The comments came during a rare press briefing in Beijing on the issue of a white paper offering proposals to ensure global governance is more just and equitable.

“Countries, whether large or small, strong or ​weak, developed or developing, are equal members of ​the international community,” Wang said, calling for more voices to be heard from the Global South.

New challenges in quick succession bring ​intertwining global crises, Wang said, adding, “The ship of ​civilisation has entered dangerous waters with hidden reefs and violent ‌storms.”

The ⁠disputes reveal deep-seated conflicts, while “black swan and grey rhino events” emerge continually, he said, referring to unexpected events or threats that are ignored despite their visibility.

Wang ​referred to the ​Middle East ⁠and Ukraine conflicts in his remarks, but stopped short of specific details.

The white ​paper aims to build international consensus ​to yield ⁠more effective responses to global challenges, Wang said, and upholding the United Nations’ authority and status is ⁠fundamental ​to the success of the initiative.