Liu Jun*

Currently, the international situation is marked by complex and intertwined changes, and the world has entered a new period of turbulence and transformation. In response to the escalating geopolitical conflicts and the continued expansion of the security deficit, President Xi Jinping of China has proposed the Global Security Initiative, which provides guidance for fostering international consensus, improving global governance, and addressing the humanity’s security challenges. After three years of efforts, this China’s Proposal, rooted in the principles of harmonious coexistence, has received widespread acclaim from the international community, garnering support from more than 120 countries, regions, and international organizations. It has been incorporated into over 120 bilateral and multilateral political documents, serving as a concrete manifestation of the vision of a community with a shared future for mankind.

Breaking the Deadlock: Upholding Multilateralism and Enhancing Global Governance

From the protracted Russia-Ukraine conflict and the Palestine-Israel conflict to the volatile situation in Syria and escalating tensions in the Red Sea, the world is grappling with severe security challenges, further exacerbating global uncertainty. Against this backdrop, the Global Security Initiative, guided by the Chinese philosophy that “dialogue prevails over confrontation, cooperation transcends rivalry, and win-win outcomes replace zero-sum games”, rejects ideological divisions and exclusive blocs, opposes ideological confrontation, and aims to eliminate the root causes of global instability fundamentally, offering a viable solution for a troubled international community.

As a permanent member of the UN Security Council (UNSC), China has consistently exemplified the essence of multilateralism through concrete actions. In February this year, as the rotating president of the UNSC, China convened a high-level meeting on “Upholding Multilateralism and Reforming and Improving Global Governance”. During the meeting, Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi comprehensively elaborated on China’s four-point proposal for building a fair and just global governance system: upholding sovereign equality, ensuring fairness and justice, promoting solidarity and cooperation, and maintaining an action-oriented approach. From championing a global governance philosophy of extensive consultation, joint contribution, and shared benefits to advocating for an equal and orderly multipolar world, China’s proposals have drawn widespread attention and positive responses from UN bodies and member states, serving as a blueprint for restructuring the international system.

Alleviating Crisis: Advancing Lasting Peace Through Dialogue and Consultation

For a long time, the Middle East, plagued by colonial legacies and ongoing external interventions, has been trapped in a “security quagmire”, with its people suffering the ravages of war. Guided by the Global Security Initiative, China advocates for sustainable development as a means to achieve sustainable security, pioneering a new path that transcends traditional governance paradigms. China has remained committed to advancing political solutions to regional hotspot issues, actively facilitating mediation and dialogue to advance comprehensive and lasting peace across the Middle East. In recent years, under China’s mediation, Saudi Arabia and Iran achieved a historic reconciliation, triggering a wave of détente across the Middle East. Additionally, 14 Palestinian factions signed the Beijing Declaration, marking the end of a 17-year-long political divide. Last month,  China, Russia, and Iran held a trilateral meeting in Beijing, issuing a joint statement. During the meeting, Foreign Minister Wang Yi proposed a five-point initiative for appropriately addressing the Iranian nuclear issue in the new context, injecting greater stability into the Middle East peace process and once again demonstrating China’s responsibility as a major power.

Fortifying Foundations: Deepening Belt and Road Cooperation for Sustainable Development

Security is the prerequisite of development, while development is a guarantee of security. Like most countries in the world, China has endured the trials of both hot and cold wars, deeply understanding the preciousness of peace and the value of development. Only when people live in stability and prosperity, and nations achieve sustainable development, can a solid foundation for lasting peace be established. By promoting universally beneficial, inclusive economic globalization, China  joins hands with countries worldwide to pursue a path of peaceful development, having endorsed by the majority of the international community. China continues to advance high-quality Belt and Road cooperation, bringing tangible benefits to more than 150 countries.  Against the backdrop of sluggish global economic recovery, China and its Belt and Road partners have shared development opportunities, with trade growing against global economic headwinds, rising by 6.4% in 2024, making China and partner nations key drivers of global economic growth. Notably, China-Iraq economic and trade cooperation has been particularly strong, with bilateral trade volume surging to $54.2 billion, marking a 9% year-on-year increase, in which the Kurdistan Region of Iraq also plays a significant role in driving this progress.

This year marks the 80th anniversary of the Victory in the World Anti-Fascist War. While the world has remained largely stable since the end of World War II, the Middle East has continued to experience war and conflict, persisting as a geopolitical hotspot. The region has long faced slow economic development, geopolitical tensions, terrorism, refugee crises, and climate change. Situated at the strategic crossroads of the Middle East, the Kurdistan Region (KRI) holds unique geopolitical significance and vast development potential. Under the strategic guidance of the Global Security Initiative, China remains committed to deepening pragmatic cooperation with the KRI across various fields, contributing to regional security and sustainable development, and fostering lasting peace and stability in the Middle East.

In confronting the complex and evolving international landscape and security challenges, the global community must draw lessons from history and work together for a shared future. Guided by the vision of common, comprehensive, cooperative, and sustainable security advocated by the Global Security Initiative, we must break free from the shackles of bloc politics and confrontational alliances, reject the hegemonic logic of prioritizing one’s own security at the expense of others, and resolve disputes through dialogue and consultation on an equal footing. The international community should seek to bring conflicts, such as the Palestine-Israel conflict, back under the multilateral consultation framework of the United Nations, respect the right of regional countries to choose their own development paths, and balance the legitimate security concerns of all parties. Only by upholding the concept of common security, moving beyond bloc politics and external interference, and building an inclusive security architecture based on fairness and justice can a new political pathway emerge for resolving deep-seated issues like the Palestine-Israel conflict, ultimately achieving lasting peace and stability in the Middle East and beyond.

*Consul General of the People’s Republic of China in Erbil