China unveils white paper on global governance

BEIJING: China on Wednesday (Jun 17) released a new white paper on global governance, warning that the international system is at a critical crossroads.

It also called for a greater voice for countries in the Global South while reaffirming the central role of international institutions such as the United Nations.

The nearly 50-page document, which sets out Beijing’s vision for reforming global governance, comes as China seeks to position itself as a champion of multilateralism amid growing geopolitical tensions.

The white paper was unveiled at a rare news conference led by Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi, alongside senior officials from the country’s state planner and the ruling Communist Party, in a display of cross-agency coordination.

At the press conference, Wang Yi said the world was facing mounting challenges that required renewed commitment to multilateralism.

China has called for a more inclusive and equitable system of global governance, advocating greater multilateral cooperation, shared development, and a stronger role for all countries in addressing global challenges.

Outlining its vision for global governance, China said international affairs should be discussed by all nations, governance mechanisms should be built collectively, and development benefits should be shared by all. It noted that extensive consultation, joint contribution, and shared benefits are essential to addressing the world's most pressing challenges and achieving sustainable development.

According to China, an equal and orderly multipolar world, coupled with universally beneficial and inclusive economic globalization, represents the direction of the times. It stressed that all countries, regardless of their size or level of development, should have a place in global governance and play their respective roles in shaping the international system.

China also called for a stronger global economy that delivers opportunities and benefits more equitably. It argued that economic globalization should remain open and inclusive, rather than being constrained by protectionism and division. The statement said countries should work together to foster innovation, expand development opportunities, and ensure that the gains of globalization are shared more broadly among nations and peoples.

Emphasising the importance of international cooperation, China said true multilateralism remains the only viable path to addressing global issues. It noted that effective multilateral coordination and cooperation are essential for advancing global governance and safeguarding human wellbeing, adding that the world cannot achieve lasting progress without collective action.

The statement further highlighted the importance of promoting common values shared by humanity, including peace, development, fairness, justice, democracy, and freedom. China said respect for diversity among nations, cultures, religions, and social systems is vital for fostering cooperation and improving global governance.

It also noted that with more than eight billion people living across different countries, regions, ethnic groups, and civilizations, greater understanding and dialogue are needed to build consensus and strengthen international partnerships. Such cooperation, China said, would help create a stable environment for development and prosperity.

China also pointed to its Global Development Initiative, Global Security Initiative, Global Civilization Initiative, and Global Governance Initiative as practical frameworks aimed at strengthening international cooperation and contributing to the building of a community with a shared future for humanity.

According to the statement, China's approach to global governance reflects its long-standing commitment to promoting peace, development, and international cooperation, while working with other countries to reform and improve the global governance system in response to evolving global challenges.