China has called on more countries to participate in and support the Global Governance Initiative, and to work together to revitalize, defend and strengthen the United Nations, Foreign Minister Wang Yi said on Sunday.

Wang made the remarks at a news conference on China's foreign policy and external relations on the sidelines of the fourth session of the 14th National People's Congress.

The GGI fully meets the common expectations of the international community and reflects the shared aspirations of people from all countries, he said.

Noting that China is a founding member of the UN and a staunch defender of its cause, Wang said the leading status of the UN must be upheld, not challenged, while its central role must be strengthened, not weakened.

He stressed that without the UN, the world would be worse off.

Creating parallel structures outside the UN, or worse still, putting together various exclusive blocs and circles is unpopular and unsustainable, he added.