Key Facts
- Resolution 2758 adopted
- Oct 25, 1971
- China's UN budget contribution
- Second-largest to regular and peacekeeping budgets
- Chinese peacekeepers deployed
- More than 50,000 personnel served
- China's role in Saudi-Iran deal
- Helped restore diplomatic relations in March 2023
- Author's UN service
- Nearly three decades, most recently as UN resident coordinator in China (2021-26)
Background
On Oct 25, 1971, the UN General Assembly adopted Resolution 2758, restoring the lawful seat of the People's Republic of China in the United Nations. The decision brought one-fourth of humanity into the world's foremost multilateral institution, making the UN whole, according to an opinion piece published by China Daily.
Fifty-five years later, the anniversary comes at a time of armed conflicts, geopolitical rivalry, frayed trust among major powers, and converging global challenges such as climate change, pandemics, food insecurity, technological disruption, and widening inequality. The author argues that no border can contain these issues.
Over the past 55 years, China's relationship with the UN has evolved from cautious reentry to becoming a central pillar. As a permanent member of the UN Security Council, China is now the second-largest contributor to both the regular and peacekeeping budgets of the UN, and among permanent members, it deploys the most peacekeepers.
Current Situation
More than 50,000 Chinese personnel have served under the UN blue helmet from Africa to the Middle East, with some giving their lives for international peace and security. China's engagement spans UN agencies covering public health, climate, biodiversity, agriculture, food security, digital cooperation, and humanitarian relief.
Through South-South cooperation, the Global Development Initiative, and expanding partnerships, China shares its experience, technology, and resources in support of the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development. The author, who served as UN resident coordinator in China from 2021 to 2026, observed China's readiness to work through multilateral channels on challenges beyond its borders.
During the global health crisis, China delivered vaccines and shared clinical experience and non-pharmaceutical interventions with countries across the Global South. The author notes that the most consequential moments often took the form of patient collaboration between Chinese ministries, UN agencies, and international partners to strengthen health systems, advance the green transition, and modernize agriculture.
| Year | Event |
|---|---|
| 1971 | UN General Assembly adopts Resolution 2758 |
| 2022 | China responds to Pakistan floods |
| 2023 | China brokers Saudi-Iran rapprochement |
| 2025 | China assists Myanmar after earthquake |
Impacts
China's multilateral engagement has had direct humanitarian impacts. In 2022, when catastrophic floods inundated Pakistan, China was among the first countries to respond with timely assistance, supporting both immediate relief and longer-term recovery. The author launched an emergency appeal from Beijing alongside Pakistan's then ambassador to China.
Similarly, after the earthquake that devastated Myanmar in 2025, the Chinese government, together with the UN in China, quickly mobilized emergency humanitarian assistance and relief. These actions reflect China's commitment to South-South cooperation and its willingness to work through the UN to address global challenges.
The author emphasizes that effective multilateralism rests on the discipline of showing up repeatedly. Every great test facing humanity is shared, and no nation can halt a pandemic, stabilize the climate, govern emerging technologies, or deliver the Sustainable Development Goals alone. This makes the UN indispensable.
Future Outlook
Scenario analysis: The possibilities below are not certain predictions.
The author argues that every conflict eventually arrives at a negotiating table, and the only question is how much suffering precedes it. Pressing for political solutions is not weakness but strategic wisdom. An example cited is China's role in March 2023 in helping Saudi Arabia and Iran restore diplomatic relations after seven years of rupture, an agreement to reopen embassies and revive dialogue.
Fifty-five years after Resolution 2758, the question is no longer one of representation but of responsibility. The true measure of leadership lies in strengthening the institutions through which all nations may shape events together. The author calls for renewing multilateralism with confidence, courage, and common purpose.
If nations continue to engage through multilateral institutions, they may address shared challenges more effectively. However, if geopolitical rivalry and distrust persist, progress on global issues could stall. The author suggests that humanity's surest hope lies in not retreating from multilateralism but renewing it.
Source: chinadaily.com.cn
