中文
Fu Cong, China's permanent representative to the United Nations, speaks during a special solemn meeting in commemoration of all victims of World War II at the UN headquarters in New York, the U.S., May 7, 2025. [Photo/Xinhua]
By Pang Xinhua
In today's turbulent political and economic landscape, global governance has become a defining issue of our time. At a virtual BRICS Summit on September 8, Chinese President Xi Jinping underscored a simple yet powerful truth: Multilateralism is the inevitable choice for international relations and the fundamental path to effective global governance. His message is both timely and profound, reminding the world that cooperation, not confrontation, is the only way forward.
Unilateralism and hegemonism have proven incapable of addressing the pressing challenges we face – climate change, widening inequality, recurring conflicts, and fragile economic recovery. No country, no matter how powerful, can solve these problems alone. Only through strengthened cooperation and genuine consultation can the world build a governance system that is fairer, more inclusive, and more sustainable.
The legal and institutional foundations of multilateralism
Multilateralism is not merely a political aspiration; it is enshrined in international law. The United Nations Charter, adopted in 1945, laid down the foundation of a cooperative world order. It declares the UN's mission to "maintain international peace and security" and to promote the peaceful development of international relations. It also reinforces the principles of sovereign equality, territorial integrity, and non-interference – principles that form the bedrock of multilateral cooperation.
In practice, these principles find life in institutions such as the International Court of Justice and the World Trade Organization, which provide mechanisms for peaceful dispute resolution and fair trade rules. Far from abstract ideals, multilateralism has become the daily operating principle of international order.
The peace and prosperity multilateralism delivers
History offers ample proof of its value. In the aftermath of World War II, the establishment of the UN, the IMF, the World Bank, and the General Agreement on Tariffs and Trade (GATT) provided platforms for shared governance. These institutions accelerated global recovery and enabled decades of growth.
Global trade has expanded dramatically since 1945 and reached $32.2 trillion in 2024. This surge has not only deepened global interdependence but has lifted hundreds of millions out of poverty – particularly in developing and underdeveloped countries which leveraged integration into the world economy to achieve rapid development. At the same time, the multilateral system has helped prevent a third world war for nearly 80 years. Few achievements could be more consequential.
Chinese President Xi Jinping attends a virtual BRICS Summit and delivers an important speech in Beijing, September 8, 2025. [Photo/Xinhua]
The will of the people
Multilateralism is not an elite project; it reflects the will of the global community. In a world where economies and cultures are bound tightly together, the overwhelming majority of nations reject the false choice of isolationism and unilateralism. BRICS, which represents nearly half the world’s population and about 30 percent of global GDP, stands as evidence that emerging economies can thrive by embracing cooperation rather than confrontation.
The yearning of peoples everywhere – for peace, for development, for a better life – pushes the world inexorably toward multilateral solutions. The old zero-sum mindset has outlived its usefulness. Humanity's shared future demands cooperation and win-win outcomes.
The dangers of unilateralism
In contrast, unilateralism undermines the authority of international law and erodes trust among nations. When powerful states resort to coercion – whether military intervention or economic sanctions – they not only fail to solve global problems but also worsen divisions and sow instability. Small cliques and bloc politics threaten to fracture the international community at the very moment unity is most needed.
As Xi emphasized, global governance should be an "open and inclusive process that pools wisdom from all sides and unites global strength." Governance dictated by a handful of countries is no governance at all. True legitimacy can only come from mechanisms that give voice to all nations, especially developing countries.
Charting the way forward
If multilateralism is to remain the cornerstone of global governance, several priorities must be pursued:
1. Strengthen the authority of the United Nations. The UN has provided indispensable services through peacekeeping, humanitarian relief, and climate action. Its role as the central platform of global governance must be preserved and enhanced.
2. Advance the principle of consultation, joint contribution, and shared benefits. Effective solutions to global problems must involve broad participation, with every country respected for its development path and contributions.
3. Build a fairer and more representative governance system. Developing countries need stronger voices in international institutions. Reform is essential to reflect the realities of today’s multipolar world.
4. Promote the democratization of international relations. Greater representation for the Global South, deeper South-South cooperation, and more inclusive dialogue will ensure that governance reflects the needs of the many, not the few.
In a time of mounting uncertainty, multilateralism is not just one option among many – it is the only viable path forward. It has preserved peace, enabled prosperity, and reflected the aspirations of people across continents. It offers the best hope for addressing the shared challenges of humanity, from climate change to inequality, from conflict to poverty.
The task before the international community is clear: Reject unilateralism, embrace cooperation, and work together to build a more just, equitable, and sustainable global governance system. Only then can lasting peace and common prosperity be secured.
Pang Xinhua is a special commentator on current affairs for CGTN.
