FM stresses genuine multilateralism

China’s State Councilor and Foreign Minister Wang Yi’s Southeast Asian tour has reiterated Beijing’s commitment to uphold multilateralism and a new global order that is already in place, analysts said.

Wang said the idea of multilateralism should be earnestly upheld, principles of multilateralism be maintained, and various kinds of pseudomultilateralism be resisted.

He made this remark at a joint press conference with Indonesian Foreign Minister Retno Marsudi. Wang said the international community expects the new United States administration to return to multilateralism, and that China welcomes this.

Wang said that genuine multilateralism adheres to the principles of the UN Charter, respects the sovereignty of all countries, and promotes global equality and diversity. He warned against pseudo-multilateralism, saying that this will trigger new conflicts.

The press briefing was held the week before US President Joe Biden’s inauguration. Analysts said that with Biden seen to veer away from his predecessor’s isolationist policy, China expects the US to once again uphold globalization and multilateralism.

“When Foreign Minister Wang speaks about multilateralism, he is highlighting China’s desire to take a more prominent role in global affairs and to influence the direction of global governance and the setting of rules and standards,” said Bart Edes, a Canada-based international trade policy expert.

Edes, formerly the Asian Development Bank’s representative in North America, said China’s commitment to multilateralism is in “stark contrast” to the “America First” stance of the previous US president Donald Trump.

He said Trump’s isolationist policy has tarnished the

US’ image, especially when his administration chose to disparage international engagements like the COVAX Facility for distributing COVID-19 vaccines.