Editor's note: Zheng Haizhen, a special commentator for CGTN, is an assistant researcher at the Department for Global Governance and International Organization Studies, China Institute of International Studies. The article reflects the author's opinions and not necessarily the views of CGTN.

The global governance system is undergoing profound adjustments, while the international landscape is marked by intertwined changes and turbulence. The United Nations and multilateralism are facing multiple challenges. Problems such as global development imbalances, widening security deficits and lagging governance mechanisms have become increasingly intertwined, and the world has entered a new period of turbulence and transformation. With its consistent commitment to multilateralism and constructive actions, China continues to contribute its wisdom and solutions to advancing the global governance system toward greater fairness and equity.

The recent G7 summit in France has once again sparked debate over the bloc's relevance in today's changing world. Having long dominated the international agenda, the G7 is increasingly exposing the exclusive nature of its approach. Whether in terms of membership composition or decision-making logic, the G7 remains essentially a platform through which a handful of developed countries coordinate positions and safeguard their own interests.

Data shows that the G7's share of the global economy has declined from its historical peak to around 44%. In contrast, developing countries and emerging market economies account for 61.02% of global GDP measured by purchasing power parity, and their economic growth is projected to exceed 4%, compared with about 1.5% for advanced economies.

Yet when confronted with common challenges such as global development imbalances, climate change and food security, the G7 continues to approach the world through the lens of bloc politics and geopolitical considerations, making it difficult to offer genuinely inclusive solutions capable of building the broadest possible international consensus.

In sharp contrast, China's Global Governance Initiative (GGI) upholds the principles of openness, inclusiveness and win-win cooperation. Within less than a year of its launch, the initiative received positive responses from nearly 160 countries and international organizations. The Group of Friends of Global Governance has been established in New York, Geneva, Vienna and other locations, expanding to include more than 60 countries. This fully reflects the international community's broad aspiration for common development and shared prosperity, while also demonstrating a governance philosophy of pooling the greatest possible strength through dialogue and consultation.

At a critical moment when global governance is most in need of direction and leadership, China's determination to forge ahead stems from its clear answer to the questions of our times. As stated in the white paper titled "More Just and Equitable Global Governance: China's Principles, Proposals and Actions," at this critical juncture in history, what the world needs is not divisive bloc confrontation, but a common choice to unite and act together.

Unlike some traditional Western powers that respond to crises and changes by building walls for self-protection, shifting contradictions onto others, or even intensifying bloc confrontation, China has consistently upheld true multilateralism and the principle of extensive consultation, joint contribution and shared benefits, demonstrating the responsibility of a major country that takes the initiative to break new ground and weather challenges together with others. This position is reflected not only in China's vision, but also throughout its ongoing practice of international cooperation.

In specific areas of governance, China has provided solutions to global governance deficits through a series of initiatives and practical cooperation efforts, demonstrating a profound transformation from ideas into action.

In the field of development, the Global Development Initiative focuses on addressing global development imbalances and directly confronting the reality of widening development deficits. To tackle this challenge, China has worked to bring development back to the center of international cooperation and has injected sustained momentum into global development through South-South cooperation, the Belt and Road Initiative and multilateral development platforms.

In the field of security, the Global Security Initiative emphasizes resolving disputes through dialogue and consultation, opposes bloc confrontation and unilateral sanctions, and is committed to addressing increasingly complex security challenges. China has consistently advocated political solutions to hotspot issues, continued to play a constructive role in regional conflicts and promoted peace talks and dialogue.

At the level of civilization, the Global Civilization Initiative advocates respect for the diversity of civilizations, promotes the common values of humanity and encourages exchanges and mutual learning among civilizations. It is committed to fostering equal dialogue and inclusive coexistence among different civilizations, providing important intellectual resources for bridging differences and promoting the long-term coexistence of human societies.

China's four global initiatives have pointed out a clear direction for the future of global governance. Rather than existing in isolation, the four initiatives constitute an integrated governance framework with strong internal coherence and a progressive structure. China's approach not only reshapes the outdated logic of an order dominated by the strong, but also promotes the evolution of international relations toward greater equality and inclusiveness.

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