UN General Assembly president meets Chinese foreign minister in Beijing amid Iran war tensions and global energy crisis
3-MIN READ3-MIN1 ListenCao Jiaxuanin BeijingPublished: 7:51pm, 29 Apr 2026China’s top diplomat Wang Yi called for “unity and the safeguarding of international justice” during a meeting with UN General Assembly President Annalena Baerbock on Wednesday, urging a global front against the “law of the jungle” amid deepening geopolitical tensions.During the talks in Beijing, Wang told Baerbock that multilateralism faced “severe challenges” from unnamed powers prioritising “might over right”, a veiled critique of Washington.
“Certain countries pursue a policy of ‘strength first,’ openly challenging the status and role of the United Nations,” Wang said, according to a Chinese foreign ministry statement.
Indonesian seafarer among 20,000 stranded for months as Strait of Hormuz remains blocked
Indonesian seafarer among 20,000 stranded for months as Strait of Hormuz remains blockedFacing such “headwinds” and “bullying,” he said, meant the international community must “uphold the correct path of cooperation” rather than allowing the “law of the jungle to prevail”.
Wang, when noting that 2026 marked the 55th anniversary of China’s return to the world body, reiterated China’s position that Beijing was a “steadfast defender” of the UN-centred international system, and pledged support for Baerbock’s mandate.
He expressed “hope and confidence” that she would unify the 193 member states to uphold the core principle of “sovereign equality”.
Baerbock is presiding over the landmark 80th session of the UN General Assembly, a term that runs until September.
