China News Service, United Nations, October 7th. Sun Lei, Deputy Permanent Representative of China to the United Nations, made a joint speech on the 7th at the Sixth Committee (Legal Committee) of the United Nations General Assembly on behalf of the "Group of Friends of Global Governance" and put forward four suggestions on safeguarding the international rule of law and strengthening global governance.
Sun Lei spoke under the topic of "Domestic and International Rule of Law" and said that today, more than 80 years after the birth of the United Nations, the international situation is intertwined with chaos, regional conflicts are emerging, unilateralism and power politics are rampant, global competition is intensifying, international rule of law has been severely impacted, and human peace and security are facing severe challenges. Here, the "Group of Friends of Global Governance" would like to make the following suggestions:
The first is to safeguard the authority of the United Nations Charter and abide by the international rule of law. The foundation of strictly enforcing international rule of law lies in adhering to the purposes and principles of the Charter. The various confrontations and injustices happening in the world today are not because the Charter is outdated, but because it has not been effectively implemented. All parties must safeguard the authority and seriousness of international law and jointly safeguard the international order based on international law.
The second is to pursue sovereign equality and ensure the equal and uniform application of rules. The principle of sovereignty is the cornerstone of modern international relations. No matter how big or small, strong or weak, rich or poor, the sovereignty and dignity of all countries must be respected. Ensuring the equal and uniform application of international rules is an inevitable requirement for pursuing sovereign equality. All countries enjoy equal rights and obligations under international law and resolutely oppose double standards and selective application. In this regard, we reiterate that countries should avoid taking unilateral economic, financial or trade measures that are inconsistent with international law and the Charter of the United Nations and hinder economic and social development, especially in developing countries.
The third is to insist on peaceful settlement of disputes and oppose the frequent use of force in international relations. Countries have the right to independently choose dispute settlement methods. We call for peaceful settlement of disputes, including border disputes, in a manner of their own choice in accordance with Article 33 of the United Nations Charter. We oppose the use or threat of use of force in international relations. In this regard, we recall that the United Nations Security Council unanimously adopted Resolution 2788 last year and noted that the establishment and operation of the International Mediation Court provides a new platform for the peaceful settlement of international disputes and supports various entities to resolve cross-regional disputes through active mediation.
The fourth is to strengthen the governance of new territories and respond to the needs of the times. At present, a new round of scientific and technological revolution is accelerating and the territory of human exploration is constantly expanding, which urgently requires the participation and guidance of the international rule of law. All parties should strengthen global governance in emerging fields such as cyber, outer space, deep sea, polar regions, and artificial intelligence to ensure that relevant fields become an increase in cooperation among all parties, rather than a battlefield for mutual competition.
Sun Lei said that the "Group of Friends of Global Governance" supports continuing to strengthen the interaction and exchanges between the Sixth Committee of the UN General Assembly and the International Law Commission to jointly promote the gradual development and codification of international law. The "Group of Friends of Global Governance" is willing to work with all parties to jointly safeguard the international system with the United Nations at its core, the international order based on international law, and the basic norms of international relations based on the purposes and principles of the United Nations Charter, and work together to promote domestic and international rule of law, achieve fairness and justice, and build a better world. (over)
