(19 August 2004, Durban, South Africa)

Madam Chairperson,

First of all, I wish to express my heartfelt thanks to Malaysia, the current Chair of the Non-Aligned Movement (NAM), and our host country South Africa for their careful arrangements and warm hospitality.

In a world of globalization, multilateralism is the sole solution to the world's problems and also the trend of our times.

The war on Iraq once deepened the suspicion of the international community over the effectiveness of multilateral cooperation. Unwarranted use of force on a unilateral basis, as represented by the pre-emptive strategy, deals a blow to the collective security mechanism, posing one of the most severe challenges to multilateralism in the 21st century.

All the peace-loving people are now pondering over the same question: how should we promote multilateralism, in order to maintain world peace and realize common development?

China maintains that the establishment of a new international order which is fair and rational, the realization of democracy and rule of law in international relations and the promotion of multi-polarization represent the only way to facilitate the development of multilateralism.

The multi-polarization that we stand for is a benign configuration in which various forces coexist in harmony, develop in balance and jointly maintain the stability of the international community, instead of one where superpowers contend for hegemony as once existed in history. The developing countries, as one of the main forces of the world, should be an irreplaceable and important component of it.

The democratization of international relations that we stand for aims at putting various forces in order. All countries, regardless of size, wealth and strength, should respect each other and participate in consultations on an equal footing. No country has the right to impose its will upon others.

The new international order that we stand for should lead to a world where all countries discuss with each other political issues based on mutual respect, seek common development through mutual assistance in the economic field, learn and benefit from each other's culture and work together to maintain security with mutual trust, and where all countries are committed to peace and progress of mankind.

Madam Chairperson,

The United Nations, at the core of the international multilateral mechanism, is the best venue to exercise multilateralism. A bigger role of the United Nations and a better international multilateral mechanism will be the most important embodiment of strong multilateralism.

We should continue to carry forward the UN Charter as the guide in international relations. Against the current backdrop, the purposes and principles enshrined in the UN Charter, particularly the important principles of "respect for national sovereignty, non-interference in the internal affairs of states, settling international disputes by peaceful means and strengthening international cooperation", are still relevant and should continue to be abided by.

We should work together to safeguard the leading role of the UN and its Security Council in international affairs. We must look to the Security Council for decisions on major issues bearing on world peace and security, especially those of "war or peace".

We should support rational and necessary UN reforms based on thorough consultations among the member states, so that the UN can strengthen its role, work more efficiently and address the biggest concerns of all parties, particularly the issue of development.

We should encourage the UN to continuously enhance its links and cooperation with other international and regional organizations to improve the multilateral mechanism centering on the UN and complemented by coordinating agencies.

Madam Chairperson,

Without extensive participation and equal status of the vast majority of the developing countries, we can by no means realize democracy in international relations or a fair and rational international order, let alone stronger multilateralism.

NAM is an important way for the developing countries to grow stronger through unity. For decades, NAM has kept forging ahead and exerted itself for a multi-polar world and a new international political and economic order which is fair and rational. I believe that through further reforms, NAM will make greater contribution to the interests of the developing countries.

China has always valued its important role in international affairs. We have stood together in adversity and supported each other. It is the adamant policy of the Chinese Government to further strengthen solidarity and cooperation with the developing countries, NAM members included. China will, as always, dedicate itself to promoting multilateralism, strengthening unity and cooperation with the developing countries and bringing lasting peace and security, development and prosperity to the world.

I thank you, Madam Chairperson.