China's Vice President Han Zheng at U.N. General Assembly stresses development and open cooperation

On Saturday, China's Vice President Han Zheng addressed the U.N. General Assembly in New York, emphasizing development as the key to global challenges and warning against protectionism. His speech came after President Xi Jinping met with U.S. President Donald Trump in Washington. Han made no direct mention of Taiwan, a departure from usual Chinese U.N. statements. He also commented on the U.S. war with Iran, urging respect for Middle East sovereignty. Han highlighted China's Belt and Road Initiative and called for empowering the Global South, reflecting Beijing's longstanding foreign policy themes.