China’s Premier Li Keqiang addressed the United Nations General Assembly, emphasizing that solidarity benefits all, while division undermines global progress. He warned that unilateralism and protectionism threaten the international order built over decades, and stated that humanity is once again at a crossroads.
Reflecting on the defeat of fascism and the founding of the UN eight decades ago, Premier Li called for renewed commitment to peace, fairness, and justice. He stressed that all countries, regardless of size, must be treated as equals, and reiterated China’s dedication to being a “staunch defender of world peace and security.”
Premier Li highlighted China’s contributions to UN peacekeeping as the second-largest budgetary contributor and the largest troop contributor among Security Council permanent members. He underscored China’s role in promoting political solutions to global conflicts, including those in Ukraine and the Israel-Palestine region.
On the global economy, Li warned that sluggish growth is worsened by tariff hikes and trade barriers. He pointed to China’s steady economic expansion, contributing roughly 30 percent of global growth in recent years, while highlighting the country’s efforts to lower tariffs and remain the world’s second-largest importer for 16 consecutive years.
Premier Li advocated for “high-quality Belt and Road cooperation” with over 150 countries and wider economic openness. He also urged societies to engage in deeper exchanges and cautioned against civilizational superiority or ideology-based blocs, which he said foster confrontation.
Addressing global challenges, Li called for stronger collective action on climate change and emerging technologies. He noted that China has developed the world’s largest renewable energy system and is advancing low-carbon development. He also emphasized the need for international rules on artificial intelligence, proposing the creation of a “world AI cooperation organization.”
As part of China’s UN engagement, Premier Li announced that lunar soil samples collected from the far side of the moon by China’s latest robotic explorer would be presented to the UN for the first time. He further revealed plans to establish a China-UN Global South–South Development Facility with $10 million in initial funding and a global centre for sustainable development in Shanghai in cooperation with the UN Development Program.
Concluding his address, Premier Li reaffirmed China’s commitment to people-centered development, equitable technology use, and shared benefits, while reiterating support for UN reforms to make the organization more efficient and representative.
