Secretary-General Commemorates Fortieth Anniversary of Restitution

 

of People’s Republic of China’s Seat in United Nations

Following is UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon’s message on the celebration of the fortieth anniversary of the restitution to the People’s Republic of China to its seat in the United Nations, delivered by Kassym-Jomart Tokayev, Director-General of the United Nations Office at Geneva, in Beijing today, 25 October:

Today we mark four decades since the passage of General Assembly resolution 2758, which recognized the People’s Republic of China as the legitimate representatives of China in the United Nations.

With that action, the people of China became represented in the United Nations, and the world body itself became more representative.

Through the years, China has played an important role in the United Nations, not only as a Member State, but also as a permanent member of the Security Council.  It has sent over 19,000 military, police and civilian personnel to serve in 28 United Nations peacekeeping missions.

As the largest developing country in the world, it has achieved unprecedented economic growth and progress towards the achievement of the Millennium Development Goals; successes which serve as inspiration to many others.

China has also supported United Nations efforts to advance sustainable development, and has become an increasingly important humanitarian donor, committing over $75 million to United Nations appeals this year.

In a world of multiple crises, China is crucial to forging multilateral solutions to twenty-first century challenges.  Together, let us strive to build a better world based on the shared values and principles of the United Nations Charter, as well as the body of international laws and agreements that are the foundation of our common quest for development, peace and security, and human rights.

As China’s global standing and influence grow, I trust it will continue to assume an ever more active role in meeting its responsibilities as a major Power and in making the world safer, just and more peaceful for generations to come.

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For information media • not an official record