Four guiding 'navigators' for a new type of international relations: rejecting strategic clash and order stasis

(Editor's note: Dai Weilai is a professor at the Institute of Chinese Studies, Fudan University. The article reflects the author's opinions and not necessarily the views of CGTN.)

On May 20, China and Russia issued a joint statement on advocating multi-polarity and a new type of international relations, systematically elaborating a four-point proposition for advancing an equal and orderly multipolar world and building a new type of international relations. 

This serves as a clear answer to the defining question of our times: "Where are international relations heading?" 

Data from a series of global surveys released by CGTN show that the principles of mutual respect, fairness and justice, and win-win cooperation, as championed by the new type of international relations, have become a broad international consensus. Respondents oppose dividing the world into confrontational regions and blocs, and stress the imperative of building a more united international community – one that respects each other's fundamental interests, treats each other as equals, and pursues mutually beneficial cooperation.

First, openness and inclusiveness constitute the fundamental backdrop of contemporary international relations. 

For a long time, a small number of countries have distorted the global development landscape by resorting to the "law of the jungle" and unilateralism, in an attempt to monopolize development advantages. 

According to a CGTN survey, 84.1% of respondents believe that respecting the differences in development paths among countries is a prerequisite for international cooperation – an understanding that fundamentally dismantles the practical footing of the "end of history" thesis. The diversity of human social development dictates that there is no universally applicable institutional template. To absolutize a particular development model and forcibly impose it is, in essence, a contemporary variant of neocolonialism. 

Moreover, 78.4% of respondents agree that development is the "master key" to resolving all global issues. Only by upholding the vision of mutual benefit and win-win cooperation, and by pursuing common development through openness and cooperation, can countries effectively address the common challenges facing humanity.

Second, indivisible security is the fundamental guarantee of world peace. 

Some countries pursue absolute security, building their own security on the insecurity of others. The result is that the more security is sought, the less it is secured, and the more conflicts are managed, the more they multiply. The statement stresses that "security is equal and indivisible" and resolutely opposes the expansion of military alliances and unilateral coercion. 

A total of 85.6% of respondents view security as a prerequisite for development and endorse the Global Security Initiative put forward by China. Over 80% (80.8%) of respondents explicitly say no to hegemonism and unilateral sanctions. Around the world, 80.4% of respondents in developing countries, particularly those afflicted by geopolitical turbulence, have come to the profound realization that the Cold War mentality is a black hole that swallows peace. 

This surging current of public opinion shows that the exclusive security monopolized by the West has lost its moral foundation, and that a balanced, effective and sustainable new type of global and regional security architecture is the shared aspiration of the people.

Third, democracy in international relations is the core essence of global governance. 

The statement stresses that no country or group of countries should control international affairs or dictate the destiny of other nations. 

A total of 86.9% of respondents call for enhancing the practical efficacy of global governance, reflecting the deep-seated flaw of inadequate representation in the current global governance system. Global affairs should be handled through consultation among all countries, and no country or group of countries should monopolize the right to formulate international rules. 

Furthermore, 69% of respondents fully recognize China's contribution to the development of Global South countries, highlighting the historical trend of the collective rise of the Global South. Increasing the representation and voice of developing countries in the international system is an inevitable direction for the reform of the global governance system.

Fourth, the diversity of civilizations and values is a precious asset of human society.

No civilization can claim superiority over others. The statement advocates the diversity of civilizations in the world and opposes the politicization and instrumentalization of human rights. 

According to the survey, 94.2% of respondents highly appreciate the common values of humanity, and 90.8% call for respecting the diversity of civilizations – a position that effectively amounts to a thorough repudiation of the "civilizational superiority" thesis. Human civilizations are, by nature, diverse and coexistent, each possessing unique value and historical contributions. 

Furthermore, 77% of respondents recognize the important contribution of Chinese culture to the development of world civilizations. In particular, the strong identification among the youth cohort with the innovativeness of Chinese civilization (83.3%) demonstrates the robust vitality of mutual learning among civilizations.

Those who discern the trend are wise; those who follow it will prevail. Multi-polarity and democracy in international relations are an irreversible historical trend. 

The four principles put forward in the China-Russia joint statement are rooted in the purposes of the UN Charter and align with the shared aspirations of people around the world. Their aim is to correct the deviations in the international order and steer the global governance system toward a more just and equitable direction. 

In today's world, where the future of humanity is closely intertwined, countries must join hands to put these principles into practice and together create a bright future of lasting peace and common prosperity.