Wang calls for peace, development and cooperation to tackle refugee crises

Foreign Minister Wang Yi called on Friday for closer cooperation between China and the United Nations refugee agency, saying peace, development and international cooperation were essential to addressing global refugee challenges.

Wang made the remarks during a meeting with United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees Barham Salih in the Xiong'an New Area, Hebei province. Salih was in China to attend the 2026 Global Governance Forum (Xiong'an).

The Global Governance Initiative proposed by China provides guidance for the international community in jointly addressing refugee challenges, Wang said, adding that China stands ready to work more closely with the Office of the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees and make greater contributions to international humanitarian efforts.

Peace is the first priority in resolving refugee crises, he said, adding that China has done what it can to help settle international and regional hot spot issues and has actively participated in UN peacekeeping operations.

Development is the foundation for improving the situation of refugees, Wang said. China has provided substantial humanitarian assistance and support to developing countries, particularly the least developed countries, helping create conditions for addressing the root causes of refugee crises.

International cooperation is key to improving global refugee governance, he said. China supports the UN refugee agency in playing a leading role in this area and is willing to explore with it effective ways to address problems in the main countries of origin for refugees.

Salih thanked China for its longstanding and firm support for the United Nations and the UN refugee agency, saying the country has played an important role in peacekeeping, international mediation and development.

With global displacement reaching a record high and conflicts and violence causing serious concern, stronger cooperation with China is crucial to the agency's response to these challenges, he said.

The UN refugee agency looks forward to building a close partnership with China and jointly addressing refugee challenges under the framework of the Global Governance Initiative, Salih added.