China's Permanent Representative to the United Nations, Zhang Jun, announced his departure from office at the end of March. Zhang expressed his gratitude for the honor and experience of representing his country at the UN for the past five years. He emphasized the trust placed in him by his nation and his unwavering efforts to fulfill his mission.

Zhang acknowledged the changing perception of China on the global stage, highlighting its role as a force for peace, development, and progress. He emphasized the need for fairness, justice, and unity in the world, as well as a strengthened United Nations.

Zhang's departure was met with farewells from senior UN officials, including Secretary-General António Guterres and President of the 78th Session of the UN General Assembly, Dennis Francis. Guterres praised China's commitment to cooperation and its unique role among major powers. Francis acknowledged China's contributions to multilateralism and its support for the UN.

Ambassadors from various countries, including Russia, the United States, and France, also bid farewell to Zhang. China's growing national power and its expanding role in the UN were noted, with China becoming the second-largest financial contributor to the UN regular budget by 2019.