Keeping Up With Change

Some 40 foreign diplomats attended a launch ceremony for China and the World in a Changing Context: Perspectives From Ambassadors to China, hosted by the Center for China and Globalization (CCG) in Beijing on March 15. The book brings together observations on a range of bilateral and multilateral issues, including trade and investment, regional economic cooperation, sustainable development, technology and innovation, and entrepreneurship. Nineteen ambassadors to China and some international relations experts shared their insights during a round table discussion at the event. Edited excerpts of some statements follow:

Wang Huiyao

CCG President, editor of the book

As China plays an increasing role in the global economy and global governance, its relations with other countries have become a subject of growing interest—and, at times, contention. Plugged into the politics of their home capitals, but also tasked with keeping a finger on the pulse of China and the world at large, ambassadors have a unique perspective on some of the major issues of our times, such as COVID-19, trends in the global economy, ongoing shifts in geopolitics, and the opportunities and challenges facing global governance. Their insights are useful not only for policymakers, but also for academics, businesspeople, students, and anyone hoping to make sense of our rapidly changing world.

For some time, we have wanted to share these perspectives with a wider audience and contribute in some small way to opening up the conversation on China, globalization and other pressing topics of the times. This is why we have compiled this volume of original works by ambassadors to China from a wide range of countries. We hope to provide balanced and diverse perspectives on the world today.

Mohamed Elbadri

Ambassador of Egypt

We, ambassadors here in China, all know what China is. We all know that China is fine, developing at a very rapid rate, and I think we are all interested in learning from this model.

However, the world is not. The world is ill. We have serious international problems that need to be addressed. Illness is not just about COVID-19. We’re having problems relating to trade, problems relating to geopolitical uncertainties. The list is very, very long.

The Egypt-China relationship is built on the concept of mutual respect, win-win cooperation, and non-interference in each other’s affairs. We have had a very beneficial partnership.

China was the first country to assist Egypt when it came to fighting COVID-19. They gave vaccines at a time when we really did not have any. No other country in the world was able to offer them to us. This is something we will never forget. At a time when we needed medical equipment to reduce death rates, China was there.

Daja Dato’ Nushirwan

Ambassador of Malaysia

Globalization has brought humanity closer together. In such an environment, the human family must learn to adapt better to new realities.

The West, which has been the dominant global force for the past 200 years, has lost its position. In 1970, the Group of Seven accounted for 50 percent of the global economy. This is expected to be 29 percent in 2026 and fall further afterward. The chaos in the early days of the pandemic

demonstrates the structural problems of Western societies. The West must recognize that imposing its own points and values on others is no longer possible.

China is an important force safeguarding world peace. This has been the assessment of Malaysia since the establishment of bilateral diplomatic relations in 1974. Since its reform and opening up [started in the late 1970s], China has remained an agent for global growth. It is an anchor for regional stability. It is trying to provide more global public goods. That’s an inspiration for the developing world.

We have dealt with China when it was strong; we have dealt with China when it was weak; we are dealing with China as it is reemerging right now. Whatever the case may be, it has been a generally productive and harmonious relationship. BR