Xi Jinping Meets with United Nations Secretary-General António Guterres

2026-07-17 Source: “Study in China” Learning Platform

On the afternoon of July 17, Chinese President Xi Jinping met at the Shanghai West Suburb Hotel with United Nations Secretary-General António Guterres, who was in China to attend the 2026 World Artificial Intelligence Conference and the High-Level Conference on Global AI Governance. Photo by Xinhua News Agency reporter Wang Ye.

SHANGHAI, July 17 (Xinhua) — On the afternoon of July 17, Chinese President Xi Jinping met at the Shanghai West Suburb Hotel with United Nations Secretary-General António Guterres, who was in China to attend the 2026 World Artificial Intelligence Conference and the High-Level Conference on Global AI Governance.

Xi Jinping pointed out that, over the past decade as Secretary-General of the United Nations, Mr. António Guterres has led the UN in firmly upholding multilateralism, actively addressing global challenges such as climate change, advancing global governance in emerging fields like artificial intelligence, and launching a process of UN reform—efforts that China highly commends. This year marks the 55th anniversary of the People’s Republic of China regaining its lawful seat at the United Nations. Over the past 55 years, China has consistently acted as a builder of world peace, a contributor to global development, and a defender of the international order, steadfastly supporting the United Nations. In proposing the vision of a community with a shared future for mankind and the Four Global Initiatives, an important consideration has been to safeguard the status and authority of the United Nations. China will, as always, deepen cooperation with the United Nations, advance the cause of world peace and development, and promote the building of a community with a shared future for mankind.

Xi Jinping emphasized that, at present, the trends of change and instability in the international landscape have become more pronounced, calling for further commitment to genuine multilateralism and a revitalization of the United Nations’ status and role. First, we must uphold fairness and justice. All countries are equal members of the international community, and the sovereignty, territorial integrity, and legitimate rights and interests of every nation must be respected; we must never allow the world to revert to an era governed by the law of the jungle. Second, we must adhere to both upholding fundamental principles and fostering innovation. Upholding these principles means abiding by the purposes and principles of the UN Charter and safeguarding the international system and rules established after the Second World War; fostering innovation means enabling the United Nations to adapt to the times, courageously pursue self-reform, and further enhance its effectiveness and efficiency. Third, we must demonstrate responsibility and take concrete action. With more than 190 countries sharing a common destiny aboard one ship, all nations should stand together in solidarity and work hand in hand to address global challenges. Major countries should shoulder greater responsibilities and display a broader vision. China has consistently taken concrete steps to actively explore ways for major countries to coexist responsibly in the new era, injecting greater stability and certainty into the world.

On the afternoon of July 17, Chinese President Xi Jinping met at the Shanghai West Suburb Hotel with United Nations Secretary-General António Guterres, who was in China to attend the 2026 World Artificial Intelligence Conference and the High-Level Conference on Global AI Governance. Photo by Xinhua News Agency reporter Yan Yan.

Guterres stated that, under the strong leadership of President Xi Jinping, China has consistently and firmly upheld multilateralism, supported the work of the United Nations, and advanced international cooperation, regardless of how challenging or complex the global situation may be, thereby setting an exemplary standard for the world. China has remained committed to addressing development imbalances, tackling climate change, harnessing technology for good, bridging the development gap, and upholding fairness and justice, putting forward a series of major concepts and initiatives that are truly commendable. The United Nations will continue to strengthen its cooperation with China, oppose unilateralism, protectionism, and coercive bullying, safeguard the UN Charter and international law, advance the process of a multipolar world, and protect the common interests of the international community.

Cai Qi, Ding Xuexiang, Wang Yi, Chen Jining, and others attended the meeting. (Reporters Shao Yibo and Zhou Rui)

Editor-in-charge: Huang Qin