Category: Multipolarity

Can China save the world?

In the following review of China’s Foreign Policy and the Making of a Multipolar World, Dirk Nimmegeers describes the collection as an “intriguing, enjoyable read, aimed at a diverse readership”. The review gives an overview of each of the ten chapters – from the historical and theoretical framing provided by the editors, through contributions by Ken Hammond, Andrew Murray, Jenny Clegg, Danny Haiphong, Cheng Enfu, Torkil Lauesen and Michael Dunford, to Carlos Martinez’s closing chapter on the Four Global Initiatives.

This review first appeared, in Dutch, on Chinasquare.be, and has been machine translated.

Note: there will be an online book launch for the book – hosted by Friends of Socialist China together with the International Manifesto Group, Praxis Press, Manifesto Press and the Critical Theory Workshop – on Sunday 20 September at 4pm Britain (5pm Western Europe, 11am US Eastern), at which seven of the book’s contributors will speak.

At present, ‘the world is undergoing changes the likes of which have not been seen for a century’. This is a well-known statement by the Chinese leader Xi Jinping. According to Keith Bennett and Carlos Martinez, it is becoming clearer every day that Xi is right. They point, to name but a few signs, to the course of the war against Iran, or the rise of the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation. Furthermore, the editors of Friends of Socialist China note that China has adapted its foreign policy to this reality, shifting from a low profile approach to a more assertive and proactive strategy. When they asked seven other eminent specialists for their analysis of China’s foreign policy, the editors therefore decided to give the collection a subtitle that echoes Xi’s vision. China’s Foreign Policy and the Making of a Multipolar World: Changes unseen in a century was published by Praxis Press at the end of August.

The book contains analyses of what China represents in geopolitical terms today. The authors are well-established and experienced academics and journalists. They provide answers to questions on this subject, which is of the utmost importance for the future of the world – questions that preoccupy many readers, particularly those on the progressive and left-wing spectrum. What is the historical background to Chinese foreign policy, and how will it evolve? On what principles and theories is it based? How does practice relate to propaganda? Is China a new imperialist power? Is its international policy ‘good enough’ for a country that calls itself socialist? And what does China’s rise mean for the Global South, for the prospects of peace and for the long-term struggle to establish a more just world order?

Continue reading Can China save the world?

Trump and Xi: two views on international relations

With a second summit this year between Chinese President Xi Jinping and US President Donald Trump expected to take place in Washington DC before the end of September, the US newspaper People’s World recently carried an article by veteran activist David Cavendish setting out the two leaders’ divergent views on international relations.

He notes that we have recently “seen how the leadership of the United States government, bogged down in a war that it cannot win, is spewing threats and insults against countries, both ‘friend’ and ‘foe’.”

He notes a number of statements by Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent, for example on X: “Today, in that same spirit, we are launching an economic onslaught against Iran’s financial connections around the globe. Our objective is to sever every economic lifeline that sustains this tyrannical regime.”

“At the same time”, he adds, “the president announced on his social media site that he will continue to use the military option, with attacks on targets in southern Iran. ‘If the failed Nation of Iran retaliates for this very justified attack, they will be hit again at a much harder and higher level, but it will not be the biggest attack of them all, that is waiting in the wings and, when it is over, there will be very little left of the Islamic Republic of Iran!’

“The president’s language, to say the least, is stark and speaks in a tone rarely heard in international affairs. One can make all types of analyses as to what motivates Trump, but one thing is clear: He is an extreme example of US imperialistic policies followed since the Spanish-American War.” (1898)

Noting China’s refusal to acquiesce in Trump’s campaign, he writes, “that was not just because of some minor technicality, but because the basis of Chinese foreign economic policy is, in most respects, the complete opposite of that of the United States.”

In this regard he draws attention to an editorial in Global Times, which states: “If the US cannot even rally its own allies, it certainly cannot expect to boss China around. China has consistently opposed unilateral bullying and long-arm jurisdiction—not because China is Iran’s largest trading partner and maintains long-standing friendly relations with Iran, but because once this US logic is accepted, international trade would no longer be normal exchanges between nations. Instead, it would devolve into an absurd situation where the US unilaterally sets the rules and the flow of all goods must be approved by the US.”

Noting how President Xi Jinping had recently stated, at the summit meeting of the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO), held in the Kyrgyz capital Bishkek, that all countries need to build “an equal and orderly multipolar world,” one that “should ensure equal rights, equal opportunities and equal rules for all countries, regardless of their size, strength and wealth,” he concludes:

“That is the stark choice facing the people of our planet. On the one hand, we have the neo-barbarism of the Trump administration. On the other, a new set of international relations based on equality, fairness, and peace. The choice is clear.”

Continue reading Trump and Xi: two views on international relations

BRICS Summit reaches consensus and affirms support for Palestine and Cuba

The 18th Summit of the BRICS cooperation mechanism, meeting in the Indian capital, New Delhi, over September 12-13 adopted a joint declaration at the conclusion of its first session held in the afternoon of September 12.

The detailed 140-point declaration addresses a huge range of issues. Considering the sharp differences presently existing among some BRICS member countries, most notably Iran and the United Arab Emirates (UAE), the unanimous adoption by all the full members of BRICS may be said to represent not least a considerable achievement on the part of Indian diplomacy, with, according to numerous media reports, its diplomats working intensively to secure consensus and agreement among all parties in the days leading up to the summit.

The Xinhua News Agency reports that the declaration, which is entitled, “Building for Resilience, Innovation, Cooperation and Sustainability”, reflects a commitment to inclusive global governance and strengthening multilateralism, calling for international and regional peace and security, and underscoring sustainable and inclusive global economic growth as well as strengthening cultural and people-to-people cooperation.

Acknowledging the historical lineage of this key agency of Global South cooperation, the declaration notes: “We recall the 1955 Asian-African Conference in Bandung, Indonesia that proclaimed general principles, including equality, independence, non-intervention, and mutual benefit. We stress that the Bandung Spirit serves as a reference in the pursuit of a fairer, more inclusive, and representative multilateral system.”

Considering not least the positions and actions in the recent period of India and the United Arab Emirates, one positive and welcome development is the relatively principled stand taken by the declaration on the Palestinian and related issues. It states:

“We take note of the adoption of UNSC Resolution 2803. We call for the implementation of the relevant UNGA and UNSC Resolutions and urge all parties to ensure the maintenance of ceasefire and full and unhindered humanitarian access in the Gaza Strip. In this context, we express deep concern on the continued violence in Gaza despite the ceasefire agreement of October 2025. We call for halting any policies aimed at forced displacement of Palestinians from Gaza Strip and express concern regarding arrangements that may prejudice the inalienable rights of the Palestinian people and legitimise or prolong occupation.

“We reaffirm that a just and lasting solution to the Israeli-Palestinian conflict can only be achieved by peaceful means and depends on the fulfilment of the legitimate rights of the Palestinian people, including the rights to self-determination and return. We affirm the need for adequate representation of Palestine in all relevant international organisations, including multilateral financial institutions, and access to their resources. We reaffirm our support for the State of Palestine’s full membership in the UN in the context of the unwavering commitment to the two-state solution, in accordance with international law, including relevant UN Security Council and General Assembly resolutions, and the Arab Peace Initiative, that includes the establishment of a sovereign, independent and viable State of Palestine within the internationally recognised 1967 borders, which included the Gaza Strip and the West Bank, with East Jerusalem as its capital, in order to achieve the vision of two States living side by side, in peace and security.

“We express our firm opposition to the forced displacement, temporary or permanent, under any pretext, of any of the Palestinian population from the Occupied Palestinian Territory, as well as any geographic or demographic changes to the territory of the Gaza Strip. We reiterate that international law and international judicial bodies demand the end of the illegal occupation and the immediate cessation of all practices that undermine legal norms and obstruct a just and lasting peace.

“We reiterate our grave concern about the situation in the Occupied Palestinian Territory, including the humanitarian situation in Gaza. We call for adherence to international law, in particular to international humanitarian law and international human rights law, and condemn all their violations, including the use of starvation as a method of warfare, attacks targeting civilians and civilian objects, including healthcare facilities and other civilian infrastructure, as well as the unlawful obstruction of humanitarian access. We also condemn attempts to politicise or militarise humanitarian assistance. We reassert our steadfast support for UN Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees in the Near East (UNRWA) and stress the need to fully respect the mandate, bestowed on it by the UNGA, for the provision of basic services to Palestine refugees in its five fields of operations. We call on all relevant parties to respect their obligations under international law and act with utmost restraint and to avoid escalatory actions and provocative declarations. We note, in this regard, the provisional measures of the International Court of Justice in the legal proceedings instituted by South Africa against Israel, which, inter alia, reaffirmed Israel’s legal obligation to ensure the provision of humanitarian aid in Gaza.

“We reject any unilateral measures that seek to alter the legal and historical status of occupied Jerusalem. We urge full respect for the sanctity of all religious sites and holy places in the city and for the rights of all to access and to observe their religious rites without hinderance.

“We welcome the ceasefire in Lebanon and call on all parties to strictly adhere to its terms and to fully implement UNSC Resolution 1701. We condemn the continued violations of the ceasefire and of the sovereignty and territorial integrity of Lebanon. We call on Israel to respect the terms agreed with the Lebanese government and to withdraw its occupying forces from all of the Lebanese territories, in which they remain.

“We highlight the vital role played by United Nations Interim Force in Lebanon (UNIFIL) and agree it is imperative to ensure the safety, security, and freedom of movement of all UN personnel and equipment, as well as to respect the integrity of UN premises. We condemn all attacks against UNIFIL installations and personnel and emphasise that such attacks are a violation of international law and UN Security Council Resolution 1701 (2006). We also extend our deepest condolences for the loss of four Indonesian as well as other peacekeepers serving under UNIFIL and express solidarity with all Troop Contributing Countries affected. We express our condemnation of the incidents that led to these fatalities and reiterate that the safety and security of UN peacekeepers are non-negotiable. We underscore the importance of respecting the role and mandate of UNIFIL in supporting the Government of Lebanon and in creating space for a political solution. In this regard, we call for those responsible for these attacks to be held accountable and further call on all parties to guarantee the safety and freedom of movement of UNIFIL personnel and assets, as well as the inviolability of UN premises.”

The declaration also declares its support for Cuba, stating: “Underlining the character of Latin America and the Caribbean as a zone of peace, built on mutual respect, peaceful settlement of disputes and non-intervention, we express deep concern on the situation relating to Cuba due to the tightening of unilateral blockade measures against the country, their adverse effects on the Cuban economy, energy supplies and the worrying humanitarian impact on the Cuban people. In this regard, we reiterate the necessity of ending the economic, commercial and financial measures against Cuba in accordance with UNGA Resolution A/RES/80/4.”

It concludes by extending full support to China for its BRICS Chairship in 2027 and the holding of the XIX BRICS Summit in China.

Continue reading BRICS Summit reaches consensus and affirms support for Palestine and Cuba

Xi Jinping sets out plans for BRICS to stand on the right side of history

Chinese President Xi Jinping attended the 18th Summit of the BRICS cooperation mechanism held in the Indian capital New Delhi from September 12 to 13 at the invitation of Prime Minister Narendra Modi.

President Xi attended the first session of the summit on the afternoon of September 12. Chaired by Prime Minister Modi, it was also attended by Russian President Vladimir Putin, South African President Cyril Ramaphosa, Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian, Egyptian President Abdel Fattah El-Sisi, Indonesian President Prabowo Subianto, Ethiopian Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed, the United Arab Emirates’ (UAE’s) Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi Khaled bin Mohamed, Brazilian Foreign Minister Mauro Vieira, and others.

Xi Jinping delivered a statement entitled “Jointly Shouldering the Responsibility of the Times and Striving to Be a Pioneering Force”.

He pointed out that this year marks the 20th anniversary of BRICS cooperation. Over the past two decades, BRICS has been growing with strong vigour and vitality and has become the most influential cooperation platform in today’s world for emerging markets and developing countries. These are 20 years of self-reliance and self-strengthening. BRICS countries have actively explored development paths suited to respective national conditions and set a fine example of emerging markets and developing countries seeking strength through unity. These are 20 years of standing together through wind and rain. Hand in hand BRICS countries have tackled the global financial crisis, the COVID pandemic, climate change and other challenges, and resolutely defended the common interests of the Global South, providing the world with stability and positive energy.

President Xi stressed that, today, changes unseen in a century are accelerating across the world. The Global South is gaining strength, and the trend toward a multipolar world is unstoppable. At the same time, unilateralism and power politics are surging against the tide, lashing at multilateralism and the international order. The deficits in peace, development, security and governance keep growing. BRICS must stand firmly on the right side of history, strive to be a pioneer of our times, steer the international order in a direction that is more just and equitable, and work together to build a community with a shared future for humanity.

In this regard he put forward four points:

  • BRICS should be a pioneer in advancing innovation-driven development. BRICS countries must keep the initiative firmly in their hands, strengthen cooperation in the field of AI, encourage open source, openness, collaboration and sharing, and break new ground and scale new heights in practical cooperation.
  • BRICS should be a pioneer in upholding peace and stability. We should act on the vision of common, comprehensive, cooperative and sustainable security, oppose the Cold War mentality and bloc confrontation, and oppose violation of other countries’ sovereignty or interference in other countries’ internal affairs. We should participate constructively in the settlement of hotspot issues and make BRICS’ unique contribution to addressing both the symptoms and root causes.
  • BRICS should be a pioneer in facilitating mutual learning between civilisations. We should promote the common values of humanity, and advocate exchange, mutual learning and harmonious coexistence between civilisations. We should hold the BRICS People-to-People Exchange Forum to share experience on national governance and build up positive energy for stable state-to-state relations.
  • BRICS should be a pioneer in reforming and improving global governance. BRICS should align with the trend toward greater democracy in international relations, work toward a more just and equitable global governance system, and uphold the authority of the United Nations.

The Chinese president added that during its arduous journey of 20 years, solidarity and cooperation have always been the source of strength for the cause of BRICS. We should continue treating each other with candour and sincerity and seeking common ground while shelving differences. China will take over the BRICS chairship next year and host the 19th BRICS Summit. The Chinese side will seize the opportunity to build consensus and work with all parties to plan for the future.

On the morning of September 13, President Xi Jinping attended Session II of the 18th BRICS Summit in New Delhi, and delivered an important statement entitled “Cementing the Foundation for BRICS Cooperation and Bolstering the Strength of the Global South”.

President Xi pointed out that this meeting is held at a time when changes unseen in a century are accelerating across the world. The Global South, with its collective rise, has become a key driver of world multipolarity. At the same time, the international landscape is volatile and fraught with risks and challenges. To bring stability to the world and make it a better place, BRICS countries must seize the historical initiative, rally the Global South, be an active, stabilising and positive force in international affairs, and advance the well-being of all humanity.

He stressed that Global South countries should jointly defend the rule of law in international affairs, safeguard the basic norms of international relations including sovereign equality, noninterference in internal affairs, and the peaceful settlement of disputes, and ensure that international law and international rules are applied to all, free from double standards. The international financial architecture must be reformed and improved to increase the representation and voice of developing countries. Global South countries should stay committed to a people-centred development philosophy and strive to deliver on the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development.

President Xi pointed out that to accomplish great things and achieve major progress, the foundation of greater BRICS cooperation must be cemented. BRICS should leverage close ties with fellow emerging markets and Global South countries, uphold open cooperation for mutual benefit, safeguard stable and smooth industrial and supply chains, foster a larger integrated market, build incubators for innovation, upgrade traditional industries, develop emerging industries, and deploy future industries. He put forward five initiatives for deepening BRICS cooperation:

  • The open source and inclusive AI initiative. China will be a pioneer in establishing a BRICS AI open source community, support cooperation in developing and applying large language models, hold specialised AI seminars and training courses, and build an open ecosystem for AI.
  • The trade and investment facilitation initiative. China proposes to establish a BRICS special economic zone partnership, under which countries can set up an intelligent portal, coordinate policies, and build a new frontier for open development.
  • The digital industry cooperation initiative. China will push for establishing a BRICS digital ecosystem cloud platform, and conduct digital skills training, technological exchange and industrial alignment, so as to jointly enable the development of the digital economy.
  • The intelligent manufacturing cooperation initiative. China stands ready to assist fellow BRICS countries in building smart factories and developing standards and norms and jointly promote manufacturing transformation and upgrading.
  • The science and technology talent development initiative. China proposes to set up a BRICS engineer cultivation alliance for joint development of engineers and mutual recognition of competency standards.

The session was attended by Russian President Vladimir Putin, South African President Cyril Ramaphosa, Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian, Egyptian President Abdel Fattah El-Sisi, Indonesian President Prabowo Subianto, Ethiopian Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed, the UAE’s Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi Khaled bin Mohamed, the Brazilian and Saudi Arabian Foreign Ministers, leaders or representatives of BRICS partner countries and guest countries, and Secretary General António Guterres of the United Nations and other heads of international organisations, and was chaired by Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi.

Continue reading Xi Jinping sets out plans for BRICS to stand on the right side of history

India and China need to contribute more positive energy to world peace, stability, development and prosperity

Chinese President Xi Jinping met with Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi on the sidelines of the 18th BRICS Summit in the Indian capital New Delhi on September 12. The two leaders had a candid and in-depth exchange of views and reached an important consensus that China and India should be partners.

Xi said China has always viewed and developed its relations with India from a strategic height and with a long-term perspective. He noted that he has met with Modi twice over the past two years, which had guided bilateral relations from a new start to a further improvement. China and India have different national conditions, Xi said, adding that they can draw on each other’s strengths, support one another, help each other succeed and pursue common development. Amid a turbulent international landscape, China and India, as the world’s two most populous countries and important members of the Global South, shoulder important responsibilities. They need to keep in mind the future of humanity and the well-being of peoples, work together to promote high-quality development of greater BRICS cooperation, and contribute more positive energy to world peace, stability, development and prosperity.

Xi further called on China and India to draw on the political wisdom of mutual respect and understanding to overcome disruptions, urging both sides to pursue parallel progress in bilateral ties and border issues with the two tracks reinforcing each other, so as to maintain peace and tranquility in their border areas. He further said that the two countries should support each other as rotating chair of the BRICS, strengthen coordination within such multilateral frameworks as the United Nations, the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation and the G-20, stand together in addressing global challenges, and unequivocally uphold international fairness and justice.

Prime Minister Modi said that he has held several productive meetings with Xi, guiding India-China relations toward a positive direction, which serves the common interests of the more than 2.8 billion people of both countries. The two major civilisations of India and China have, over thousands of years, learned from each other through exchanges and moved forward hand in hand. India adheres to an independent foreign policy, and the development of its relations with China is not subject to the influence of any third party, he noted.

India thanked China for its support for its hosting of the BRICS summit and will fully support China in assuming the BRICS chairmanship next year. Modi added that India is ready to closely coordinate and cooperate with China to jointly strengthen cooperation among Global South countries, promote a more multipolar world and global economic growth, and serve as a force for stability and progress in a turbulent world.

Continue reading India and China need to contribute more positive energy to world peace, stability, development and prosperity

China supports Mexico’s defence of its independence, sovereignty and security

Secretary of Foreign Affairs of Mexico Roberto Velasco Álvarez visited China from September 6-7 at the invitation of Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi, who is also a member of the Political Bureau of the Communist Party of China Central Committee.

The two foreign ministers held talks in Beijing on September 7.

Wang Yi said that China has always viewed and advanced China-Mexico relations from the strategic perspective of unity and cooperation among countries in the Global South. China appreciates Mexico’s long-term and firm adherence to the one-China principle and supports Mexico in maintaining its independence and autonomy, safeguarding its sovereignty and security, and opposing external interference.

Noting that China and Mexico share similar positions on many international and regional issues, Wang said China is ready to strengthen strategic coordination with Mexico on the international and multilateral stages to safeguard the respective legitimate interests of the two countries.

Velasco said the Mexican side commends the Five Principles of Peaceful Coexistence proposed by China and firmly adheres to the one-China principle and upholds the authority of United Nations General Assembly Resolution 2758, which restored China’s rightful seat in the world body.

The Mexican foreign minister further said that Mexico supports China in holding the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) Economic Leaders’ Meeting, which will be held in Shenzhen in November, and its playing a leading role, expressing willingness to strengthen coordination and cooperation with China to jointly safeguard the international multilateral system.

The importance of Wang Yi’s strong statement in support of Mexico’s independence, security and sovereignty and in opposition to external interference has to be seen in the context of the steadily mounting bullying, aggression and threats emanating from the Trump administration in the US as part of its current hemispheric hegemonic rampage.

Three days later, Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum reiterated her stance on national sovereignty and rejected US political pandering at Mexico’s expense ahead of the US midterm elections on November 3.

“As we have always said, Mexico is nobody’s piñata. Mexico must be respected. We do not interfere in their elections. They also should not use Mexico in their elections,” Sheinbaum said during her regular daily press conference at the National Palace in Mexico City. (Typically associated with Mexico, a piñata is generally described as a container, often made of papier-mâché, pottery, or cloth, that is decorated, filled with candy, and then broken as part of a celebration.)

The president was responding to recent comments by US Secretary of State Marco Rubio, who claimed that drug trafficking groups control “vast territories” of Mexico and that they “pose an enormous threat right on our border”.

On the day of Velasco’s meeting in Beijing, Trump shared on social media a map appearing to depict Canada, Mexico, Greenland, Iceland, Cuba and some other Caribbean islands as part of an expanded United States, swathed in the stars and stripes. The day before Trump had referred to the US state of New Mexico as New America.

Earlier, in mid-August, Andrés Manuel López Beltrán, the son of immediate past president Andrés Manuel López Obrador, a key ally of President Claudia Sheinbaum, revealed that the US government has revoked his visa.

Continue reading China supports Mexico’s defence of its independence, sovereignty and security

SCO adopts Bishkek Declaration: “More countries can now be expected to explore this alternative path”

The website of the President of Russia carried the text of the speech delivered by President Vladimir Putin at the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) Summit 2026 recently held in the Kyrgyz capital Bishkek.

Vladimir Putin noted that: “The SCO has covered a really long path during these 25 years. I would like to remind you that the organisation, which was established in 2001 at the initiative of six states – Russia, China, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan and Uzbekistan – has grown to become stronger, turning into an independent and influential centre of the emerging multipolar world. It has, de facto, become the largest regional association not only on our shared Eurasian continent but in the world as a whole. Nearly half of the global population lives in its countries, which account for over one-third of global GDP.”

Referring to the draft protocol on amending the fundamental SCO Charter, he explained that “all current observer states and dialogue partners will receive the newly-introduced SCO partner status. This decision will help streamline and expand mutually beneficial cooperation between the SCO and countries and international organisations which are interested in this cooperation.”

President Putin went on to note that: “Reciprocal trade and investment exchanges continue to expand each year. For example, Russia’s trade with the SCO member states exceeded US$400 billion last year. Our states use national currencies in mutual settlements more actively. Their share exceeds 98 percent in Russia’s operations with the organisation’s members.

“The SCO Business Council and the SCO Interbank Consortium make a major contribution to implementing joint mutually beneficial economic projects. The Development Bank, being established within the framework of our organisation, could take part in this work in the future. In my opinion, this bank should receive maximum independence from the financial systems of the states which weaponise economic tools in order to obtain unilateral advantages in international affairs.”

“Yesterday”, he continued, “we attended the opening ceremony of the World Nomad Games, which are currently taking place in the Kyrgyz Republic and in which representatives of many SCO member states, including Russia, are participating. Our country stands ready to host the next games in 2028 in Kazan, Russia. We will be pleased to welcome teams from all interested states.”

Concluding he noted: “I would like to remind you that today is September 1 – the day on which the Second World War began. We must do everything in our power to prevent a return to the global practice of instigating armed conflicts. I am convinced that our efforts are directed precisely towards this objective.”

The official website of the Russian head of state also reported that: “In conclusion of the meeting, the leaders signed and adopted the final documents, including the Bishkek Declaration, decisions of the SCO Heads of State Council on joint initiatives on combatting drug addiction and on countering the spread of synthetic drugs and their precursors for the period until 2030; initiatives for the conservation and sustainable management of biodiversity and a joint action plan for their implementation for 2026–2031; as well as scientific and technological cooperation programmes for creating the SCO Green Technology Corridor for 2026–2030.

“The SCO leaders also adopted decisions on declaring the city of Lahore (Pakistan) as the SCO Tourism and Cultural Capital for 2026–2027, and on signing a Memorandum of Understanding between the SCO Secretariat and the African Union Commission.

“The following documents were adopted without signing: the Declaration of the SCO Heads of State Council on Strengthening Multilateral Partnership for Nuclear and Physical Nuclear Security, statements of the SCO Heads of State Council on expanding interaction in energy conservation and energy efficiency, energy systems, on supporting and strengthening the institution of the family, and on assistance to states affected by disasters.”

The Morning Star newspaper carried a feature article by Kenny Coyle analysing the significance of the Bishkek Declaration.

According to Kenny: “If you wondered where world leaders were this past week, you certainly wouldn’t have found them in London, Brussels or Washington, not even Kiev. In fact, many of the most significant leaders were in Bishkek, capital of Kyrgyzstan, a former Soviet republic, from August 31 to September 1 at the summit of the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO).

“Despite disagreements on many critical issues, a joint statement, the ‘Bishkek Declaration’, was signed by Chinese President Xi Jinping, Russian President Vladimir Putin, Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Pakistani Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, as well as other leaders of SCO member nations.”

Also underlining the growing economic significance and focus of the SCO, he writes: “This central concern, over the past quarter century, has been to break the US stranglehold over international finance and trade. The Bishkek Declaration strongly promotes the transformation of existing structures. ‘Member states support reform of the international financial architecture aimed at increasing the representation and strengthening the role of developing countries in the governing bodies of international financial institutions, including the International Bank for Reconstruction and Development and the International Monetary Fund’.”

The declaration also states that: “Member states, reaffirming their support for the sovereignty and territorial integrity of the Islamic Republic of Iran, call for the conflict to be resolved exclusively through political and diplomatic means. In this regard, they welcome all efforts aimed at reducing tensions in the region.”

“On Afghanistan, which is a neighbour to several SCO members, it was stated that: ‘Member states reiterate that only an inclusive government with broad representation from all ethnic and political groups can bring lasting peace,’ and support ‘establishing Afghanistan as an independent, neutral and peaceful state free from terrorism, war and drugs.’ [Afghanistan also has observer status in the SCO. However, since the return to power of the Taliban its participation has largely been dormant.]

“On nuclear weapons and disarmament, the declaration reaffirmed support for the Treaty on the Non-Proliferation of Nuclear Weapons by SCO ‘signatory members’. This is an important caveat, since neither India nor Pakistan are NPT signatories.”

[A more striking caveat is to be found in the part of the declaration dealing with China’s Belt and Road Initiative. It reads: “The Republic of Belarus, the Islamic Republic of Iran, the Republic of Kazakhstan, the Kyrgyz Republic, the Islamic Republic of Pakistan, the Russian Federation, the Republic of Tajikistan, and the Republic of Uzbekistan reaffirmed their support for the People’s Republic of China’s joint construction of the Belt and Road initiative, affirming the efforts of all parties to jointly implement the initiative, including promoting the alignment of the Belt and Road with the construction of the Eurasian Economic Union.” In other words, BRI is endorsed by all SCO members with the sole exception of India.]

At just over 4,200 words, the declaration also deals with a huge range of other issues.

Kenny concludes: “While far from perfect, the Bishkek Declaration is an example of what used to be understood in the West as ‘diplomacy’, the focus on multilateral discussions and agreements, however limited, stands in stark contrast to what is currently on offer from Washington. More countries can now be expected to explore this alternative path.”

Continue reading SCO adopts Bishkek Declaration: “More countries can now be expected to explore this alternative path”

Xi Jinping at SCO summit: “The trend toward a multipolar world is irreversible”

From August 30 to September 3, Chinese President Xi Jinping attended the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) Summit 2026 in Bishkek, capital of Kyrgyzstan and paid a state visit to the country followed by one to Egypt.

On the morning of September 1, President Xi attended the 26th meeting of the Council of Heads of State of the SCO.

The meeting was chaired by President Sadyr Zhaparov of Kyrgyzstan, the current holder of the rotating presidency of the SCO, and attended by leaders of SCO member states, including President Aleksandr Lukashenko of Belarus, Prime Minister Narendra Modi of India, President Masoud Pezeshkian of Iran, President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev of Kazakhstan, Prime Minister Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif of Pakistan, President Vladimir Putin of Russia, President Emomali Rahmon of Tajikistan, President Shavkat Mirziyoyev of Uzbekistan, and Secretary General Nurlan Yermekbayev of the SCO.

Xi Jinping delivered a speech on the theme, “Toward Higher Quality Development of the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation.”

He pointed out that this year is the 25th anniversary of the SCO: “Twenty-five years ago, reckoning with the hard lessons of the Cold War, confronting the real threats from terrorist, separatist and extremist forces, and heeding the earnest aspirations of the world for peace and development, countries in our region came to a prevailing consensus on upholding sovereignty, security, and development interests. The SCO was founded in this context, and it has shown increasingly stronger vigour and vitality. Over the past 25 years, the SCO has travelled an extraordinary journey. Its biggest achievement is that it has steadily grown into a new type of regional cooperation organisation with the largest land area and population and enormous development potential. Its most valuable spiritual asset is that it pioneered, and has since followed invariably, the Shanghai Spirit of mutual trust, mutual benefit, equality, consultation, respect for diversity of civilisations, and pursuit of common development. Its most important experience for cooperation is that it has found the right way of coexistence featuring non-alliance, non-confrontation and not targeting any third party, enabling regional countries to build a common home together. Twenty-five years later today, transformation not seen in a century is accelerating across the globe. The rivalry is intensifying between dialogue and confrontation, win-win and zero-sum, and multilateralism and unilateralism. The shadow of war continues to haunt the world. At such a crossroads with humanity’s future at stake, the SCO should step forward to shoulder its historical responsibility and steer the course for the future.”

In this regard, President Xi put forward four points:

  • Staying committed to putting development first and opening up the prospects for shared prosperity.
  • Staying committed to taking security as a key goal and fostering an environment of common security.
  • Staying committed to a people-centred approach, and cementing the foundation for everlasting friendship.
  • Staying committed to dialogue and consultation, and striving for more equitable and orderly governance. “We should always advocate that all countries, regardless of their size, are equal, and that regional affairs should be discussed by all countries to bridge differences and build consensus, properly handle differences through dialogue and consultation, and meet common challenges through multilateral collaboration.”

Leaders of the SCO member states signed and issued the Bishkek Declaration on the 25th Anniversary of the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation and approved a large number of other agreements and documents.

In the afternoon of September 1, President Xi attended the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) Plus Meeting and delivered an important statement entitled “Jointly Advocating an Equal and Orderly Multipolar World and Making Global Governance More Just and Equitable”.

He pointed out that the meeting focuses on strengthening the role of the United Nations and building a multipolar world, and it demonstrates SCO’s commitment to reforming and improving global governance as required by our times. “Currently, major changes unseen in a century are accelerating across the globe. Hegemonism, unilateralism and protectionism are resurging against historical trends. Nevertheless, the overwhelming majority of the world do not condone power politics, conflict and confrontation, or isolation and backwardness. What they want instead is to hold a place on the world stage through national development and international cooperation. In recent years, the rise of the Global South is driving a profound shift in the international balance of power. The trend toward a multipolar world is irreversible.”

Xi stressed that as a responsible major country, China advocates for an equal and orderly multipolar world. Sovereign equality and mutual respect are fundamental principles. “Mutual benefit, win-win, and inclusiveness are the way forward for development. We should ensure equal rights, equal opportunities and equal rules for all countries, regardless of their size, strength and wealth. As an important part of a multipolar world and a key driving force behind it, the Global South countries ought to have greater representation and voice in international affairs. We should promote the common values of humanity, reject double standards, exceptionalism, foreign interference, bullying and the law of the jungle, and advance the rule of law in international relations. Major countries in particular should take the lead in observing international norms and honouring the rule of law, and work together to tackle global challenges. We need to uphold the principle that world affairs should be discussed by all, and international norms should be set by all. The authority and vitality of the UN need to be restored.”

Xi pointed out that after a 25-year journey, the SCO has successfully set a stellar example in conducting relations among big countries, among neighbours, and among countries of different sizes. It has successfully brought together half of the world’s population and a quarter of the global economy, generating strong driving forces for development. A more united and vibrant SCO is fully capable of making greater contributions to a multipolar world.

To this end he put forward three points:

  • We should advance common prosperity in the vast continent straddling Asia and Europe with the SCO Strength.
  • We should promote the development and rise of the Global South through the SCO Wisdom.
  • We should guide the reform and improvement of global governance through the SCO Action.

He concluded: “Let us take the people-centred and action-oriented approach, jointly advocate an equal and orderly multipolar world, make global governance more just and equitable, and build a community with a shared future for humanity.”

The meeting was chaired by President Sadyr Zhaparov of Kyrgyzstan, the current holder of the rotating presidency of the SCO, and attended by leaders of SCO member states, along with leaders of other countries invited, including Mongolia, Azerbaijan, Armenia, Egypt, Laos, Türkiye, Vietnam, and Togo, and heads of international and regional organisations including UN Secretary General António Guterres.

Continue reading Xi Jinping at SCO summit: “The trend toward a multipolar world is irreversible”

New book: China’s Foreign Policy and the Making of a Multipolar World

Friends of Socialist China is delighted to announce the publication of China’s Foreign Policy and the Making of a Multipolar World: Changes unseen in a century, edited by Keith Bennett and Carlos Martinez and published by Praxis Press. The book is available now in paperback and as an ePub.

The volume aims to set out the broad contours, historical background and theoretical underpinnings that shape and guide China’s practice on the global stage. What are the historical roots of China’s foreign policy? What are its theoretical foundations? How has it been applied in practice, across radically different historical circumstances? Is China an imperialist power? Is its foreign policy “good enough”? And what does China’s rise mean for the rest of humanity – for the Global South, for peace, and for the struggle to build a just world order?

The ten essays collected here approach these questions from a range of angles, but they share a common premise: that China’s emergence as a global power, far from being a threat to humanity, offers the best hope for a peaceful, multipolar and ultimately socialist future.

Alongside the editors, the contributors are Ken Hammond, Andrew Murray, Jenny Clegg, Danny Haiphong, Cheng Enfu, Torkil Lauesen and Michael Dunford, with a foreword by João Pedro Stédile, founding member of the national leadership of Brazil’s Landless Workers’ Movement (MST).

Buy the paperback
buy the ebook
Continue reading New book: China’s Foreign Policy and the Making of a Multipolar World

China’s exports support Global South development

In the following article, which was originally published by the South China Morning Post and is reproduced here from the Center for China and Globalization (CCG) in Beijing, Zhou Xiaoming takes issue with western narratives that allege that China’s exports are stifling the development of the rest of the Global South. On the contrary, he argues that China’s export portfolio constitutes a positive-sum diffusion of industrial growth.

Zhou enjoins us to “look at the sector where you would expect the fiercest head-to-head competition – labour-intensive consumer goods. If China were truly monopolising the export space of others, its share would be stable or climbing. In reality, it is falling. China’s share of global garment exports fell to just under 30 per cent in 2024, a significant drop from its peak of over 40 per cent about a decade ago.”

China, he continues, “is not shipping goods to outcompete Global South producers; it is shipping the building blocks that make factories viable. According to an Oxford Economics report, nearly half of China’s total exports are intermediate goods – components and raw materials that feed into other countries’ production lines rather than finished products for consumers.

“Take Southeast Asia. Customs data from the first half of 2026 shows China’s intermediate goods exports to Association of Southeast Asian Nations member states rocketed 24.5 per cent year on year to 2.86 trillion yuan. These kinds of inputs help Vietnamese electronics assemblers, Thai auto-part makers and Malaysian chip packagers produce and export their own finished goods. This is deep integration.”

He continues: “Beyond components, there are capital goods. China’s enabling role also comes into play here. For decades, a major barrier to industrialisation was the staggering cost of capital equipment. Today, Chinese-made industrial machinery is dramatically more affordable… As Chinese capital and equipment are building industrial capacity across the Global South, China is turning itself into the ‘mother machine’ of the industrialising world, transforming technology and production know-how that Western development aid never delivered.”

He concedes that, “Yes, China runs surpluses with multiple developing nations. But look closer. Take Vietnam for instance. Its 2025 trade deficit with China stood at around US$115 billion. Yet imports of capital and intermediate goods tell the real story. In 2025, capital goods such as computers, electronics, and machinery accounted for over half of its total imports. Vietnam’s deficit is a receipt for industrialisation.”

Whilst, “we are witnessing a historic reorganisation of global production – one that offers developing nations their first genuine shot at industrialisation without waiting for Western handouts… China’s exports pose a challenge to sectors such as automobile and home appliances in South Africa and Brazil. However, China’s exports are primarily the scaffolding on which other Global South countries are erecting their own industrial futures. Tear that scaffolding down, as some want, and you deprive scores of developing economies of a route out of underdevelopment.”

He also reminds us to look at imports: “China is the top export destination for 79 countries and regions. In May, it expanded its zero-tariff import policy to 53 African countries. Painting China as a threat to development ignores how Beijing is widening its doors to products from the Global South.”

He concludes: “Western critiques are rather paternalistic, assuming developing nations are passive victims, incapable of making rational choices about their own trade relationships. That condescension, echoing the ‘white man’s burden’, is the real obstacle to the Global South’s prosperity.”

Continue reading China’s exports support Global South development

Wang Yi holds intensive round of bilateral meetings in Manila

During his recent visit to the Philippines’ capital Manila, to attend the China-ASEAN [Association of South East Asian Nations] Foreign Ministers’ Meeting, Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi held meetings between July 21-23 with a broad range of his counterparts who were also in Manila for a series of meetings with the ASEAN countries.

On July 21, Wang met with the Secretary-General of ASEAN as well as with his counterparts from Malaysia, Canada and Australia.

Meeting with Secretary-General of ASEAN Kao Kim Hourn, Wang Yi noted that this year marks the 50th anniversary of the signing of the Treaty of Amity and Cooperation in Southeast Asia (TAC). China was the first major country to accede to the TAC, which encouraged other major countries to follow suit and significantly enhanced ASEAN’s international standing. China will continue to support ASEAN community building and ASEAN’s efforts in seeking strength through unity.

He added that the South China Sea is the common home of regional countries, and the South China Sea issue should not become an obstacle in China-ASEAN relations. Certain elements within the Philippine military and police forces have made deliberate provocations and created maritime incidents, serving the interests of external forces and undermining the improvement of China-Philippines relations as well as peace and stability in the South China Sea. Regional countries must remain on high alert against this.

Kao Kim Hourn recalled that the two sides have established 65 cooperation mechanisms. The ASEAN-China Free Trade Area has been upgraded, and bilateral trade exceeded one trillion US dollars last year. He added that next year marks the 25th anniversary of the signing of the Declaration on the Conduct of Parties in the South China Sea (DOC). ASEAN supports the dual-track approach and is committed to accelerating consultations on the Code of Conduct in the South China Sea, so as to make the South China Sea a sea of peace, cooperation and friendship. ASEAN is ready to work with China to jointly maintain regional peace and stability and make important contributions to the development and prosperity of the Asia-Pacific.

Meeting with Malaysian Foreign Minister Mohamad Hasan, Wang Yi noted that last year, President Xi Jinping paid a successful state visit to Malaysia, during which the two sides announced the building of a high-level strategic China-Malaysia community with a shared future, ushering in a new ‘Golden 50 Years’ of bilateral relations. This year marks the 35th anniversary of the establishment of dialogue relations between China and ASEAN and the fifth anniversary of the comprehensive strategic partnership. ASEAN is an important component of the multipolar landscape and a key force of the Global South. China expects Malaysia to play its role well as the Country Coordinator for China-ASEAN Dialogue Relations, safeguard the common interests of China and ASEAN, and uphold peace and stability in East Asia. China is ready to strengthen communication and coordination with Malaysia, so as to keep China-ASEAN relations at the forefront of the times and set an example for Global South countries in pursuing strength through unity.

Mohamad Hasan stated that China is a trusted friend and partner of Malaysia and also Malaysia’s largest trading partner. Malaysia cherishes the traditional friendship between the two countries, firmly adheres to the one-China policy, and is ready to deepen practical cooperation with China in areas such as digital technology and artificial intelligence. Some countries outside the region have nothing to do with the South China Sea, yet they always want to flex military muscles there. Malaysia looks forward to the early conclusion of the Code of Conduct in the South China Sea and to jointly maintaining peace and stability in the South China Sea.

Meeting with Canadian Foreign Minister Anita Anand, Wang Yi noted that since the beginning of this year, China-Canada relations have continued to improve, with increasingly close exchanges at all levels and fruitful cooperation across various fields. In the first half of this year, bilateral trade volume grew by 16 percent year-on-year, with Canadian exports to China increasing by 23.3 percent. Facts have proven that the improvement and growth of China-Canada relations serve the common interests of both countries, are welcomed by the two peoples, and represent the right choice in line with the trend of history.

Continue reading Wang Yi holds intensive round of bilateral meetings in Manila

The World Artificial Intelligence Cooperation Organisation is tailor-made for the Global South

The 2026 World Artificial Intelligence Conference was held from July 17-20 in Shanghai, featuring a keynote speech by Chinese President Xi Jinping and the formation of the World Artificial Intelligence Cooperation Organisation (WAICO), a new intergovernmental body headquartered in the city, with 29 founding members.

Between July 16-18, President Xi Jinping and Foreign Minister Wang Yi held bilateral meetings with high level guests attending the conference along with the concurrent High-Level Meeting on Global AI Governance.

On the afternoon of July 16, President Xi Jinping met with the President of Kazakhstan Kassym-Jomart Tokayev.

President Xi noted that, in a world undergoing profound and complex changes unseen in a century, the China-Kazakhstan relationship has stood the test of time and grown ever stronger. The permanent comprehensive strategic partnership has maintained excellent development and demonstrated huge cooperation potential and broad prospects. He emphasised that steadily advancing bilateral cooperation across the board serves the fundamental interests of the two countries and two peoples. China will work with Kazakhstan to implement the four global initiatives and enhance coordination and collaboration in multilateral mechanisms including the United Nations, the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation, and the China-Central Asia mechanism to jointly uphold international fairness and justice.

President Tokayev extended warm congratulations on the 105th anniversary of the founding of the Communist Party of China (CPC), and commended China for its remarkable development achievements under the wise leadership of President Xi. Kazakhstan views its relations with China as a top foreign policy priority and is committed to continuously strengthening the permanent comprehensive strategic partnership with China. Kazakhstan is in complete agreement with President Xi’s important observations on the bilateral relations and will make vigorous efforts with China to translate them into action.

The next day Xi met with Prime Minister of Cambodia Hun Manet.

President Xi stated that having stood in solidarity and supported each other throughout the years, China and Cambodia have forged an ironclad friendship that has stood the test of time and weathered storms. History has proven that the China-Cambodia friendship is not built on any single occasion or particular issue. Rather, it is rooted in a consensus that transcends the evolving international landscape and has been passed down through generations. It is a precious asset shared by both sides. He emphasised that in the great endeavours of governing and strengthening the Party, the Communist Party of China has formed the thought on party building for the new era, which will continue to galvanise the mighty force driving Chinese modernisation. As this year marks the 75th anniversary of the founding of the Cambodian People’s Party, China stands ready to strengthen experience sharing with the Cambodian side on party building and state governance.

Continue reading The World Artificial Intelligence Cooperation Organisation is tailor-made for the Global South

Wang Yi attends meeting of Shanghai Cooperation Organisation foreign ministers

Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi attended the Meeting of the Council of the Ministers of Foreign Affairs of the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) Member States, held in Cholpon-Ata, Kyrgyzstan on July 24.

Addressing the meeting, Wang Yi stated that the SCO Tianjin Summit, held in August-September 2025, mapped out a strategic blueprint for the organisation’s development over the next decade and opened a new stage of high-quality development. Seven cooperation platforms in green industry, digital economy, scientific and technological innovation, energy, higher education, vocational and technical education, and artificial intelligence have been launched, generating more than 160 projects. Nearly three-quarters of the planned 10 GW solar PV and wind power projects have been implemented, while over two-thirds of the 100 ‘small and beautiful’ livelihood programs have been approved.

Wang Yi noted that this year marks the 25th anniversary of the SCO. From the early days when six countries enhanced military trust in border areas and combated terrorism, separatism and extremism, to the present when 27 countries, representing nearly half of the world’s population, are engaged in cooperation across more than 50 fields, the SCO has consistently upheld the ‘Shanghai Spirit’ of mutual trust, mutual benefit, equality, consultation, respect for diversity of civilisations, and pursuit of common development, continuously expanding the path of a new type of international relations and multilateral cooperation. Currently, profound changes unseen in a century are accelerating, and the world is experiencing tremendous turbulence and transformation. The international community expects the SCO to promote regional security and development and to resolve global governance challenges. The development strategy for the next decade makes clear that member states will deepen cooperation and make greater contributions to building a more democratic and just multipolar world.

Wang Yi put forward four proposals:

The SCO should continue to uphold the ‘Shanghai Spirit’ as its fundamental guiding principle in handling internal affairs and conducting external exchanges, strengthen strategic mutual trust, maintain solidarity and coordination, firmly support one another, and remain open and inclusive.

The SCO should strengthen the firewall for peace and stability by consistently advocating dialogue to settle disputes, consultation to resolve differences and cooperation to safeguard peace.

The SCO should inject stronger momentum into win-win development by strengthening synergy between national development strategies and regional cooperation initiatives.

The SCO should build a model zone for global governance by safeguarding the authority and role of the United Nations, upholding the purposes and principles of the UN Charter and the basic norms governing international relations, and working together with nearly 160 participants in the Global Governance Initiative and over 120 UN member states who support deeper cooperation with the SCO to explore an effective global governance model with broad participation. The SCO should also improve its own operational mechanisms and welcome more countries to join the organisation.

The SCO foreign ministers adopted a joint statement, in which they reaffirmed their commitment to multilateral cooperation, regional security and a more representative and inclusive multipolar world.

The member states reiterated the SCO’s commitment to the principles of not targeting other states and organisations, mutual respect for sovereignty, independence and territorial integrity, non-interference in internal affairs, and non-use of force or threats of using force in international relations.

The statement said the world today is entering a new period of rapid development and profound transformation. The role of Global South countries continues to grow, emerging economic and political centres are playing an increasingly prominent role, countries are becoming increasingly intertwined and interconnected, and the process of informatisation and digitalisation is constantly accelerating.

Amid rising global and regional security threats, the ministers expressed deep concern over the developments in the Middle East and around Iran. They reaffirmed the principled position regarding the condemnation of military strikes against Iran as outlined in the Tianjin Declaration adopted at the 25th Meeting of the Council of Heads of State of the SCO on September 1, 2025, holding that such acts of aggression constitute a grave violation of the UN Charter and the principles and norms of international law.

The ministers once again expressed their sincere condolences over the tragic death of Iran’s Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei and extended their sympathies to the Iranian government and people as well as his family.

Meanwhile, the council reaffirmed that Central Asia is the core region of the SCO, supports the efforts of Central Asian countries to maintain peace and security in their own countries and the region, and advocates that the SCO play an active role in further consolidating stability and promoting economic and social development there.

The member states regarded unilateral coercive measures, including economic sanctions, that violate the UN Charter and other norms of international law as unacceptable, saying such measures impede international cooperation and the achievement of the UN Sustainable Development Goals.

The member states also advocated further expanding mutual trade among SCO countries to create more opportunities for businesses.

The next SCO Summit, marking its 25th anniversary, will be held in the Kyrgyz capital Bishkek from August 31-September 1.

Continue reading Wang Yi attends meeting of Shanghai Cooperation Organisation foreign ministers

Xi Jinping outlines China’s vision for the future of artificial intelligence

On 17 July, Xi Jinping delivered the keynote address at the opening of the 2026 World AI Conference in Shanghai – his first in-person appearance at the conference since it began in 2018, and coming a day after 29 countries signed the agreement establishing the World Artificial Intelligence Cooperation Organisation (WAICO), a new intergovernmental body headquartered in Shanghai. The event was attended by President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev of the Republic of Kazakhstan, Prime Minister Hun Manet of the Kingdom of Cambodia, Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul of the Kingdom of Thailand, Secretary General of the United Nations António Guterres, and official representatives, business leaders, scholars and researchers from more than 100 countries and international organisations.

In the following analysis for Friends of Socialist China, Carlos Martinez examines the significance of Xi’s speech and the launch of WAICO. He argues that they represent a direct alternative to Washington’s approach – encapsulated in the Trump administration’s “Winning the Race” AI action plan, with its export controls, model restrictions and pressure on allies to join a technological blockade of China.

Where the United States treats artificial intelligence as a weapon in a zero-sum contest for supremacy, Xi calls for “open source, openness, collaboration and sharing”, and for AI to be developed as a common asset of humanity, with its benefits extended to the Global South. It is, Carlos writes, a democratic, multipolar and socialist vision: technology as a public good, serving people before profit.

Continue reading Xi Jinping outlines China’s vision for the future of artificial intelligence

SCO debates sovereign financial infrastructure for the Global South

The Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) – which now represents some 42 percent of the world’s population – is increasingly turning its attention to building financial infrastructure independent of the US dollar. At a forum held on the sidelines of the 14th World Peace Conference in Beijing, officials and analysts from Iran, Russia, China, Belarus and Uzbekistan debated how the bloc might construct alternative settlement mechanisms capable of insulating its members from Washington’s unilateral sanctions.

The context is the growing use of sanctions as a weapon of economic warfare against independent states – Iran, Russia, Belarus, Venezuela and Cuba among them. As the following report from Press TV explains, the proposals under discussion build on an initiative advanced by Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian at the SCO’s Tianjin summit: expanding trade in national currencies, developing secure digital infrastructure for cross-border payments, and establishing a multilateral swap fund to cushion members against financial shocks.

For its proponents, such a system is about more than evading sanctions. It is about establishing a sovereign financial architecture for the Global South – one that would allow nations to decouple from Western financial hegemony and conduct their trade, investment and development on their own terms. It is a further sign of the emerging multipolar order.

Continue reading SCO debates sovereign financial infrastructure for the Global South

The CPC’s contribution to global governance

The following article by Carlos Martinez asks what kind of international order the Communist Party of China has sought to build over its 105 years – and finds a consistent answer: an order founded on peace. Against the Western media’s warnings of Chinese “assertiveness” and “expansionism”, Carlos sets out China’s actual record: no major war in over four decades, a single overseas base, a no-first-use nuclear pledge, and a tradition running from the 1954 Five Principles of Peaceful Coexistence to today’s Global Security Initiative. He traces how that principle – that security can only be common, or it is no security at all – has translated into practice, from the Iran–Saudi Arabia rapprochement to the Beijing Declaration on Palestinian unity.

Continue reading The CPC’s contribution to global governance

Wang Yi in New Delhi: BRICS should take the lead in speaking out for justice

A meeting of BRICS National Security Advisers was held in the Indian capital New Delhi on June 23. Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi attended in his capacities of Member of the Political Bureau of the Communist Party of China (CPC) Central Committee and Director of the Office of the Central Commission for Foreign Affairs.

The meeting was chaired by India’s National Security Adviser Ajit Doval and the attendees held in-depth exchanges of views on issues including response to non-traditional security challenges, counter-terrorism and cybersecurity.

Wang Yi said at the meeting that BRICS cooperation has gone through 20 years and has increasingly become a core force in the world that safeguards peace, promotes development and upholds justice. Facing the complex and profound changes in the current international landscape, China is willing to work with other BRICS countries to jointly address the urgent challenges facing human society and jointly adhere to the right direction of world history evolution.

In this regard he put forward four key points which included:

Uphold the international order with BRICS responsibilities. “We must hold high the banner of multilateralism, firmly safeguard the purposes and principles of the UN Charter, and unequivocally oppose unilateralism and protectionism. As the forefront of the Global South, BRICS countries should take the lead in speaking out for justice and acting fairly and enhance their status and role in international affairs.”

Respond to global challenges with BRICS actions. “We must resolutely combat all forms of terrorism, unequivocally oppose the militarisation of outer space, effectively address global energy and food security challenges, strengthen cooperation on strategic mineral resources, and unite to respond to the Ebola epidemic in Africa.”

Wang Yi stressed that the vitality of BRICS lies in equality and mutual benefit and the strength of BRICS lies in unity and mutual assistance.

Summarising the outcomes and significance of the meeting, Wang Yi said that “the common message sent by this meeting is that BRICS and the Global South should uphold independence, strengthen solidarity and mutual assistance, pool more collective wisdom, and coordinate stronger joint actions. The clear direction set by this meeting is that we support further leveraging the mechanism of the Meeting of BRICS National Security Advisors and High Representatives on National Security, maintaining communication and coordination on major international and regional hotspot issues, and continuously enriching the dimensions of greater BRICS cooperation.”

Next year China will assume the BRICS chairmanship and Wang said that he looks forward to gathering with everyone again in China.

Wang also referred to lessons to be drawn from the US-Iran war, noting that the United States and Iran have recently reached a first-phase memorandum of understanding. “The conflict, which lasted over a hundred days, has sharply affected the regional and international situation and offers us profound lessons”:

The importance of upholding international rules. The settlement of any international and regional hotspot issues should be based on abiding by international rules. The law of the jungle may succeed for a while, but it is not sustainable.

The importance of respecting national sovereignty. Territorial integrity shall not be violated and a country’s internal affairs shall not be interfered with.

The importance of establishing a new vision of security. Countries are increasingly becoming a community of a shared future and the practice of seeking absolute security of oneself at the expense of others will only backfire.

The importance of understanding the new forms of warfare.

On the issue of strengthening BRICS cooperation on counter-terrorism and cybersecurity, Wang said that, at present, the world is witnessing a new wave of international terrorist activities. The root cause of this is the intensifying confrontation caused by unilateral actions and the increase in inter-civilisation and inter-religion tensions.

BRICS countries should jointly safeguard international rules in cyberspace, oppose the deliberate creation of division and confrontation, promote the signing and ratification of the United Nations Convention against Cybercrime by all countries as soon as possible, and actively participate in the international alliance against telecom cyber fraud.

Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi met with the delegates on the same day.

Speaking with Wang, Modi noted that both India and China are ancient civilisations with a history of friendly exchanges spanning several millennia, and for a long period the two countries held leading and influential positions in the world. Under the current circumstances, it is necessary for the two sides to carry forward their traditional friendship, maintain high-level exchanges, advance practical cooperation, and safeguard the common interests of Global South countries. The Indian side supports China in assuming the BRICS chairmanship next year and is ready to work with China to advance the BRICS cause.

Wang said that as the two largest developing countries and important members of the Global South, China and India should play an exemplary role in promoting unity and self-reliance among Global South countries. China will continue to support India in fulfilling its responsibilities as the rotating chair of the BRICS and work together to promote deeper and more substantive progress in BRICS cooperation.

The previous day, he met with Indian National Security Advisor Ajit Doval.

Wang said that under the joint guidance of President Xi Jinping and Prime Minister Narendra Modi, China-India relations have gradually emerged from the low ebb and returned to the track of recovery and improvement. The two leaders agreed that China and India are partners, not rivals, which constitutes the most important strategic consensus between the two sides and provides strong impetus and strategic guarantee for the sound and steady growth of bilateral relations. As the world’s two most populous economies, China and India should not only view bilateral relations with a long-term perspective but also advance bilateral cooperation with a global vision. At present, the Global South, including China and India, is experiencing a collective rise. As the first echelon of the Global South, BRICS should actively champion and advance the process toward multipolarity, safeguard the legitimate rights and interests of developing countries, and work for a more just and equitable international order.

Thanks to the joint efforts of both sides, exchanges in various fields have gradually resumed, communication and cooperation are progressing in an orderly manner, and the border areas have remained generally peaceful. These outcomes are hard-won and should be doubly cherished. It is important to respect each other’s core interests, properly handle sensitive issues, and keep the China-India boundary question at an appropriate place in bilateral relations so as to prevent it from affecting the overall relationship.

Ajit Doval noted that through their meetings in Kazan and Tianjin, the leaders of India and China have charted the course for the development of bilateral relations, and agreed that India and China are partners, not rivals. They believe that a stable India-China relationship serves the common interests of both sides. India is ready to continue to view its relations with China from a strategic perspective, work with China to implement the common understandings of the two leaders, take a forward-looking approach in viewing and accelerating the development of bilateral relations, properly handle differences, and strive for win-win outcomes. India is one of the first countries to recognise the People’s Republic of China, and its position on the Taiwan question remains unchanged.

On June 23, Wang Yi met with Secretary of the Russian Federation Security Council Sergei Shoigu.

Wang Yi noted that Russian President Vladimir Putin paid a successful state visit to China in May, during which the two heads of state had in-depth strategic communications. The two sides issued two joint statements: one sets out strategic plans and provides strong impetus for the China-Russia Comprehensive Strategic Partnership of Coordination for the New Era; the other points out the future direction for the development of human society and clarifies the prospect of a multipolar world.

Sergei Shoigu said that facing the profound changes unseen in a century, Russia and China should deepen mutual trust, carry out close cooperation, jointly resist all kinds of interference and infiltration by external forces in the security field, and oppose Japan’s attempts at remilitarisation.

Meeting with Secretary General of the Egyptian National Security Council Youssef Alaa El-Deen on June 22, Wang Yi noted that this year marks the 70th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic ties between China and Egypt, an important milestone for the bilateral relationship to carry forward past achievements and forge ahead into the future. He stated that the international landscape is undergoing profound and complex shifts. As important members of the Global South, China and Egypt share extensive common ground on international and regional affairs and shoulder important responsibilities for safeguarding global and regional stability. China is willing to step up coordination and collaboration with Egypt on multilateral platforms including the BRICS and the United Nations, jointly uphold the independence and self-reliance of the Global South and promote its unity and self-strengthening, actively advance the multipolarisation process, and work together to build a community with a shared future for humanity.

Youssef Alaa El-Deen said that centering on the 70th anniversary of diplomatic relations, Egypt will boost high-level exchanges and deepen practical cooperation under frameworks such as the Belt and Road Initiative, the BRICS mechanism and the Forum on China-Africa Cooperation (FOCAC) to deliver greater progress to bilateral ties.

The two sides also exchanged views on the Middle East situation. Youssef Alaa El-Deen briefed Wang Yi on the latest developments and mediation efforts by the Quartet including Egypt and spoke highly of China’s vital role in stopping the fighting and promoting peace. [Besides Egypt, the recently established ‘Regional Quartet’ includes Pakistan, Saudi Arabia and Türkiye.]

Wang said that the memorandum of understanding signed between the United States and Iran, which commits both sides to respect each other’s sovereignty and territorial integrity, refrain from launching any military operations and avoid interfering in each other’s internal affairs, sends a positive signal to the world and should be jointly upheld and implemented. The negotiation process can hardly be smooth and may face various disruptions and even setbacks. Yet now that the door to peace has been opened, it must not be closed again.

The next day, Wang met with Secretary-General of the Supreme National Security Council of the United Arab Emirates (UAE) Ali Mohammed Hammad Al Shamsi.

Wang said that the US-Israeli war against Iran should never have happened and should be brought to an end as soon as possible. Recently the conflict has finally turned toward dialogue, but whether genuine peace can be achieved still requires the joint efforts of all parties. At the current stage, priority should be given to three things:

Uphold a permanent and comprehensive ceasefire and effectively implement the memorandum of understanding just signed.

Resume normal navigation through the Strait of Hormuz as soon as possible.

Draw lessons from the repeated turmoil in the Middle East, rebuild mutual trust among regional countries, and explore a new regional security architecture suited to the evolving situation.

Continue reading Wang Yi in New Delhi: BRICS should take the lead in speaking out for justice

Shanghai Cooperation Organisation marks a quarter century

The Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) celebrated the 25th anniversary of its foundation on June 15.

Marking the occasion, Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi spoke at a Beijing reception.

Wang said that the founding of the SCO 25 years ago turned a new page in contemporary international relations. Over the past 25 years, member states have worked together in solidarity, upheld moral principles, pursued common development and engaged in mutual learning. They have nurtured the “Shanghai Spirit”, which features mutual trust, mutual benefit, equality, consultation, respect for cultural diversity, and pursuit of common development. The SCO has pioneered a new model of regional cooperation among neighbouring countries featuring partnership instead of alliance, under which all parties jointly safeguard security and stability and advance common development and prosperity.

Setting out some key tasks for the organisation in the coming period, he said:

  • We need to safeguard peace and tranquility: adding the need to promote peace and stability in the Middle East, support Afghanistan’s reconstruction and development, and realise long-term stability in the region.
  • We need to advance sustainable development: including accelerating the preparation for the establishment of the SCO Development Bank.
  • We need to enhance good-neighbourly friendship and cooperation.

Secretary-General of the SCO Nurlan Yermekbayev noted in his speech that after 25 years of dedicated efforts, the SCO has entered its prime and grown into the world’s largest transregional international organisation. China Daily further reported him as noting the growing international interest in the organisation, saying that there are now about 20 applications from countries seeking to join the SCO in one capacity or another, which demonstrates the appeal of its values and principles.

Meanwhile Djoomart Otorbaev, a former prime minister of Kyrgyzstan, the country that chairs the SCO this year, contributed an ‘op ed’ to China Daily, in which he noted:

“The 25th anniversary of the founding of the Shanghai Cooperation Organization on June 15 marks more than a symbolic milestone. Over the past 25 years, the SCO has evolved from a narrowly focused border-security mechanism into one of the largest transregional organisations in Eurasia and one of the central pillars of the emerging multipolar order.

“In a world marked by fragmented globalisation, sanctions, conflicts and institutional crises within the Western system, the SCO is increasingly establishing itself as a contributor to international cooperation, emphasising sovereignty, consensus and strategic pragmatism. The SCO is becoming a symbol of resistance against the unipolar development model some powers are desperate to impose on Eurasian countries.”

Today, he points out, the SCO includes 10 member states, two observer states and 15 dialogue partners:

“The organisation’s expanding geography reflects the growing demand for non-Western mechanisms of international coordination.

“The SCO’s scale is unprecedented. The combined territory of its member states exceeds 36 million square kilometres — more than 25 percent of the Earth’s land area. The total population of SCO countries has surpassed 3.4 billion, representing nearly half of the total world population. Economically, the organisation already constitutes one of the world’s principal centers of gravity, representing about a quarter of global GDP.”

China and Russia, he continues, “remain the primary engines of this process, but the rapid integration of Central Asian economies demonstrates the broader regional significance of the SCO framework. For smaller member states, the organisation has become economically indispensable. It is estimated that SCO countries account for approximately 75 percent of Kyrgyzstan’s trade turnover, 67 percent for Tajikistan and nearly half for Uzbekistan… One of the organisation’s most strategically significant trends has been the transition toward settlements in national currencies. In trade between key SCO countries, the share of transactions conducted in rubles, yuan, rupees and other national currencies has greatly increased, gradually reducing dependence on the US dollar and Western-controlled financial systems.”

Comparing the SCO to BRICS, Otorbaev writes:

“Unlike many informal geopolitical platforms, the SCO possesses a fully institutionalised structure. It functions as a formal international organisation with a charter, permanent bodies, an approved budget, a secretary-general and fixed headquarters in Beijing and Tashkent… This institutional depth sets the SCO apart from groups such as BRICS. While BRICS mainly serves as an informal platform of geopolitical dialogue without an official charter or permanent secretariat, the SCO is a formal Eurasian organisation with legal responsibilities and ongoing operations.”

He identifies three strategic priorities that will likely determine the SCO’s future trajectory:

  • Financial integration across SCO countries strengthens regional economic independence.
  • Transport integration would actively advance a unified Eurasian transport network.
  • The SCO brings together the world’s largest energy producers and key consumers. The SCO is progressively establishing the groundwork for a self-sufficient Asian energy market, complete with its own pricing structures and settlement systems.

He concludes: “Twenty-five years after its founding, the SCO is no longer merely a regional organisation. It is one of the institutional foundations of the new Eurasian century.”

Continue reading Shanghai Cooperation Organisation marks a quarter century

Multi-party delegation from Türkiye visits China

A multi-party parliamentary delegation from Türkiye recently visited China and met with Liu Haixing, Minister of the International Department of the Communist Party of China (CPC) Central Committee (IDCPC), on June 11.

Liu said that under the leadership of President Xi Jinping and President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan, China-Türkiye relations have maintained overall stability and kept forging ahead amid a fluid international environment. In recent years, the Belt and Road Initiative has aligned closely with Türkiye’s Middle Corridor Initiative. Bilateral cooperation has flourished in economy, trade, energy, infrastructure, digital economy and other sectors, while exchanges and collaboration in education, culture, arts, cultural relics, sports and other fields have deepened continuously, and people-to-people bonds are growing stronger through bilateral exchanges.

The Turkish side said that Türkiye and China are both nations with time-honoured histories and splendid civilisations, bound closely together by the ancient Silk Road. Speaking highly of the remarkable achievements China has made in economic growth, scientific and technological advancement, poverty alleviation and other areas under the leadership of President Xi Jinping and the CPC, the Turkish side appreciates China’s correct stance on the Middle East issue. Türkiye is committed to promoting the long-term stable development of Türkiye-China relations, regards China as an important partner, believes that the Middle Corridor Initiative and the Belt and Road Initiative are mutually supportive and complementary, and is confident that China’s 15th Five-Year Plan will not only benefit itself but also contribute to the economic and technological development of other countries, including Türkiye.

The website of the IDCPC lists eight parties as being represented on the delegation. They include the ruling Justice and Development Party and representatives from across the political spectrum, including liberal, pro-European parties and conservative Islamic and nationalist parties. Significantly, the largely Kurdish Peoples’ Equality and Democracy Party and the Marxist Workers’ Party of Turkey (TİP) were also represented. The main opposition Republican People’s Party (CHP) was not listed.

Continue reading Multi-party delegation from Türkiye visits China

China issues detailed White Paper on global governance

China’s State Council Information Office released a white paper entitled “More Just and Equitable Global Governance: China’s Principles, Proposals and Actions” on June 17.

The paper presents a comprehensive exposition of China’s vision for reforming and improving global governance at a moment of profound global transformation. It underscores China’s longstanding commitment to multilateralism, fairness, and shared development, while calling on the international community to unite in building a more just and equitable global governance system. As the paper states, global governance “is a common endeavour that bears on the wellbeing of all humanity,” and the world must “uphold multilateralism, unite forces, and pursue a fair future.”

A World at a Crossroads

The white paper begins by assessing the severe and complex challenges confronting humanity. It notes that the world has entered “an era marked by profound change on a scale unseen in a century,” with geopolitical tensions, economic fragmentation, and emerging security risks converging to create unprecedented uncertainty. Armed conflicts have surged, with the number of active conflicts in 2025 reaching the highest level since World War II. Economic globalisation faces headwinds as some countries pursue protectionism, unilateral sanctions, and technological containment, undermining global supply chains and widening the development gap.

The paper warns that unilateralism and hegemonism threaten the international rule of law, citing actions by “a certain major power” that has withdrawn from international agreements, obstructed multilateral institutions, and weaponised economic and technological issues. Such behaviour, it argues, undermines the UN-centred international system and destabilises global order. The document stresses that the world must choose between “fairness and justice, or the law of the jungle,” urging all nations to reject power politics.

At the same time, the rise of the Global South is reshaping global governance. Developing countries now account for over 60 percent of the world economy (in Purchasing Power Parity [PPP] terms) and contribute 80 percent of global growth. Mechanisms such as BRICS, the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO), and the G77 + China have become increasingly influential, reflecting the international community’s demand for greater representation, equity, and inclusiveness.

The Global Governance Initiative: China’s Answer to the Challenges of the Times

Against this backdrop, President Xi Jinping proposed the Global Governance Initiative (GGI) in 2025, offering China’s systematic response to the question of what kind of global governance system the world needs and how to reform it. The GGI is grounded in five core concepts: sovereign equality, the international rule of law, multilateralism, a people-centred approach, and real actions.

Sovereign Equality

The white paper emphasises that sovereign equality is the cornerstone of international relations. All countries—large or small, rich or poor—must have equal rights to participate in global governance. Major powers, it stresses, must set an example by refraining from coercion and interference. Only through equality can nations build the political trust necessary for solidarity and cooperation.

International Rule of Law

The document calls for strict adherence to the UN Charter, noting that global instability stems not from the Charter being outdated but from its principles not being effectively implemented. International law must be applied universally rather than selectively. The paper warns that without the rule of law, “anyone at the dining table today could appear on the menu tomorrow.”

Multilateralism

True multilateralism—rooted in consultation, joint contribution, and shared benefits—is described as the only viable path for humanity. The UN must remain the central platform for global governance, and multilateral mechanisms should be strengthened rather than weakened.

A People-Centred Approach

Global governance must serve the wellbeing of all peoples. Development should be restored to the centre of the international agenda, the North-South divide must be bridged, and global challenges such as climate change and public health must be addressed through cooperation.

Real Actions

The GGI stresses practical, results-oriented cooperation. It calls for coordinated progress across governance agendas, addressing both symptoms and root causes, and enhancing synergy between North-South and South-South cooperation.

China’s Contributions to Global Governance

The white paper devotes extensive attention to China’s concrete actions in promoting global peace, development, and cooperation.

Championing Universal and Common Security

China upholds a vision of common, comprehensive, cooperative, and sustainable security. It fulfils its responsibilities as a permanent member of the UN Security Council and is the second-largest contributor to UN peacekeeping operations. More than 50,000 Chinese peacekeepers have served in 29 missions, and China maintains an 8,000-strong standby force.

China has played constructive roles in addressing international flashpoints:

  • Ukraine: China released its position paper on the political settlement of the crisis and, together with Brazil, launched the Group of Friends for Peace.
  • Palestine–Israel: China supported the first UN Security Council ceasefire resolution for Gaza since the outbreak of renewed conflict and facilitated Palestinian reconciliation efforts.
  • Middle East: China brokered the historic Saudi-Iran rapprochement and advanced regional peace initiatives.
  • Asia: China facilitated ceasefire agreements in northern Myanmar and contributed to resolving disputes in Southeast and South Asia.

China also leads global efforts against terrorism, transnational crime, drug trafficking, and cyber threats, and has taken pioneering steps such as scheduling the entire class of fentanyl-related substances.

Promoting Openness, Cooperation, and Shared Development

China stresses that its own development is inseparable from global development. It has become the main trading partner of over 160 countries and regions and continues to expand high-standard opening-up. The country has removed all restrictions on foreign investment in manufacturing, shortened negative lists, and created major platforms such as the China International Import Expo.

The Belt and Road Initiative (BRI) has entered a new stage of high-quality development. China has signed cooperation documents with more than 150 countries, and the China-Europe Railway Express has surpassed 130,000 trips. Trade between China and BRI partners reached RMB 23.6 trillion in 2025.

The Global Development Initiative (GDI) has mobilised over US$23 billion in development funds, launched more than 1,800 projects, and trained 80,000 people, helping developing countries enhance their capacity for independent development.

Practicing True Multilateralism

China is the second-largest contributor to the UN regular budget and supports the UN in implementing the Pact for the Future and the UN80 Initiative. It has helped establish new UN institutions in China and increased the presence of Chinese professionals in international organisations.

China also supports the International Organisation for Mediation (IoM), headquartered in Hong Kong, which provides a new mechanism for peaceful dispute resolution.

In the G20, China has championed development-centred cooperation and supported the African Union’s accession. In APEC, China promotes an Asia-Pacific community of shared future and will host the 2026 APEC meeting under the theme “Building an Asia-Pacific Community to Prosper Together.”

Supporting the Global South

China positions itself as a natural member of the Global South and a steadfast partner in its development. It has advanced BRICS expansion, strengthened the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO), and supported reforms to increase developing countries’ representation in global financial and governance institutions.

China has elevated relations with Africa to an all-weather community of shared future, deepened cooperation with Arab states, expanded partnerships with Latin America and the Caribbean, and supported Pacific Island countries through the “Four Fully Respects” principles.

Promoting Exchanges and Mutual Learning Among Civilisations

Through the Global Civilisation Initiative, China advocates equality, mutual learning, dialogue, and inclusiveness among civilisations. The UN General Assembly adopted China’s proposal to establish June 10 as the International Day for Dialogue Among Civilisations. China has hosted major cultural forums, expanded cultural cooperation with over 100 countries, and promoted youth exchanges.

China also plays an active role in global human rights governance, emphasising development-based and cooperation-oriented approaches.

Providing Global Public Goods

China has taken the lead in climate governance, pledging to peak carbon emissions before 2030 and achieve carbon neutrality before 2060. It has built the world’s largest renewable energy system and supplies 70 percent of global wind power equipment and 80 percent of photovoltaic panels.

China also advances global AI governance, supports WHO-centred global health cooperation, leads biodiversity protection through the Kunming-Montreal Framework, and promotes governance in cyberspace, oceans, and outer space.

Guiding the Direction of Change

The white paper argues that the GGI has gained broad support because it aligns with global trends toward multipolarity, inclusiveness, and multilateralism. China’s governance philosophy draws from the Communist Party of China’s global vision, China’s diplomatic traditions, and the heritage of Chinese civilisation, including ideals such as “great harmony under Heaven” and “the people are the foundation of the state.”

China’s four major global initiatives—Global Development Initiative, Global Security Initiative, Global Civilisation Initiative, and Global Governance Initiative—together form a comprehensive framework for addressing development, security, cultural exchange, and governance challenges, contributing to the building of a community with a shared future for humanity.

Moving Forward Together

The white paper concludes by calling on all countries to act in the long-term interests of humanity, rise to challenges with confidence, and unite in implementing the GGI. It stresses that global governance is a long-term endeavour requiring perseverance, solidarity, and concrete action. The UN must remain the core platform, and major countries must shoulder their responsibilities.

As the document states, “This is an era of challenges. But it is also one of hope.” China stands ready to work with all nations to let “the light of fairness and justice illuminate the world” and to build a brighter future for humanity.

Continue reading China issues detailed White Paper on global governance