China has outlined a busy diplomatic and international agenda covering the United Nations General Assembly, relations with Malaysia and ASEAN, U.S.-China relations, artificial intelligence governance, and opposition to unilateral sanctions.
According to Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Guo Jiakun, Vice President Han Zheng will attend the general debate of the 81st session of the United Nations General Assembly in New York from September 24 to 26.
Han Zheng to Attend 81st UN General Assembly
Vice President Han Zheng is scheduled to attend the general debate of the 81st UN General Assembly in New York from September 24 to 26.
During his visit, Han will also attend a High-Level Dialogue marking the fifth anniversary of the Global Development Initiative hosted by China. He is expected to meet with UN Secretary-General António Guterres, the President of the 81st UNGA session and leaders from relevant countries.
Guo Jiakun said China expects Han Zheng to present Beijing's views on the evolving international landscape, major international and regional issues and the work of the United Nations.
China also highlighted that 2026 marks the 55th anniversary of the restoration of the People's Republic of China's lawful seat in the United Nations.
According to the Foreign Ministry, China will use the UNGA platform to advocate what it describes as "true multilateralism," while calling for greater cooperation on global governance, world peace and development.
Malaysia's Prime Minister to Attend Major Events in China
Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim is scheduled to attend the opening ceremony of the 48th WorldSkills Competition in Shanghai and the launching ceremony of the fifth Global Digital Trade Expo in Hangzhou, Zhejiang Province.
The WorldSkills Competition is being held in Shanghai from September 22 to 27, while the Global Digital Trade Expo is scheduled for September 23 to 27.
Guo Jiakun described China and Malaysia as good neighbors, friends and partners and said bilateral relations have maintained positive momentum during more than five decades of diplomatic relations.
China said it hopes to strengthen cooperation with Malaysia by further aligning development strategies, promoting high-quality Belt and Road cooperation and maintaining communication on international and regional issues.
Kyrgyzstan's Chairman of the Cabinet of Ministers Adylbek Aleshovich Kasymaliev will also attend the launching ceremony of the Global Digital Trade Expo.
China Rejects Unilateral Sanctions Against Iranian Airlines
The Foreign Ministry was also asked about comments from U.S. Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent regarding sanctions on Iranian airlines.
Bessent reportedly warned that Iranian airlines could face difficulties operating internationally because of U.S. sanctions and that countries providing landing or refueling services could face consequences involving the U.S. dollar financial system.
In response, Guo Jiakun said China opposes what it described as "illicit unilateral sanctions" that lack a basis in international law and a mandate from the UN Security Council.
The statement came amid questions regarding Iranian airline flights expected to operate to Chinese cities including Guangzhou and Shanghai.
China-U.S. AI Dialogue and AI Governance
The Chinese Foreign Ministry was also questioned about reports that China and the United States had discussed establishing an artificial intelligence dialogue during recent economic and trade consultations.
Reports have suggested that the two countries could explore mechanisms for communicating about AI-related incidents.
Guo Jiakun referred specific questions regarding the economic and trade consultations to China's competent authorities.
Later, when asked about the importance of AI governance ahead of an expected meeting between Chinese President Xi Jinping and U.S. President Donald Trump, Guo reiterated China's position that countries should work together to promote the open and inclusive development of artificial intelligence.
China's position, according to the spokesperson, is that AI development should benefit people broadly and contribute to what he described as "AI for all and for good."
China Calls for Constructive Strategic Stability With U.S.
The Foreign Ministry was also asked about a video titled "Constructive Strategic Stability" that had been posted on its social media account.
The video comes as China and the United States continue diplomatic engagement and ahead of a potential meeting between President Xi Jinping and President Trump.
Guo Jiakun said China is ready to work with the United States to enrich what Beijing describes as a constructive relationship of strategic stability.
He said China wants to enhance dialogue and cooperation, properly manage differences and contribute to the interests of both peoples as well as global peace, stability and prosperity.
China-ASEAN Cooperation Enters New Phase
The Foreign Ministry also commented on the conclusion of the 23rd China-ASEAN Expo and the opening of the Pinglu Canal.
Guo Jiakun described the China-ASEAN Expo as an important platform for cooperation between China and ASEAN countries.
According to the spokesperson, the Expo has witnessed the development of China-ASEAN relations from the so-called "Golden Decade" toward the "Diamond Decade," alongside the upgrade of the China-ASEAN Free Trade Area to CAFTA 3.0.
For the first time, the Expo included an area specifically designed around the needs of ASEAN countries and released a demand list intended to facilitate cooperation between ASEAN requirements and Chinese suppliers.
The Expo also featured a dedicated exhibition area focused on the Pinglu Canal.
Pinglu Canal Seen as New Trade Route
The opening of the Pinglu Canal to navigation has attracted attention because of its potential role in improving connectivity between southwest China and ASEAN markets.
According to China's Foreign Ministry, the canal can significantly shorten maritime transportation distances between Southwest China and ASEAN countries and create another route supporting bilateral trade.
China said it is prepared to work with ASEAN members to implement CAFTA 3.0 and further develop a China-ASEAN community with a shared future.
China's Broader Diplomatic Message
The latest Foreign Ministry briefing covered several major areas of China's foreign policy, including multilateral diplomacy, China-U.S. relations, AI governance, China-ASEAN economic cooperation and China's position on unilateral sanctions.
Han Zheng's planned UNGA appearance is expected to provide China with an opportunity to outline its position on global governance and international affairs.
At the same time, the participation of Malaysian and Kyrgyz officials in major Chinese events highlights Beijing's focus on economic, technological and regional cooperation.
The Foreign Ministry's comments on AI also indicate China's interest in international cooperation and dialogue over the development and governance of artificial intelligence.
As China continues diplomatic engagement with the United States and other countries, these issues are likely to remain important areas of international discussion.
Disclaimer: This article is based on statements and information provided in the Chinese Foreign Ministry briefing. Statements attributed to government officials represent their respective positions and should not be interpreted as independent verification of every claim. This content is provided for news and informational purposes only and does not constitute investment, financial, political or legal advice.
