The vision is not to replace one system or civilization with another, he said. "Instead, it is about countries with different social systems, ideologies, histories, cultures and levels of development coming together for shared interests, shared rights and shared responsibilities in global affairs, and creating the greatest synergy for building a better world," he added.

In upholding the authority of the UN, Xi said international rules can only be made by the 193 UN member states together, instead of being decided by individual countries or blocs of countries, and the rules must be observed by all member states without exception.

Siddharth Chatterjee, the UN resident coordinator in China, said the speech delivered by Xi was compelling and profound.

"President Xi has reconfirmed the primacy of multilateralism, human development and humanity. We are fully committed and aligned with his vision, not only for China but for the partnerships China and the rest of world can have," he said.

Selim Belortaja, the Albanian ambassador to China, said Albania remains proud of its step to help China restore its lawful place in the UN even today, and the role China has played over the past decades fully justified the resolution 50 years ago.

He also lauded Xi's strong appeal for multilateralism in his speech, as "global challenges require a coordinated and concerted response globally".