Why Is China Launching a Global Governance Initiative Now?

Hussein Askary

Vice-Chairman of the Belt and Road Institute in Sweden

 

The notions of “global governance” and “multilateralism” were enshrined in the United Nations Charter signed at the establishment of the United Nations in 1945 following the horrific World War II. The UN Charter explained the purpose of it in its preamble as “to save succeeding generations from the scourge of war, which twice in our lifetime has brought untold sorrow to mankind, and to reaffirm faith in fundamental human rights, in the dignity and worth of the human person, in the equal rights of men and women and of nations large and small, and to establish conditions under which justice and respect for the obligations arising from treaties and other sources of international law can be maintained, and to promote social progress and better standards of life in larger freedom.”

80 years later, the world seems to have learned very little from the lessons of history, and tension is rising between the major powers and thermonuclear-armed sabre rattling has been observed around the Ukraine war that broke out in 2022. China is throwing its hat into the ring to rekindle the spirit of UN Charter and redefine “global governance”. But why is it necessary, and why now?

Chinese President Xi Jinping announced the Global Governance Initiative (GGI) at a the summit of the Shanghai Cooperation Organization Plus on September 1, stressing China’s readiness to work with all countries for a more just and equitable global governance system. Xi reflected on the GGI as an extension of his previous, after the Global Development Initiative, Global Security Initiative and Global Civilization Initiative.

In explaining the initiative, Xi pointed out that the Cold War mentality, hegemony and protectionism continue to haunt the world, and “global governance has come to a new crossroads”. He added that “Eighty years later, while the historical trends of peace, development, cooperation and mutual benefit remain unchanged, the Cold War mentality, hegemonism and protectionism continue to haunt the world.” He explained that new threats and challenges have been only increasing, that the world has found itself in a new period of turbulence and transformation, and that “global governance has come to a new crossroads.”

He highlighted five principles for the Global Governance Initiative — adherence to sovereign equality, abiding by international rule of law, practicing true multilateralism, advocating the people-centred approach and focusing on taking real actions.

However, these principles are not new and have been part of the formal global structure under the United Nations. What makes it necessary now to revisit these principles?

The question of timing

President Xi warned against “double standards” and rules imposed by “a few countries”, stressing that the United Nations must remain at the core of global governance. He emphasized the need to firmly safeguard the status and authority of the UN and ensure its “irreplaceable, key role” in global governance. However, he made an appeal for the reform and improvement of the global governance system to ensure that the people of every nation are the actors in and beneficiaries of global governance.

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the People’s Republic of China issued a through explanation of the reasons behind launching the GGI now, and expounded on its principles and principles and ways of implementing them in a “Concept Paper” published on September 1.

It explained that currently, the international landscape is characterized by change and instability. Both the United Nations and multilateralism face challenges, with growing gaps in global governance. The established international institutions are facing three key shortcomings:

• Underrepresentation of the Global South: As emerging markets and developing countries become more prominent, there is a need to increase their representation and address historical imbalances.
• Erosion of Authority: The principles of the UN Charter are not consistently maintained; Security Council resolutions are sometimes disputed, and unilateral sanctions have occurred outside UN frameworks, affecting the international order.
• Need for Greater Effectiveness: Implementation of the UN 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development is delayed, and issues such as climate change, the digital divide, artificial intelligence, cyberspace, and outer space continue to reveal governance gaps.

As a permanent member of the UN Security Council and the largest developing country, China states that it seeks to support global peace, development, and the current international order. In response to ongoing global governance challenges, China has introduced the Global Governance Initiative (GGI). The initiative promotes a more equitable global system and collective efforts toward a shared future, guided by the UN Charter and broad international cooperation.

Core Concepts of the GGI

• Sovereign Equality: All states, regardless of size or capacity, should have their sovereignty respected, be free from external interference, and retain the right to determine their own paths. Governance systems should reflect the interests of most countries and provide greater representation for developing nations.
• International Rule of Law: The principles of the UN Charter should serve as fundamental norms in international relations. International rules should be developed through consensus and applied equally without double standards.
• Multilateralism: Global issues require collective decision-making, with broad consultation and benefit-sharing. The role of the UN as a central platform for multilateralism should be enhanced.
• People-Centered Approach: The focus of global governance is to meet the needs of populations worldwide and address common challenges effectively.
• Focus on Real Results: Effective governance involves resolving practical problems through coordinated, systematic, and comprehensive actions that consider both immediate and long-term challenges. Developed countries are encouraged to contribute resources, and developing countries are expected to strengthen cooperative efforts.

Where to go from here?

The GGI complements China’s other initiatives: the Global Development Initiative, Global Security Initiative, and Global Civilization Initiative, each targeting specific areas of international affairs. Collectively, these aim to support global stability and progress.

The five core principles of the GGI derive from the UN Charter and seek to align with the aspirations of most nations. Reforming global governance is framed as improving, rather than replacing, the existing system to better address emerging challenges and support all nations, focusing in particular on developing countries. China intends to continue supporting the UN-centred international system and international law, cooperating with global partners to pursue peace and advancement.

Going forward, China proposes to maintain open-mindedness, inclusivity, and consultation within the GGI framework. Through platforms such as the UN and relevant international and regional organizations, priority will be given to reforming sectors with significant needs, including international finance, artificial intelligence, cyberspace, climate change, trade, and outer space, while affirming the UN’s central role.

In a context of increasing global interdependence, the enhancement of global governance is presented as a means for the international community to share opportunities and collectively respond to global challenges. China expresses its commitment to collaborating with all countries to advance reforms in global governance and contribute to a future characterized by peace, security, prosperity, and development.

To conclude, the GGI responds to two main factors: First, the eroding of international law, UN Charter, and principles of global governance by the Western-dominated unipolar world, which keeps moving the proverbial goal post in according to their own shifting interests under such slogans as a “rules-based order” defined by them often in defiance of international law, like in the invasion of Iraq in 2003 or the regime-change wars in Libya, Syria, and attacks on Iran. The Genocidal war on the Palestinian people in Gaza by Israel with the support of the U.S. and some Western powers and implicit support or silence from some EU countries, is a total obliteration all the principles of the UN Charter and humanitarian law conventions. The imposition of unilateral economic and diplomatic sanction without backing in international law on nations that disagree with the U.S. and its allies on policy matters.

Second, the global economic landscape have changed dramatically over the past few decades, and the rise of China, Southeast Asia, the BRICS countries and many other nations in the Global South, requires a new level of organisation that is proportionate with their new position in the world economy and a new seating arrangement at the table of global discussions where they have to be treated as equals, and their aspirations and concerns must be part of the discussion.

Finaly, It is important to note that China and its partners in the Global South are not aiming to replace the Western powers from their place at the table, but demand that the table be made bigger to allow for everyone to have a seat.