Xi Jinping reiterates China's support for UN authority and multilateralism

Chinese President Xi Jinping has on multiple occasions in recent years reiterated China's support for an international system with the United Nations at its core, calling for the UN's authority to be upheld, for true multilateralism to be practiced, and for the purposes and principles of the UN Charter to be observed, according to a review of his remarks published by Xinhua.

Speaking at the 18th BRICS Summit in New Delhi, India, on September 13, 2026, Xi said all countries, regardless of their size, strength or wealth, are equal members of the international community. He said Global South countries should hold high the banner of multilateralism, uphold the authority and role of the United Nations, support multilateral institutions in advancing reform and increasing efficiency, and ensure the equal participation of all countries in international affairs.

At the opening ceremony of the 2026 World AI Conference and High-Level Meeting on Global AI Governance in Shanghai on July 17, 2026, Xi described artificial intelligence as an invaluable asset encapsulating humanity's collective wisdom. He said countries should practice true multilateralism and recognize the important role of the United Nations, and should enhance alignment and coordination on AI development strategies, governance rules and technical standards so as to form a consensus-based global governance framework at an early date to make the frontier technology better benefit humanity.

At the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) Plus Meeting in the northern Chinese port city of Tianjin on September 1, 2025, Xi said the purposes and principles of the UN Charter and other universally recognized basic norms of international relations must be observed comprehensively, fully and in their entirety. He said the status and authority of the United Nations should be firmly safeguarded, and its irreplaceable, key role in global governance ensured.

On August 30, 2025, meeting UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres on the sidelines of the SCO Summit 2025, Xi said China will always be a trustworthy partner of the United Nations. He said China is willing to deepen cooperation with the UN, support it in playing a central role in international affairs, and jointly shoulder the responsibility of safeguarding world peace and promoting development and prosperity.

At a conference in Beijing on June 28, 2024, marking the 70th anniversary of the Five Principles of Peaceful Coexistence, Xi said that in the face of new developments and challenges, the authority and central role of the United Nations can only be strengthened rather than weakened. He said the purposes and principles of the UN Charter are never outdated and are becoming ever more important, adding that China advocates a vision of global governance featuring extensive consultation and joint contribution for shared benefit, and believes in true multilateralism.

According to Xinhua, the compilation of Xi's remarks highlights Beijing's stated position on the UN's central role in international affairs across a series of diplomatic and multilateral engagements.