UN), while the organisation’s authority is being increasingly challenged by growing political and economic disputes around the world, Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi said on Wednesday.
Wang made the remarks during a rare press briefing in Beijing held to discuss a white paper outlining proposals to make global governance more just and equitable. His comments included brief references to the conflicts in the Middle East and Ukraine but provided few details on the issues.
“Countries, whether large or small, strong or weak, developed or developing, are equal members of the international community,” Wang said, urging greater participation and stronger voices for nations of the Global South.
He said that a series of emerging challenges had created interconnected global crises, warning that “the ship of civilisation has entered dangerous waters with hidden reefs and violent storms.”
According to Wang, ongoing disputes reflect deep-rooted conflicts, while “black swan and grey rhino events” continue to appear — referring to unexpected crises and visible risks that are often overlooked despite clear warnings.
Wang also called for firm efforts to achieve a ceasefire in the Middle East, urging all sides to work towards creating the foundation for a “sustainable security architecture in the region,” China’s official Xinhua news agency reported.
He said the white paper was aimed at building international consensus on effective solutions to global challenges, adding that protecting the authority and status of the United Nations was essential to the success of the initiative.