The UN Turns 70

When World War II ended 70 years ago， there was an urgent need for an international order. On June 26， 1945， the Charter of the UN was signed at the conclusion of the United Nations Conference on International Organization in San Francisco， marking the official beginnings of the global organization. On the occasion of the 70th anniversary of the organizations founding， it is perhaps an apposite time to take stock and reflect， glancing over the organizations past， present and future.

As an international institution and one of the many fruits borne from victory in World War II， the UN has played an indispensable role in safeguarding world peace， upholding justice， promoting economic prosperity， increasing understanding between its member states and improving the livelihoods of individuals worldwide.

The principles of the UN Charter—such as the sovereign equality of all members， the settling of international disputes through peaceful means and noninterference in other countries domestic affairs—have become the precondition and guarantee for its 193 members in carrying out cooperation and comprise the basic tenets for conducting international relations today.

Over the past seven decades， the multitude of more than 2，000 resolutions passed and the 71 peacekeeping operations carried out by the UN have represented a successful implementation of the collective security concept. Setting the UN Millennium Development Goals—some of which have been reached in China ahead of schedule—has delivered tangible results and improved the lives of billions of people.

Seventy years ago， China became a founding member of the UN and one of the five permanent members of its Security Council. However， the Peoples Republic of China was for historical reasons blocked from the UN after its founding in 1949 until the passing of the Resolution 2758 by the UN General Assembly on October 25， 1971. Under the resolution， China regained its lawful rights as a UN member state.

China has always adhered to the purposes and principles of the UN Charter and honored its commitment to maintaining world peace and justice. The country has constantly expanded its participation in UN peacekeeping operations： Since 1989， China has committed a total of over 30，000 peacekeepers， 18 of whom lost their lives in the line of duty.

By taking part in discussions and cooperation in the areas of sustainable development， climate change， humanitarian aid， and disaster preparedness and mitigation as well as in the formulation of rules governing new frontiers such as outer space and cybersecurity， China has developed a solid partnership in addressing all kinds of global issues with the UN. Long may this continue.