China charts the course for the reform and improvement of global governance

Recently, the Chinese government released a white paper titled "A More Just and Equitable Global Governance System: China's Vision, Initiatives, and Actions" which systematically elaborates on the scientific connotations, contemporary value and global significance of the Global Governance Initiative proposed by President Xi Jinping, offering China's solutions for addressing deficits in global governance and steering the way forward for humanity.

At present, as transformation unseen in a century unfolds at an accelerating pace, the international landscape is marked by turbulence and interwoven challenges, and global governance finds itself at a critical juncture where it must either advance or regress, with injustices and inequities becoming increasingly prominent. On the one hand, the Global South is rising collectively, yet remains underrepresented and lacks a sufficient voice in the current governance architecture. On the other hand, certain major powers have resorted to withdrawing from international organisations and treaties, tearing up agreements, pursuing decoupling and erecting trade and technological barriers, thereby eroding the very foundation of multilateralism. The international system established in the aftermath of the Second World War now faces severe strains from escalating regional and international conflicts, economic deglobalisation and multiple other crises. How should the world be governed? Where is humanity headed? These are questions that weigh on the mind of every individual.

In September 2025, President Xi solemnly put forward the Global Governance Initiative at the SCO Plus meeting, advocating five core principles: upholding sovereign equality; observing the international rule of law; practising multilateralism; championing a people-centred approach; and emphasising action-oriented implementation. The initiative provides a profound answer to the major question of our times: what kind of global governance system should be built and how global governance should be reformed and improved. It has resonated strongly with the international community, receiving support and positive responses from nearly 160 countries and international organisations, while more than 60 countries have actively joined the Group of Friends of the Global Governance Initiative. Today, the initiative has evolved from a Chinese proposal into a collective international endeavour, demonstrating ever-growing vitality and appeal. Through four defining features, the white paper illustrates how China, through its own concrete actions, is advancing the building of a more just and equitable global governance system.

Most fundamentally, it is essential to uphold the authority of the United Nations. This year marks the 55th anniversary of the restoration of China's lawful seat in the UN. In May, China proposed and convened a high-level meeting of the Security Council, during which discussions were held with various parties on the theme of "Upholding the Purposes and Principles of the UN Charter and Strengthening the UN-Centered International System". China called on all countries to revisit the original aspiration of the UN Charter, reinvigorate the authority of the UN, and take the lead in safeguarding the UN-centred global governance architecture.

Most crucially, it is imperative that major countries demonstrate their sense of responsibility and commitment. They should set an example to uphold equality, good faith and cooperation. Under the guidance of President Xi, China holds high the banner of building a community with a shared future for humanity, takes the lead in practising true multilateralism, and remains unwavering in its commitment to being a builder of world peace, a contributor to global development, a defender of the international order, and a provider of public goods. China has made dedicated efforts to enhance the representation and voice of Global South countries, actively respond to the aspirations of developing nations, and promote the historic expansion of BRICS and the growth of the SCO, thus making sustained contributions to the reform and improvement of global governance.

Most urgently, it is imperative to promote solidarity and cooperation among all countries. China has actively built platforms for international cooperation: it has established the International Organization for Mediation, filling a gap in the international mechanism for mediation; launched the Kunming Biodiversity Fund; put forward the Global Data Security Initiative and the Global Artificial Intelligence Governance Initiative, helping to improve governance rules in emerging areas of human development. China has convened meetings of the Group of Friends on Global Governance, forging broad consensus on promoting greater democracy in international relations, upholding the central role of the UN, and gradually narrowing the North-South divide. China will also host the inaugural Xiongan Global Governance Forum within this year to deliberate on major issues concerning the reform and improvement of global governance.

Most pressingly, it is imperative to bridge the deficit in peace and development. Human well-being is the core concern of global governance, yet protracted regional conflicts continue to severely hamper global poverty reduction efforts. Global governance calls for the courage to rise to challenges and practical measures to turn crises into opportunities. From advancing high-quality Belt and Road cooperation to promoting the reform of the IMF and the World Bank, and from participating in 29 UN peacekeeping operations to supporting the accession of the African Union to the G20, China has always been committed to safeguarding world peace and stability and narrowing the North-South divide step by step, so that people in all countries could benefit from the fruits of development in a more equitable way.

Global governance constitutes a "collective endeavour" for all countries. So far this year, Pakistan has actively mediated between the US and Iran, making important contributions to safeguarding regional peace and promoting global governance. China has firmly supported Pakistan in playing a greater role in international and regional affairs, closely coordinating positions with Pakistan within multilateral frameworks such as the UN and the SCO, and jointly promoting the UN-centred global governance. This year marks the 75th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between China and Pakistan. It is our belief that the sound collaboration between the two countries in the field of global governance will continue to deepen on the existing basis, injecting strong impetus into the development of the China-Pakistan All-Weather Strategic Cooperative Partnership.

The prevailing trend, if not bolstered, will fade; global governance, if not advanced, will regress. As the white paper insists, all countries should unite and take action, working relentlessly to translate the grand vision of the global governance initiative into roadmaps, blueprints, and ultimately, tangible outcomes. China is ready to work with Pakistan to hold high the torch of multilateralism, jointly speak up for the Global South, and promote the building of a more just and equitable global governance system, so as to jointly usher in a brighter future for humanity.