On the evening of April 19, 2021, State Councilor and Foreign Minister Wang Yi attended and addressed the United Nations Security Council High-level Open Debate "Enhancing Cooperation between the United Nations and Regional and Sub-Regional Organizations" as Special Representative of President Xi Jinping.

Wang Yi said that cooperation with regional organizations by the United Nations (UN) is an express requirement of the UN Charter and an important manifestation of multilateralism. At present, in the face of pronounced challenges to international peace and security, UN and regional organizations should work together to uphold multilateralism and contribute to world peace and global development.

Wang Yi put forward the following four points of views:

First, it is crucial to observe the norms and cement the foundation for peace. The UN Charter is the bedrock of cooperation between the UN and regional organizations. In conducting peace operations, regional organizations need to observe the purposes and principles of the UN Charter, respect sovereignty and territorial integrity of the countries concerned, and avoid interfering in those countries' internal affairs, and must reject the use or threat of force, and reject geopolitics, bloc politics and any provocation of ideological confrontation.

Second, it is imperative to prioritize prevention and diversify the tools for upholding peace. The UN and regional organizations need to follow a security concept that promotes common, comprehensive, cooperative and sustainable security, take preventive diplomacy as the priority, find a political settlement of hotspot issues, uphold the principle of impartiality, and respect the will and choice of the people of the countries concerned.

Third, it is important to complement each other and create a synergy for peace. The UN and its Security Council need to serve as effective coordinators. Regional organizations, in turn, should leverage their own strengths to help address regional disputes in a way suited to regional realities. The two sides may share experience and best practices and engage in flexible and pragmatic cooperation.

Fourth, it is essential to pursue common development and prepare the ground for peace. The UN and regional organizations need to fully appreciate the significance of development in promoting peace, take an integrated approach to peace keeping, peace building and post-war reconstruction, fulfill the 2030 Agenda, better lives and employment, and narrow development gaps. The two side shall advance inter-regional cooperation and connectivity and make efforts to integrate post-conflict countries into regional development.

Wang Yi stressed that this year marks the 50th anniversary of the restoration of China's lawful seat at the United Nations. Throughout the five decades, China has been an active supporter to and participant in the cause of the UN, and a firm defender and practitioner of the UN Charter. China has also consistently supported stronger cooperation between the UN and regional and sub-regional organizations, and has established strategic partnerships with regional organizations including the AU, ASEAN and the Arab League. The partnerships are founded on our common understanding of a shared future and are consistent with the purposes and principles of the UN Charter. Guided by the principles of extensive consultation, joint contribution and shared benefits, our partnerships aim for win-win cooperation. They are never targeted against any third party. China stands ready to enhance cooperation with regional organizations, and build a community with a shared future for mankind.

The meeting was convened at the initiative of the UN Security Council's rotating presidency in April Vietnam. It was chaired by Vietnamese President Nguyen Xuan Phuc and attended by the Security-General of the United Nations António Guterres, representatives of the UN Security Council's member states and representatives of regional organizations including AU, ASEAN, the Arab League and the European Union via video link.