Emerging markets suffer from inadequate representation at the United Nations, with its authority increasingly challenged by escalating political and economic disputes worldwide, Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi said on Wednesday.

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.