Chinese President Xi Jinping proposes Global Governance Initiative

Chinese President Xi Jinping proposed the Global Governance Initiative (GGI) on Monday, urging countries to collaborate in creating a fairer and more equitable global governance system.

Xi made these remarks while chairing the "Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) Plus" Meeting in Tianjin, a port city in northern China, where the SCO hosted its largest summit in its 24-year history, attended by leaders from over 20 countries and heads of 10 international organizations.

The GGI is the fourth major global initiative proposed by Xi in recent years, following the Global Development Initiative, the Global Security Initiative, and the Global Civilization Initiative.

Xi emphasized five principles of the GGI — respecting sovereign equality, adhering to international rule of law, practicing multilateralism, advocating the people-centered approach, and focusing on taking tangible actions.

While the trends of peace, development, cooperation, and mutual benefit remain constant, Xi noted that the Cold War mentality, hegemonism, and protectionism continue to plague the world. He added that new threats and challenges have been increasing, leading the world into a new period of turbulence and transformation.

"Global governance has come to a new crossroads," he said.

This year marks the 80th anniversary of the victory in the World Anti-Fascist War and the 80th anniversary of the founding of the United Nations (UN). Xi emphasized the importance of firmly safeguarding the UN's status and authority and ensuring its essential role in global governance.

He stated that all countries, regardless of their size, strength, or wealth, are equal participants, decision-makers, and beneficiaries in global governance.

"There should be no double standards, and the house rules of a few countries must not be imposed upon others," Xi noted.

Xi called for the SCO to lead by example in implementing the GGI and to continue being a force for stability in this volatile world.