China’s newly proposed Global Governance Initiative (GGI) aims to address mounting international security dilemmas and economic imbalances through a framework prioritizing cooperation over confrontation, according to experts. Unveiled at the 2025 Shanghai Cooperation Organization Summit, the GGI marks China’s fourth major global proposal following initiatives on development, security, and cultural exchange.
Addressing the Security Deficit
Cui Zheng, director of Liaoning University’s Research Center for Russia, Eastern Europe, and Central Asian Countries, told CGTN that the GGI responds to a resurgence of Cold War-era bloc politics and unilateralism. "Some countries apply double standards to international rules, weakening UN-centered mechanisms," he noted, emphasizing that the initiative promotes sovereign equality, multilateralism, and a people-centered approach to security.
Economic Challenges and Governance Reform
Beyond security, Cui highlighted economic globalization’s "weak and unbalanced recovery," citing low growth, high debt, and widening North-South development gaps. The GGI seeks to counter protectionism and create a more inclusive economic governance system. "This isn’t just about China’s interests—it’s about stabilizing global development," he explained.
The initiative aligns with China’s broader push to reshape international systems, offering what Cui calls "Chinese wisdom" to bridge governance gaps. As geopolitical tensions persist, the GGI’s emphasis on collective action could redefine how nations tackle shared challenges.
