YouSaid · the spoken record

QIAN QICHEN

lines on the record: 273
first: 1988-09-24
most recent: 1997-09-24
sittings or episodes: 10
sources: un-general-debate

Every line below is reproduced as it was said and linked to the record it came from. Nothing here is summarised or generated. Directory · Search · Corrections

“The enlargement of the Security Council should follow the principle of equitable geographical distribution and ensure a proper balance between developing and developed countries. The Security Council will better perform the lofty mission entrusted to it under the United Nations Charter only when it becomes more broadly representative. Payment of assessed dues is the bounden duty of every Member State under the Charter of the United Nations. We urge the countries concerned to pay off their arrears without conditions and as early as possible in order to put the United Nations on a sound financial basis for normal operation. Countries around the world need the United Nations. So does the United Nations need their support.”
1997-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 52 (1997)
“It should allow full play to democracy, heed the voices of all sides and take into account the interests of various parties. The reform plan should be widely acceptable to Member States. To enhance efficiency, an appropriate reduction of personnel and expenditure is necessary. What is important, however, is for the reform to put greater emphasis on development issues with a view to 18 strengthening rather than weakening the United Nations role in the promotion of economic and social development. The reform should help preserve the diversity in the United Nations, which is a microcosm of the diversity of the world. Only when world diversity is recognized and respected can different countries live in harmony and make progress together. The reform should stress practical results, place value on quality, and progress in an incremental manner.”
1997-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 52 (1997)
“As the most important intergovernmental organization in the world, the United Nations occupies an irreplaceable position in international life. At the same time, an evolving situation calls for reform of the United Nations. Last July, Secretary-General Kofi Annan submitted an extensive report on the reform of the United Nations. We appreciate his effort. We are in favour of reforming the United Nations. The purpose of such reform is to strengthen the role of the United Nations and enhance its efficiency. Measures taken in this regard must reflect the common interests of all Member States and the results must be able to stand the test of time. To this end, we offer the following views. United Nations reform is the shared cause of all Member States.”
1997-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 52 (1997)
“We in China — taking upon ourselves the task of feeding, clothing, sheltering and educating, and providing travel facilities to, our 1.2 billion people — know full well how vitally important our right to subsistence and our right to development are. To enable our people to lead a freer, happier and more democratic life, we are focusing above all on the development of our economy and on advancing democracy and our legal system. China will soon sign the International Covenant on Economic, Social and Cultural Rights and is studying earnestly the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights. We stand ready to work with other countries in a continued effort to promote cooperation in the international human rights field.”
1997-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 52 (1997)
“Which is the better approach: dialogue or confrontation? I opt for dialogue. Only dialogue can enhance mutual understanding and cooperation. Confrontation, on the other hand, can only lead to further estrangement and do nobody any good. We are pleased to see that more and more countries are in favour of dialogue in handling the human rights issue. The Chinese Government attaches importance to human rights and is dedicated to promoting and protecting human rights of its people. Having repeatedly suffered from foreign aggression in the past, the Chinese people know full well how state sovereignty and territorial integrity fundamentally guarantee the realization of their human rights.”
1997-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 52 (1997)
“The realization of human rights is the common ideal of mankind. All countries have made great efforts to this end, with both achievements and lessons. We maintain that the universality of human rights should be respected; yet their realization must be integrated with the conditions of each country. A review of United Nations practice over the past 50 years and more shows that when countries or regions do this they will enjoy social stability, economic development and popular contentment. When they do not, society will face disintegration, with people losing their most basic human rights and freedoms, and gross violations of human rights will even take place when chaos erupts as a result of war. We say it is quite natural for people to differ on the human rights issue. The question is how to deal with these differences.”
1997-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 52 (1997)
“The work of the United Nations in the social field needs to be strengthened. All countries should, in keeping with the principles of mutual respect, equality and mutual benefit, endeavour to promote international cooperation. They should get down to practical tasks, the first of which is to help developing countries deal with their most urgent difficulties. We hope that the special session of the General Assembly on international drug control, scheduled for next year, will yield positive results by formulating a cross-century strategy for combating drug- related crimes through strengthened international cooperation along with effective measures of implementation. China will continue to support the United Nations in its work in the social field and will make a greater contribution to social progress around the world.”
1997-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 52 (1997)
“The Uruguay Round agreements should be implemented in a comprehensive, faithful and balanced manner, and attempts to impose a linkage between environmental or labour standards and trade must be opposed. Environment and development pose a common challenge to mankind. The United Nations has held two 17 important conferences in the 1990s, setting forth a set of guiding principles for the solution of the issue. We hope the international community, developed countries in particular, will honour its pledges to provide funds and transfer technology to the developing countries so as to translate the declaration of partnership into real action. Many transboundary issues, such as poverty, unemployment, refugees, drugs and crime, need to be addressed through consultation by the international community.”
1997-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 52 (1997)
“This is a move of major significance in the field of disarmament. In the past year, the overall situation of the world economy has been good. Economic links and mutual penetration among countries and regions are on the constant increase. The importance of international cooperation should be given a fresh evaluation with a view to making it broader, closer and more fruitful. Developing countries are most vulnerable to the impact of adverse environmental conditions because of their weak economic foundations. At present, the international financial market is highly globalized and very risky. We should work to stabilize the financial market and ensure steady economic growth of the developing countries.”
1997-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 52 (1997)
“We maintain that continued efforts should be made to advance the process of multilateral arms control and disarmament. The universality of international arms- control treaties should be strengthened and complete adherence to them ensured. Instead of weakening and undermining security, arms-control and disarmament efforts should reinforce it. The target of disarmament should not be shifted to developing countries, as countries with the largest and most sophisticated arsenals bear a special responsibility for disarmament. I would also like to draw the Assembly’s attention to China’s recent announcement of a unilateral step of disarmament — that is, having reduced its troop strength by 1 million in the 1980s, China will further reduce its military by 500,000 troops within the next three years.”
1997-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 52 (1997)
“The Chemical Weapons Convention has entered into force; the Preparatory Committee of the Comprehensive Nuclear-Test-Ban Treaty has started its work; the extent of nuclear-weapon-free zones is increasing; and negotiations on the efficacy of the Biological Weapons Convention have made further headway. In our view, no one should try to monopolize the market in the name of preventing proliferation or try to interfere in the economic and technological cooperation of other countries, developing countries in particular. An overhaul of the discriminatory and exclusive non-proliferation regimes and arrangements is thus necessary, on the basis of universal participation, and the United Nations should see to it that it accomplishes something in this regard.”
1997-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 52 (1997)
“We are of the view that the relevant United Nations resolutions should be complied with, agreements reached among the parties concerned in the peace process should be honoured, the principle of land for peace should be adhered to, and terrorist activities should stop. We hope that the parties concerned will work together on that basis so that the Madrid Peace Conference on peace in the Middle East will resume at an early date. We are also deeply concerned about the incessant conflicts and turmoil which have plagued Africa since the beginning of this year, and wish the African countries steady progress along the road of peace and development. The past year has seen new progress in the field of international arms control and disarmament.”
1997-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 52 (1997)
“In the first half of the year, five countries — China, Russia, Kazakhstan, Tajikistan and Kyrgyzstan — signed the agreement on mutual reduction of military forces in the border areas; the four-party talks aimed at bringing about a new peace mechanism on the Korean peninsula were launched; and the Regional Forum of the Association of South-East Asian Nations (ASEAN) introduced a preliminary form of cooperation on security issues featuring equal participation and negotiated consensus. These are some of the examples of searching for new models of security cooperation and of the initial progress already made. We feel concerned about the recent setbacks in the Middle East peace process.”
1997-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 52 (1997)
“This should serve as the economic foundation for global and regional security. All countries should step up consultation and cooperation in the security field, increase mutual understanding and trust, and undertake to settle through peaceful means, whatever differences and disputes they may have. This is the practical way to achieve global and regional security.”
1997-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 52 (1997)
“Relations between States should be based on the five principles of mutual respect for sovereignty and territorial integrity, mutual non-aggression, non-interference in each other’s internal affairs, equality and mutual benefit and peaceful coexistence. Each country has the right to choose a road of development according to its own national conditions, and no country should interfere in the internal affairs of other countries on whatever grounds. This must serve as the political prerequisite for global and regional security. 16 All countries should increase their mutually beneficial cooperation in the economic field, eliminate unequal practices in trade and economic relations, and do away with discriminatory policies with a view to gradually narrowing the gap between the rich and the poor and achieving common prosperity.”
1997-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 52 (1997)
“And the cold war, which lasted for more than four decades in the latter half of our century, kept humanity in the dark shadow of war. Reviewing the past and looking to the future, people throughout the world are anxiously waiting for the establishment of a just and equitable new international political and economic order, and they are hoping to see lasting peace and prosperity for all in the coming century. The cold-war security regime that featured military alliances and the arms race is, as has been proved, incapable of making peace. Expanding military blocs and enhancing military alliances under new circumstances can do little to bring about greater security.”
1997-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 52 (1997)
“Any country that attempts to use the Taiwan question to put pressure on China or even clamours for “two Chinas” or “one China, one Taiwan” has acted in total contravention of the purposes and principles of the United Nations Charter and the relevant General Assembly resolutions. Such behaviour will be absolutely unacceptable to the Chinese people, as well as to all the countries upholding justice in the world. As the international situation continues to undergo profound changes, peace and development have become the main themes of our times. The world is evolving towards multipolarity with growing diversity in countries’ political, economic and cultural lives. This trend has become an irresistible tide of history. The two world wars in the first half of the twentieth century plunged mankind into unprecedented havoc.”
1997-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 52 (1997)
“On 1 July of this year, China resumed its exercise of sovereignty over Hong Kong, which wiped out our national humiliation of one and a half centuries and opened up a new chapter in our peaceful reunification. During the more than two months since its return, Hong Kong has enjoyed social stability and economic prosperity, which fills the people of Hong Kong, of China and of the world at large with great joy. The realization of Deng Xiaoping’s concept of “one country, two systems” in Hong Kong carries profound significance. Firmly adhering to this concept, we will keep up the peaceful reunification of our motherland by ensuring a smooth return of Macao and eventually resolving the Taiwan question. Taiwan is an inalienable part of Chinese territory, and the Taiwan question is purely an internal affair of China.”
1997-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 52 (1997)
“Here, on behalf of the Chinese Government and people, I would like once again to thank the United Nations and its Member States for the sincere condolences they expressed on the passing of Deng Xiaoping. Your kind words gave us strength at our time of bereavement. Just a few days ago, the Fifteenth National Congress of the Communist Party of China came to a triumphant conclusion in Beijing. This Congress, holding high the great banner of Deng Xiaoping theory, charts the future course of China’s development with a blueprint and displays the resolve to carry forward the cause of building socialism with Chinese characteristics well into the twenty-first century.”
1997-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 52 (1997)
“Please allow me to congratulate you, Sir, on your assumption of the presidency of the General Assembly at its current session. I believe your wisdom and experience will enable you to accomplish your lofty mission with distinction. At the same time, I would like to express my appreciation to Mr. Razali Ismail for his contribution as President of the General Assembly at its last session. This year, 1997, is no ordinary year for China. Last February, when Deng Xiaoping, the chief architect of China’s reform and opening-up, passed away, the 1.2 billion Chinese people were immersed in deep sorrow. Turning grief into strength, we are determined to heed his behest by deepening reform, opening the country still wider to the outside world, stepping up national development and promoting the cause of world peace.”
1997-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 52 (1997)
“The profound changes in the international scene have brought forth rare opportunities as well as serious challenges. Let us seize the opportunities, meet the challenges and push forward the cause of peace and development. Such is the glorious mission which our times have bestowed on us. The Chinese Government and people are ready to join with all other Governments and peoples in this endeavour.”
1996-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 51 (1996)
“There is but one China in the world and Taiwan is an inalienable part of its sacred territory. “Peaceful reunification and one country with two systems” — this is our unswerving guideline for the settlement of the Taiwan question. This question involves a cardinal principle of China’s sovereignty and territorial integrity and the great task of reunification. It is a purely internal affair of China which will brook no outside interference. The Chinese Government and people are determined to carry through the struggle against all attempts to split their territory or create an independent Taiwan. No force on Earth can hold back China’s great cause of reunification. The world is on the march at top speed. New contradictions and problems are constantly arising.”
1996-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 51 (1996)
“The existing social and economic system and way of life will remain unchanged, and the laws currently in force in Hong Kong will be basically maintained. Hong Kong will retain its status as an international trade, financial and shipping centre, free port and separate customs territory. Its long-term stability and prosperity will be guaranteed. Foreign economic interests in Hong Kong will be accommodated. Twenty-five years ago, at its twenty-sixth session, the General Assembly adopted the historic resolution 2758 (XXVI), solemnly declaring the restoration to the People’s Republic of China all its lawful rights in the United Nations. That resolution thoroughly settled the question of China’s representation in the United Nation in all aspects — political, legal and procedural.”
1996-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 51 (1996)
“This will be a milestone in the great cause of our national reunification. It is also a good example of how countries can peacefully resolve issues left over by history. Preparations are under way to put into effect our resumption of the exercise of sovereignty over Hong Kong. We are fully capable of ensuring a smooth transfer of government and transition in Hong Kong. After Hong Kong’s return to the embrace of the motherland, we will put into effect the policy of “one country, two systems”. As a Special Administrative Region of the People’s Republic of China, and in conformity with the Basic Law of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region, Hong Kong will be administered by the Hong Kong people. It will enjoy a high degree of autonomy.”
1996-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 51 (1996)
“Seventeen years of reform and opening up have brought about a fourfold increase in our gross national product. Our overall national strength will grow further in another 15 years. Yet China will still be a developing country with relatively low ranking in terms of indicators such as per capita gross national product. China’s development will only help to bolster the elements making for peace. We pose no threat to anyone anywhere, but will only help to strengthen the cause of world peace, stability and development. On the other hand, if China fails to achieve economic development and its population of 1.2 billion is mired in poverty, that would indeed be ominous for world peace and stability. China will resume the exercise of sovereignty over Hong Kong as from 1 July 1997.”
1996-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 51 (1996)
“Despite severe natural disasters in some parts of the country, we have still managed to gather a bumper harvest of summer crops this year. Grain output for the entire year is expected to top the previous year’s figures. The Ninth Five-Year Plan for National Economic and Social Development and the Outline of the Long-Range Objectives to the Year 2010 were inaugurated this year. They depict a promising future for China’s modernization drive at the turn of the century. By the year 2000, when our population will have had a net increase of 300 million, we expect to quadruple our 1980 per capita gross national product. And by the year 2010 our gross national product is anticipated to be twice that of the year 2000. Then we will have put in place a viable socialist market economy.”
1996-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 51 (1996)
“Fifthly, all States should negotiate with a view to concluding an international convention on the complete prohibition and total destruction of nuclear weapons. Since mankind was able to produce nuclear weapons in the twentieth century, it is fully capable of abolishing them in the twenty-first century. The Chinese Government and people are ready to join hands with all Governments 16 and peoples of the world to strive for the realization of this lofty goal. My country continues to press forward along the road of reform, opening up and modernization. Our economy maintains a healthy momentum. The macroeconomic environment continues to improve. We anticipate a growth rate of around 10 per cent this year. Inflation will be kept below 10 per cent.”
1996-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 51 (1996)
“Secondly, all nuclear States should assume the obligation not to be the first to use nuclear weapons at any time or under any circumstances; they should unconditionally renounce the use or threat of use of such weapons against non-nuclear States or nuclear-free zones; and they should conclude international instruments to that effect without delay. Thirdly, those States which have deployed nuclear weapons overseas should withdraw them completely; all nuclear States should pledge support for moves to set up nuclear-free zones; they should respect the status of such zones and assume corresponding obligations. Fourthly, all States should refrain from developing or deploying weapons systems in outer space and missile defence systems that undermine strategic security and stability.”
1996-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 51 (1996)
“In our view, the comprehensive test-ban Treaty is only a first step in the entire process of comprehensive nuclear disarmament. There are still large stockpiles of nuclear arms in the world. Some nuclear Powers still refuse to undertake not to be the first to use such weapons. We still have a long way to go, and must continue to work strenuously in order to achieve the ultimate goal of the total elimination of nuclear weapons. In order to expedite nuclear disarmament and free ourselves from the danger of nuclear war forever, I wish to reiterate the following calls on behalf of the Chinese Government: first, the major nuclear Powers should renounce their policy of nuclear deterrence; those possessing huge nuclear arsenals should continue to cut back their stockpiles drastically.”
1996-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 51 (1996)
“We call on the major countries whose financial contributions to the Organization are in arrears to fulfil the financial obligations set forth in the Charter by unconditionally paying up in full without further delay. Major progress has been made in the field of arms control and disarmament since the last session of the General Assembly. The Comprehensive Nuclear-Test-Ban Treaty resulting from two and a half years of negotiations has finally been adopted by the General Assembly.China actively participated in the Treaty negotiations and displayed maximum flexibility, thereby contributing significantly to the final conclusion of the Treaty. We have always stood for the complete prohibition and thorough destruction of nuclear weapons.”
1996-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 51 (1996)
“They must also contribute to a more positive and effective United Nations role in promoting world peace and common development. They must conform to the principle of the sovereign equality of all States, and reflect the aspirations of the developing countries, which comprise more than two-thirds of the membership. Democratic consultations should be practiced throughout this process. We are confident that we will be able to achieve a broad consensus as long as all of us engage in patient deliberations in the spirit of openness and fair play, and with a readiness to consider all legitimate concerns. The United Nations continues to be plagued by a serious financial crisis. The Organization cannot function normally without firm and reliable fiscal resources.”
1996-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 51 (1996)
“The international community at large should press for the implementation of the follow-up actions of the Cairo International Conference on Population and Development, the Copenhagen World Summit for Social Development and the Beijing Fourth World Conference on Women in favour of universal social development. Our Organization has gone through vicissitudes in the course of half a century. Enormous changes have taken place on the world scene. It is imperative for the United Nations to carry out appropriate rational reforms so that it can better perform the noble mission of the times and usher a better world into the twenty-first century. All reforms must be conducive to realizing the purposes and principles of the Charter and to improving the efficiency of the United Nations.”
1996-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 51 (1996)
“It is hoped that next year’s special session on environment and development will be able to resolve these issues. 15 Poverty, unemployment, the problem of refugees, crime, over-population, environmental deterioration, drug abuse and terrorism — these scourges remain formidable and impede global stability and development. In the face of these challenges, all countries should not only carry out social development policies commensurate with their own national conditions, but should also actively cooperate with one another in line with the principles of mutual respect, equality and mutual benefit. The United Nations needs to enhance its social programmes focusing on developing countries.”
1996-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 51 (1996)
“Strengthening international cooperation in the field of the environment and development is a vital link in global efforts to achieve sustainable development. Four years after the United Nations Conference on Environment and Development, the public has become increasingly aware of the importance of environmental protection. Sustainable development has become a major objective in the socio-economic development strategies of all countries. However, international cooperation in this domain is disappointingly lagging. Developed countries have failed to live up to their pledges under Agenda 21 in terms of funding and technology transfer, yet they demand that developing countries accept obligations exceeding their capability at their present level of development.”
1996-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 51 (1996)
“Caught in the web of relentless international competition, the least-developed countries are in distress, and the risk of marginalization is looming large. To make matters worse, the amount of official development assistance from richer countries is shrinking every year, with more stringent conditions attached. The coffers of the United Nations Capital Development Fund are drying up, and future prospects are grim indeed. The international community, and especially the developed countries, are duty-bound to take effective measures to reverse this dire situation. The promotion of economic development and the prosperity of all countries, and the elimination of poverty should always be at the top of the United Nations agenda.”
1996-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 51 (1996)
“International economic exchanges and cooperation should be built on the basis of mutual complementarity. Facing the tide of economic globalization, neither developed nor developing countries should resort to trade protectionism. Rather, both should make the necessary readjustments and reforms in the light of their own national conditions in order to promote their welfare and keep out of harm’s way. Only by enhancing international exchanges and cooperation on the basis of equality and mutual benefit can we jointly cope with new problems arising in the course of world economic advances and achieve sustained common development and prosperity. No one should overlook the unevenness of world development and the ever widening gap between developed and developing countries.”
1996-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 51 (1996)
“This presents a rare opportunity to both developed and developing countries. By riding the tide of globalization and relying on their own unremitting efforts, some developing countries have achieved sustained and rapid economic growth, thereby giving a great impetus to world economic growth. These and other changes on the world scene have widened the prospects of international cooperation. Regrettably, however, a counter-current of trade protectionism has recently arisen in the ranks of developed countries, designed to curtail the development of developing countries and exclude them from the decision-making process on major world economic issues. Any act prejudicial to developing countries will in the final analysis undermine the interests of developed countries.”
1996-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 51 (1996)
“Interference in other countries’ internal affairs under various pretexts, and indulgence in sanctions-wielding or even the use of force are trampling on the purposes and principles of the Charter of the United Nations and all accepted norms of international relations, thereby threatening and undermining world peace and stability. Recent controversies in international forums, generated by the issue of sanctions, signify that in the context of a growing trend towards multipolarity, hegemonism and power politics will become increasingly untenable. The vigorous expansion of international trade and investment and the rapid advance of science and technology have led to closer economic ties between countries and regions, thus accelerating the process of economic globalization.”
1996-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 51 (1996)
“Peace should have prevailed in the post-cold-war world, in which equal members of the international community should respect each other’s sovereignty and territorial integrity, refrain from invading each other or interfering in each other’s internal affairs, and live in harmony with each other, in a spirit of seeking common ground and putting aside differences. However, the reality is that the world today is far from tranquil because the cold-war mentality dies hard and hegemonism has repeatedly raised its ugly head.”
1996-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 51 (1996)
“We hope that the international community will continue to give attention and attach importance to African issues so as to help bring lasting peace and development to the whole African continent at an early date. But the path towards peace is tortuous. After some major gains in preceding years, the Middle East peace process has hit snags again. China is concerned at this development. We hope that all the parties concerned will strive for an early comprehensive and just settlement of this issue by strictly observing the agreements already reached and resuming negotiations and dialogue on the basis of the relevant United Nations resolutions.”
1996-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 51 (1996)
“We are pleased to note that the peace accord reached between the belligerents in Bosnia and Herzegovina is being implemented, and that Yugoslavia and Croatia have normalized their relations. It is hoped that peace will soon be fully restored to the region of the former Yugoslavia in order to put an end to the prolonged conflict in that part of Europe. The impact on Africa of the drastic changes in the post-cold war international situation is waning. Africa is entering a new historical era in which it is striving for peace, stability and development. Many burning issues in Africa have already been or are in the process of being settled gradually. At the same time, however, some 14 countries and regions are still plagued by the scourge of war.”
1996-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 51 (1996)
“An agreement on confidence-building in the military field along border areas has been concluded between China on the one hand, and the Russian Federation, Kazakstan, Kyrgyzstan and Tajikistan on the other; this agreement governs a boundary over 3,000 kilometres in length. The Association of South-East Asian Nations (ASEAN) Regional Forum has succeeded in bringing Asia-Pacific countries together to consider security issues facing the region. The Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation Council (APEC) has become a useful mechanism for promoting trade and investment liberalization as well as economic and technological cooperation in the region. The past year has seen peace returning to a number of war-torn countries and regions.”
1996-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 51 (1996)
“The world is deeply impressed with the vigorous economic development of Asia, East Asia in particular. The convening of the first Asia-Europe meeting highlighted the changes now being seen and marked an important new beginning for an equal, cooperative relationship between Asia and Europe. As the world moves towards multipolarity, the forces for peace are bolstered. The call for dialogue and cooperation, as against confrontation and conflict, has become louder. In the Asia-Pacific region, efforts to maintain peace and stability and promote common development through dialogue, consultation and cooperation have yielded positive results.”
1996-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 51 (1996)
“Multipolarity is gaining momentum in a global as well as a regional context. Major Powers are readjusting their relationships. On the other hand, the multitude of developing countries have become increasingly aware of the need to bolster their strength through concerted efforts. The Non-Aligned Movement continues to uphold the ideals and principles of independence, independent decision-making and non-affiliation with blocs, and is vigorously pushing for a new just and democratic international order of peace and equality. Regional economic organizations, which are displaying great vitality, are expanding their role in promoting regional cooperation and development in their respective areas. Asia’s upsurge is having a significant impact on the world’s political and economic configurations.”
1996-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 51 (1996)
“Please allow me first of all to offer my sincere congratulations to Ambassador Razali Ismail on his election to the presidency of the General Assembly at its current session. I am convinced that with his outstanding ability and rich experience he will fulfil this lofty mission with distinction. I would also like to express my thanks to Mr. Diogo Freitas do Amaral for the important contribution he made during his presidency of the last session. The 1990s are a period of momentous transition, during which international relations are undergoing the most far-reaching changes since the Second World War. The collapse and disappearance of the bipolar structure has rekindled hope that the world will become a community of countries with equal rights for all, rather than one dominated by a single big Power.”
1996-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 51 (1996)
“The future is full of promise. Let us join hands and make concerted efforts to bring about a better world in which there are peace and cooperation, justice and equality, mutual respect and common development, a world of universal prosperity and continuous progress.”
1995-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 50 (1995)
“The peaceful reunification of the two sides of the Taiwan Straits represents the unshakable will and determination of the entire Chinese people, including our compatriots in Taiwan. Proceeding from this reality, the Chinese Government has put forward the correct proposal on peaceful reunification within the framework of the concept of “one country, two systems” and a series of realistic and practicable policies and measures. The past few years have seen a steady expansion and deepening of exchanges and contacts between the two sides in various fields. Any attempt to obstruct peaceful reunification and to split Taiwan from China is doomed to failure. Should anyone try to do so, he would be lifting a stone only to drop it on his own toes. History moves on. Mankind is progressing. In four years we will usher in a new millennium.”
1995-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 50 (1995)
“Even when China grows stronger, it will continue firmly to pursue its independent foreign policy of peace and will live in amity with other nations. A stable and prosperous China is a positive factor for peace and development in Asia and the world at large. This is a conclusion that people of vision around the world have come to share. The Chinese people have waged heroic and unyielding struggles to resist external aggression and oppression and to defend the sovereignty, independence and unity of the country. There is but one China in the world. The Government of the People’s Republic of China is the sole legal Government of China. It is the sole representative of China at the United Nations, and Taiwan is an inalienable part of China.”
1995-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 50 (1995)
“China’s history for over a century following the Opium War was one of tears, blood and humiliation in which the Chinese nation was subjected to repeated aggression, suppression and plunder at the hands of the big Powers. Do unto others as you would have others do unto you. The Chinese people treasure their hard-won independence and freedom and will never commit aggression or intervene against others. China is opposed to hegemonism and power politics of any kind and will never seek hegemony for itself. With a population of 1.2 billion, China will remain a low-income developing country for a very long time and the steady improvement of our people’s living standards will remain our objective, towards the attainment of which no effort will be spared.”
1995-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 50 (1995)
“The 17 years that have elapsed since the beginning of reform and opening-up in China have been unprecedented in terms of the economic growth rate and the improvement of the people’s living standards. At present, China enjoys political stability, economic prosperity, ethnic harmony and vigorous advances in democracy, legality and community undertakings. China’s exchanges and cooperation with the rest of the world have reached a level unprecedented in both scope and depth. Although there may still be many difficulties and challenges along the road ahead, we are confident that, 11 through several generations of hard work, our people will lift China out of economic and cultural backwardness and turn it into a highly prosperous and democratic modern country. The Chinese people are peace-loving people.”
1995-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 50 (1995)