Let’s consider the proposal to “build a community with a shared future for mankind”, which was put forth by General Secretary Xi Jinping at the 19th CPC National Congress. Why is the notion important for the development of China, as well as the prosperity of the world? President Xi focused on building an interconnected world, and furthering global development. Xi put forward the important thought of building a shared community of mankind in order to promote world peace and development, and solve the common problems facing human society.
After the 19th CPC National Congress, there had been an expectation that many of the measures advanced at that time would now become official policy and law in China. The world is currently watching decisions being made at the “Two Sessions” in Beijing in the hope they will strengthen China’s determination and capacity to also be a global leader, especially regarding trade. The important measures in that respect are those that affirm China’s international leadership to support multilateral institutions, global trade, globalization, and respect for international agreements such as the Paris Agreement on climate change.
President Xi has clearly stated his aspiration for China together with the whole world to build an international community with “a shared future for mankind.” This includes decisions that will ensure that “China continues to play its part as a major and responsible country, takes an active part in reforming and developing the global governance system, and keeps contributing Chinese wisdom and strength to global governance.”
The current international climate of retreat from multilateralism, with reversions to nationalism and nativism throughout the industrialized world, is raising the importance of China as an essential leader in supporting a world order based on mutual respect and cooperation. This includes putting forward measures such as the Belt and Road Initiative and other policies decided at the Two Sessions in Beijing, which will not only support but also improve the global system of governance.
The focus of world attention on decisions taken by the “Two Sessions” mainly covers the following aspects:
The Environment – As one of the world’s biggest polluters and a signatory and global leader for the Paris Agreement on climate change, the world’s attention is fixed on China and its response to environmental challenges both domestic and abroad. The world will be watching for real measures and investments to reduce pollution of all kinds in China, which must lead by example.
Anti-corruption – This is a disease with worldwide consequences. Here again, China has to lead by example, not only to punish corrupt practices but to also prevent and deter corruption through regulations and the rule of law. The clear implementation of international anti-corruption codes and rules will prove that China is serious in its international leadership against corruption.
Opening up to foreign investment – China has pledged to open the telecom, health care, education, and new-energy vehicle sectors to foreign investment. It will also open up bankcard clearing businesses to foreign competition, remove caps on foreign stakes in banks, securities brokerage houses, and fund management firms. These measures are seen as proof that China is working to build a level playing field for global development.
Decisions at the Two Sessions on the role and terms of the President and other leadership positions of the government of China are to be viewed from an international perspective that respects the rights of China’s national sovereignty. It is a fundamental principle of international governance that the citizens of a country have the final word on such decisions and that their judgment is based on their approval or disapproval of the performance and plans put forward by the national leadership.
At the start of last year, President Xi published in the United Nations headquarters in Geneva, entitled “jointly build community with shared future for mankind” of the keynote speech. The Chinese solution contributed by this speech is rooted in the universally accepted principles of international order and has a broad global impact. In those days, the idea of “building a community with shared future” was written into the UN resolution and security council resolution, which highlighted the important contribution of the Chinese concept to global governance.
China offers a ‘new possibility’ to open up a new path of civilized development featuring win-win cooperation and shared development.