Wang Yi addresses UN on China’s developments since founding

World Today

Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi addresses the 74th session of the United Nations General Assembly, Friday, Sept. 27, 2019, at the United Nations headquarters. (AP Photo/Craig Ruttle)

China’s State Councilor and Foreign Minister Wang Yi used his address at the United Nations General Assembly to highlight China’s remarkable development since the founding of the People’s Republic 70 years ago.

Without mentioning the United States by name, Wang said China would not be threatened.

CGTN’s Nathan King reports from the United Nations.

China has turned itself from a poor and closed country to an open one that has lifted over 850 million people out of poverty. That was State Councilor Wang Yi’s message to the world as China celebrates 70 years since the founding of the People’s Republic.

China is more confident and capable said Wang—in an apparent rebuke to the U.S. He said Beijing would not be bullied.

“Let me make it very clear. China is a country with a five thousand year-old civilization, 1.4 billion hard working people, and a vast land of 0.6 million square kilometers. China will not ever be cowered by threats or subdued by pressure. Facing rampant unilateralism we should not just sit idly by,” said Wang Yi China’s State Councillor and Foreign Minister.

Criticizing unilateralism and protectionism, Wang vowed China would uphold its core interests. Calling for the U.S. to return to the Iran nuclear deal Wang also urged a bilateral solution to the Kashmir situation and no change to its status quo.

Development he said was the key to solve all global problems and while China is about to eradicate poverty he said Beijing is not trying to impose their model on anyone.

“I want to conclude with a quote from President Xi Jinping: ‘Our world is full of both hope and challenges. We should not give up our dreams just because the reality around us is too complicated. We should not stop pursuing our ideals because they seem out of touch. Or out of reach. Let us work tirelessly to promote the purposes and points of the UN charter and work together to build a shared community for mankind.’ Thank you,” said Wang Yi China’s State Councillor and Foreign Minister.

Just before Wang Yi took to the podium he sat with his counterpart from the Micronesian nation of Kiribati which is now switching its formal diplomatic ties from Taipei to Beijing. This diplomatic move comes just a week after the cabinet of the Solomon Islands voted to do the do the same.

Full speech: