In an address to the 74th session of the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) in New York, Chinese State Councilor and Foreign Minister Wang Yi spoke about China's path toward growth and development. 

He denounced nationalism and unilateralist policies while presenting China's view on global issues such as trade, the establishment of an independent Palestinian state and the importance of cooperation. 

Development master key to solving all problems

Wang said development should be placed at the center of the global macro policy framework, with a continued focus on priority areas such as poverty reduction, infrastructure, education and public health. 

"We need to maintain global development cooperation with North-South cooperation as the main channel, supplemented by South-South cooperation," he said.

On the Belt and Road Initiative (BRI), Wang said he hoped other countries would seize the development opportunities created by the initiative to add fresh impetus to the implementation of the 2030 Agenda.

China ready to fulfill due responsibilities for upholding global peace, justice

Wang also spoke about the important role China plays on both the world stage and within the core structure of the UN. 

"Today, China has become the leading engine of global development and an anchor of stability for world peace. China is the second-largest funding contributor to both the United Nations and the UN peacekeeping operations," Wang said.  

"China has also dispatched the largest number of peacekeeping personnel among the permanent members of the UN Security Council.” 

Trade disputes upset the global economy

On the topic of trade, Wang stressed the importance China puts on mutually beneficial cooperation. 

"In this globalized world, countries all rise or fall together. A zero-sum mentality and beggar-thy-neighbor-policies are recipes for failure," Wang said. "We do not seek unilateral security, nor do we put our own interests above the interests of others."

He also warned about the dangers of trade disputes which can go unresolved and spiral out of control. 

"Tariffs and provocation of trade disputes which upset global industrial and supply chains serve to undermine the multilateral trading regime and global economic and trade order. They may even plunge the world into recession."

Regarding the use of sanctions, Wang said, "It is not legitimate or justifiable for any country standing from a position of power to impose unilateral sanctions or exercise long-arm jurisdiction over other countries, and such practice has no basis in international law."

"To put one's interests above the common interests of all other countries is a typical bullying practice that finds no support of the people."

China not to sit idly by facing rampant unilateralism

In his speech, Wang said that the international order needs to go by laws and rules, and acts in violation of international norms can only plunge the world into chaos. 

"It is not legitimate or justifiable for any country standing from a position of power to impose unilateral sanctions or exercise long-arm jurisdiction over other countries, as such practice has no basis in international law," he noted. 

The Intermediate-Range Nuclear Forces (INF) Treaty is important in upholding global strategic balance and stability. Unilateral withdrawal from it will cause multiple negative impacts, he pointed out. 

"China is opposed to the deployment of land-based intermediate-range missiles in the Asia-Pacific. We urge the countries with the largest nuclear arsenal to fully fulfill their special and primary responsibilities in nuclear disarmament. China will continue to take an active part in the international arms control process," he said, announcing that China has initiated the domestic legal procedures to join the Arms Trade Treaty (ATT).

China offers proposals to address growing tensions in the Middle East, Gulf region

Wang also addressed tensions in the Middle East and urged Gulf countries to work together in cooperation, adding that countries outside the region should be playing a positive role.  

Wang spoke specifically about the conflict in Palestine.

"The Palestinian issue must be put at the top of the international agenda. What we lack is not a grand design, but the courage to deliver on the commitments and the conscience to uphold justice," Wang said.

"For the Palestinian people to establish an independent state is their inalienable right, something that should not be used as a bargaining chip."

Wang also stressed the importance of accountability between nations. "Erecting walls will not resolve global challenges, and blaming others for one's own problems does not work," he said.