Professor of Strategic Studies at Al-Hussein Bin Talal University

 

A review of the Chinese White Paper 2026, published by the State Council Information Office on June 17, entitled “Towards a More Just and Equitable Global Governance.” The White Paper aims to present China’s vision and practical initiatives for strengthening global governance and building broader international consensus to address common challenges. The document emphasizes that global governance is a shared issue affecting the future and well-being of humanity, and that building a more just and balanced international system is a goal aspired to by the peoples of the world. The White Paper reflects Chinese President Xi Jinping’s vision for reforming the global governance system and strengthening multilateralism and international cooperation, contributing to building a more stable, secure, and just world amidst rapid international transformations.

This book is of exceptional importance because it comes at a critical juncture in the history of international relations, a time when the effectiveness of many traditional institutions established after World War II is waning, while international calls for reforming the global governance system to make it more responsive to contemporary challenges and more representative of the new international reality are growing. From this perspective, China presents itself not only as a rising power seeking to redistribute global influence, but also as a responsible power with a comprehensive intellectual and political project to reshape the rules of international conduct on more equitable, inclusive, and balanced foundations.

Beijing also puts forward a strategic vision based on strengthening multipolarity as a means to build a more secure and stable international order, one that limits the dominance of any single power in global decision-making and grants various countries, particularly those in the Global South, a greater role in shaping the future of the international system and managing the common issues facing humanity.

 

President Xi Jinping's strategic vision is evident in his ability to connect current transformations with the future trends of the international system. For years, the Chinese president has spoken of the concept of a “community with a shared future for mankind,” a concept that is no longer merely a diplomatic slogan but has evolved into a comprehensive theoretical framework through which China seeks to offer a civilizational alternative to the philosophies of conflict and hegemony that have characterized much of modern international history.

The White Paper clearly reflects this direction when it emphasizes that the world can no longer confront contemporary challenges through the logic of closed alliances, unilateral policies, or the use of economic and military power as tools of domination. The major issues facing humanity, from food security to artificial intelligence, climate change, and pandemics, exceed the capacity of any single nation, no matter how powerful, making international cooperation a strategic necessity, not a political option.

One of the most distinctive features of the Chinese vision is that it does not stem from a logic of confrontation between East and West, or between established and emerging powers, but rather from the philosophy of “harmony in diversity.” This philosophy is rooted in Chinese cultural heritage and has been repurposed within the framework of contemporary international relations. China believes that differences in political systems, cultures, and interests should not be a cause for conflict, but rather a basis for integration and mutual cooperation. In this context, President Xi Jinping presents a different model of international leadership based on a balance between power and responsibility.

China does not advocate dismantling the existing international order and rebuilding it from scratch, but rather reforming and developing it to be more representative of developing countries and more responsive to new challenges. This approach reflects a profound strategic understanding of the nature of international change; global stability is not achieved through sudden revolutions in the structure of the international system, but rather through gradual reforms that take into account the interests of all parties.

The White Paper also highlights the importance of genuine multilateralism as the cornerstone of international stability. In this context, China reaffirms its unwavering support for the United Nations and its central role in managing global affairs—a position that reflects a clear commitment to international law and multilateral institutions. This stance is particularly significant as it comes at a time when the international system is facing increasing pressure from unilateralism and escalating geopolitical conflicts.

Strategically, the global initiatives proposed by President Xi Jinping in recent years-such as the Global Development Initiative, the Global Security Initiative, the Global Civilization Initiative, and most recently, the Global Governance Initiative-represent a coherent framework for building a new international relations paradigm for the 21st century. These initiatives not only address current crises but also seek to tackle the root causes of the structural imbalances that have produced them.

It is clear that China is looking to the future with a long-term, forward-looking perspective. The White Paper not only addresses current challenges but also focuses on issues that will shape the international order in the coming decades, such as artificial intelligence governance, cybersecurity, outer space management, and global environmental protection. This reflects a progressive Chinese understanding that future power balances will not be measured solely by military or economic capabilities, but also by the ability to shape the rules and standards that will govern new areas of international competition and cooperation.

Furthermore, China's emphasis on strengthening the role of developing countries represents one of the most significant shifts in contemporary international political thought. China believes that achieving international justice requires granting developing countries greater representation in global decision-making institutions, commensurate with their growing economic and demographic weight. Hence, China's repeated calls for reforming international financial institutions and expanding the participation of emerging economies in managing the global economy.

A careful reading of the White Paper reveals that China presents itself not merely as a major international power, but as a partner in shaping the future of humanity. The strength of this vision lies in its combination of political realism and civilizational ambition; it recognizes the complexities of the international environment and the existing balance of power, while simultaneously offering a positive vision for a more cooperative and equitable future.

The Chinese White Paper on Global Governance represents a significant milestone in the development of contemporary Chinese strategic thought. It reflects a growing maturity in China's vision of its international role and highlights the intellectual and political stature of President Xi Jinping as one of the leading figures seeking to shape the future international order. By combining Chinese civilizational wisdom with a far-sighted strategic vision, Beijing presents a comprehensive vision of a multipolar world based on dialogue, partnership, and shared development-a vision that may become one of the most influential frameworks shaping the international order in the coming decades.