On October 12th, the website of the Chinese permanent mission to the United Nations announced that Deputy Permanent Representative Sun Lei made a general debate speech at the UN General Assembly's fourth committee session on the 12th. He urged for accelerating the process of decolonization.
Below is the full speech by Sun Lei:
Currently, the global process of decolonization is not yet complete. The fourth International Decade to Eradicate Colonialism (2021-2030) is coming to an end, and the people living in 17 non-self-governing territories under the United Nations have yet to fully exercise their right to self-determination. At the same time, the legacy of colonialism does not disappear with the end of military occupation. The international community urgently needs to take concrete actions to make substantive progress on the decolonization agenda. For this reason, China wishes to propose the following suggestions:
First, accelerate the completion of the established decolonization tasks. The Chinese side supports the process of decolonization in 17 non-self-governing territories and acknowledges the relentless efforts of local peoples to seek self-determination. It calls upon the administering states to fulfill their obligations under the United Nations Charter and relevant resolutions, and to take effective measures to promote local economic and social development. No delays or obstacles should be placed in the people’s ability to make free choices. The international community should focus on the Fourth International Decade Plan as a means to increase political investment and support, ensuring that it truly becomes the last decade for eradicating colonialism.
Secondly, it is necessary to jointly address the historical wrongs of colonialism. The Chinese side urges those countries that have implemented colonial systems or have benefited from them to show political will and take historical responsibility, and compensate for the consequences of colonialism. At the same time, they should stop adopting colonialist thinking, oppose hegemonism and power politics, and not harm the interests of other countries or interfere in their internal affairs. In international relations, they should truly practice the principles of sovereignty equality and non-interference in internal affairs.
Third, it is essential to uphold international fairness and justice. The United Nations Charter provides a fundamental foundation for eradicating colonialism and promoting decolonization. The Declaration on the Granting of Independence to Colonial Countries and People explicitly calls for the immediate and unconditional end of colonialism in all its forms and manifestations. However, colonialism continues to have a lasting impact, and the spirit of the Charter has not been fully realized. China calls upon the international community to return to the original intent of the Charter, accelerate the process of decolonization, eliminate the legacy of colonialism, and uphold international fairness and justice.
Chairperson,
The Malvinas Islands issue and the Western Sahara issue are both remnants of colonialism. China firmly supports Argentina's legitimate claim to sovereignty over the Malvinas Islands and always advocates for resolving territorial disputes between countries through peaceful negotiations. We hope that the UK will actively respond to Argentina's requests and resume dialogue negotiations as soon as possible, in order to find peaceful, fair, and sustainable solutions in accordance with relevant United Nations resolutions. China has always advocated that parties involved in the Western Sahara issue should follow the purposes and principles of the United Nations Charter as the fundamental basis, and rely on relevant Security Council resolutions as an important foundation. Through equal consultations, a fair, sustainable, and acceptable solution should be reached within the framework of international law, especially relevant United Nations resolutions. China supports the efforts of the United Nations in this regard.
Chairperson,
China has suffered greatly from foreign invasions and colonial oppression throughout its history, and it understands well that independence and dignity are not easy to achieve. The Chinese side is willing to work together with all member states, especially those in the global South, to promote positive outcomes during the fourth International Decade for the Eradication of Colonialism, and to jointly create a brighter future for human society.
Thank you, Mr. President.
