Xi Jinping stresses cooperating against COVID-19 on call with UN chief

Chinese President Xi Jinping stressed that the most pressing task for the international community remains the battle against the ongoing coronavirus pandemic during a phone call with United Nations (UN) Secretary-General Antonio Guterres on Thursday.

Global cooperation should be strengthened, and political manipulation should be discarded, Xi said, adding that major countries should set an example by providing more public goods.

China currently provides vaccine aid to 80 countries and exports vaccines to more than 50 countries.

Xi and Guterres also reaffirmed their commitment to multilateralism.

"Multilateralism is inseparable from the United Nations, from international law and from cooperation among all countries. The world needs real multilateralism," Xi said.

He said all countries should act in accordance with the UN Charter and should not seek ideological confrontation in the name of multilateralism.

Xi also emphasized the importance of addressing climate change.

He noted that China has pledged to hit peak emissions before 2030 and reach carbon neutrality by 2060, a much shorter time span than many developed countries.

It is an initiative taken by China, rather than a forced response, he said.

Xi said China will strive to address climate change based on the actual situation and hopes that the principle of common but differentiated responsibilities can continue to actively advance international cooperation.

Guterres congratulated China on the 100th anniversary of the founding of the Communist Party of China and the 50th anniversary of the restoration of China's lawful seat in the United Nations.

He also spoke highly of China's achievements in poverty reduction and China's adherence to multilateralism.

(Cover: A doctor talks to a patient who was tested positive for COVID-19 in New Delhi, India, April 15, 2021. /CFP)