Advancing the common good
China’s global initiatives and modernization path will help shape a better future for humanity
Acommon thinking of China and other developing countries is the need to achieve a more equitable world order, be that between independent sovereign states after the era of European colonialism, or in terms of sharing and benefiting from development processes, given that much of the natural and human resources in the developing world have served as a catalyst and engine for the development of the Industrial West.
Most of the developing countries were also members of the Nonaligned Movement during the Cold War, avoiding taking sides in the contest between the North Atlantic bloc led by the United States and the East European bloc led by the Soviet Union.
During the Cold War, these two fundamental parameters of the developing world’s aspirations were in many ways also consistent with the prevailing priority interests of China, which wanted to gain a commensurate role to that of the major powers in world affairs, exemplified by its recognition as a permanent member of the United Nations Security Council. Furthermore, Beijing pursued domestic economic development.
An important corollary effect of these dual common aspirations was that both China and other developing countries became strong proponents of multilateralism and the UN system in particular, at a time when the Western countries increasingly found multilateralism less responsive to their interests.
With the end of the Cold War, a large number of thematic likeminded groups were created outside the larger multilateral framework. They were initially based on socioeconomic cooperation and coordination, but ultimately expanded in scope toward political consultation, albeit witnessing important fluctuations depending on relations and tensions between the US and Russia. The G7 is one example.
Driven by pragmatic interests, a number of developing countries and China joined some of these groupings or established others as a way to gain more leverage in world affairs. This trend intensified as the US and other Western countries became increasingly anxious about Russia, notably in light of the present Ukraine crisis, as well as toward the increasing prominence of China on the world scene. A salient example of this is BRICS, which has just recently expanded with the addition of Egypt, Ethiopia, Iran, Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates.
The West frequently raises cautionary flags about extensive cooperation of some developing countries with China, underlining that the interests are not identical. They also raise questions about the reasons behind the affinity of these developing countries and China. The strategic and fundamental affinity is that China and many developing countries want change toward a more representative, responsive, equitable and inclusive world order.
There are several other reasons for the perceived increasing affinity as well. Often, the degree of development assistance and financial support provided by China is suggested as the cardinal motivation for other developing countries. Economic assistance and support is of course a factor, especially for countries with urgent needs or pursuing substantial development programs. Developing countries will naturally be inclined to accept the assistance.
Also important are the parameters presented by China for international relations, with the stated objective of building a community with a shared future for humankind, a goal that would help in realizing the developing world’s aspirations for a world order that is more responsive to its interests.
The Belt and Road Initiative is the most prominent manifestation of efforts to realize this goal as it creates a global cooperative for boosting infrastructure connectivity. It is aligned with regional and multilateral development initiatives, with over 150 countries coming on board, and participants investing over $380 billion, although the majority of it has come from China.
The Global Development Initiative also builds on multilateral programs and aims to expedite implementation of the UN 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development, particularly greener and more balanced global development.
The Global Security Initiative, which emphasizes international partnership, cooperation, and dialogue, highlights the importance of respecting sovereignty of nations, the UN Charter and resolving conflicts through dialogue.
The Global Civilization Initiative underlines the importance of respect for diversity of civilizations. In other words, using our complimentary diversity for the common good.
The four Chinese initiatives are essentially looking toward and reaching out to the international community. Many of their framing principles are also significant for Chinese modernization which is expected to enhance the prospects for a better future globally.
China and other developing countries from the Global South will set their respective development and security priorities and choose national pathways. The common embracing of cooperation, dialogue and respect for civilizations and nature will always be greatly beneficial to the world at large.