China has released a white paper entitled "Building a More Just and Reasonable Global Governance System: China's Ideas, Initiatives and Actions".
Wang Yiwei, a professor in the Department of Diplomacy at the School of International Relations, Renmin University of China, stated that global governance initiatives largely aim to reform and improve the post-war international system centered on the United Nations. He said that over 851 million people worldwide reside in countries in the "Global South," and should rightfully have 851 million voices in the global governance system, but in reality, they may have less than 151 million. He believes this situation is inconsistent with the principle of "people-centeredness" and the original intention of the founding of the United Nations.
Wang Yiwei stated that China's proposal to strengthen the participation of "Global South" countries in the global governance system, adhering to the principles of "consultation, joint construction, and shared benefits," means that world rules should be jointly written and the world's destiny should be jointly determined. China's advocacy of an inclusive and equitable global governance model, enhancing the representation and voice of "Global South" countries, is not intended to exclude Western countries, but rather to ensure the sustainable development of global governance through "North-South dialogue," avoiding a situation of bloc confrontation and the law of the jungle.
Pan Xuezhi, assistant director of the Joint Institute for Shanghai-Hong Kong Development at CUHK, said that in recent years, global conflicts have intensified and the global governance system has changed. In the past, the international community advocated the concept of "multilateralism" and "global village". However, in recent years, some Western countries have implemented unilateral sanctions and tariffs for their own interests. This "might makes right" behavior has damaged the existing international security and economic order. The publication of this white paper by the country can demonstrate that China is not only a "participant" and "funder" in the global governance system, but also a "guarantor" and "leader".
Pan Xuezhi believes that the country's release of this white paper is intended to demonstrate to European and American countries its determination and strength in participating in the global governance system. The future development of the world will no longer be "called" by Western countries. China also has its own ideas and concepts, which have also gained the support and participation of many "Global South" countries.
The white paper points out that China firmly leads and promotes the unity and self-strengthening of the "Global South" in international affairs. Pan Xuezhi explained that the "Global South" broadly refers to some developing countries and emerging economies. These countries often have large populations and diverse cultural backgrounds, but historically lag behind wealthy nations in economic and military strength. It is a political and economic concept relative to the economically developed "Global North" such as Europe, the United States, and Australia. He believes that as China's voice in international governance grows stronger, more international organizations are expected to establish their headquarters in China.
