China has called for a renewed global commitment to eliminate colonial mentalities and advance equitable governance, emphasizing the need to address both tangible and intangible legacies of colonialism. Speaking at the UN General Assembly's Fourth Committee, Geng Shuang, China's deputy permanent representative to the UN, stressed that decolonization remains a critical pillar of building a fairer international system.
Geng highlighted China's Global Governance Initiative, launched in September, which seeks to reform global governance structures by prioritizing sovereign equality and justice. He noted that while the 1960 UN Declaration on Decolonization ended formal colonial rule, its ideological and economic remnants persist through power imbalances and hegemony.
"Colonialism isn't just about military occupation," Geng stated. "It's about dismantling the mindset that perpetuates exploitation in politics, culture, and economics." He urged support for Venezuela's proposed UN resolution to establish an International Day Against Colonialism, framing it as a step toward democratizing international relations.
The envoy reaffirmed China's backing for self-determination in 17 non-self-governing territories and cited the Malvinas Islands dispute as a lingering colonial issue requiring peaceful resolution under UN principles. China's stance aligns with its broader advocacy for multilateralism, emphasizing dialogue over coercion in territorial disputes.
As the UN marks its fourth international decade for eradicating colonialism, Geng's remarks underscore China's growing role in shaping narratives around post-colonial equity and governance reform.
