At the Shanghai Cooperation Organization Summit 2025, China introduced the Global Governance Initiative (GGI)—its fourth landmark proposal for reshaping world affairs after the Global Development Initiative, Global Security Initiative and Global Civilization Initiative.
According to Cui Zheng, director of the Research Center for Russia, Eastern Europe and Central Asian Countries at Liaoning University, the GGI is China’s response to a shifting global landscape marked by a revived Cold War mentality, bloc confrontations and a weakening international security framework anchored by the UN.
Facing a growing 'security deficit,' China proposes a new vision centered on cooperation rather than confrontation. The GGI builds on five core principles:
- Adhering to sovereign equality
- Abiding by international rule of law
- Practicing genuine multilateralism
- Advocating a people-centered approach
- Focusing on tangible actions
On the economics front, Cui notes that globalization is running into headwinds. The world economy shows a weak, uneven recovery, burdened by low growth, high debt and inflation, and a widening North–South development gap.
The GGI’s economic pillar aims to correct governance imbalances, resist protectionism and forge an inclusive, balanced system that supports both Chinese and global development.
With the GGI, China signals its ambition to offer 'Chinese wisdom' and a stabilizing force for tackling international security dilemmas and steering economic governance toward a more just and reasonable global order.
Reference(s):
Expert on why China proposed the Global Governance Initiative
cgtn.com
