Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi urged the international community to protect multilateralism and uphold the United Nations Charter during a press conference at the UN in New York on Monday [1, 2]. He said, "As we have seen for the recent period of time, the purposes of the UN Charter have been disregarded, the basic norms of international relations have been undermined, and world peace and security are in great jeopardy" [1].
Wang criticized unilateral military actions carried out without Security Council authorization, calling them "unacceptable," and said sanctions exceeding council resolutions "lack legitimacy" [2]. He emphasized the role of the Security Council in ensuring global peace and called on its members to "act responsibly and shoulder their duties at a critical time for global peace and security" [1, 2]. Wang added, "I urge all members of this council to uphold the charter consistently, to act in the interest of peace, and to rebuild trust through leadership and compromise" [2].
China assumed the rotating presidency of the Security Council in May 2026 and Wang Yi visited New York to support China’s new role [1]. At the UN General Assembly, he highlighted China's diplomatic approach to conflict resolution, referencing the "Group of Friends for Peace" initiative on the Ukraine crisis [2]. Wang also expressed hope that the United States and Iran could meet halfway to restore peace in the Middle East [1].
Regarding a potential meeting between Wang Yi and U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio, the State Department declined to comment. Rubio was expected back on Wednesday after meetings with NATO and the Quad [1].
