China's action on global governance draws praise

China's latest white paper on global governance shows its commitment to multilateralism and to building a more just, equitable and inclusive global governance system, experts say.

China has again sent the world a clear signal that it will uphold multilateralism, unite forces, and pursue a fair future, said Bhokin Bhalakula, former president of the National Assembly of Thailand.

He noted that the world is experiencing unprecedented polarization, and it is ordinary civilians who suffer most in wars and conflicts. Bhokin argued that subordinating the interests of other nations to those of a single state will not command respect.

"This is also what the majority of international community is pursuing to build a more just and equitable global governance system," he said. "People don't want conflicts, and it's the duty of mankind to hold generosity and take care of others, live together, promote peace and development together."

On Wednesday, China released a white paper titled "More Just and Equitable Global Governance: China's Principles, Proposals, and Actions".

It offers a comprehensive explanation of China's ideas and efforts to promote global governance and foster a broader consensus within the international community, ensuring more effective responses to global challenges and building a more just and equitable global governance system.

The Global Governance Initiative was first proposed by President Xi Jinping in 2025. Since then, it has been endorsed by nearly 160 countries and international organizations, receiving extensive and positive responses from the international community.

"The paper raises important themes, including the role of the United Nations, multilateralism, sovereign equality, development, and greater participation by the Global South in international decision-making," said Frank Alafaci, president of the Australian Business Summit Council Inc.

Respectful dialogue

At a time of significant geopolitical, economic, and social uncertainty, it is important that nations continue to engage in respectful dialogue and seek practical pathways for cooperation, said Alafaci, noting that business and people-to-people links remain valuable bridges between nations.

"We believe that global challenges, including economic fragmentation, climate change, food security, technology governance, and development inequality, require cooperative and inclusive responses," said Alafaci.

The GGI represents a timely and comprehensive contribution to strengthening international multilateralism, said Kin Phea, director-general of the International Relations Institute of Cambodia at the Royal Academy of Cambodia.

"It emphasizes safeguarding the United Nations-centered international system, promoting extensive consultation, joint contribution, and shared benefits, and ensuring that all countries, regardless of size or power, have an equal voice in global affairs," said Phea.

Instead of replacing existing global governance mechanisms, the GGI supports reform and boosts Global South participation while contributing ideas across various sectors of development and peace-building, Phea said.

He noted that the white paper's call to uphold multilateralism and strengthen the United Nations-centered international system is particularly relevant to global challenges.

"The white paper stresses that global affairs should be discussed by all countries, governance systems should be built by all, and the benefits of development should be shared by all," said Phea.

Bhokin, the former president of the National Assembly of Thailand, said the GGI aligns with the growing trend toward greater democracy in international relations and offers a clear and feasible roadmap for improving global governance.

"This is consistent with the concept previously proposed by the Chinese leader of building a community with 'a shared future for humanity'. Both affirm the rights and interests of all countries in international affairs and resonate with the global yearning for peaceful development," he said.