A shared future for humanity

In a turbulent world marked by accelerating changes unseen in a century, all countries, particularly small island states, are under mounting pressure. President Xi Jinping has formally put forward the Global Governance Initiative (GGI) during the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation Tianjin Summit, highlighting the imperative of adhering to sovereign equality, abiding by international rule of law, practising multilateralism, advocating the people-centered approach and focusing on taking real actions.

The GGI injects stability and certainty into the world and is highly relevant to small island states, including Malta.

Sovereign equality is the foremost premise of global governance

The sovereignty and dignity of every country must be respected. Ignoring or undermining the interests of small states, or forcing them to take sides, is neither fair nor reasonable. Greater democracy should be promoted in international relations to make the global governance system better reflect the interests and aspirations of the majority of countries.

China’s position aligns closely with the long-standing pursuit of small island states to meaningfully participate in international rule-making and decision-making in areas such as AI, climate change, cybersecurity and trade negotiations.  These reforms will significantly enhance the participation and voice of small island states in international affairs.

International rule of law is the fundamental safeguard for global governance

International governance should be based on the rules and consensus reached among all countries, not on the order given by one or the few. Small island countries can both participate in the formulation of international rules and rely on the principles of international law to address selective enforcement.

The Mediterranean region continues to face ongoing geopolitical conflicts. In addition to the Ukraine crisis and the latest round of the Israel-Palestine conflict, there are various potential flashpoints. Upholding uniform international rules can prevent small states from rule manipulation by few countries, safeguarding their sovereignty and interests on the global stage.

Multilateralism is the basic pathway of global governance

Global governance is a matter for all countries and concerns the vital interests of each country. It needs coordination and cooperation rather than unilateralism and bullying. The Mediterranean region stands at the crossroads of Europe, Asia and Africa and has witnessed two wars in Iraq, the Bosnian war, the Kosovo war, the civil wars in Libya and Syria and the protracted Israeli-Palestinian conflicts since the end of the Cold War.

Building exclusive circles or starting a new Cold War will only erect high fences between countries. Upholding multilateralism remains one of the most effective ways for small island states to enhance their voice in international affairs and maritime governance.

China and Malta are old and good friends, sharing extensive common interests and similar stances on international affairs- Zhang Zuo

A people-centered approach is the underpinning value of global governance.

Global governance is about turning people’s longing for a better life into reality and jointly building a world in which all can enjoy affluence and contentment. Malta is currently formulating its ‘Vision 2050’ to enhance national resilience, vitality, opportunity  and ability to withstand risks, thereby improving the quality of life for all its citizens. People’s well-being and global governance are closely intertwined and mutually supportive.   

Advancing global governance reforms and allocating more resources to people-centered fields such as education, healthcare and clean energy will enable small and medium-sized countries, including small island states to achieve the Sustainable Development Goals.

Action-orientation is an important principle of global governance

The vitality of global governance stems from practice, hinges on action and, ultimately, depends on outcomes. Among the 193 member states of the United Nations, small countries constitute the majority. On turning words into deeds in tackling challenges, small countries have the strongest voice. Small countries play an important role in responding to climate change, advancing sustainable development and upholding international rule of law.

Global governance must fully listen to the voices of small countries and take their concerns seriously. Developed countries should earnestly fulfill their responsibilities by providing more resources and public goods. China has always been a sincere friend to small and medium-sized countries and consistently stood together with them.

China and Malta are old and good friends, sharing extensive common interests and similar stances on international affairs. Both countries have long championed true multilateralism and supported each other in playing significant roles within the UN and other multilateral systems.

China stands ready to work with Malta to firmly uphold the purposes and principles of the UN Charter, effectively implement the GGI, promote a more just and equitable global governance system and move forward together toward building a community with a shared future for humanity.

Zhang Zuo is the Chinese Ambassador to Malta.