All for one, one for all

Multilateralism is the right way for the international community to address the risks and challenges confronting the world

The biggest challenge confronting the world today is to tackle the COVID-19 pandemic. To prevail over the pandemic and overcome its impacts, countries need to strengthen their domestic public health management, as well as joining hands to improve global governance. However, what we have seen is unsatisfactory coordination in response to the global crisis. Moreover, politicians of some countries are attempting to politicize the pandemic and there is no hope to see improvement in the coordinating efficiency in international institutions.

What is particularly disappointing is that the United States, which has long been playing a leading role in world affairs, has displayed an arrogant attitude and failed to make positive contributions. Domestically, the US has been unable to contain the spread of the virus, and externally, it has lacked willingness to cooperate with other countries. Instead, as the pandemic is ravaging the country, it has pointed the finger of blame at other countries and shirked its responsibilities. Meanwhile, the right-wing forces in the US, in disregard of the interdependent relationships among countries formed in the years of economic globalization, have pushed for unilateralism, created divisions and sought to dismantle the global governance system and the accomplishments of multilateralism. As for Sino-US relations, they have attempted to decouple the US from China, and push ahead with the strategy of confrontational competition. Their mindset is to sustain the US hegemony through a zero-sum fight.

In today's world, challenges and crises come one after another. Amid the global economic recession, protectionism and self-seclusion are on the rise. As some countries adopt the policy of putting their own interests above those of all other countries, will economic globalization be reversed? As geostrategic rivalry is again being placed on the table of certain countries, would there be higher risk of military confrontation? All these questions are attracting debate within the international community.

What is the right way forward?

The year 2020 marks the 75th anniversary of the founding of the United Nations. As President Xi Jinping said in his speech at the general debate of the 75th session of the UN General Assembly on Sept 22: "We should uphold multilateralism, and safeguard the international system with the UN at its core." He pointed out that "humankind needs a self-revolution; the global governance system calls for reform and improvement". Following President Xi's statement, State Councilor and Foreign Minister Wang Yi put forward the following five suggestions for improving the global governance system: practicing the principle of achieving shared growth through discussion and collaboration; jointly coping with non-traditional security threats; enhancing coordination and cooperation among major countries; safeguarding the global order based on international laws and norms; and strengthening the role of the UN. At the core of the proposals is sticking to multilateralism, reinforcing multilateral institutions, and taking multilateral actions to address various threats and challenges.

Looking back at history, the starting intention of earlier effort to promote multilateralism was to solve the major issue of "peace and war "once and for all, which the world has had to tackle for centuries. The cornerstone for multilateralism is the common interest of all countries. Its vitality is also rooted in the kind of value system which is built on not only looking after one's own interest but also taking care of the interest of others.

Only multilateralism can counter the radical and retrogressive forces rising in the world. It is encouraging that the voices supporting economic globalization, global governance and multilateralism remain the mainstream. Many countries have put forward proposals on reforming multilateral mechanisms so as to release new vitality. The ideas proposed can be summed up into three aspects: first, how to incorporate more players into global governance; second, how to ensure that all participants have an equal voice; and third, how to shape more systematic and effective governance. These points can also be regarded as some of the contents in humankind's self-revolution.

People in China hold a conviction in multilateralism the essence of which, as we see it, is diversity and coexistence. Interconnection and interdependency are the general trends of the era, and mutually beneficial cooperation and fair competition keep the relationships among major countries on the right track. Decoupling goes against this trend. Another foundation for multilateralism is balance which serves as the basis for the stability of order. This is unlike the traditional concept of equilibrium and checking each other. In modern foreign relations, all countries should consider how to strike a balance among interests, security and development. Rather than taking sides, many small and medium-sized countries have chosen balanced foreign policies amid the competition of the major powers, which reflects the trend of multilateralism.

While making arduous efforts to contain the novel coronavirus at home, China has actively carried out bilateral and multilateral cooperation. Under the frameworks of the UN, G20 and the World Health Organization, China has facilitated the flow of personnel and goods and helped ease the debt problems of poor countries. It is also preparing for the post-pandemic era. For example, as the host country of the 15th Conference of the Parties to the Convention on Biological Diversity, China and other parties are pushing for the adoption of a post-2020 biodiversity framework, which will set new biodiversity targets for 2030.

During the pandemic, China's civil society has generously offered helping hands to other countries affected by the pandemic. Many entrepreneurs have mobilized their resources and capacities and donated anti-epidemic materials to needful countries, including the US. This spirit of selflessness and international partnership are the foundation of the country's commitment to multilateralism.

Some think that China has a hidden agenda and its efforts to promote international cooperation harbor strategic intentions. However, China has demonstrated the true spirit of a community with a shared future for humankind. For instance, China has provided for other developing countries 180 poverty reduction programs, 118 agricultural cooperation initiatives, and 103 ecological protection or climate change response programs. It has also helped other developing countries build 134 medical facilities and 123 schools and vocational training centers. China's only intention is to contribute to promoting the peaceful development of the world.

In today's world, national borders can no longer stop the spread of rising challenges and risks brought about by such threats as drugs, pandemics, terrorism and climate change. Countries need to make joint efforts to reinforce the institutions and system in coping with the new environment. The rapid upgrading of technologies is also impacting the landscape of global affairs. For instance, there is urgent need for developing common rules to catch up with the fast progress in artificial intelligence. Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi proposed a Global Initiative on Data Security at the International Seminar on Global Digital Governance on Sept 8, which is a demonstration of China's proactive stance regarding global digital governance.

To sum up, I believe multilateralism is an inevitable path for the international community to address new problems and challenges. It is very important that whatever we promote is in line with what the people truly want and what they really care about. The fundamental goal of global governance should be safeguarding security, improving livelihoods and wellbeing, and promoting development, which call for all countries to adhere to the principle of common security and cooperative development.

The author is the chairperson of the Center for International Security and Strategy (CISS) , Tsinghua University. The author contributed this article to China Watch, a think tank powered by China Daily. The views do not necessarily reflect those of China Daily.