Xi calls for strengthening global governance at Boao Forum for Asia conference

Beijing: Chinese President Xi Jinping on Tuesday called on all countries in Asia and beyond to answer the “call of our times,” defeat the pandemic through solidarity, strengthen global governance, and keep pursuing a community with a shared future for mankind. When delivering a keynote speech via video at the opening ceremony of the Boao Forum for Asia (BFA) Annual Conference 2021, Mr Xi said that the world needs consultation on an equal footing to create a future of shared benefits. Marking the 20th anniversary of the BFA, this year’s annual conference is themed “A World in Change: Join Hands to Strengthen Global Governance and Advance Belt and Road Cooperation.”

“Global governance should reflect the evolving political and economic landscape in the world, conform to the historical trend of peace, development and win-win cooperation, and meet the practical needs in addressing global challenges,” Mr Xi said.

All countries should follow the principles of extensive consultation, joint contribution and shared benefits, uphold true multilateralism, and make the global governance system more fair and equitable, Mr Xi said.

“What we need in today’s world is justice, not hegemony,” he said. “Big countries should behave in a manner befitting their status and with a greater sense of responsibility.”

Calling for the building of an open world economy, Mr Xi said that openness is essential for development and progress and holds the key to post-COVID economic recovery.

“We need to promote trade and investment liberalisation and facilitation, deepen regional economic integration, and enhance supply, industrial, data and human resources chains,” he said.