Author: Prof. Engr. Zamir Ahmed Awan, Sinologist – Diplomat – Advisor - Consultant,Founding Chair, Global Silk Route research Alliance.(E-mail: awanzamir@yahoo.com).
At a time when wars, trade disputes, geopolitical rivalry and widening development gaps are testing the international system, China used the 81st session of the United Nations General Assembly to present a clear message: the world needs cooperation, not confrontation.
Vice President Han Zheng represented China at the General Debate in New York on September 26, only days after President Xi Jinping’s state visit to Washington. His speech placed peace, development, multilateralism and international law at the center of Beijing’s foreign-policy narrative. The timing was significant. Even as China and the United States seek to manage their differences, Beijing sought to demonstrate that its global role extends beyond bilateral relations with Washington.
Han’s central argument was straightforward: “The world wants peace not war.” He called for protection of the post-Second World War international order centered on the United Nations and international law, while opposing bloc confrontation, a Cold War mentality and unilateral military action that bypasses the UN Security Council. He also argued that major powers have special responsibilities for maintaining international peace and security.
This reflects an important reality of China’s transformation. China is no longer merely a regional economic power. Its economic scale, technological capabilities, diplomatic reach and participation in international institutions have made it one of the principal actors in global affairs. With greater influence comes greater expectations. Beijing increasingly presents its development not only as a national achievement but as a platform for contributing to international development and governance.
China has also sought to translate this message into institutional initiatives. The Global Development Initiative, launched by Xi Jinping in 2021, has been presented as a mechanism for supporting the UN Sustainable Development Goals and strengthening development cooperation with the Global South. At a UN dialogue this week, Han said China had supported more than 10,000 human-resources training programmes and pledged deeper cooperation in areas including artificial intelligence, the digital economy, clean energy and disaster prevention.
China’s record in UN peacekeeping provides another practical dimension to its claim of international responsibility. The UN currently lists Chinese personnel serving in nine peacekeeping missions. Chinese peacekeepers have also provided medical, logistical and community-support services in countries such as South Sudan.
Han’s economic message was equally important. His warning that “protectionism produces no winners” reflected China’s interest in maintaining open trade and stable supply chains. For developing countries, disruptions in trade, energy and investment can have consequences far beyond tariff disputes between major economies. China therefore presented an open, WTO-centered trading system as part of a broader development agenda.
On the Middle East, China called for respect for Gulf states’ sovereignty, reconstruction of Gaza under the principle of “Palestinians governing Palestine” and renewed movement toward a two-state solution. On Ukraine, Han reiterated China’s support for a political settlement. He also called for an end to the Cuba blockade and sanctions. These positions reflect Beijing’s broader preference for negotiated settlements and a greater role for multilateral institutions.
China’s argument that it represents the Global South also deserves attention. Beijing describes itself as the world’s largest developing country and has increasingly sought to give developing states a stronger voice in global governance. Its proposals for UN reform, development financing, climate cooperation and narrowing the digital divide are designed partly around that constituency. Han argued that UN reform should improve the organization’s performance while increasing the voice of the Global South.
Of course, China’s expanding global role will continue to attract debate. Its stated commitment to sovereignty, multilateralism and peaceful development will inevitably be assessed against its actions and policies in different regions. A credible international role ultimately depends not only on diplomatic statements but also on consistency, transparency and willingness to work with others.
Nevertheless, China’s evolution from a developing country into a major global power has changed the international balance. Its responsibility is therefore larger than before. If Beijing can use its economic strength, diplomatic influence, development partnerships and multilateral participation to reduce conflict, support development and strengthen international cooperation, its rise can contribute to a more stable and inclusive international system.
The message from New York was therefore not simply about China’s ambitions. It was also about the responsibilities that China believes accompany its growing power.
(ASIA PACIFIC DAILY）