China firm advocate of, doer in reforming, improving global governance

On Oct. 23, Chinese President Xi Jinping sent a letter to the 2026 Global Governance Forum (Xiong'an), further elaborating on the importance of reforming and improving the global governance system and charting the course for advancing the implementation of the Global Governance Initiative (GGI). The letter demonstrated China's sense of responsibility and its willingness to work with other countries to build a more just and equitable world.

Xi put forward the GGI in September 2025, a much-needed initiative that offers solutions to bridge the governance deficit and build a better future. In just over a year, the initiative has gained the support of more than 160 countries and international organizations. Over 60 countries have joined the Group of Friends of Global Governance. Its core elements have been incorporated into the documents of multilateral fora such as the G20, the Shanghai Cooperation Organization, and BRICS.

The past year has underscored the great contemporary value of the GGI, with its appeal and influence continuing to grow. The initiative has become an important public good warmly embraced by the international community.

The international community regards the GGI as a stalwart for multilateralism as the international landscape is undergoing a profound shift, and a safeguard for fairness and justice as the law of the jungle makes a comeback. To many in the world, the GGI provides a clear pathway to shared development and security and much-needed certainty for a turbulent world.

Beyond championing the GGI, China has taken decisive steps to translate its vision into practice. Since its launch, China has advanced multiple proposals to promote peace and stability in conflict zones such as the Middle East, voluntarily waived demands for additional special and differential treatment in World Trade Organization negotiations, and introduced new forms of international public goods, such as the International Organization for Mediation and the World Artificial Intelligence Cooperation Organization.

The GGI is widely regarded by people of foresight around the world as a remedy for and improvement on the existing international system, and a crystallization of Chinese wisdom that will shape a fairer, more inclusive, and more sustainable world.

The 2026 Global Governance Forum (Xiong'an), held in Xiong'an New Area in north China's Hebei province, marked a major step by China in working with other countries around the world to put the GGI into practice.

Under the theme "Rebuilding Confidence and Cooperation: Reforming and Improving Global Governance in a Transforming World," participants exchanged ideas and learned from one another. Their discussions addressed both the need to uphold the international system with the United Nations at its core and the governance of emerging fields such as artificial intelligence, cyberspace, and outer space.

Through dialogue and communication, they sought to build consensus and develop joint solutions, contributing to international efforts to tackle governance challenges and reform and improve global governance.

More than a policy dialogue, the forum offers the international community a tangible look at China's governance philosophy. In just nine years, Xiong'an New Area has transformed from a planned development zone into a dynamic innovation hub and a showcase of high-quality urban development. By engaging with this "city of the future," attendees witnessed firsthand how China's governance model -- centered on people-first development, ecological sustainability, technological innovation, and long-term planning -- has translated into measurable progress.

This year marks the 55th anniversary of the restoration of the People's Republic of China's lawful seat in the United Nations. As a founding member of the United Nations and a permanent member of its Security Council, China has consistently upheld and practiced multilateralism.

At the forum, China announced eight practical actions to advance global governance. These include ensuring the success of the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) Economic Leaders' Meeting in November, continuing to engage deeply in United Nations reform and encouraging the Group of Friends of Global Governance to play a bigger role.

The country called on all parties to uphold the central role of the United Nations, practice the values of fairness and justice, bolster the strength of the Global South for better global governance, advance in the direction of openness and development, and improve the rules of governance in emerging fields.

These measures clearly demonstrate China's firm resolve to work with other countries to steer global governance toward greater fairness and equity. They also provide a roadmap for joint efforts to implement the GGI in the next stage.

An African media outlet commented that the forum's significance lies in its efforts to foster a more open, balanced and constructive dialogue on the future of international relations.

Global governance serves the common interests of all nations, and requires the collective effort of the international community. China stands ready to work with all parties to uphold a vision of global governance featuring extensive consultation and joint contribution for shared benefit, build strength through confidence and overcome challenges through cooperation.

Together, the international community can advance the implementation of the GGI, bring greater certainty and positive energy to a world fraught with change and turbulence, and work hand in hand toward a community with a shared future for humanity.