Wang Yi Meets with U.N. High Commissioner for Refugees Barham Salih

On October 23, 2026, Member of the Political Bureau of the CPC Central Committee and Foreign Minister Wang Yi met in Xiong’an New Area, Hebei with U.N. High Commissioner for Refugees Barham Salih, who is in China to attend the 2026 Global Governance Forum (Xiong’an).

Wang Yi stated that the refugee issue is closely linked to global governance. The Global Governance Initiative (GGI) put forward by President Xi Jinping offers guidance for the international community to join hands in addressing the refugee challenge. China attaches great importance to the status and role of UNHCR and stands ready to cooperate more closely with it. China believes that peace is of primary importance for ending the refugee crisis. China does its utmost to advance the settlement of global hotspot issues and takes an active part in U.N. peacekeeping operations. China holds that development is the foundation for improving the conditions of refugees. China has provided a large amount of humanitarian assistance and support to developing countries, especially the least developed countries, creating conditions for addressing the refugee issue at its root. Improving refugee governance hinges on international cooperation. China welcomes and supports UNHCR in playing a leading role in global refugee governance, and is willing to jointly explore effective ways to solve the problems of major source countries of refugees with UNHCR.

Wang Yi noted that China’s development means a strengthening of the forces for peace and an enhancement of the factors for stability in the world. China stands ready to take the GGI as a guide, open up new prospects for cooperation with UNHCR, and work together to make greater contributions to the international humanitarian cause.

Barham Salih thanked China for its long-term and firm support for the cause of the United Nations and the work of the UNHCR. He stated that China is a great country that commands considerable respect on the international stage and has long played an important role in peacekeeping, international mediation and promoting development. With the number of forcibly displaced people worldwide reaching a record high and conflicts and violence presenting a worrying picture, closer cooperation with China is vital for UNHCR to address these challenges. The UNHCR looks forward to building a close partnership with China, pursuing people-centered cooperation, and jointly addressing the refugee challenge under the framework of the GGI.