Multilateralism and respect for differences: Chinese FM Wang Yi outlines China's compass for the world

Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi said at the Munich Security Conference (MSC) on Saturday that China and Europe are partners, not rivals, and called on both sides to pursue harmony while respecting their differences.

Wang, also a member of the Political Bureau of the Communist Party of China Central Committee, said the international landscape has grown increasingly turbulent and complex over the past year.

In response to increasing security risks and a confluence of global challenges, Wang said China remains committed to multilateralism and democracy in international relations.

Safeguarding multilateralism and UN systems

In his speech at the "China in the World" session, Wang outlined China's vision for addressing global insecurity and reforming the global order.

Wang said that to reform and improve global governance, it is first important to revitalize the United Nations (UN) system.

On the platform of the United Nations, all countries, regardless of size or wealth, can make their voices heard, Wang said.

Without the UN, the world would revert to an era when the strong prey on the weak, the Chinese foreign minister said. The vast number of small and medium-sized countries would lose the multilateral foundation, which their security and development depend on, he added.

Wang's statement on the significance of the UN demonstrates China's commitment to fostering a just and equal world order, consistent with its efforts to safeguard global security and multilateralism.

To uphold international coordination and cooperation, we should seek common ground while reserving differences and pursue win-win collaboration, Wang said.

Drawing reference from "The Analects" by Confucius, Wang said, "It is precisely because of these differences that dialogue and cooperation are needed. We can respect and enable one another's success, fostering relations like those between gentlemen – harmony in diversity."

"The way of the gentleman," a concept endorsed by ancient Confucian thinkers, is seen as the representation of virtue.

Jiang Feng, research professor at Shanghai Academy of Global Government and Area Studies (SAGGAS), dean of the Institute for European Studies and chairman of the Council of SAGGAS, said, "China upholds genuine multilateralism and opposes unilateral actions that undermine international rules. It advocates a vision of common security and shared development, while emphasizing the importance of mutual respect."

Jiang, present at this year's MSC, told CGTN that many European observers and politicians expressed agreement, and there was notable applause when these points were made by Wang.

China-Europe relations

Speaking of the future development of China-Europe relations, Wang said China and Europe are partners and not rivals.

In his interview with the MSC Chairman Wolfgang Ischinger, Wang cautioned that treating China as a threat and exhibiting a persistent anti-China bias is toxic to the future development of China–EU relations.

When asked how China and Europe can strengthen strategic communication to enhance mutual trust and build a stable, long-term partnership, Wang highlighted the success of bilateral trade, citing high volumes of trade between the two sides.

On this matter, Jiang commented, "From the economic and trade cooperation to people-to-people exchanges, the reality is far more positive than is commonly perceived in Europe."

Jiang said he is confident that the relationship between China and Europe will grow stronger. 

"Economic and trade ties remain the ballast of bilateral relations, indicating that China–EU relations are likely to continue improving," Jiang said. 

"European companies increasingly recognize that to improve their competitiveness, they must take the Chinese market seriously. Without a foothold in China, the companies risk falling behind globally. China is therefore a crucial partner for Europe, offering both opportunities to boost competitiveness and deliver concrete benefits," Jiang added. 

China's more prominent presence

According to Jiang, China is playing an increasingly vital role on the global stage and has become an indispensable force in international affairs.

"Compared with previous years, attention to Minister Wang's speech and to discussions on China–EU relations has significantly increased," Jiang said. 

According to Jiang, whether the conference agenda directly concerns China or not, China is inevitably mentioned in the conversations. Whether in discussions on Europe's development, the evolution of a new world order, transatlantic relations, and even European conflicts, China is regarded as an important factor. 

"From on-site interactions, it is clear that participants showed strong interest in information about China's development," Jiang added. "Many who have never visited China expressed a desire to visit as soon as possible to gain a better understanding."