Xi urges more just, equitable global governance system

Chinese President Xi Jinping on Tuesday called for efforts to promote the building of a more just and equitable global governance system and a community with a shared future for humanity.

Xi made the remarks when meeting with Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian in Beijing.

Pezeshkian is in the Chinese capital to attend the commemorations of the 80th anniversary of the victory in the Chinese People's War of Resistance Against Japanese Aggression and the World Anti-Fascist War, which include a grand military parade on Wednesday.

The Iranian president had earlier attended the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) summit which was held in the nearby port city of Tianjin from Sunday to Monday.

During their meeting, Xi expressed his appreciation to the Iranian side for supporting China in hosting the largest and most fruitful summit in the SCO's history, where he also put forward a new proposal.

"I put forward the Global Governance Initiative to promote the reform and improvement of the global governance system and address the issue of governance deficits. China is willing to work with the international community, including Iran, to promote the building of a more just and equitable global governance system, and join hands to build a community with a shared future for humanity," Xi said.

Pezeshkian congratulated China for the successful hosting of the SCO summit, saying that under China's rotating presidency, member states have enhanced their political mutual trust and made positive progress in cooperation across various fields.

"Iran attaches great importance to developing relations with China and regards China as a comprehensive strategic partner. No matter how the international and regional situation evolves, we are willing to work with China to implement the 25-year comprehensive cooperation plan between our two countries," said Pezeshkian, adding that Iran firmly supports Xi's proposal of the Global Governance Initiative.

Xi urges more just, equitable global governance system

Xi urges more just, equitable global governance system

Xi urges more just, equitable global governance system

Xi urges more just, equitable global governance system

The United Arab Emirates (UAE) and Australia rang in the year of 2026 with spectacular light and fireworks displays at their landmarks, igniting the night sky at the stroke of midnight on Jan 1.

Amidst the countdown and cheers from the crowd, the iconic 828-meter-high Burj Khalifa in Dubai, UAE illuminated the skyline with "Happy New Year" in Arabic, English, and Chinese on the tower's LED screens.

The eight-minute visually stunning show at the world's tallest skyscraper also featured drone performances and 3D projection mapping, vividly showcasing Dubai's cultural heritage and cutting-edge technology.

The New Year celebrations in downtown Dubai will be extended to eight days for the first time, running from December 31, 2025, to January 7, 2026, according to local authorities.

Australia also welcomed the New Year with dazzling fireworks in Sydney, attracting millions of visitors from all over the world to gather by the seaside to share the festive joy.

The Sydney celebration featured two separate fireworks displays – an 8-minute show at 21:00 and a 12-minute one at the midnight. Fireworks were launched from water, land, and aerial platforms at landmarks including the Harbour Bridge and the Opera House, spanning seven kilometers along the harbor and showcasing 40,000 different pyrotechnic effects.

This annual event in the Southern Hemisphere city is one of the world's most spectacular New Year celebrations, drawing millions of spectators every year. On Wednesday, people from across the globe arrived early at viewing locations to share this special moment with families and friends.

"We spend the time together with friends because everybody is away from their families, otherwise maybe you'll get a little bit homesick," said Hendrik, an Estonian working in Australia.

"My New Year's wish for my wife is to become healthy after I am pretty much healthy again," said Atthians, a German tourist.

UAE, Australia ring in New Year with spectacular fireworks