China is making significant strides on the global stage with its Global Security Initiative (GSI), a comprehensive framework designed to address both traditional and non-traditional security challenges. Emphasizing a win-win mindset, the GSI promotes dialogue over confrontation and partnerships over alliances, aiming for mutually beneficial outcomes rather than zero-sum scenarios.
One of the standout applications of the GSI is China's role in facilitating diplomatic relations between Iran and Saudi Arabia, two nations with a long history of antagonism. Additionally, China has introduced a 12-point position paper aimed at resolving the Russia-Ukraine conflict. While the Iran-Saudi agreement has received widespread acclaim, China's stance on the Russia-Ukraine war has sparked controversy, particularly in Europe, where it is perceived as somewhat favoring Russia.
China views the GSI as an international public good, reflecting its growing commitment to maintaining world peace and safeguarding global security. A key example of this commitment is China's status as the second-largest contributor to the United Nations' regular budget and peacekeeping efforts. Furthermore, China has deployed over 100 naval vessels in 45 task forces to the waters off Somalia, providing escort services to more than 7,000 Chinese and foreign ships.
The GSI is built upon six resolute commitments: ensuring comprehensive and sustainable security; adhering to the UN Charter; rejecting Cold War mentalities; opposing unilateralism and bloc politics; taking all countries' legitimate security concerns seriously; and promoting effective, sustainable security architectures. These commitments extend to both traditional threats like terrorism and non-traditional ones such as climate change, cybersecurity, and biosecurity.
Critics argue that the GSI represents China's vision for an alternative international order, one that could potentially enhance its influence while diminishing that of the United States. By adopting concepts like "indivisible security," which emphasizes addressing all countries' legitimate security concerns, China appears to be positioning itself as a counterbalance to the current "rules-based" order led by the U.S. and its allies.
As the GSI continues to evolve, the global community remains closely watchful. China's initiatives under the GSI framework are shaping discussions on international security and governance, signaling a potential shift in the balance of global power dynamics.
Reference(s):
cgtn.com
