Chinese President Xi Jinping on Monday used the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) leaders’ summit in Tianjin to push for a new global order rooted in multipolarity and equality, while indirectly criticising US trade policies under President Donald Trump.
Unveiling what he called the Global Governance Initiative (GGI), Xi said the goal was to create a “more just and equitable global governance system” and build a “shared future for humanity,” with greater representation for the Global South.
Key points from Xi’s address
- Sovereign equality: Xi stressed that all nations — “regardless of size, strength or wealth” — should be equal participants in global decision-making.
- Rule of law: He called for international law and UN Charter principles to be applied equally, warning that “the house rules of a few countries must not be imposed upon others.”
- Multilateralism: Xi urged states to reject unilateralism, strengthen coordination, and support the United Nations’ central role in global governance.
- Fairness and justice: He warned against “Cold War mentality” and “bullying practices,” urging support for a fair multilateral trading system led by the World Trade Organization (WTO).
Without directly naming Washington, Xi’s remarks came just hours after Trump lashed out at India following Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s meeting with Xi and Russian President Vladimir Putin at the summit.
Broader context
Xi’s speech comes ahead of China’s Victory Day parade on Wednesday, marking 80 years since Japan’s defeat in World War II. Leaders including Putin and North Korea’s Kim Jong Un are expected to attend.
Emphasising the importance of solidarity within the SCO, Xi said member states should “respect differences, build consensus and strengthen collaboration” while promoting multipolarity and inclusive globalisation.
Quoting a Chinese proverb — “where will prevails, no boundary holds” — Xi urged members to stay committed to the SCO’s founding mission and contribute to a global system that is, in his words, “more just and equitable.”
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