China stresses UN's central role in int'l affairs

China on Tuesday stressed the central role of the United Nations in international affairs.

"To promote coordinated development of the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development and sustaining peace can't do without the coordination and promotion of the United Nations," Liu Jieyi, China's permanent representative to the United Nations, told a General Assembly high-level dialogue on sustainable development.

"We must continue to carry forward the purposes and principles of the Charter of the United Nations and firmly uphold its authority and role in international affairs," he said.

Liu called for joint efforts to build a new-type international relations and security framework with win-win cooperation at the core.

Countries should advocate dialogue instead of confrontation, abandon zero-sum mentality, settle disputes through dialogue and consultation, safeguard the authority of the international rule of law and refrain from double standards, according to Liu.

The Chinese representative added that efforts should be made to promote inclusive and balanced development that benefits all.

"Development should be made a top priority," he said, adding that in development lies the fundamental solution to international problems.

UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres highlighted the importance of recognizing the links between sustainable development and sustaining peace amid global challenges including rising inequality, protracted conflicts and climate change.

"We need a global response that addresses the root causes of conflict, and integrates peace, sustainable development and human rights in a holistic way -- from conception to execution," Guterres told the high-level dialogue.

The 2030 Agenda was adopted by the UN General Assembly in September 2015 as a plan to tackle poverty, inequality and other global challenges. Endi