According to official Chinese media, Vice President Han Zheng has stated that China is dedicated to further opening itself to the world and will always be a member of the large family of developing countries.

According to a Xinhua article from late Thursday, Han reaffirmed China’s commitment to an independent foreign policy and protecting its sovereignty and territorial integrity during the general debate of the 78th session of the United Nations General Assembly.

In his speech, Han emphasized the need to peacefully resolve differences and issues via conversation and consultation and address the legitimate security concerns of all countries.

As for the war in Ukraine, Han stated, “China supports all efforts that are conducive to the peaceful resolution of the Ukraine crisis and stands ready to continue playing a constructive role in the early attainment of peace.”

Wang Yi, the Chinese foreign minister, recently assured his Russian colleague, Sergei Lavrov, that China will maintain an independent and impartial posture on Ukraine. At the same time, it seeks a peaceful conclusion to the situation.

China has been under international pressure to do more to persuade Russia to halt its conflict with Ukraine after Beijing declined to denounce Moscow for the invasion it launched in February 2022. Russia and Ukraine have shown only lukewarm interest in its peace plan.

On the sidelines of the UN meeting, Han also met with Serbian President Aleksandar Vucic, calling both countries “hardcore friends” who share struggles and promising to continue to push bilateral relations to a new level.

More than 110 countries’ delegates are due to gather in China next month for the third Belt and Road meeting. Vucic will join them in discussing China’s ambitious transcontinental commerce and infrastructure program.

For Han, development “should be placed at the center of the international agenda, and development benefits should reach every country and individual in a fairer way” in his UN speech.

During the first official gathering of the powerful politburo of the ruling Workers’ Party since his return, North Korean leader Kim Jong Un reviewed follow-up actions to his recent trip to Russia, according to state media KCNA on Friday.

Kim and Russian President Vladimir Putin agreed to increase their military and economic cooperation during Kim’s recent week-long trip to Russia, which ended with his return.

The influential politburo of the party central committee, which Kim informed on his visit on Wednesday, discussed methods to “practically and comprehensively” execute the outcomes of the meeting as well as “constructive” long-term strategies for improving ties with Russia, according to KCNA.

He emphasized the need to foster close ties and collaboration between the two nations’ relevant sectors to broaden and advance cooperation in all areas in an all-around fashion, the statement read.

According to KCNA, Kim’s visit “brought a radical change in the global geopolitical situation” and elevated bilateral relations to a new strategic level in response to the demands of the new era.

Seoul and Washington are concerned that Russia may be attempting to obtain ammunition from North Korea to augment its dwindling stockpiles due to the conflict in Ukraine. At the same time, Pyongyang is looking for technical assistance for its nuclear and missile programs.

In a speech to the annual U.N. General Assembly on Wednesday, South Korean President Yoon Suk Yeol said that if Russia assisted North Korea in developing its weapons programs in exchange for assistance with its conflict in Ukraine, it would be “a direct provocation,” and Seoul and its allies would not be silent.