Tianjin to the world: International rule of law for fair governance

Editor's note: Jessica Durdu, a special commentator on current affairs for CGTN, is a foreign affairs specialist and PhD candidate in international relations at China Foreign Affairs University. The article reflects the author's opinions and not necessarily the views of CGTN.

The Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) Summit 2025 in Tianjin marks a significant moment in the evolution of multilateral diplomacy, not only for the SCO itself but also for the broader global governance landscape. At the "SCO plus" Meeting, Chinese President Xi Jinping introduced the Global Governance Initiative (GGI), a comprehensive vision that seeks to build "a more just and equitable global governance system."

Among the five guiding principles of the initiative, abiding by the international rule of law stands out as both the cornerstone of this proposal and the foundation upon which any truly cooperative and just global system must be built.

The international rule of law is more than a normative aspiration, but the framework that ensures order, predictability and justice in a world of diverse political systems, economic capacities and cultural traditions. Since the establishment of the United Nations in 1945, the UN Charter has served as the compass for states navigating global affairs. Its principles – sovereign equality, non-interference, peaceful settlement of disputes and collective security – formed the bedrock of international law. Upholding these principles consistently is essential if the international community is to move toward a governance system that is inclusive and sustainable.

However, today's challenge lies not in the absence of international law, but in its uneven application. Too often, the practice of international rule of law is undermined by selective adherence to it. Some states and institutions invoke international law when it aligns with their strategic interests but disregard it when it proves inconvenient. This tendency erodes trust in the system, weakens multilateral institutions and ultimately destabilizes the global order.

Recent years have shown clear examples of how double standards in interpreting international law, whether in intervention, trade disputes, or the use of unilateral sanctions, generate divisions rather than fostering unity. If the global community seeks to achieve a genuinely rules-based governance model, then adherence to the principles of law must be uniform and impartial.

The principle of equality before international law must apply to all nations, regardless of their size, power, or level of development. The strength of the international system lies in ensuring that small and large states alike enjoy the same rights and shoulder corresponding responsibilities. For instance, the growing importance of the Global South in global governance has amplified calls for fairer representation in institutions such as the UN Security Council, the World Bank and the International Monetary Fund.

Without meaningful reform and a commitment to equity, international law risks being perceived not as a common framework but as a tool wielded disproportionately by a few. Upholding the rule of law in its genuine sense would mean acknowledging this demand and ensuring that international institutions reflect the evolving realities of global power distribution.

In this respect, the GGI presented in Tianjin arrives at a timely moment. With multiple global crises, ranging from climate change to economic fragmentation, from humanitarian crises to regional conflicts, humanity faces challenges that transcend borders. Solutions to these issues cannot rest on fragmented or unilateral approaches or selective application of law; they demand collective responses anchored in law and fairness. The call to abide by the international rule of law resonates strongly with these urgent realities, offering a path forward where cooperation replaces confrontation and where rules are respected not selectively but comprehensively.

A functioning system of international rule of law cannot simply guarantee rights without also ensuring that states fulfill their duties. While the right to development is universal, it comes with the responsibility of sustainable practices that protect the global environment.

Similarly, while nations have the right to pursue their own security, this right is balanced by the obligation not to jeopardize the security of others. In areas such as artificial intelligence governance, nuclear non-proliferation and maritime security, the credibility of international law depends on this balance being respected.

The SCO Tianjin Summit itself provides a concrete demonstration of how multilateral frameworks can embody these principles. The SCO, which now brings together major powers and regional actors across Eurasia, functions as a platform where countries of varying capacities can contribute equally to collective security, economic cooperation, and cultural exchange. The "SCO plus" Meeting reflects an inclusive spirit that goes beyond regionalism, positioning the organization as a partner in shaping global governance norms.

Ultimately, strengthening the international rule of law is not merely about preventing conflict or ensuring compliance with existing treaties; it is about building trust in a system where every state, regardless of power, has confidence that its voice matters and that commitments will be honored. The GGI, with its emphasis on core universal values and resisting unilateral practices, underscores this point.

As the Tianjin summit demonstrates, the world is entering a critical juncture. The credibility of global governance will depend on whether international law is treated as a shared compass rather than a selective tool. By committing to the principle of abiding by international rule of law, the international community can take a decisive step toward ensuring that global governance evolves in a way that is just, equitable and reflective of our shared humanity.

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