By: H.E Jiang Wei, Chinese Ambassador to Antigua and Barbuda
On June 17, 2026, China released a white paper titled “More Just and Equitable Global Governance: China’s Principles, Proposals and Actions.” I would like to take this opportunity to introduce the principles and proposals to our friends in Antigua and Barbuda.
Our world has entered an era marked by profound change on a scale unseen in a century. The pursuit of peace and development remains a daunting challenge. Geopolitical tensions are intensifying, with armed conflicts erupting in multiple regions. Global economic fragmentation is exacerbating, significantly hindering development. New challenges are arising in quick succession, with multiple crises intertwining and accumulating. Unilateralism and hegemonism have inflicted profound harm, by flagrantly violating international law and the basic norms governing international relations.
De-globalization and protectionism are on the rise, while economic and trade issues are being politicized, instrumentalized, and weaponized. The current global governance system has become increasingly incompatible and misaligned with the realities of today and the evolving international landscape, and its shortcomings and deficiencies are growing ever more pronounced.
The times call for a model of global governance that is more inclusive, equitable, and sustainable, and more Global South voices need to be heard.
In September 2025, Chinese President Xi Jinping put forward the Global Governance Initiative (GGI), offering the Chinese solution to the two pressing questions of the era: what kind of global governance system should be established, and how global governance can be reformed and improved.
Upon its introduction, it swiftly gained support from nearly 160 countries and international organizations, with over 60 countries joining the Group of Friends of Global Governance.
Staying committed to sovereign equality is the foremost premise of global governance. All countries, regardless of size, strength or wealth, shall have their sovereignty and dignity respected and have the right to participate in, make decisions in and benefit from the global governance process as equals.
Staying committed to international rule of law is the fundamental safeguard for global governance. Only a global governance system that is grounded in the rule of law can provide all countries with a fair and just environment for development and make international order more just and equitable.
Staying committed to multilateralism is the basic pathway of global governance. Countries should stick to the principles of extensive consultation, joint contribution, and shared benefits, should be steadfast in safeguarding the central role of the United Nations, and should be firm in promoting multilateral dialogue, consultation, and cooperation.
Staying committed to the people-centered approach is the underpinning value of global governance. The people of all nations are the fundamental actors in global governance, and their well-being is its ultimate benefit. It must seek improvement through reforms in order to inspire, among peoples of all countries, a greater sense of fulfillment, safety and well-being.
Staying committed to real results is an important principle of global governance. Effective global governance is essentially one that resolves real problems.
China is not only an advocate of the GGI, but also a firm practitioner. Committed to common security, China takes an active part in UN peacekeeping operations as the second largest contributor to the UN peacekeeping budget and the largest troop contributor among the permanent members of the UN Security Council. And China has pioneered the use of a unique Chinese approach to addressing international flashpoints.
Committed to openness and cooperation, China has promoted trade and investment liberalization and facilitation, bringing broader opportunities to the world with higher-standard opening up and achieving solid progress in deepening high-quality Belt and Road cooperation.
Committed to fairness and justice, China has promoted the historic expansion of BRICS and the growth of the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO), supported the African Union’s membership in the G20, proposed and advanced an initiative for open and inclusive Global South cooperation, implemented the eight measures in support of Global South cooperation, assisting the Global South in jointly embarking on a path towards modernization.
Committed to solidarity and collaboration, China has initiated and led the creation of the International Organization for Mediation, filling a gap in the international mediation mechanism. It has convened the Conference on Dialogue of Asian Civilizations and the Ancient Civilizations Forum, promoting exchanges and mutual learning among civilizations.
It has established the Kunming Biodiversity Fund, and put forward the Global Initiative on Data Security and the Global AI Governance Initiative, promoting the improvement of governance rules for new domains.
Global governance is like a boat to sail upstream; to not forge ahead is to be driven back. The world has entered a new period of turbulence and transformation.
Now, more than ever, the world needs to revitalize multilateralism, uphold the rule of law, and ensure more efficient governance. China stands ready to work hand in hand with Antigua and Barbuda to enhance multilateral cooperation and implement the initiative under the principles of extensive consultation, joint contribution, and shared benefits, jointly building a more just and equitable global governance system.
This article was originally published by Antigua News Room. Read the original article here: Implementing on the Global Governance Initiative, Advancing a More Just and Equitable Global Governance System.