China Uses UN Speech to Link Security, Development and Global Governance
Chinese Vice President Han Zheng used China’s address to the 81st United Nations General Assembly on September 26 to present Beijing’s current approach to global security, development and institutional reform.
In the speech, Han argued that disputes should be handled through dialogue and consultation, opposed military action that violates the UN Charter or bypasses Security Council authorization, and called for greater representation of developing countries in global governance.
Development and the Global South
Han placed development alongside security as a central international issue. He said China has remained a major contributor to global economic growth and highlighted Beijing’s Global Development Initiative as a framework for projects involving poverty reduction, food security, industrialization, digital development and the energy transition.
The speech also called on developed economies to meet existing development-finance commitments and argued against protectionism, economic decoupling and restrictions that disrupt international supply chains.
China’s UN message connected these economic themes to institutional reform. Han said developing countries should have a stronger voice in global governance and that reform of the United Nations should improve effectiveness while preserving the organization’s central role.
That position reflects a recurring feature of Chinese diplomacy: presenting sovereignty, development and multilateral institutions as linked issues rather than separate policy areas.
Security through multilateral rules
On security, Han said the UN Charter should remain the basis for international relations and argued that geopolitical disputes should be addressed politically rather than through unilateral force. China also emphasized its role in UN peacekeeping and its status as a permanent member of the Security Council.
The speech did not resolve the major disagreements surrounding these issues. Governments continue to differ over the legitimacy and effectiveness of sanctions, military intervention, trade restrictions and the design of international institutions. But the address provides a clear statement of the principles Beijing says should guide its foreign policy.
Read Han Zheng’s full UN address (September 26, 2026).
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