MUNICH – Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi called for the revitalization of the United Nations at the Munich Security Conference on Saturday, positioning Beijing as a defender of multilateralism amidst growing concerns over unilateral actions by other global powers. Without directly naming the United States, Wang Yi argued that no single nation should be permitted to dominate international relations.
“Multilateralism should always be promoted and strengthened. It must not happen that some countries dominate others,” Wang Yi stated, according to an official translation. He warned that allowing a “right of the stronger” to prevail would return the world to a more dangerous era. “Without the UN, we would return to a law of the strong where the strong defeat and dictate to the weak,” he said.
Wang Yi’s remarks came in direct response to a preceding address by U.S. Officials who criticized the UN’s effectiveness in resolving international conflicts. Specifically, he countered arguments made by U.S. Officials regarding the ongoing conflicts in Ukraine and Gaza, asserting the UN remains the “best and most powerful instrument” available for global cooperation. He emphasized that the UN provides a platform where all nations, regardless of size or economic status, have an equal voice and rights.
The Chinese Foreign Minister urged the international community to reform and revitalize the UN system, stating, “We do not have the right to destroy it.” He acknowledged the UN is not perfect but insisted it remains the most viable framework for addressing global challenges. He stressed that all countries, large and small, must abide by the same rules, though acknowledged that some nations may take a leading role in upholding those rules.
Wang Yi also cautioned against creating new conflicts, citing the potential for instability in the Middle East stemming from issues in Iran. “And we must be careful. We must avoid creating new conflicts,” he said. He presented China as a partner in maintaining global stability, stating, “We are not rivals.”
The call for strengthening the UN comes as the United States has, in recent weeks, pursued alternative diplomatic initiatives, including the establishment of a “Peace Council” led by President Donald Trump, which some observers view as a potential competitor to the UN. This initiative, intended to oversee peace efforts in Gaza, has drawn criticism as potentially undermining the UN’s authority.
During his speech, Wang Yi also emphasized the potential for cooperation between China and Europe, stating, “We are not rivals,” but rather “partners on the journey to a multipolar world.” This outreach appears aimed at capitalizing on reported European dissatisfaction with recent U.S. Foreign policy decisions. China is seeking to position itself as a reliable partner for European nations as transatlantic relations face ongoing challenges.
No immediate response from the United Nations or the United States was available at the time of publication. The Munich Security Conference continues through Sunday, with further discussions expected on global security challenges and the future of multilateralism.