China rejects ‘Board of Peace’ as UN alternative, reaffirms commitment to UN-centred multilateral order

BEIJING: China on Wednesday firmly reaffirmed its support for the United Nations–centred international system, distancing itself from the so-called “Board of Peace” proposed by US President Donald Trump and rejecting any notion that it could replace the UN.

Responding to media queries, Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Guo Jiakun said Beijing had already clarified its position on the “Board of Peace” and stressed that China consistently practices true multilateralism, regardless of changes in the international situation.

“No matter how the international situation changes, China firmly upholds the UN-centred international system, the international order based on international law, and the basic norms of international relations underpinned by the purposes and principles of the UN Charter,” Guo said.

He was responding to questions about President Trump’s recent remarks suggesting that while the United Nations should continue to exist, the newly announced “Board of Peace” could potentially replace it, as well as queries about whether China would join the initiative.

Guo made it clear that China does not see any alternative body supplanting the role of the United Nations, reiterating Beijing’s long-standing position in support of multilateral mechanisms anchored in international law and UN institutions.

Addressing a separate question about reports that President Trump plans to host a signing ceremony in Davos, Switzerland, on Thursday to formally launch the “Board of Peace,” and whether China would send representatives to attend the event, Guo said the Chinese side had already responded to the issue.

“Regarding the matter of the ‘Board of Peace,’ the Chinese side has addressed it yesterday. I have no further information to add,” he said.

China’s remarks underscore growing international scepticism about the proposed body, as several countries and observers raise concerns about its implications for the UN system and the future of multilateral diplomacy.