Beijing: Chinese Vice President Han Zheng will attend the General Debate of the 81st session of the United Nations (UN) General Assembly in New York from 24 to 26 September according to an official announcement.
During the visit Han will represent China at one of the world’s largest annual diplomatic gatherings where leaders present their positions on international security development climate change and economic cooperation.
The Vice President will also attend a High Level Dialogue hosted by China to mark the fifth anniversary of the Global Development Initiative.
Chinese President Xi Jinping proposed the initiative at the UN in 2021.
China presents it as a framework for accelerating progress towards the Sustainable Development Goals by supporting cooperation in areas including poverty reduction food security public health development finance industrialisation and digital connectivity.
The anniversary dialogue will give Beijing an opportunity to outline the initiative’s progress and seek wider international participation.
It also comes as many developing countries face debt pressure limited access to development finance and the effects of conflict climate disasters and disrupted supply chains.
Han is scheduled to meet UN Secretary General António Guterres President of the UN General Assembly, Dr Khalilur Rahman and leaders from other countries. The announcement did not identify the other leaders or provide details about the expected agendas.
The meetings are likely to cover international developments and China’s cooperation with the UN, although any specific outcomes will depend on the discussions in New York.
Han’s participation shows that development will remain a central part of China’s diplomatic message at the General Assembly. Beijing has increasingly presented its global initiatives as platforms for cooperation among developing countries and as contributions to the existing UN development system.
The visit will also provide opportunities for bilateral engagement at a time of geopolitical tension and economic uncertainty. Its practical significance will become clearer through any agreements, commitments, or joint statements announced during or after the meetings.
