"It was the best of times, it was the worst of times." Chinese President Xi Jinping described the world we live in today in his address at the 2017 World Economic Forum (WEF) in Davos, citing English writer Charles Dickens.  

"We should adhere to multilateralism to uphold the authority and efficacy of multilateral institutions," Xi shared his cure. 

Now that three years have passed, how has China made good on the rhetoric in Xi's speech? 

What has gone wrong with the world? 

Climate changes, terrorism, diseases, nuclear security and many other issues are posing unprecedented threats to the global community. 

Australia is grappling with massive bushfires, rising sea waters submerged more than 80 percent of Venice, the Ebola epidemic has caused a big number of deaths in Africa, the world still suffered the scourge of terrorism throughout 2019.

The U.S. withdrew from the Paris climate deal, Iranian nuclear deal, UNESCO, and INF, turning its back on multilateralism. It provoked trade tensions with countries worldwide, and the rules-based multilateral trading system with the World Trade Organization (WTO) at its center is being challenged. 

As President Xi pointed out, multilateralism provides an effective way of upholding peace and promoting development, and the world needs multilateralism now more than ever. 

China: Champion of multilateralism 

Actions speak louder than words. China has always been a firm defender and active practitioner of multilateralism. 

Active in joining or building multilateral platforms for global cooperation: China was the first country to put its signature on the UN Charter, and has since joined almost all inter-governmental international organizations and more than 500 international instruments. China faithfully honors every treaty it has signed and earnestly delivers on every commitment it has made. 

Platforms initiated by China include the Belt and Road Forum for International Cooperation, China International Import Expo, Forum on China-Africa Cooperation, China-Arab States Cooperation Forum, China-CELAC Forum, Boao Forum for Asia, China-ASEAN Expo, Conference on Dialogue of Asian Civilizations, and World Internet Conference.

On the world stage, China successfully hosted major regional and global summits of Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation, Group of 20, BRICS and Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO). It also spearheaded the establishment of the SCO and the Asian Infrastructure Investment Bank. 

Big contributor in UN peacekeeping missions: China has been actively involved in the UN peacekeeping missions, and is the largest troop contributor among the P5 and the second-largest contributor to the UN peacekeeping budget.  

China has dispatched over 40,000 personnel to the UN peacekeeping operations since 1990, and with 13 Chinese peacekeepers sacrificing their lives on the frontline of operations. More than 2,500 Chinese peacekeepers are currently on duty in seven mission areas and the UN headquarters. The United Nations has spoken highly of Chinese peacekeepers as "a key factor" in peacekeeping. 

Fulfill commitments under Paris Agreement: China has always attached great importance to addressing climate change, firmly implemented the Paris Agreement and fulfilled its commitments under the agreement. The data below, from a statement titled "UN Climate Action Summit: China's Position and Action" released in September 2019, speaks for itself. 

Facilitate proper resolution of regional hotspots: China is committed to facilitating the proper resolution of regional hotspots such as the Iranian nuclear issue, the denuclearization of the Korean Peninsula and the Syrian, Palestinian and Afghanistan issues through dialogue and negotiation. 

Meet UN poverty reduction targets: China has met the poverty alleviation targets of the United Nations 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development ten years ahead of schedule. In 2020, China will eliminate absolute poverty across the country and complete the building of a society with moderate prosperity in all aspects. 

Uphold multilateral trade system: China is firm in upholding the multilateral trading system with the WTO at its center and advancing trade and investment liberalization and facilitation. Currently, China has 24 FTAs under construction, among which 16 agreements have been signed and implemented already. 

Belt and Road Initiative (BRI): The BRI is an important international public good that China contributes to global cooperation for common development.  

China and over 150 countries and international organizations have signed Belt and Road cooperation agreements. With over six trillion U.S. dollars of cumulative trade between China and participating countries, over 80 billion U.S. dollars in direct Chinese investment and a large number of major cooperation projects up and running, the Belt and Road cooperation is contributing to greater well-being and development of local communities in many parts of the world. 

Build a community with shared future for mankind: President Xi has expounded on a vision of an open, inclusive, clean and beautiful world that enjoys lasting peace, universal security and common prosperity. Such thinking and vision encapsulate the propositions and principles that China holds dear as a staunch supporter of multilateralism.