China Global Governance White Paper Aims to Stabilize World

On June 17, 2026, China’s State Council Information Office released a white paper titled “More Just and Equitable Global Governance: China’s Principles, Proposals and Actions,” outlining Beijing’s comprehensive vision for reforming the international order. The document, published as the G7 Summit concluded in Évian-les-Bains, France, calls for a more inclusive multilateral system that amplifies the voice of developing nations and addresses what China describes as a widening governance deficit in global affairs, as reported by People’s Daily.

Context and Background

The white paper builds on the Global Governance Initiative (GGI) proposed by President Xi Jinping in 2025, at the 80th anniversary of the end of World War II and the founding of the United Nations. According to the State Council Information Office, the GGI is designed to offer a Chinese solution to two pressing questions: what kind of global governance system should be established, and how global governance can be reformed and improved.

The GGI is the fourth in a series of major global initiatives proposed by President Xi, following the Global Development Initiative (GDI), Global Security Initiative (GSI), and Global Civilization Initiative (GCI). Together, these four initiatives form a comprehensive framework addressing development, security, civilization, and governance dimensions.

Key Developments

Broad International Support

Upon its introduction, the GGI swiftly gained support from nearly 160 countries and international organizations, with over 60 countries joining the “Group of Friends of Global Governance.” The white paper states that the international community believes the GGI sends a clear signal to uphold multilateralism, unite forces, and pursue a fair future, bringing valuable stability and positive energy to a turbulent world.

Five Core Principles

The white paper outlines five core principles of the GGI: sovereign equality, adherence to international rule of law, practicing multilateralism, a people-centered approach, and an action-oriented approach. As China News Service reported, the initiative emphasizes that “the most fundamental is to firmly uphold the authority and status of the United Nations, the most critical is for major countries to demonstrate responsibility, the most needed is solidarity and cooperation among all nations, and the most urgent is to address the deficits in peace and development.”

Four Implementation Areas

Foreign Minister Wang Yi announced four focus areas for implementing the GGI. China will host the APEC Economic Leaders’ Meeting in 2026, aiming to “revisit the original aspirations of Asia-Pacific cooperation” and create outcomes around trade, connectivity, innovation, and development. Beijing will also strengthen governance of emerging fields including AI, sustainable development, and supply chains. China is accelerating the establishment of a World AI Cooperation Organization, building on its Global AI Governance Initiative, which establishes “the governance orientation of AI for good, safe and controllable, and inclusive and fair.”

Additionally, China is strengthening governance platforms, having launched the International Organization for Mediation and applied to host the Marine Biodiversity Agreement secretariat in Xiamen. The inaugural Xiong’an Global Governance Forum will be held in autumn 2026 to build consensus on global governance reform.

Global South Representation

A central theme of the white paper is empowering the Global South. Vice Foreign Minister Miao Deyu emphasized that priority should be given to increasing the weight of Global South countries in international affairs, insisting that UN Security Council reform should increase the representation and voice of developing countries. The paper notes that Global South countries contribute 80% to world economic growth but remain marginalized in global governance, particularly in voting rights at international financial institutions.

Analysis and Implications

The timing of the white paper’s release — coinciding with the conclusion of the G7 Summit — is significant. As Beijing Review reported, the G7’s “small circle” approach to global governance is increasingly seen as outdated, with major Western media questioning whether the G7 still has meaning without China’s participation.

China’s economic engagement provides a foundation for its governance vision. China has become the main trading partner of over 160 countries and regions, signed 24 free trade agreements with 31 countries and regions, and implemented RCEP while pursuing CPTPP and DEPA accession. The country has also established the Global Development and South-South Cooperation Fund with $4 billion, implementing over 200 projects in more than 70 countries benefiting over 40 million people.

International media reactions, as compiled by China Youth Daily, indicate that the white paper’s emphasis on Global South representation resonates strongly with developing nations. European outlet Modern Diplomacy noted China’s call for enhanced UN representation, while Pakistan’s Daily Times highlighted China’s push for a balanced international order. Nigerian outlet Apex News Exclusive observed that for African countries, these proposals “may resonate strongly” given their long-standing calls for greater representation in international institutions.

What’s Next

The white paper sets the stage for several key diplomatic events in 2026, including China’s hosting of the APEC Economic Leaders’ Meeting and the inaugural Xiong’an Global Governance Forum in autumn. The 16th BRICS National Security Advisors Meeting in New Delhi on June 22-23 will provide an early test of how China’s governance vision is received among fellow developing nations.

As Foreign Minister Wang Yi stated, “Great truths are simple, and action is what matters. We believe that as long as we unite and take action, we can continuously transform the grand blueprint of the Global Governance Initiative into roadmaps, construction plans, and real-world achievements.”

The question now is whether China can translate broad support for the GGI into concrete institutional reforms — and how Western powers, particularly the US and G7 members, will respond to Beijing’s ambitious vision for reshaping global governance.