China’s UN Leadership and the Quest for a New World Order
# Muna Chand
The high-level meeting organised by China as President of the United Nations Security Council, and the leadership of Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi, have marked an important turning point in contemporary international relations. Convened at the United Nations Headquarters in New York in the presence of Secretary-General António Guterres and representatives of more than one hundred countries, this meeting was not merely a diplomatic formality; it was a signal of the renaissance of multilateralism. In this analysis, I assess the historical background, theoretical significance, geostrategic impact of this meeting, and the message it carries for developing countries like Nepal.
This year marks the 55th anniversary of the restoration of the lawful seat of the People’s Republic of China at the United Nations. In 1971, the UN General Assembly adopted Resolution 2758, thereby restoring the lawful representation of China. Since then, China has consistently pursued the policy of placing the United Nations at the centre of the international order. Over this 55-year journey, China has established itself as a credible force in favour of multilateralism—from peacekeeping to sustainable development, from climate change to global health crises.
As Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Mao Ning stated at the press conference on May 27, China has expressed its commitment to upholding justice and following the right path. This commitment is not confined to words alone; it reflects the fundamental principles of China’s foreign policy.
The theme of the meeting, “Upholding the Purposes and Principles of the UN Charter and Strengthening the International System with the United Nations at Its Core,” is in itself a powerful political message. It sends three profound theoretical signals.
First, it reaffirms the supremacy of the UN Charter. Over the past three decades, there have been attempts to undermine the spirit of the Charter in the name of unilateralism, the use of force, and the so-called “rules-based international order.” Through this meeting, China has sought to establish the Charter itself as the cornerstone of international relations. This is a stance that safeguards the sovereignty of small and developing countries.
Second, it demonstrates a clear inclination in favour of multilateralism. The language used by China of “achieving greater unity with all countries under the banner of multilateralism” reflects a rejection of unipolarity and a commitment to stand in favour of a multipolar world. This is not only the voice of China but the shared voice of many countries of the Global South.
Third, it seeks to institutionalise the concept of a “community with a shared future for mankind.” This concept has become the backbone of China’s foreign policy, and by challenging the “zero-sum game” mentality in international relations, it presents a path of cooperation and shared benefit.
The geostrategic significance of China organising this meeting as President of the Security Council is multidimensional. First, it has positioned China as a leading force in favour of reforming the global governance system. Second, it has advanced multilateralism as an alternative to American unilateralism. Third, it has given institutional shape to China’s growing cooperation with the countries of the Global South.
The presence of Secretary-General Guterres and representatives of more than one hundred countries attests to the broad international support China’s initiative has received. This demonstrates that a large segment of the international community stands in favour of the central role of the United Nations and multilateralism.
For small and developing countries like Nepal, this meeting holds special significance. The concept of a “more just and equitable global governance system” advanced by China carries the potential to strengthen the voice of such countries in the international arena. Nepal, too, has consistently raised its voice in favour of the UN Charter, sovereign equality, and the principle of non-interference in internal affairs. China’s initiative aligns with the fundamental tenets of Nepal’s foreign policy.
Moreover, the stance taken by China in favour of multilateralism can provide Nepal with a more conducive environment to conduct balanced diplomacy between its two large neighbours. When major powers advance along the path of dialogue and cooperation, the options and opportunities for small countries also increase.
What the views expressed by Mao Ning at the May 27 press conference and the high-level meeting of the Security Council have shown is that multilateralism has become an inescapable reality in 21st-century international relations. China has not merely accepted this; it has also demonstrated the ambition to lead it.
Fifty-five years after the restoration of China’s lawful seat at the United Nations, China has presented itself as the defender of the Charter, the advocate of multilateralism, and the pioneer of global governance reform. This journey was not easy, but today China stands as a responsible and credible power on the world stage.
This meeting has sent one clear message—the international community must choose not the path of unilateralism and the use of force, but the path of dialogue, cooperation, and multilateralism. The path shown by China is important not only for China itself, but also for the shared future of all mankind. Countries like Nepal must be able to utilise this opportunity in the service of their national interest and development. This renaissance of multilateralism is an opportunity for Nepal as well—to raise its voice and strengthen its standing in the international arena.
