China’s Vice President Han Zheng said Beijing has consistently and firmly supported the United Nations
China’s Vice President Han Zheng addresses the 81st United Nations General Assembly at UN headquarters in New York City, US, September 26, 2026. REUTERS
China pushed back against the United States in its speech at the UN General Assembly on Saturday, saying sovereignty of countries in the Gulf should be respected and urging the “relevant country” to stop threatening Cuba and lift its blockade on it.
Vice President Han Zheng did not mention the US by name in his remarks. The US has launched a pressure campaign on Cuba that has largely blocked oil from reaching the island. The US war on Iran started with US-Israeli strikes in February.
The comments stood in sharp contrast to the bonhomie on display earlier this week at the White House, where President Donald Trump feted Chinese leader Xi Jinping with military flyovers and at a lavish state dinner.
“Major countries should have special responsibilities for safeguarding international peace and security, and they should take the lead in complying with the rules, upholding rule of law, and doing what’s right,” Han said.
“China holds that the sovereignty and security of countries in the Middle East, including the Gulf, should be respected.”
Trump warned Xi against providing support to Iran during the Washington talks and received assurances that China would not do so, the US ambassador to China said on Friday.
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The warning followed reports that Beijing had supplied Iran with shoulder-fired air-defense missile launchers and that Tehran had found ways to evade sanctions on its oil sales with Chinese help.
Call for end of blockade on Cuba
On Cuba, Han said: “China urges the relevant country to immediately stop using threat of force against Cuba and immediately and completely lift the blockade and sanctions against Cuba.”
Cuba’s electrical grid suffered a total collapse earlier this month, plunging the nation into darkness and leaving millions without power as the US presses its blockade.
Speaking hours later at the UN hall, Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov echoed the Chinese remarks, calling on Washington to lift the ‘siege’ of Cuba and restrictions on trade with the largest island in the Caribbean.
Lavrov also said the US should strike Cuba off the list of state sponsors of terrorism.
Cuba’s aging power generation system has been under severe strain from fuel shortages and decrepit infrastructure for years, but a US-imposed oil blockade that began in January has worsened blackouts and led to frequent grid collapses.t
Han also used the speech to portray China as a reliable partner on the global stage and a steadfast defender of developing nations.
“China holds that all countries, big or small, are equal members of the international community, and that world affairs should be handled by all through consultation,” said Han.
China consistently, firmly supports UN
Zheng also said that China has consistently and firmly supported the United Nations (UN).
At a meeting with UN General Assembly (UNGA) President Khalilur Rahman in New York on the sidelines of the 81st UNGA session, Han congratulated Rahman on assuming the presidency.
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In September 2025, Chinese President Xi Jinping proposed the Global Governance Initiative, sending a clear signal of China’s firm commitment to safeguarding the authority and central role of the UN, Han said, adding that the initiative has been welcomed and supported by nearly 160 countries and international organizations.
The UNGA is the most representative deliberative and policymaking organ of the UN, as well as a key platform for upholding multilateralism and promoting global governance, Han said, adding that China will continue to support the work of the UNGA and its president.
Chinese Vice President Han Zheng meets with UN General Assembly (UNGA) President Khalilur Rahman on the sidelines of the 81st UNGA session in New York, Sept. 25, 2026. PHOTO: XINHUA
Noting that this year marks the 55th anniversary of the restoration of the lawful seat of the People’s Republic of China at the UN, Han said that China-UN cooperation will embrace broader prospects from this new starting point.
China advocates for advancing UN reform and increasing its efficiency to better adapt to the changing times, Han said. China also supports making sustainable development a priority of the 81st UNGA session and delivering more inclusive development outcomes in response to the aspirations of people around the world, he said.
The one-China principle is the political foundation of China-UN cooperation, Han said, expressing his belief that the UNGA president and the assembly will continue to uphold the principle.
Rahman said that China is an important partner of the UN, thanking China for its support for the work of the UNGA.
At a time when unilateralism is prevalent, China has remained committed to multilateralism and put forward positive proposals for addressing challenges facing world peace, security and development, he said.
The four global initiatives proposed by Xi are closely aligned with the six priorities of the 81st UNGA session, Rahman said.
The UNGA president said he looks forward to maintaining close communication and coordination with China, deepening cooperation, and jointly promoting the cause of world peace and development.
He stressed that the UNGA will firmly adhere to the one-China principle.
