Seventy-five years ago, our fathers' generation won the epic victory of the World anti-Fascist War through years of heroic struggles. The ensuing decades witnessed the founding of the United Nations (UN) on October 24, 1945, beholding the best hope of humankind to facilitate international cooperation and coordination , determining to establish a new international order to avoid a third world war following two such cataclysms.

Admired by many and reviled by others, the world only truly global international organization has had a bumpy ride, and has traversed a momentous journey over the past three quarters of a century. With both advantages and limitations though, yet no one could deny the hard facts that the UN has evolved into the most representative, authoritative and full-fledged cooperation platform, which is the centerpiece of global governance and the international system; that the UN has played an irreplaceable role and made indelible contributions to maintaining world peace and promoting sustainable development; that the UN has made possible the wide acceptance of a people-centered philosophy, and the broad consensus on the need for mutually beneficial cooperation; that the UN has driven home the common sense that in an era of intertwined traditional and non-traditional security threats with inter-connected interests of all countries, the world is increasingly an indivisible community with a shared future.

From organizing peacekeeping missions to implementing the Millennium Development Goals and then the Sustainable Development Goals, from promoting South-South and North-South cooperation to implementing its Development Program, World Food Program and Environment Program, and from offering humanitarian and development assistance to children and mothers through its Children's Fund to recognizing World Heritage Sites by its Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization, the UN has been the guardian of international peace and security, the promoter of human progress, the protector of international law, and the engineer of socioeconomic development.

Over the past 75 years, the ideals, values and objectives of the UN have been endured: the peaceful settlement of disputes; the equal rights of men and women; non-intervention, self-determination and the sovereign equality of Member States; and the clear rules governing the use of force. The purposes and principles of the UN have formed the bedrock of international relations, and remained the touchstone we all refer to and rely upon to uphold our shared responsibilities and achieve our global commitments.

In short, the UN shoulders the aspirations of the world for a better future. It has done a good job contributing to peace and development of the world, and deserves a big thumb-up.

The world needs a stronger UN 

Now the world has seen profound shifts, accentuated by the enormous impact of novel coronavirus disease (COVID-19) pandemic. Economic globalization faces unprecedented headwinds. Protectionism and bullying are re-surging. Deficits in governance, trust, peace and development are widening. International rules and multilateral mechanisms are under attack, and the international landscape is filled with uncertainties and destabilizing factors. The road to common prosperity remains tortuous.

That said, we must recognize that peace and development are the prevailing trend of our times. Globalization and multi-polarization are moving forward despite twists and turns, a new round of scientific and technological revolution and industrial transformation is gathering momentum.

Looking ahead, the world needs a stronger UN to meet challenges and turn crisis into opportunities. A stronger UN that regenerates its capacity for mobilizing global cooperation, and adjust to new situations and reshape the zeitgeist of our time. A stronger UN that safeguards world peace and security, champions common development, safeguards the international order, supports greater democracy in international relations, advocates harmonious co-existence across different races, systems and cultures, calls for solidarity and cooperation, and keeps abreast of the times and responds to global challenges.

A stronger UN flagged the need to reform, especially in the three critical areas of peace and security, economic development and internal management. The UN reform should be led by member states, designed to prioritize concerns of developing countries, aimed to bring about a more efficient UN with enhanced oversight and accountability to reach its full potential.

Multilateralism, "golden key" to open up a brighter future 

Crucial to build a stronger UN is the need to adhere to multilateralism. The contemporary international order, which is based on the purposes and principles of the UN Charter, is virtually made possible by the vision and practice of multilateralism.

The connotations and scope of multilateralism have had profound changes though, yet the overarching UN Charter has always been the compass for multilateralism and global governance regime.

The UN is the premium platform to advocate and practice multilateralism. To uphold multilateralism in the new era, the following principles need to be followed:

Adhering to international law and universally recognized norms governing international relations

Practicing multilateralism is, first and foremost, about upholding the UN Charter. Resilient and visionary, the Charter of the UN is the linchpin of the UN and the cornerstone of contemporary international law and international relations. Past experience shows that adherence to the Charter brings tranquility. When principles of the Charter were flouted, put aside or applied selectively, the results were catastrophic: conflict, chaos, death, disillusion and mistrust. At a time when the world is wrestling with the COVID-19 pandemic, rising geopolitical tensions and growing climate disruption, the Charter points the way to the solidarity we need today and across generations. Our shared challenge is to do far better in upholding the Charter’s values and principles, adhering to the framework that has kept us together.

State-to-state relations therefore, should observe purposes and principles of the UN charter, honor agreements, be based on credibility, not impulse or willful revocation of commitments.

China opposes any acts of arbitrary distortion of international law. Selective or utilitarian approach which smack of hegemony could never be accepted. Bullying tactics like long-arm jurisdiction and unilateral sanctions should be completely rejected.

Aiming for promoting peace and development

No matter what approach it takes, all acts of multilateralism shall lead, as their ultimate objective, to the promotion of world peace and development.

If the West enjoys lasting prosperity and progress while the rest are mired in backwardness, multilateralism can never be truly implemented and the common progress of humanity would never be possible. In the globalized era, the circle of development beneficiaries shall be extended. Only when more countries get to develop, can the international community be empowered and can there be more partners in our joint response to challenges.

China respects the choices of Western countries, and will draw on the experience of developed countries to work for shared prosperity. Likewise, the West also needs to eschew the subconscious belief in the superiority of its civilization, and abandon its prejudices and anxieties against China. It needs to respect the choices of the Chinese people, accept and welcome the growth of a major country in the East, for China's development and rejuvenation is an important part of human progress and embodies the colorful diversity brought by multilateralism.

Living up to the overarching principles of fairness, justice and win-win cooperation 

Equality and mutual respect are important tenets to multilateralism. We must abandon ideological prejudices and the outdated cold-war mentality, respect other countries' choice of development paths, oppose to imposing one's own values on others.

As artificial intelligence, 5G, bio-tech and other advanced technologies will shape the future development of the global economy, countries are duty-bound to provide a fair, equitable and non--discriminatory environment for foreign businesses to invest, operate and pursue cooperation.

The new round of scientific and technological revolution should provide fresh driving force for common development and better opportunity shared by all countries. We need to encourage innovation cooperation to foster new drivers of growth, reject technological monopoly, digital hegemony, and the attempt to create technological divide. We must resolutely fight against any self-claimed supremacy, any abuse of national power to suppress innovative enterprises from other countries, any interference in business operations and the distortion of global market, and work to create a fair, just, and non-discriminatory environment for international scientific and technological cooperation and enterprise innovation.

Acting to deliver real results

Multilateralism shall not be about making empty rhetoric. It must be pursued to solve problems. Efforts must be targeted, results-oriented, and measured by visible progress. It is imperative that we work together to uphold the international system with the UN at its core as well as the multilateral trading system centering on the World Trade Organization.

Beneath the surface of States and nations, ideas and languages, lies the fate of individual human beings in need. The success in tackling challenges not only lies at diplomacy, but also comes from the empathy and responsibility we felt towards the people in need.

China, a practitioner of multilateralism 

China has been upholding the international order and pursued multilateralism. Though once kept out of the UN for 22 years, China has never wavered in its conviction to multilateralism and to the purposes and principles of the UN Charter.

China stayed true to its commitment throughout the negotiation process on its return to the General Agreement on Tariffs and Trade - and then accession to the World Trade organization , negotiations that lasted 15 long years and were concluded at a certain price. China fulfilled its promise and integrated itself into the world economic system. After the international financial crisis broke out, China chose not to stand idly by but to work together with other countries to tide over rough times. For years running, China has contributed to over 30 percent of global growth. It has played its part in helping restore global recovery.

In the 2015 summit meetings commemorating the 70th anniversary of the UN, President Xi Jinping announced a host of important initiatives and measures in support of the work of the UN. All of them have been delivered on the ground.

China is now the second largest contributor to the UN's regular budget and peacekeeping assessment, the largest contributor of peacekeepers among Permanent Five countries. China has registered a standby force of 8,000 troops and a police squad of 300 troops for UN peacekeeping missions, and elevated six of its standby contingents to Level Three in the UN Peacekeeping Capability Readiness System. As such, China now has the biggest standby force and most varieties of contingents among all UN member states.

The China-UN Peace and Development Fund has provided a total funding of $67.7 million to over 80 projects. These projects have facilitated the UN's efforts in different areas like peacekeeping, counter-terrorism, energy, agriculture, infrastructure and education.

China has assisted other developing countries with 180 poverty reduction projects, 118 agricultural cooperation projects, 178 trade facilitation projects, 103 projects on ecological conservation and climate change, 134 hospitals and clinics and 123 educational and vocational training institutes. The South-South Cooperation Assistance Fund has supported over 80 projects in more than 30 developing countries, injecting impetus for global sustainable development.

China has donated $10 million to UN Women, making it the largest contributor among developing countries. China has completed 133 health projects for women and children and invited over 30,000 women from developing countries for training programs. By doing so, China has made important contribution to women's development in the world.

To promote international cooperation against COVID-19, China has launched the biggest global humanitarian operation in its history. It has provided assistance to over 150 countries and international organizations and ensured stable global production and supply of anti-epidemic materials.COVID-19 vaccine development and deployment in China, when available, will be made a global public good. This will be China's contribution to ensuring vaccine accessibility and affordability in developing countries.

In a word, China has all along been a promoter of world peace, injecting positive energy into the evolving international architecture. China has all along been a defender of the international order, bringing stability to the global governance system. China has all along been a facilitator of globalization, making major contributions to building an open world. China has all along been a contributor to world development, providing sustained driving force for global growth.

In the new context, China will continue to shoulder its responsibilities and make its contribution as a major country, provide more global public goods and play its part to promote world peace and development.

Multilateralism or unilateralism, the essence of difference between China and the U.S. 

The differences and contradictions between China and the United States are not a struggle for power, status, or social system, but the persistence of multilateralism or unilateralism, and the advocacy of win-win cooperation or zero-sum game.

The current China-U.S. relationship has become a source of concern for many in the international community. The fundamental reason for this is that some extreme hawkish politicians in the U.S., driven by the need to lift campaign prospects and maintain unipolar hegemony, are going all out to negate the history of China-U.S. relations, suppress China on every front, instigating renewed ideological confrontation and misleading the world to a new Cold War.

The U.S. is the absolute solo maker of these regressive moves, which is against the willingness and aspiration of China and the whole world. The reckless provocation of confrontation and division is out of touch with the reality of the inter-wined and integrated interests between China and the U.S.

In the era of globalization, it is impossible to divide the world into two or three camps again, for all countries have been interwoven with each other and become a community with a shared future. Should such conspiracy theories be allowed to have their way, not only will China-U.S. relations fall into the abyss of confrontation, but the entire mankind’s future will be dragged into peril.

Fundamentally speaking, the U.S. has made a strategic mistake to take China as its adversary, for China is not the former Soviet Union. It has no interest in replacing America, nor is it interested to be “America the second”.

The reason is crystal clear, China is committed to development, its aim is to bring happiness and well-being to the Chinese people, peace and development to the world. It does not seek to export its system or model of development, nor is it intended to engage in ideological confrontation.

In response to the U.S. words and actions that undermine China’s core and major interests, China has taken, and will continue to take, firm and necessary counter-measures. It will never allow a few anti-China elements to overturn decades of successful exchanges and cooperation between China and the U.S., nor will it allow ideological prejudice to undermine the future development of China-U.S. relations. The Chinese side must clarify the facts and make necessary responses.

In the meantime, the door to China-U.S. dialogue is open. China is ready to have a candid and in-depth exchange of views with the U.S. side on issues of common concern, at any time, and through equal communication and exchanges.

A community with a shared future 

In celebration of the 75 anniversary of the UN, the essence of the current international situation is that, each and every country’s future is closely linked. We must, as President Xi Jinping put it at the General Debate of the 75th Session of the UN General Assembly, rise above differences in social system, history, culture and development stage, jointly preserve Mother Earth, our common home, and work for a prosperous global village in which we all have a stake.

In the global fight against COVID-19, the vision’s worthy features have fully manifested themselves, and give insight to the future orientation of global cooperation in the UN:

-A people-centered commitment 

In a time of frequent humanitarian crises, building a community with a shared future for mankind calls for delivering care and hope to people in dire situations, and protecting women, children, the elderly, the physically challenged and other vulnerable groups with humanity, charity and dedication. The world shall stay committed to putting the life of the people front and center, uphold humanitarianism to take effective measures to stem the global spread of COVID-19.

- A multi-pronged and coordinated approach 

A community with a shared future for mankind is a multi-dimensional concept that covers politics, security, development, civilization, ecology and all other fields. Having taken a toll on the world economy, global governance, social development and public health, COVID-19 has created multiple crises and required a multi-pronged response. Guided by the vision of building a community with a shared future for mankind, we need to conduct international cooperation against the virus at bilateral, regional and global levels, and take targeted measures in health care, economic growth, people’s livelihoods and national governance. We need to seek parallel progress in epidemic control, economic and social development, in domestic response and global public health governance.

-An unwavering belief in science 

The vision of a community with a shared future for mankind prioritizes concrete practices, follows scientific thinking and embodies dialectical materialism and historical materialism. The unexpected and ferocious virus will exploit loopholes if science is ignored. Guided by the vision of a community with a shared future for mankind, we must base our conclusion on facts. We must not allow politics to trump science and reason. We must not let the politicization of COVID-19 distract from science-based prevention, control, treatment and research. The global narrative about COVID-19 should reflect reason and conscience. History should be written with facts, not tainted by lies. Humanity has an obligation to leave behind an objective and truthful account as part of its collective memory.

The UN has an irreplaceable role to play in forging a community with a shared future for mankind. It should instill the sense that we all live in the same community and therefore should work together in solidarity and look out for one another in tackling risks and challenges. It should promote partnerships at the regional and global levels and envision a common goal of building an open, inclusive, clean and beautiful world that enjoys lasting peace, universal security and common prosperity.

As President Xi Jinping put it at the high-level Meeting to commemorate the 75th anniversary of the UN, “After the storm comes the rainbow. The UN has stood one test after another and emerged with renewed vigor and vitality. The UN embodies the aspiration of the over seven billion people for a better life, and the UN Charter remains an important guarantee for world peace and development.”

In a world fraught with challenges and mounting risks, if the UN is to survive and prosper, those who represent it must bolster it, those who advocate it must submit to it, and those who believe in it must fight for it.

China will continue to stay on the right side of history and human progress.

The author is a counselor of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, China