A Chinese envoy to the United Nations on Friday slammed the United States for frequently denying visas and restricting the freedom of movement of diplomats from certain countries, saying such actions violate diplomatic protocol, obligations under international law and basic humanitarian principles.
Speaking at a meeting of the Committee on Relations with the Host Country, Geng Shuang, China's deputy permanent representative to the United Nations, said obtaining visas and enjoying freedom of movement is an inherent right of diplomatic personnel of all countries' permanent missions to the United Nations.
Safeguarding this right is an international obligation that the United States, as the host country of the United Nations, must fulfill. It is also a legal commitment the United States made by signing the United Nations Headquarters Agreement, said Geng.
He said the U.S. actions run counter to the spirit of multilateralism, disrupt the normal functioning of the United Nations, and reveal a hegemonic and bullying mindset.
The Chinese envoy urged the United States to fulfill its obligations as the host country, heed the legitimate concerns of the member states of the United Nations, and safeguard the security, dignity, and ability of all permanent missions to the United Nations and their personnel to perform their duties.
China slams US for denying visas to diplomats from certain countries
Visiting Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi said Saturday China is willing to work with Lesotho to strengthen exchanges on governance experience, enhance coordination in multilateral affairs, and advance the China-Lesotho strategic partnership.
Wang, also a member of the Political Bureau of the Communist Party of China Central Committee, made the remarks when meeting with Lesotho Prime Minister Sam Matekane in the capital of Lesotho.
During the meeting, Wang congratulated Lesotho on the 60th anniversary of its independence this year, and spoke highly of Lesotho government's efforts to prioritize economic development and steer the African country onto a path of sustainable growth. Since the Beijing Summit of the Forum on China-Africa Cooperation (FOCAC) in 2024, the two sides have advanced cooperation under the 10 partnership action plans unveiled at the summit, successfully implementing a number of key projects to effectively promote Lesotho's development and revitalization, Wang said.
China stands ready to work with Lesotho to strengthen exchanges on governance experience, enhance coordination in multilateral affairs, and push for greater development of the China-Lesotho strategic partnership, he added.
Calling on the two sides to firmly support each other, Wang said that China will accelerate the implementation of its zero-tariff policy for African countries, including Lesotho, expand bilateral trade, investment and industrial cooperation, facilitate broader access of Lesotho's specialty products to the Chinese market, and continue to support Lesotho's national development.
China will continue to stand firmly with African countries, uphold justice for the Global South, including Lesotho, oppose unilateralism and acts of bullying, and work together to build a community with a shared future for humanity, Wang said.
On his part, Matekane said during the meeting that Lesotho cherishes its friendship with China and the strategic partnership between the two countries, and expressed gratitude for China's valuable support for the development of African countries, including Lesotho.
Lesotho firmly adheres to the one-China principle and resolutely supports China in safeguarding its core interests, he said, noting that his country stands ready to strengthen strategic mutual trust with China, expand people-to-people exchanges, jointly implement the outcomes of the FOCAC Beijing Summit, and deepen cooperation in areas such as infrastructure, manufacturing and energy.
Matekane stressed that China's zero-tariff policy for African products will inject new impetus into Lesotho's development. He also expressed Lesotho's willingness to strengthen solidarity and cooperation with China on multilateral platforms such as BRICS to jointly address global challenges.
On the same day, Wang also held talks with Lejone Mpotjoana, minister of foreign affairs and international relations of Lesotho.
China, Lesotho to strengthen exchanges, advance cooperation
China, Lesotho to strengthen exchanges, advance cooperation
