{"disclaimer":"Automatically generated transcript — may contain errors. Not an official United Nations record.","video":{"id":"k15/k15c18dom5","kaltura_id":"1_5c18dom5","title":"Wang Yi (China) on Upholding the purposes and principles of the UN Charter and strengthening the UN-centered international system - Security Council Media Stakeout","clean_title":"Wang Yi (China) on Upholding the purposes and principles of the UN Charter and strengthening the UN-centered international system - Security Council Media Stakeout","url":"https://webtv.un.org/en/asset/k15/k15c18dom5","date":"2026-05-26T00:00:00.000Z","scheduled_time":"2026-05-26T13:30:00.000Z","status":"finished","duration":"00:19:36","category":"Media Stakeouts","body":null,"event_code":null,"event_type":null,"session_number":null,"pv_symbol":null,"pv_part":null,"slug":"asset/k15/k15c18dom5"},"metadata":{"summary":"Briefing by Wang Yi, Minister for Foreign Affairs of the People's Republic of China, on Upholding the purposes and principles of the UN Charter and strengthening the UN-centered international system - Security Council Media Stakeout.","description":"Approximately 1:30pm: His Excellency Mr. Wang Yi, Minister for Foreign Affairs of the People's Republic of China (with consecutive interpretation)","categories":["Media","Media Stakeouts"],"geographic_subject":[],"subject_topical":["SECURITY COUNCIL","UN CHARTER","INTERNATIONAL PEACE AND SECURITY"],"corporate_name":["SECURITY COUNCIL"],"speaker_affiliation":[],"related_documents":[]},"transcript":{"transcript_id":"assemblyai-f9e81179-6fc4-4216-9bda-df0c57767a17","language":"en","data":[{"statement_number":1,"paragraphs":[{"sentences":[{"text":"Dear press, thank you for your patience. Now let's welcome Foreign Minister Wang Yi. Firstly, we wanted to ask Foreign Minister to make some comments.","start":4.56,"end":12.64,"topics":[]}]}],"speaker":{"name":null,"affiliation":null,"affiliation_full":null,"group":null,"function":"Moderator"}},{"statement_number":2,"paragraphs":[{"sentences":[{"text":"Well, dear friends from the media, just now the Security Council convened a high level open debate titled Upholding the Purposes and Principles of the UN Charter and Strengthening the UN Centered International System. While this meeting was initiated by China as as the President of the UN Security Council, because as we have seen for the recent period of time, the purposes of the UN Charter have been disregarded, the basic norms of international relations have been undermined and world peace and security are in great jeopardy. At this critical juncture, we believe that the Security Council must step forward and the Security Council must must shoulder its responsibilities. While China's initiative has received warm responses from all countries during the meeting, Secretary General Guterres, foreign ministers and senior representatives of over 20 countries jointly revisited the founding mission of the United nations and have lively and deepgoing discussions on upholding the un, reinvigorating the UN and strengthening the un. And we have achieved important consensus. We all believe that the UN Charter, rather than becoming outdated, remains the cornerstone of the international order. And the status of the United nations at the center can only be strengthened, not weakened, because we don't hope international relations to return to the law of the jungle. And we all need to uphold the same system, that is the international system with the UN at the core. And we need to observe the same set of rules, that is the basic norms governing international relations based on the UN Charter. We all believe that for the UN to better play its role, it must enhance its ability to act. In particular, the Security Council should shoulder the primary responsibility for maintaining peace and play its dual role in managing crises. UN agencies also need timely reform in order to better and more effectively respond to the common concerns of the international community. We all believe that the trend toward a multipolar world is unstoppable. Having international affairs monopolized by one or a few countries are not in line with the trend of the times. The right thing to do is to steadfastly follow the path of multilateralism, maintain unity to the maximum degree, oppose division, seek cooperation, reject confrontation, and work together to inject much needed stability and certainty to today's world. Also, we agree that currently the global governance is clearly lagging behind and needs to keep abreast with the times and improve through reform. It should reflect the wills of all countries in a more balanced manner and ensure all countries participate equally and all will share and the benefits from it. It is particularly important to increase the representation and say of the Global south and work together to build a more fair and equitable global governance. Last year put forward the Global Governance Initiative and has been warmly and widely supported by the international community. The day after tomorrow, on 28 May, China will hold here a meeting of the Group of Friends of Global Governance in order to build new consensus and inject new impetus to the reform and improvement of global governance. In addition, in this fall, China will also hold a Global Governance Forum in Xiong', An, a city of the future in China. We look forward to be joining by friends from all countries to have a joint discussion on global governance. However, no matter how international situation may change, China will always be a staunch defender of the United Nations, a true supporter for multilateralism and an active promoter of global governance. Thank you.","start":87.07,"end":489,"topics":[{"key":"un-charter-principles","label":"UN Charter Principles","description":"Repeated attention is given to defending the purposes and principles of the UN Charter as the foundation of the international order. Speakers frame the Charter as essential for peace, legitimacy, and the future direction of UN leadership and reform."},{"key":"security-council-effectiveness","label":"Security Council Effectiveness","description":"The discussion highlights the Security Council’s primary responsibility for maintaining international peace and security and concerns that it has sometimes failed to act effectively. Reform, stronger performance, and a more direct role in endorsing agreements are presented as ways to restore its authority."},{"key":"multilateralism-vs-unilateralism","label":"Multilateralism vs. Unilateralism","description":"Several statements emphasize support for multilateralism and a UN-centered international system while criticizing unilateral actions, bloc confrontation, and power politics. The debate presents cooperation through international institutions as the alternative to division and coercion."},{"key":"global-governance-reform","label":"Global Governance Reform","description":"Speakers call for reform of global governance and UN institutions so they can better respond to current international challenges. The goal is a system that is more effective, more balanced, and more reflective of the interests of all member states."},{"key":"global-south-representation","label":"Global South Representation","description":"A recurring theme is the need to increase the voice and representation of developing countries, especially the Global South and Africa, in global decision-making. This is framed as necessary to correct historical imbalances and make international institutions fairer."}]}]}],"speaker":{"name":"Wang Yi","affiliation":"CHN","affiliation_full":"China","group":null,"function":"Foreign Minister"}},{"statement_number":3,"paragraphs":[{"sentences":[{"text":"I'll open for questions. First goes to Jihao.","start":489,"end":491.6,"topics":[]}]}],"speaker":{"name":null,"affiliation":null,"affiliation_full":null,"group":null,"function":"Moderator"}},{"statement_number":4,"paragraphs":[{"sentences":[{"text":"From cctv. Well, right now there are voices internationally that the Security Council is playing a lesser role in defusing conflicts and ending war. What is China's comments and what advice does China have for the Security Council to better fulfill its responsibility? So, After over 80 years of vicissitudes, the Security Council is still the core of the global collective security mechanism, shouldering primary responsibility for maintaining international peace and security. At the same time, we need to admit that in recent years on major hustle issues, the the Security Council is found to be absent from time to time. So in order to reinvigorate the United nations, we need to first reinvigorate the Security Council. To reach that objective. First of all, all members of the Security Council need to take maintaining peace as their mission. Observe the Charter, uphold justice and refrain from pursuing their own interest or creating block based confrontation. Secondly, it is important to increase the voice and say of developing countries and small and medium sized countries through reform. In particular to address the historical injustice of Africa. Thirdly, it is important to make proposals at the Security Council more objective, fair and inclusive. And the P5 countries in particular should lead by example. Fourthly, the international community should work together to reject all kinds of unilateral actions that circumvent the Security Council so that unilateral bullying will find no market and have no legitimacy.","start":512.28,"end":692.73,"topics":[{"key":"security-council-effectiveness","label":"Security Council Effectiveness","description":"The discussion highlights the Security Council’s primary responsibility for maintaining international peace and security and concerns that it has sometimes failed to act effectively. Reform, stronger performance, and a more direct role in endorsing agreements are presented as ways to restore its authority."},{"key":"global-south-representation","label":"Global South Representation","description":"A recurring theme is the need to increase the voice and representation of developing countries, especially the Global South and Africa, in global decision-making. This is framed as necessary to correct historical imbalances and make international institutions fairer."},{"key":"multilateralism-vs-unilateralism","label":"Multilateralism vs. Unilateralism","description":"Several statements emphasize support for multilateralism and a UN-centered international system while criticizing unilateral actions, bloc confrontation, and power politics. The debate presents cooperation through international institutions as the alternative to division and coercion."}]}]}],"speaker":{"name":null,"affiliation":null,"affiliation_full":null,"group":null,"function":null}},{"statement_number":5,"paragraphs":[{"sentences":[{"text":"Thank you. Next one. Valeri.","start":693.61,"end":696.65,"topics":[]}]}],"speaker":{"name":null,"affiliation":null,"affiliation_full":null,"group":null,"function":"Moderator"}},{"statement_number":6,"paragraphs":[{"sentences":[{"text":"Hello. Mr. Foreign Minister is Valeria Robeco from Ancient. So China is both a permanent member of the Security Council and one and Iran's largest trade partner. And Beijing is reported to be open to taking custody of Iranian rich terrain as part of a potential deal. So how does China believe the current stalemate can be eased and also more specifically, does Beijing think the Security Security Council should play a more direct role in guaranteeing any future agreement?","start":700.33,"end":735.23,"topics":[{"key":"iran-middle-east-diplomacy","label":"Iran and Middle East Diplomacy","description":"The exchange addresses how to ease tensions involving Iran and the United States and more broadly promote peace in the Middle East. Negotiation, mediation, ceasefire efforts, and eventual Security Council endorsement of any agreement are all discussed as part of de-escalation."},{"key":"security-council-effectiveness","label":"Security Council Effectiveness","description":"The discussion highlights the Security Council’s primary responsibility for maintaining international peace and security and concerns that it has sometimes failed to act effectively. Reform, stronger performance, and a more direct role in endorsing agreements are presented as ways to restore its authority."}]}]}],"speaker":{"name":"Valeria Robeco","affiliation":null,"affiliation_full":null,"group":null,"function":"Journalist"}},{"statement_number":7,"paragraphs":[{"sentences":[{"text":"Thank you.","start":735.23,"end":735.71,"topics":[]}]}],"speaker":{"name":"Wang Yi","affiliation":"CHN","affiliation_full":"China","group":null,"function":"Foreign Minister"}},{"statement_number":8,"paragraphs":[{"sentences":[{"text":"Between of course the Iran and the United States. Thank you so much.","start":735.71,"end":738.67,"topics":[]}]}],"speaker":{"name":"Valeria Robeco","affiliation":null,"affiliation_full":null,"group":null,"function":"Journalist"}},{"statement_number":9,"paragraphs":[{"sentences":[{"text":"While China has been working diligently to de escalate the current conflict, President Xi Jinping has put forward four point proposal pointing out the direction for maintaining and promoting peace in the Middle East. We have maintained communication and coordination with major parties concerned as well as international important regional and international partners. We believe that the sovereignty, security and territorial integrity of all countries in the region must be respected. Civilian and non military targets must be protected. The security of passages and energy infrastructure must be safeguarded and the provisions of the nuclear non proliferation regime must be implemented. Regarding the current situation, the key is the negotiation between the United States and Iran. Because they are the major parties concerned. We support the active mediation by Pakistan and other countries. Before we came here, I met with Marshal Munir of Pakistan. We also support efforts made by the United States and Iran respectively. As we have been saying, it takes more than one cold day to freeze three feet of ice. And long standing issues cannot be resolved overnight. However, every step forward in the negotiation brings more hope to peace. And one day earlier the conflict is ended means less civilian casualties. We hope that the parties concerned can stay committed to pursuing a ceasefire and continue to meet each other halfway so that peace can return to the Middle east as early as possible. And we believe that once an agreement is reached, it will be submitted to the UN Security Council for endorsement for it to have legitimacy and authority.","start":801.33,"end":967.26,"topics":[{"key":"iran-middle-east-diplomacy","label":"Iran and Middle East Diplomacy","description":"The exchange addresses how to ease tensions involving Iran and the United States and more broadly promote peace in the Middle East. Negotiation, mediation, ceasefire efforts, and eventual Security Council endorsement of any agreement are all discussed as part of de-escalation."},{"key":"security-council-effectiveness","label":"Security Council Effectiveness","description":"The discussion highlights the Security Council’s primary responsibility for maintaining international peace and security and concerns that it has sometimes failed to act effectively. Reform, stronger performance, and a more direct role in endorsing agreements are presented as ways to restore its authority."}]}]}],"speaker":{"name":"Wang Yi","affiliation":"CHN","affiliation_full":"China","group":null,"function":"Foreign Minister"}},{"statement_number":10,"paragraphs":[{"sentences":[{"text":"Next for gentleman Dennis. Mr. Foreign Minister. Thank you. Dennis Son with Tess News Agency. I'm wondering, what does China see as the next Secretary General's most important duty in upholding the UN Charter principle?","start":968.5,"end":987.14,"topics":[]}]}],"speaker":{"name":null,"affiliation":null,"affiliation_full":null,"group":null,"function":null}},{"statement_number":11,"paragraphs":[{"sentences":[{"text":"Danai. Xiao fi. I just finished a meeting with Secretary General Guterres. He has been on this job for nearly 10 years. And throughout the years he has devoted himself to the concept of multilateralism. He has been working to uphold the authority of the United Nations. He has been striving for peace and he has been speaking up for justice. His efforts have been recognized and commended by the international community and we wish to pay our high tribute to him.","start":994.58,"end":1051.01,"topics":[{"key":"multilateralism-vs-unilateralism","label":"Multilateralism vs. Unilateralism","description":"Several statements emphasize support for multilateralism and a UN-centered international system while criticizing unilateral actions, bloc confrontation, and power politics. The debate presents cooperation through international institutions as the alternative to division and coercion."}]}]}],"speaker":{"name":"Wang Yi","affiliation":"CHN","affiliation_full":"China","group":null,"function":"Foreign Minister"}},{"statement_number":12,"paragraphs":[{"sentences":[{"text":"Go.","start":1071.23,"end":1071.47,"topics":[]}]}],"speaker":{"name":null,"affiliation":null,"affiliation_full":null,"group":null,"function":"Moderator"}},{"statement_number":13,"paragraphs":[{"sentences":[{"text":"The next Secretary General concerns the future of the reform of the UN and the practical interest of Member States. China believes that for the next Secretary General at least, they should meet the following qualifications. First, stay firmly committed to upholding the purposes and principles of the UN Charter. Second, reach diplomatic and political experience and strong coordination capability. Third, be able to uphold justice on Major issues. In particular, pay attention to the interests and aspirations of developing countries. Fourthly, to be able to keep the UN Reform to the right direction so as to help the UN increase efficiency and effectiveness. To sum up, commitment to the UN Charter, outstanding competency and integrity and impartiality and initiative to take responsibility and deliver. Going forward, China will work with others and take a responsible attitude to participate in the selection process of the next secretary General.","start":1098.58,"end":1166.61,"topics":[{"key":"un-charter-principles","label":"UN Charter Principles","description":"Repeated attention is given to defending the purposes and principles of the UN Charter as the foundation of the international order. Speakers frame the Charter as essential for peace, legitimacy, and the future direction of UN leadership and reform."},{"key":"global-governance-reform","label":"Global Governance Reform","description":"Speakers call for reform of global governance and UN institutions so they can better respond to current international challenges. The goal is a system that is more effective, more balanced, and more reflective of the interests of all member states."},{"key":"global-south-representation","label":"Global South Representation","description":"A recurring theme is the need to increase the voice and representation of developing countries, especially the Global South and Africa, in global decision-making. This is framed as necessary to correct historical imbalances and make international institutions fairer."}]}]}],"speaker":{"name":"Wang Yi","affiliation":"CHN","affiliation_full":"China","group":null,"function":"Foreign Minister"}},{"statement_number":14,"paragraphs":[{"sentences":[{"text":"That's the end of the transparency. Thank you so much. Thank you, Foreign Minister.","start":1167.17,"end":1170.69,"topics":[]}]}],"speaker":{"name":null,"affiliation":null,"affiliation_full":null,"group":null,"function":"Moderator"}}],"topics":[{"key":"un-charter-principles","label":"UN Charter Principles","description":"Repeated attention is given to defending the purposes and principles of the UN Charter as the foundation of the international order. Speakers frame the Charter as essential for peace, legitimacy, and the future direction of UN leadership and reform."},{"key":"global-governance-reform","label":"Global Governance Reform","description":"Speakers call for reform of global governance and UN institutions so they can better respond to current international challenges. The goal is a system that is more effective, more balanced, and more reflective of the interests of all member states."},{"key":"iran-middle-east-diplomacy","label":"Iran and Middle East Diplomacy","description":"The exchange addresses how to ease tensions involving Iran and the United States and more broadly promote peace in the Middle East. Negotiation, mediation, ceasefire efforts, and eventual Security Council endorsement of any agreement are all discussed as part of de-escalation."},{"key":"global-south-representation","label":"Global South Representation","description":"A recurring theme is the need to increase the voice and representation of developing countries, especially the Global South and Africa, in global decision-making. This is framed as necessary to correct historical imbalances and make international institutions fairer."},{"key":"security-council-effectiveness","label":"Security Council Effectiveness","description":"The discussion highlights the Security Council’s primary responsibility for maintaining international peace and security and concerns that it has sometimes failed to act effectively. Reform, stronger performance, and a more direct role in endorsing agreements are presented as ways to restore its authority."},{"key":"multilateralism-vs-unilateralism","label":"Multilateralism vs. Unilateralism","description":"Several statements emphasize support for multilateralism and a UN-centered international system while criticizing unilateral actions, bloc confrontation, and power politics. The debate presents cooperation through international institutions as the alternative to division and coercion."}]}}