Xi Jinping Advocates Global Governance Reform at SCO Summit

Chinese President Xi Jinping has proposed an ambitious vision for reforming global governance, emphasizing the need for a fairer and more reasonable system. Speaking at the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) summit on September 1, 2023, in Tianjin, Xi characterized the current global landscape as being at a critical juncture, reminiscent of the period following the establishment of the United Nations 80 years ago, which was aimed at preventing further global conflicts.

Xi highlighted persistent challenges such as Cold War mentalities, hegemonism, and protectionism, noting that the world is entering a new era marked by “turbulence and transformation.” His comments resonate amid ongoing wars in Ukraine and the Middle East, as well as rising tensions between China and the United States, which Beijing perceives as increasingly unilateral.

In his address to SCO member states and partners, Xi stated, “History tells us that the more difficult the times, the more we must hold fast to the original aspiration of peaceful coexistence.” He called for collective action to establish a Global Governance Initiative (GGI), which aims to foster cooperation among nations to build a more equitable international framework.

Key Priorities of the Global Governance Initiative

The Global Governance Initiative is the fourth major international proposal from Xi since 2021, following the Global Development Initiative, Global Security Initiative, and Global Civilization Initiative. Under the new initiative, Xi outlined five key priorities: upholding sovereign equality, respecting international law, practicing multilateralism, prioritizing people, and focusing on action-oriented results.

“All countries, regardless of size, strength, or wealth, should equally participate in, decide on, and benefit from global governance,” he stated. Xi emphasized the necessity of applying international law without double standards and rejected the imposition of rules by a select few nations.

Xi urged the SCO to take a leading role in implementing the GGI and highlighted the bloc’s previous contributions to global governance discussions. The SCO, established in 2001, consists of major players such as China, Russia, India, Pakistan, Iran, and Central Asian nations, with Belarus as its newest member. The organization has expanded its focus from regional security to encompass economic and cultural cooperation.

Economic Cooperation and Future Initiatives

In his speech, Xi urged SCO members to pursue non-alignment and non-confrontation, emphasizing the importance of stability in the face of security threats. He called for the dismantling of economic barriers and encouraged deeper collaboration on projects related to the Belt and Road Initiative.

Xi also announced plans for new cooperation platforms focused on energy, green industries, and the digital economy. Over the next five years, China aims to enhance its solar and wind power capacity in collaboration with its SCO partners. “China is ready to share the opportunities of its super-sized market,” he said, reiterating the country’s commitment to high-quality economic and trade cooperation.

Furthermore, Xi pledged to support health initiatives within SCO countries, including 500 congenital heart disease treatments, 5,000 cataract surgeries, and 10,000 cancer screenings over the next five years. He encouraged member states to foster cultural exchanges and work together to promote harmony and coexistence.

During the summit, leaders signed a joint declaration that affirms their commitment to deeper security, economic, and cultural cooperation, while also endorsing a development strategy for the next decade. The declaration established four permanent centres aimed at addressing security threats, organized crime, cyber risks, and narcotics.

The SCO members reaffirmed their support for the United Nations’ central role in global affairs and rejected bloc-based confrontations and unilateral economic sanctions. The summit also welcomed Laos as a new dialogue partner and announced that Kyrgyzstan will assume the SCO’s rotating chairmanship following China’s tenure.

As the global landscape continues to evolve, Xi’s advocacy for a reformed approach to governance and cooperation reflects both the challenges and opportunities facing nations today.