China Releases New White Paper, Xi Jinping Sends Message to Global Citizens
China has launched a new white paper on global governance, calling for reforms to the international system to make it fairer and to provide more space for developing countries, or the Global South. The move comes as Beijing seeks to strengthen its position as a supporter of multilateralism amid rising geopolitical tensions worldwide.
Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi stated that the world is facing increasingly complex challenges, requiring a renewed commitment to multilateralism. He noted that global governance is at a crucial juncture and needs stronger international cooperation.
‘Global governance is like a boat sailing against a strong current; it risks capsizing if not propelled forward. As the world enters a new period of turbulence, more than ever, we need to revive multilateralism to uphold rules and the rule of law and enhance the effectiveness of governance,’ Wang said at a press conference launching the document.
The white paper, titled ‘A Fairer and More Equitable Global Governance System: China’s Propositions and Actions’, expands on concepts previously introduced through the Global Governance Initiative (GGI), an initiative championed by Chinese President Xi Jinping. The nearly 50-page document outlines Beijing’s vision for building a more inclusive international system based on the central role of the United Nations (UN).
In the document, China also highlights various global challenges, ranging from the conflict in Ukraine to tensions in the Middle East. Although not directly naming any specific country, Beijing criticises practices such as trade wars, technological competition, and the tendency of several major powers to withdraw from international organisations.
Wang emphasised that global challenges must be resolved through respect for the UN Charter, sovereign equality of states, and international law. He also called for joint efforts to de-escalate conflicts, including in the Middle East, through ceasefires and the construction of a sustainable security architecture.
A key theme in the white paper is the increasing role of the Global South, which encompasses many developing nations in Asia, Africa, and Latin America. China is pushing for reforms of international financial institutions such as the International Monetary Fund (IMF) and the World Bank to ensure greater representation for developing countries in global decision-making.
Vice Foreign Minister Miao Deyu stated that the collective rise of Global South countries is an unstoppable trend. He noted that the era when a handful of nations dominated international affairs is over and that various historical injustices need to be corrected.
Beyond political and economic issues, the white paper also addresses new challenges such as artificial intelligence (AI) and outer space exploration. Beijing reaffirmed its commitment to promoting international cooperation to ensure that technological development proceeds safely, inclusively, and provides benefits for all nations.
An international relations observer and founder of the Centre for China and Globalisation, Wang Huiyao, assessed that the document’s release is timely ahead of several important global agendas, including the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) meeting in Shenzhen and the G-20 Summit in the United States. He noted that the white paper demonstrates China’s ambition to play a more active role in reforming global governance while strengthening the representation of developing countries in the international system.