On September 12, 2025, Chinese Ambassador to Lesotho Yang Xiaokun was interviewed by Leosotho News Agency (LENA), Lesotho Television (LTV) and Radio Lesotho. He introduced the background, core concepts, and global significance of the Global Governance Initiative (GGI), emphasized the one-China principle, and responded to questions about people-to-people exchanges between China and Lesotho. The interview transcript is as follows:

1. LTV: Your Excellency, China has proposed the Global Governance Initiative to reform and improve global governance, highlighting China's commitment to safeguarding the interests of all nations, particularly developing ones. Can you introduce this Initiative?

Ambassador Yang: The Global Governance Initiative is built on five core concepts. The first is sovereign equality. The second is the international rule of law. The third is multilateralism. The fourth is a people-centered approach. And the fifth is staying committed to real results.

When China proposed this initiative, some people wondered why it was launched this year. The answer is that 2025 marks the 80th anniversary of the founding of the United Nations. The U.N. was established right after the Second World War, and its founding members numbered only around 50, with very limited representation from developing countries. In fact, only four African countries were among the founding members. Today, however, there are more than 50 countries from Africa alone. This means that when the U.N. was created, Africa’s voice was largely absent.

Over the past 80 years, there have also been instances where international law was disregarded by certain countries—for example, through unilateral sanctions, unilateralism, and bullying. These phenomena have been witnessed time and again.

At the same time, the world has seen new developments. One major trend has been the collective rise of developing countries, making the Global South increasingly influential in world affairs. But new challenges have also emerged, such as artificial intelligence(AI) and outer space governance—issues unimaginable 80 years ago. These changes mean that we must reform and improve the U.N. system and global governance.

To illustrate, imagine a fence built around a small yard. Over time, the yard expands, and the fence deteriorates. Naturally, the fence must be repaired and expanded to meet new needs. Similarly, the GGI was proposed this year to strengthen and adapt our system.

Importantly, this initiative is not just about ideas but also about actions. We are encouraging open discussions and listening carefully to voices and suggestions from every corner of the world, especially from our developing partners. Our goal is not to overturn the current international system, but to reform and improve it, making it more just, reasonable, and suitable for today’s realities. Thank you.

2. LTV: Ambassador, the statement emphasized China's resolve to uphold the international system with the U.N. at its core and the international order underpinned by international law. In your view, how can this commitment be practically demonstrated, given the concerns that a handful of powerful nations often impose their rules on others?

Ambassador Yang: This is exactly the situation we are facing. Some countries, or groups of countries, act only in their own interests. That is why China and Africa should work closely together to make our voices heard and our proposals considered by the international community, particularly within the U.N. system.

We firmly regard the U.N. as the core of the current international system, and we support it in playing a central role in global governance. Every country has both the right and the duty to fulfill its responsibilities.

As the largest developing country, China has been working hard in this regard. We provide financial assistance to many developing partners, including Lesotho. China is also the only developing country among the permanent members of the U.N. Security Council. Moreover, China is the largest troop contributor to U.N. peacekeeping operations among the Council members, and the second-largest financial contributor to U.N. peacekeeping assessments.

These are concrete examples of how China assumes its international responsibilities while also working bilaterally to support partners around the world.

3. LTV: Ambassador, the concept of a community with a shared future for humanity is a cornerstone of China's foreign policy. Can you explain what this concept means for the average citizen in Lesotho and how it translates into tangible benefits or projects on the ground?

Ambassador Yang: This is indeed both a broad and very practical question.

A community with a shared future for humanity means that all countries share one planet and one future. It envisions a world characterized by openness and inclusiveness, equality and justice, mutual respect, harmonious coexistence, and mutual learning among civilizations. This is humanity’s common destiny.

For China and Africa, given our many shared experiences and challenges, we have elevated our relationship to an “all-weather community with a shared future for the new era,” which reflects even closer cooperation compared to other regions.

At the individual level, ordinary citizens in Lesotho and beyond can benefit from this vision through tangible projects. For example, following the FOCAC Summit in Beijing last September, concrete results have already taken shape here in Lesotho. The Maseru Agricultural Storage and Logistics Infrastructure Project is ready for handover, and modern agricultural machinery from China has already arrived. These projects will help local farmers increase their harvests in the coming planting season.

Other examples include hospitals providing better medical services, new roads that ease travel, and electricity from the Mafeteng solar power plant. The second phase of this solar project is progressing well, and I hope that by the time we meet next year, I can share more details on its completion.

These projects are tangible fruits of our cooperation. And of course, China also deeply values the strong support we receive from our Lesotho friends both bilaterally and internationally.

4. LTV: Ambassador, how does the Chinese Embassy work to build stronger ties and mutual understanding with the Basotho people, beyond official government-to-government relations? Are there specific cultural exchange programs or initiatives you are particularly proud of?

Ambassador Yang: Yes, this is a very important task for our Embassy, because we see ourselves not only as representatives of the Chinese government, but also of the Chinese people. Personally, I actively participate in activities organized by my hosts. For example, whenever I receive an invitation from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, I always give it top priority.

Let me share a simple example—the Moshoeshoe Walk. It is becoming increasingly popular, not only in Lesotho but also regionally and internationally. Last March, I participated in the Moshoeshoe Walk on the first and third days. I had originally planned to join all three days, but on the advice of my friends, I skipped the second day, which required special equipment I did not have at the time. However, I may assure you that next year I might take part in all three days, as I will be well prepared.

In addition, we are also organizing events to promote better mutual understanding between China and Lesotho. Just a few weeks ago, we held an event called “Chinese Modernization in the Eyes of the Lesotho People,” which received enthusiastic participation from many Basotho friends.

We are also committed to cultural exchanges. For example, we strongly support the Confucius Institute at the National University of Lesotho, which is operating very well. Here I would also like to share that next year, 2026, has been designated as the China-Africa Year of People-to-People Exchanges. It will be a big year for cultural activities. I hope more and more Basotho, especially young people, will have opportunities to engage with Chinese youth, whether in China or here in Lesotho.

5. LTV: The statement listed emerging global challenges like AI, cyberspace, and climate change as areas where new governance is needed. How is China working with Lesotho to prepare for and address these challenges, ensuring that the digital divide and climate debt do not further disadvantage the Basotho people?

Ambassador Yang: As I mentioned earlier, we are indeed facing new global challenges, especially in the fields of AI and climate change. Regarding AI, the digital divide is a serious concern. Instead of narrowing, the gap is actually widening, which poses a huge challenge not only to Lesotho but to the entire Global South.

That is why China has been advocating for greater international attention to the digital divide. We have put forward initiatives on AI governance and submitted related resolutions at the U.N. General Assembly. We have also suggested that a specific international body should be established to coordinate global efforts, because this challenge cannot be solved by one country or even a small group of countries—it requires collective action.

At the bilateral level, China is also working with Lesotho. For example, I once accompanied His Right Honourable Prime Minister to Huawei office park in Johannesburg, where he had an excellent discussion with Huawei experts. As a result, we agreed to provide more training opportunities for young people from Lesotho to build digital skills and enhance the country’s digital transformation. We are ready to share our development experience and welcome proposals from Lesotho on further cooperation in this field.

As for climate change, this is another pressing challenge we must tackle together. China has never withdrawn from any international framework convention and remains firmly committed to fulfilling its obligations. We also pay close attention to Lesotho’s proposals on renewable energy, such as wind power and hydropower. The Mafeteng solar power plant is a vivid example of how we can work together to produce clean, renewable energy. By doing so, we contribute not only to addressing climate change, but also to improving livelihoods in Lesotho.

6. LTV: Ambassador, can you tell us why Taiwan’s return to China was a part of the post-war international order? And what is the one-China principle?

Ambassador Yang: To answer this question, we need to go back 80 years. The current international system and order were established on the basis of the outcomes of the Second World War. Toward the end of the war, the Allies held meetings to discuss the post-war order. Two important international legal documents were adopted: the Cairo Declaration and the Potsdam Proclamation, endorsed by China, the United States, the United Kingdom, and the Soviet Union. Both clearly stipulated that all territories stolen by Japan from China, including Taiwan, must be restored to China. When Japan surrendered unconditionally in 1945, it accepted these terms and returned Taiwan to China. The reason was that 50 years earlier, in 1895, Japan had launched a war of aggression against China, forcing China to cede Taiwan. Thus, Taiwan’s return to China in 1945 was a direct rectification of that injustice and an integral part of the post-war international order.

As for the one-China principle, it states clearly that there’s but one China in the world, Taiwan is an inalienable part of China’s territory, and the Government of the People’s Republic of China is the sole legal government representing the whole of China. Every country should firmly oppose all forms of “Taiwan independence”, and resolutely support the Chinese government to realize national reunification. 

Taiwan’s return to China was therefore not only a historical necessity, but also a cornerstone of the post-war international order. I would also like to express appreciation for the longstanding and firm commitment of Lesotho to the one-China principle.