China Steps Forward on the Global Stage

WASHINGTON (AP) – Hardly a month after Chinese President Xi Jinping proposed his “Global Governance Initiative,” Beijing made its intent clear at the most global of forums – that it should, and is qualified too, help shape the world order even as the United States turns more inward under Donald Trump.

In a seemingly jargon-filled speech delivered to the U.N. General Assembly on Friday, Chinese Premier Li Qiang told the audience that “a china that bears in mind the greater good of humanity and stands ready to take up responsibilities will bring more positive energy into the world.” His words seized on the retreat by the American president from international organizations and on his apparent disdain towards the United Nations.

Li never once mentioned the United States by name. But in not-so-subtle critiques of recent actions by the United States, he touted his country’s credentials: lowering tariffs to promote the global economy, vowing to cut greenhouse gas emissions to combat climate change and committing to safeguarding the authority of the United Nations.

This represents a shift in approach to global affairs that experts say reflects a China that sees itself on the ascent.

“Li’s speech confirms that China’s foreign policy posture today is firmly anchored in the ambition of turning a Western-dominant world order into one that is much more conducive to Chinese interests, values, and leadership,” said Olivia Cheung, lecturer in politics at King’s College London. “China’s foreign policy today is notably more confident, strategic, and coherent than how it was in 2017, where beijing’s presentation of global governance reform lacked content.”

The speech has come amid growing worries in Washington that China, the world’s second-largest economy, might seek to unseat the United States as the global leader, even though Beijing has repeatedly assured Washington that it has no intention to challenge or replace the U.S. Instead,Xi has said Beijing should enjoy a global say befitting of its economic might and global stature.

li says China has the answer

Li opened his speech by evoking the history of the United Nations and crediting it for the by-and-large peace and prosperity in the ensuing eight decades. Then,he lamented the “chaos” the world is faced with today.

“the world has entered a new period of turbulence and transformation,” Li said.”Conflicts and tensions are rising in some regions. The global economic recovery is sluggish. Traditional and non-traditional security threats are intertwined.”

He then offered China’s vision for a solution, one that emphasizes multilateralism, win-win cooperation, and a commitment to the principles enshrined in the U.N. Charter.

“We should uphold the international system with the United Nations at its core, and support the United Nations in playing its central role in international cooperation,” Li said. “We should practice true multilateralism, reject unilateralism and bloc confrontation.”

The speech comes at a time when the United States, under Trump, has questioned the value of international alliances and institutions. Trump has withdrawn the U.S. from the Paris Agreement on climate change and the Iran nuclear deal, and has criticized the World Trade Institution.

Li’s message was clear: China is ready to step up and fill the void left by the United States.

Key Takeaways

• China is increasingly assertive in its foreign policy, aiming for a more prominent role in global governance.
• Premier Li Qiang’s speech at the U.N. General Assembly highlighted China’s commitment to multilateralism and international cooperation.
• The speech was widely interpreted as a response to the United States’ retreat from international organizations under Donald Trump.
• Experts believe china sees an opportunity to reshape the world order to better reflect its interests and values.
• China maintains it does not seek to replace the U.S.as a global leader, but rather to have a voice commensurate with its economic power.