Ban Ki-moon, former UN Secretary-General, is the first East Asian to hold the office and the second Asian. The South Korean diplomat was also the chair of the Ethics Commission of the International Olympic Committee in 2017.

A photo presents the front profile of Ban Ki-moon.

Ban Ki-moon

On October 25, 1971, the UN General Assembly restored the People’s Republic of China’s seat in the United Nations by an overwhelming majority. Since that decision at the 26th session of the assembly, China has been deeply involved in the cause of the UN and supported it by playing a bigger role in international affairs. Former UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon examines China’s support for a central role by the UN in international affairs and its role on the world stage in the future.

CNS: Five decades after the restoration of the People’s Republic of China’s seat in the United Nations, how do you assess its role in supporting the UN?

Ban Ki-moon: The restoration of the People’s Republic of China’s seat in the UN is a milestone in the history of the UN. With that, the UN became a universal organization in both size and content. As a permanent member of the UN Security Council, China is engaged in the cause of peace and development in many parts of the world. Its permanent representatives to the UN have all made efforts to help the Security Council play a more effective role. Over the past 50 years, China has made significant contributions to the realization of the ideals of the UN.

China has also greatly contributed to the implementation of the Millennium Development Goals (MDGs) and the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). The primary goal of the MDGs is to eradicate extreme poverty and hunger, and China’s achievements in this regard are encouraging for other developing countries. Besides, China also plays a crucial role in the implementation of the SDGs. President Xi Jinping visited the UN in 2015, expressing China’s strong support for the adoption of the SDGs, which was a strong impetus to our work. I really appreciate it.

Among China’s numerous contributions, the most important one is its strong commitment to tackling climate change. China played a decisive role in the negotiations on the Paris Agreement on Climate Change in 2015 and China’s pledge to become carbon–neutral by 2060 is an encouraging signal to other countries.

CNS: What could be learned from China’s economic development in the five decades? How do you see China’s future role on the world stage?

Ban Ki-moon: China has made remarkable progress in all areas of life, especially in the economic field, becoming the world’s second largest economy from a backward country. China’s experience undeniably shows that open markets and free trade are the most effective way of economic development. China’s success in the economic and technological fields is a clear inspiration for other developing countries.

At the same time, China has been actively involved in global affairs, becoming one of the most influential states in the world, and its influence in the economic, political, cultural and other fields has also grown rapidly. Therefore, the international community naturally expects China to play a more constructive role in political and socio-economic sectors, as well as in human rights and other global affairs.

In addition, China adheres to the principle of multilateral cooperation in its relations with other countries. As a builder of world peace, a contributor to global growth, a defender of the international order and a provider of public goods, China’s vision is consistent with the UN Charter. We hope China will continue to work closely with the UN in the future to make the world a better, safer and more prosperous place.

CNS: Today, the pandemic and other unprecedented changes have made the international situation more complex, with multilateralism coming under attack. What can be China’s role in improving the global governance system?

Ban Ki-moon: We are facing serious challenges such as climate change and the COVID-19 pandemic. The most serious challenge in international affairs, however, is the weakening of multilateralism.

Multilateral cooperation cannot be accomplished by any one country alone. It requires the collective will and wisdom of all, including the UN. However, I have been deeply disappointed by the weakening of multilateral cooperation in recent years, and have been urging the world leaders to be more active in fostering it.

President Xi’s vision of a community with a shared future for mankind is noteworthy. All of us share one planet and one future, so we need to work for common peace and prosperity. I believe that China can resolve differences with relevant countries with wisdom and patience while expanding the common ground.

CNS: In 2022, China and South Korea celebrated the 30th anniversary of their diplomatic ties. How do you see the bilateral relationship? What are your expectations?

Ban Ki-moon: For 30 years, South Korea and China have been a model of cooperation between neighboring countries. Confucius once said, “One should be able to establish oneself at the age of thirty.” The same is true for countries. South Korea and China should establish a more mature relationship in various fields. Their friendly relations should be based not only on material reciprocity, but also on cultural commonalities. The two countries are geographically close, have long histories, and are both peace-loving, which are the foundation for cooperation. In the next 30 years, we should promote more people-to-people exchanges, especially among young people, seek a common cultural background and expand mutual understanding. This will be conducive to permanent peace, stability and common prosperity in Northeast Asia.

(Interviewed by Liu Xu)