On October 25, Chinese President Xi Jinping attended and addressed a conference in Beijing to mark the 50th anniversary of the restoration of the People's Republic of China's lawful seat in the UN. Summarizing China's philosophy as a major country that pursues peaceful development for the benefit of people worldwide, he called on the international community to dynamically advocate the common values of humanity featuring peace, development, equity, justice, democracy and freedom, jointly promote the building of a community with a shared future for humanity, determinedly defend the authority of the UN Charter and cooperatively observe true multilateralism.

For the past 50 years, the Chinese people have promoted economic and social development, with overall national strength continuously on the rise; knowing all too well the value of stability, they have followed an independent foreign policy of peace, stood firm for justice and resolutely opposed the practices of power politics. China has stayed true to the purpose and principles of the UN Charter and upheld its central role in international affairs.

The restoration of New China's lawful seat in the UN marked the return of the Chinese people, one fourth of the world's population, to the UN stage. Taking this as a starting point, many developing countries have united more closely and become an important force that cannot be ignored in the UN framework.

In today's world, positive changes in the international landscape are accelerating. Unfortunately, a return to a hegemonic and Cold War mentality in certain quarters is looming.

International rules can only be made by the 193 UN member states together instead of being decided by individual countries or blocs. These rules should, without exception, be observed by all UN members. Countries should respect the UN, look after its family, never exploit its structure and always ensure that the UN plays an even more positive part in advancing the noble pursuit of peace and development for all.

China has always endorsed concrete measures to serve as an active participant and staunch defender of the UN cause. This has been true for the past 50 years, and it will be true in the years and decades to come.