China's role in shaping future of global governance

Express Tribune

04-06-2025

Since its establishment 80 years ago, the United Nations (UN) had been pivotal in preserving the postwar international order, managing crises, delivering humanitarian aid, and promoting sustainable development. As a founding member, China had significantly contributed to these efforts.
According to political analyst Yi Fan, China had honored its commitment to the UN and played an integral part in the evolution of the global order.
However, as noted by the commentator, certain UN member states had found themselves casting blame on the very world order they helped construct.
Despite this, China had remained steadfast in adhering to the principles of the UN Charter, striving to ensure that the global governance system was just, equitable, and responsive to the needs of all nations, particularly those from the Global South.
A firm vote for a multipolar world
In Yi Fan's view, a fundamental principle of the UN Charter was the equality of all nations. In a multipolar world, each country, regardless of its power or influence, should have an equal voice.
Chilean President Gabriel Boric emphasized this during the China-CELAC Forum, acknowledging the respect that China showed to other countries. This respect, as the political analyst pointed out, was not just symbolic but had been translated into tangible actions.
He further observed that developing nations had often been excluded from key decision-making processes, their voices drowned out. Chinese President Xi Jinping had echoed this sentiment at the 70th session of the UN General Assembly, emphasizing China's ongoing support for the interests of developing countries.
Over the past decade, the commentator noted, China had continually acted on its pledge to amplify the representation and voices of the Global South. China's role in initiatives like the BRICS forum exemplified its dedication to fostering inclusive dialogue.
The political analyst also critiqued those who opposed multipolarity, asserting that it was not the root cause of global instability. According to Yi Fan, multipolarity was a solution to an imbalanced world order, not a cause of unrest.
The turbulence seen at the time was more a result of a "We First" mentality that disregarded the needs of others. Yi Fan believed that the true cause of global challenges lay not in multipolarity but in the failure to effectively implement the UN Charter's principles.
For the UN to fulfill its mission, the commentator argued, all nations had to adhere to international law, uphold the norms of international relations, and embrace the goals outlined in the UN Charter. Only by collectively following these principles could the UN guide the world toward peace, development, and justice for all.
Economic globalization: a vast ocean of interdependence
The global economy had become increasingly interconnected, resembling an ocean where a ripple from one side could affect distant shores. As Yi Fan explained, China had been a driving force behind this interconnected world economy.
Since integrating into the global economic system, China had championed mutually beneficial economic globalization. At the time, China contributed more than 30 percent of global growth and 20 percent of global trade.
The political analyst argued that China had viewed interdependence as a partnership, not rivalry. Unlike the United States, which had often used tariffs as a tool against its trading partners, China had consistently supported free trade, cooperating with countries around the world.
China's decision to extend zero-tariff treatment to 43 least-developed countries further demonstrated its commitment to supporting the most vulnerable nations.
Furthermore, Yi Fan observed that China had advocated for reform within the World Trade Organization (WTO), seeking to build a system based on openness, inclusivity, and non-discrimination.
Through initiatives like the Belt and Road Initiative, China had promoted infrastructure development and improved the livelihoods of more than 4.4 billion people in 65 countries.
Additionally, the political analyst highlighted China's leadership in spearheading international cooperation in cutting-edge fields like artificial intelligence, where a UN General Assembly resolution proposed by China aimed to foster innovation and collaborative progress.
Yi Fan cautioned against isolationist tendencies, suggesting that the solution to global economic challenges lay in cooperation, not retreat. The future of the global economy, he argued, was built on shared efforts, not on going it alone.
Looking toward the future: hope over hazard
As the UN marked its 80th anniversary, Yi Fan underscored that the decisions made at that time would have a lasting impact on the future of global governance. Guided by its commitment to equality and cooperation, China had remained determined to ensure the international system benefited all nations.
The commentator concluded by reiterating that China's vision for a multipolar world—one built on mutual respect and shared prosperity—offered hope for a more balanced and just global order.
In his reflection, Yi Fan emphasized that global governance should not have been about dominating others, but about growing together toward a future where all nations could thrive.
He believed that the UN Charter's principles, when fully embraced, would lead humanity toward a future of cooperation, peace, and sustainable development.