On October 25, 1971, the UN adopted Resolution 2758, restoring the lawful rights of the People's Republic of China at the United Nations. Fast forward 50 years and China has become one of the UN's most active contributors, turning promises into real-world action across peacekeeping, development and reform.
Peacekeepers on the Frontline 🕊️
In April 1990, China sent its first five military observers to the UN Truce Supervision Organization, marking the start of a peacekeeping journey. Since then, more than 50,000 Chinese peacekeepers have served in over 20 countries and regions, building roads, repairing schools, running field hospitals and protecting civilians. Seventeen service members have made the ultimate sacrifice for world peace.
Today, China is the largest peacekeeping personnel contributor among the five permanent members of the Security Council. Over 1,800 Chinese military personnel are on duty in seven UN missions and at UN Headquarters. An 8,000-strong standby force is also registered, showing China's commitment to step up when needed.
Fueling the 2030 Agenda 🌍
At this year's UN General Assembly, China launched the China-UN Global South-South Development Facility with a $10 million pledge and set up the Shanghai Global Center for Sustainable Development with UNDP. This follows decades of progress: by 2020, the Chinese mainland had lifted 800 million people out of absolute poverty, hitting the UN's poverty reduction goal 10 years ahead of schedule.
China has rolled out 130 projects in 60 countries, benefiting over 30 million people. In agriculture, the country has gone from aid recipient to core contributor, sharing more than 1,000 technologies and training over 14,000 hybrid rice specialists with 140+ countries, boosting food security across the Global South.
Looking ahead, China pledges 2,000 new livelihood projects, 200 maritime programs for small island states, a Clean Stove Project for sustainable living, and expanded clean-energy cooperation that's helped cut global wind and solar costs by over 60% and 80% respectively.
Championing UN Reform 🔧
China calls for a stronger UN and has engaged in the UN80 reform initiative, pushing for consensus-driven, practical changes while preserving what works. It also advocates for greater representation of developing countries, especially Africa, within the UN Secretariat.
From peace missions to poverty eradication, green energy to institutional reform, China has matched ambition with delivery. As global challenges grow, the message is clear: the world needs a robust United Nations, and China is here to build and defend it. 💪
Reference(s):
Returning and re-engaging: China's enduring commitment to the UN
cgtn.com
