China urges international effort to improve natural resource governance
China’s UN envoy called for stronger global cooperation to manage natural resources, warning that peace and sustainable development depend on stable supplies and transparent supply chains.
Source: ANTARA News · July 23, 2026 at 10:55 PM · AI-assisted report
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BEIJING, 24 JULY 2026 —
China’s UN envoy called for stronger global cooperation to manage natural resources, warning that peace and sustainable development depend on stable supplies and transparent supply chains.
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Speaking at an open UN Security Council debate on Wednesday, Sun Lei, charge d’affaires of China’s Permanent Mission to the UN, said the world must uphold a shared, comprehensive, cooperative and sustainable security vision.
He urged countries to resolve disputes peacefully, jointly combat illegal exploitation and smuggling of natural resources, enhance transparency and traceability in supply chains, and prevent armed groups from misusing resources.
Sun cautioned that conflicts have complex roots, often tied to politics, society and economics. Natural resources should not be treated solely as drivers of conflict, nor should normal economic, trade and industrial ties be politicised or weaponised, he said.
“International law grants every country permanent sovereignty over its natural resources, and this principle must not be violated,” Sun told the council. “No country should plunder other nations’ resources through sanctions, pressure or military force, or revert to colonial-style domination and looting.”
China backs an open, inclusive, fair, equitable, cooperative, mutually beneficial, green and clean system for managing critical minerals, he added. Warning against using “risk reduction” or “national security” as excuses to form exclusive blocs, Sun said such moves would disrupt markets and harm collective interests.
To break the cycle linking resources and conflict, Sun said the international community—especially developed nations—must fulfil aid pledges and help resource-rich, developing countries strengthen governance, add value to commodities and retain more profits locally.
“This reduces poverty, creates jobs and benefits local communities, building a stronger foundation for peace,” he said.
As a major producer, consumer and trader of natural resources, China has long advocated improved governance and cooperation in the sector, Sun noted. Beijing stands ready to work with partners to deepen mutually beneficial collaboration, turn resource wealth into development gains and pursue sustainable peace, stability and prosperity.
Related: Beijing