Chinese FM calls for more emphasis on preventive diplomacy

  Chinese Foreign Minister Yang Jiechi speaks at the UN Security Council meeting on the maintenance of international peace and security -- conflict prevention, at the United Nations headquarters in New York, the United States, Sept. 22, 2011. (Xinhua/Shen Hong)UNITED NATIONS, Sept. 22 (Xinhua) -- Chinese Foreign Minister Yang Jiechi on Thursday urged UN members to devote more attention and resources to nipping conflict in the bud.

Speaking at a UN Security Council meeting on conflict prevention on the sidelines of the annual UN General Assembly debate, Yang noted that since its founding the UN has actively promoted and practiced preventive diplomacy and made important contributions to maintaining global and regional peace and stability.

Yet as the world undergoes profound and complex changes, the UN needs to have a keener appreciation of the importance of preventive diplomacy and update its methods of conflict prevention, he said.

"The UN should truly change the mindset of prioritizing treatment over prevention and the practice of prioritizing peacekeeping over mediation," he said, adding that the UN "should devote energy to early warnings, conflict prevention and peace mediation."

Meanwhile, the world body should formulate a comprehensive, scientific and effective strategy on preventive diplomacy that highlights not only crisis management but also comprehensive development, particularly the development of Africa, he added.

"Only by helping the countries concerned realize economic growth, social progress and sustainable development and eliminate the economic and social causes for conflicts, can we fundamentally prevent the conflicts from happening," Yang said.

The Chinese minister also proposed to enhance international communication and coordination and bring into full play the strengths of all parties.

"The regional and sub-regional organizations have unique political, moral and geographic advantages in preventing and resolving local conflicts," said Yang.

Besides, the UN should pool efforts and all resources available in a systematic and effective way, Yang said, adding that China will continue working together with other parties to seek better approaches to various global challenges.