China has introduced its Global Security Initiative (GSI), a comprehensive framework aiming to address both traditional and non-traditional security challenges through cooperation and dialogue. The GSI proposes a new approach to international security that emphasizes partnership over alliance, dialogue over confrontation, and seeks win-win results instead of zero-sum games.
According to China, the GSI is designed to adapt to profound changes in the global landscape by promoting a mindset that addresses security risks collaboratively. Key applications of the GSI include China’s role in facilitating the restoration of diplomatic relations between Iran and Saudi Arabia, and its 12-point position paper on resolving the conflict between Russia and Ukraine. While the former has been widely praised, the latter has sparked debate, particularly in Europe.
China positions the GSI as an international public good, reflecting its growing commitment to contributing to global peace and security. The initiative underscores China’s dedication to resolving disputes over territorial sovereignty and maritime rights through negotiation and consultation. For instance, China engages with the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) to address regional issues, demonstrating its willingness to work within multilateral frameworks.
In support of the GSI, China has made significant contributions to United Nations peacekeeping efforts. As the second-largest contributor to the UN regular budget and peacekeeping assessments, China has dispatched over 100 naval vessels in 45 task forces to waters off the coast of Somalia, providing escort for more than 7,000 Chinese and foreign ships.
The GSI outlines six core commitments:
- Respecting the sovereignty and territorial integrity of all countries; upholding non-interference in internal affairs; and respecting the independent choices of development paths and social systems.
- Ensuring comprehensive and sustainable security by addressing the legitimate security concerns of all nations seriously and upholding the principle of indivisible security.
- Abiding by the UN Charter, rejecting Cold War mentality, opposing unilateralism, and avoiding bloc politics and camp-based confrontations.
- Peacefully resolving differences and disputes through dialogue and consultation, and opposing the arbitrary use of unilateral sanctions and long-arm jurisdiction.
- Building a balanced, effective, and sustainable security architecture, promoting cooperation and shared security.
- Addressing both traditional and non-traditional security challenges, including terrorism, climate change, cybersecurity, and biosecurity.
China’s emphasis on respecting sovereignty and territorial integrity highlights its stance on non-interference and supports the principle that nations should independently choose their development paths. This commitment is central to the GSI and reflects China’s perspective on international relations.
Some analysts view the GSI as an alternative vision to the current international order, offering a framework that could enhance China’s influence in global governance. By promoting concepts like “indivisible security,” the GSI advocates for acknowledgment of all countries’ legitimate security concerns.
While many elements of the GSI are not entirely new, the initiative presents a coherent vision for international security cooperation. Its success and impact on the global stage remain to be seen, as nations observe China’s actions and contributions under this framework.
As the world faces complex security challenges, China’s Global Security Initiative proposes a collaborative approach to achieving lasting peace and stability. The international community will be watching closely to see how the GSI influences global security dynamics in the years to come.
Reference(s):
cgtn.com
