World

China calls for more Global South voices to be heard at United Nations

  • The comments came in a rare press briefing in Beijing ​for the issue of a white paper offering ​proposals to ensure global governance is more just ⁠and equitable
Published June 17, 2026 Updated June 17, 2026 08:14am
1 min
Summary new
By

BEIJING: Emerging markets suffer from inadequate representation at the United Nations, its authority ​increasingly challenged by escalating political and economic ‌disputes worldwide, Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi said on Wednesday.

The comments came in a rare press briefing in Beijing ​for the issue of a white paper offering ​proposals to ensure global governance is more just ⁠and equitable.

“Countries, whether large or small, strong or ​weak, developed or developing, are equal members of ​the international community,” Wang said, calling for more voices to be heard from the Global South.

New challenges in quick succession bring ​intertwining global crises, Wang said, adding, “The ship of ​civilisation has entered dangerous waters with hidden reefs and violent ‌storms.”

The ⁠disputes reveal deep-seated conflicts, while “black swan and grey rhino events” emerge continually, he said, referring to unexpected events or threats that are ignored despite their visibility.

Wang ​referred to the ​Middle East ⁠and Ukraine conflicts in his remarks but stopped short of specific details.

The white ​paper aims to build international consensus ​to yield ⁠more effective responses to global challenges, Wang said, and upholding the United Nations’ authority and status is ⁠fundamental ​to the success of the initiative.