This week, two major multilateral meetings—the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) forum in Peru and the G20 summit in Brazil—are set to take place in Latin America. These gatherings provide crucial platforms for advocating economic cooperation and enhancing communication among member economies, aiming to address global challenges through collective efforts.
In an era of complex global dynamics, China's consistent contributions and active engagement in multilateral forums have been pivotal in shaping new international relations based on cooperation and mutual benefit. Across President Xi Jinping's keynote speeches at various international gatherings, themes of openness, inclusiveness, innovative growth, connectivity, equality, win-win cooperation, and enhanced governance have been emphasized.
Motivations for Mutual Benefit and Win-Win Outcomes
The world today is undergoing profound globalization, and while countries may have differing views based on their own interests and perspectives, the shift from a unipolar to a multipolar international order is underway. This transition is complex and long-term, with an intense contest between these concepts. In recent years, global challenges have heightened the urgency for nations to stand together and collaborate, even as some continue to follow unilateral paths.
The need for effective global resource allocation has become urgent. Countries possess varied advantages in natural resources, labor, capital, and technology. For instance, the Middle East has abundant oil reserves; developing economies like the Chinese mainland have vast labor resources and robust manufacturing bases; and developed countries possess technological research and capital advantages. Through international cooperation, member economies can achieve optimal resource allocation on a global scale, enhance production efficiency, and promote common development. APEC members, for example, can integrate natural resources with technology and capital from other members to develop valuable products and industries.
Cooperation also helps address global challenges. History has shown that the law of the jungle is unsustainable for human coexistence, and fierce competition does not lead to a better world. In the face of common problems and increasingly severe global challenges—such as climate change, public health crises, and transnational crimes—no country can stand alone without cooperation.
The Foundations of Cooperation
Despite current challenges, members' inclination and capacity for seeking and maintaining peace, rules, and order provide strong potential for cooperation. Most countries agree that peace and development remain the key themes of our time. Cooperation is no longer limited to economic and trade fields; it has expanded to multiple levels, including government, cultural exchange, social governance, and environmental improvement. Through mutual respect and equal treatment, countries can pursue their own interests while considering the legitimate concerns of others, achieving the maximization of common interests.
The concept of win-win cooperation has been widely recognized and supported by the international community. Initiatives like China's Belt and Road have emphasized common development through cooperation, allowing all involved parties to share the fruits of progress. This approach not only addresses current problems and challenges but also promotes global peace and development.
Furthermore, the concept of multilateralism has gradually taken root worldwide. Within frameworks like the United Nations and other international organizations, countries resolve international issues through consultations and negotiations. This multilateral mechanism allows nations to express their views and interests on an equal footing, jointly formulate international rules, and foster stability and cooperation.
Potential sources of conflict can also be mitigated through cooperation. Economic projects among Central Asian countries, such as energy pipeline construction, have strengthened economic ties and enhanced regional security and stability. In the face of external power competition, organizations like the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) have strengthened internal solidarity to amplify their voice in regional affairs.
As the APEC and G20 meetings convene, it is imperative for member economies to embrace cooperation for mutual benefit and win-win outcomes. By working together, nations can address shared challenges, optimize resource allocation, and build a more stable and prosperous world.
Reference(s):
From China to Latin America: What we can expect from APEC and G20?
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