Guide
In recent years, Western countries have gradually deviated from the multilateral international order and abused their political and economic hegemony, resulting in an imbalance in global governance. The vast number of developing countries urgently demand a greater voice in the international arena and promote the development of a multipolar world. China has always stood by the side of developing countries, put forward the Belt and Road Initiative and the three major global initiatives, and carried out extensive cooperation with other countries to jointly build a community with a shared future for mankind. All countries in the world have the right to choose their own development path, respect the diversity of civilizations, adhere to dialogue and cooperation, and create a better future for all mankind.
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Author: Nabil Fahmi
(Nabil Fahmi)埃及前外交部长
Senior Visiting Fellow at the Research Base for People-to-People Exchanges at Peking University
China and other developing countries work together to build a more just international order. The so-called "justice" means, on the one hand, that the relations between sovereign states in the post-colonial era should be equal, and on the other hand, that the fruits of development should be shared by all countries. This is because the natural resources and labor resources of many developing countries have become an important factor and driving force for the industrialization of the West.
Most developing countries were members of the Non-Aligned Movement during the Cold War and did not "take sides" in the rivalry between the US-led NATO and the USSR-led Warsaw Pact.
During the Cold War, developing countries' desire to build a just order and maintain neutrality among major powers was in line with China's core interests and concerns at multiple levels. China's desire to play a role equal to that of a major power in international affairs is evidenced by its permanent membership in the United Nations Security Council. In addition, China understands and actively promotes domestic economic development from a rational perspective and in accordance with the law to improve the well-being of its people.
A striking result of this dual shared aspiration is that China and other developing countries have become staunch supporters of multilateralism, especially the United Nations system. At the same time, Western countries have begun to doubt the role of multilateralism in international relations, believing that it does little to safeguard their own interests, and even drags them down.
Image source: Xinhua News Agency
Since the end of the cold war, many cooperative organizations with common interests and goals have flourished outside the broader multilateral framework. These organizations were initially established on the basis of socio-economic coordination and cooperation, but over time they gradually expanded into the field of political consultation. However, with the changes in U.S.-Russian relations and the international situation, many such organizations have also experienced major setbacks. One such example is the Group of Seven (G7), which was originally made up of the major industrialized countries of the West, and Russia also briefly joined between 1997 and 2014 as the "G8".
Driven by their own interests, many developing countries, including China, have joined or established these international organizations to enhance their influence in international affairs. This trend is intensifying as the United States and other Western countries become increasingly concerned about Russia, especially in the context of the current Ukraine crisis, and China's growing position on the world stage. For example, the BRICS has recently expanded to include Egypt, Ethiopia, Iran, Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates. More than 30 countries have expressed interest in joining the BRICS.
Western countries have often warned some developing countries that there are differences of interest in the extensive cooperative relationship between these countries and China. At the same time, they have questioned the motivations behind these developing countries' close ties with China. However, it is a strategic and fundamental fit for China and the developing countries to work towards a fairer, more inclusive, more representative and more effective solution to current challenges. They therefore pledged to work together to achieve this goal.
Image source: Xinhua News Agency
In addition, there are several other reasons that could explain this growing affinity. Often, China's economic aid and financial support to other developing countries is considered the main driver. Indeed, economic assistance and support are undoubtedly an important factor, especially for countries facing urgent development needs or pursuing substantive development strategies. Developing countries tend to be inclined to accept aid that is more favourable in terms of size and conditionality.
But equally important, the core goal of China's concept of international relations is to build a community with a shared future for mankind. This goal would fundamentally fulfil the aspirations of developing countries for a reformed world order and make it more in line with their own interests.
The Belt and Road Initiative (BRI), which provides a framework for global cooperation to promote infrastructure connectivity, is an important example of this goal. It is closely linked to regional multilateral development mechanisms, has now been joined by more than 150 countries, and has attracted more than $380 billion in investment, most of which comes from China.
Image source: Xinhua News Agency
The GDI is based on multilateral projects and aims to accelerate the implementation of the United Nations 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development, in particular to achieve greener and more balanced development among and within countries.
The Global Security Initiative emphasizes interdependent international partnership, cooperation and dialogue, as well as the need to respect national sovereignty, respect the Charter of the United Nations and resolve conflicts through dialogue.
The Global Civilization Initiative emphasizes the importance of acknowledging and respecting the diversity of civilizations, in other words, using our differences to complement each other and ultimately achieve the common good. Because at the end of the day, humanity has a common future, and that future is in our own hands.
The above four China initiatives are essentially aimed at the entire international community. Many of their framework principles are also important for China's modernization, which promises to enhance the prospects for a better global future.
China and other developing countries will identify their own development priorities and security concerns, and choose their own development paths. If we adhere to cooperation, dialogue, respect for diverse civilizations and respect for nature, we will greatly enhance the well-being of mankind around the world.
This article was originally published in the international edition of China Daily under the original title "Fair shake"
Source: China Daily, China Watch Think Tank