On September 1, President Xi Jinping quoted the line "Uphold the Great Principle, and the world will follow" in his speech at the "Shanghai Cooperation Organization Plus" Meeting in Tianjin, a port city in north China, calling on all parties to uphold courageously the great principle and the common good of the world, promote a correct historical perspective on World War II, resolutely safeguard the fruits of the victory in the war, and bring greater benefits to all through global governance reform and the building of a community with a shared future for humanity.

The quote comes from the Tao Te Ching, a classic text composed over 2,500 years ago and traditionally credited to the ancient Chinese philosopher Laozi. It teaches that those who understand and abide by the fundamental laws of the universe (The Great Way) win popular support. 

This year is the 80th anniversary of the United Nations. At present, the reform of the global governance system has become a pressing concern for the international community.

Eighty years ago, the painful lessons of World War II led to the creation of the UN, opening a new chapter in global governance. Since its establishment, the UN has spearheaded pivotal agreements, such as the Treaty on the Non-Proliferation of Nuclear Weapons, the UN Framework Convention on Climate Change and the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development. Its role remains indispensable, from maintaining world peace and security and fostering cooperation and growth to resolving international conflicts and addressing global challenges.

As a founding member of the UN and a permanent member of the Security Council, China has always supported the UN in playing a central role in international affairs and actively participated in all its major undertakings. China is the second largest contributor to the UN regular and peacekeeping budgets, and the largest provider of peacekeepers among the UN Security Council's permanent members. It has also introduced multiple concepts and initiatives that reflect the purposes and principles stated in the UN Charter—including the Global Development Initiative, the Global Security Initiative, the Global Civilizations Initiative and the Global Governance Initiative, all of which intend to lay a path toward a community with a shared future for humanity.

These proposals have won widespread recognition among UN member states and have contributed Chinese wisdom and strength to facilitating the international body's growth and advancing global governance.

Today, however, regional conflicts, hegemonism and a shift toward de-globalization are threatening to cripple the global governance system, and humanity once again stands at a decisive juncture. China hopes the UN will take on a more active role in courageously upholding the great principle and the common good of the world. In this context, renewing the UN's founding mission and reaffirming the commitment to the purposes and principles of the UN Charter are of great importance.

In an increasingly complex world, the ancient adage "Uphold the Great Principle, and the world will follow" rings truer than ever. Our focus must remain on the foundational aspirations for peaceful coexistence and a steadfast pursuit of mutually beneficial cooperation.

The global community should use the UN's 80th anniversary as an opportunity to further strengthen the UN-centered system and uphold the vision of global governance that features extensive consultation and joint contribution for shared benefit. By coming together to reform and improve the global governance system, we can contribute to building a community with a shared future for humanity and charting a course toward a brighter future of peace, security, prosperity and progress. BR

Copyedited by Elsbeth van Paridon 

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