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

The comments, featuring brief mention of the Middle East and Ukraine conflicts but few details, came in a rare press briefing in Beijing for the issue of a white paper outlining ways to make global governance 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 urged efforts to commit firmly to a ceasefire in the Middle East, calling on all parties to work towards laying the foundation of a “sustainable security architecture in the region”, the official Xinhua news agency said.

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