Editor's note: Keith Lamb, a special commentator on current affairs for CGTN, is a University of Oxford graduate with a Master of Science in Contemporary Chinese Studies. His primary research interests are China's international relations and "socialism with Chinese characteristics." The article reflects the author's opinions and not necessarily the views of CGTN.

The Hangzhou 2022 Asian Games, to some extent, symbolizes a new world order where power is shifting eastwards. This is evident from the magnificence of the Games, the Asian values reflected in them, and the international order that is being constructed around the Games.

The Asian Games arose after Asia regained its sovereignty after the collapse of colonialism. From 1951, during the inception of the Asian Games, to now, Hangzhou has emerged from being desperately poor to becoming a bustling regional city. Hangzhou is now able to boast a spectacular Olympic-style opening ceremony complete with cutting-edge eco-friendly digital fireworks.

The fact that a record 12,000 plus athletes are participating in Hangzhou highlights the importance of these games for Asia. With athletes competing in Wushu, Kabaddi, and Sepaktakraw (kick volleyball), as well as mind sports such as Xiangqi (Chinese chess) and Weiqi (Go), Asians can take pride that these games reflect their culture and values on the world stage.

The grandeur of the Hangzhou Asian Games is a testament to China's enormous economic achievements – it is not a vanity project transposed on top of poverty. To conceptualize what I mean, consider that during the 2008 Beijing Olympic Games, Beijing had four subway lines and Hangzhou had zero. Today, Hangzhou has thirteen lines (Beijing has 27).

China's economic success has come from drawing on its civilizational strengths, following its own development model, and sticking to the path of peace. It is this success that China hopes to share with the world. Moreover, China's spirit of cooperation, embodied in the Hangzhou 2022 Asian Games, transcends the on-field competitions to welcome competitors, visitors, and world leaders attending the event.

China's media reporting of the Hangzhou Asian Games, which constantly emphasizes unity and the win-win nature of sport as a means to build relationships rather than zero-sum competition, is a reflection of this spirit. No matter the state of China's international relationships, Chinese commentary on the Hangzhou Asian Games never stoops to using a sporting event for the negative political demonization of others.

This media attitude reflects China's quest to build a world order characterized not by a hegemonic winner-takes-all mentality but a world based on mutual respect, cooperation, and multi-polarity – a community with a shared future. This includes respect for the values of different civilizations, state sovereignty, and peace and development.

All of these goals are reflected in China's foreign policy initiatives such as the Global Civilization Initiative (GCI), the Global Security Initiative (GSI), and the Global Development Initiative (GDI). This spirit of cooperation and community was also on display in the opening ceremony which stressed Asian unity and friendship.

With China's global outlook, it is no wonder that the Hangzhou Asian Games is a catalyst for achieving greater international political cooperation. Before the Games kicked off, Asian leaders attending the games, recognizing the shared wisdom of China's foreign policy initiatives and their shared unity, used the occasion to enhance relations with China and build on the GCI, GSI, and GDI.

Timor-Leste Prime Minister Xanana Gusmao , who upgraded ties with Beijing, specifically hailed China's efforts and contributions to building a peaceful world. Denouncing hegemonism, he praised the GSI and GDI, stating that "the world needs peace, not war; it needs development, not poverty; it needs openness, not closure; it needs cooperation, not confrontation; it needs unity, not division; and it needs justice, not intimidation."

While hegemonism is seeking to counter cooperation through the Belt and Road Initiative (BRI) the Crown Prince of Kuwait, Sheikh Mishal Al-Ahmad Al-Jaber Al-Sabah, made it clear that Kuwait will actively participate in the BRI. His words were backed up with the signing of a joint China-Kuwait cooperation plan from 2024 to 2028, which will see Kuwait and China putting the GDI and GSI into practice by working on renewable energy and infrastructure.

Symbolizing the move from the old zero-sum hegemonic world order to the new win-win world order that China seeks to construct in partnership with the world was the presence of Syrian President Bashar al-Assad in the Asian Games opening ceremony.

Tragically, Syria is a case study for the worst excesses of hegemonism in the world: Its development has been curtailed, its infrastructure destroyed, and U.S. troops occupying Syria negate its sovereignty. Of course, this tragedy that has befallen Syria is a hegemonic project that disregards the civilizational values of others. As a rejection of hegemonism and as a rejection of a zero-sum mindset Assad and Chinese President Xi Jinping jointly announced their establishment of a strategic partnership, as well as, to implement the GDI, GSI, GCI, and strengthen BRI cooperation.

Asia is rising up in unity and seeking peaceful development, respect for their civilizations, and sovereignty over their own affairs. Clearly, as demonstrated by what is taking place in Hangzhou, competition doesn't have to end with the winner taking all.

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