President Xi leadership and hope for a fair world order

It is common knowledge the world is experiencing turbulent times, with crises erupting one after the other. The global system, which was once a sign of hope, is deteriorating. The structural imbalances of global system and selfishness of a few powerful players have exposed the world to an uncertain future. The western powers are hell-bent on sustaining their hegemony and exploitative system. They are using all means to achieve their objectives and are ruthlessly using the global institutions for their own benefit. For example, Bretton Woods Institutions (BWI), once used to have global relevance and respect, have been turned into facilitation tools to colonise weak nations economically, which has polarised the world.

Injustice and hegemonic aspiration compel humans to live with fear and insecurities, which increase and compound with time. Technological advancements (artificial intelligence) and climate change have introduced the fear of unknown to aggravate the situation further. No one knows what will and can happen.

However, leadership with wisdom, power of imagination, selflessness and empathy can help world face challenges, strengthen multilateralism and sustain its existence. Unfortunately, such leadership has become a rare breed, if not an extinct breed. Narrow-minded and self-centered politicians rule the world.

Hegemonic aspirations and a “my country first” mentality dictate them. The strong man with characteristics of bullying and coercive attitude has become the new mantra of leadership. These factors further complicate the situation and bring severe consequences for common people. In this context, world is in search of new leaders or champions who can save global system and make it fair. The world is tired of bullying and coercive measures.

President Xi Jinping foresaw this situation even before becoming China’s paramount leader. He was convinced existing global system was unfair, powerful countries were exploiting the system and weak countries had to face worse consequences.

Moreover, bullying, foul mouthing, exploitation or my interest is prime slogans by powerful countries had impacted the system and weakened trust of small and weak countries. The eloquent promises of fairness, respect for diversity, a rule-based system and equal rights and opportunities to every development and growth proved empty talks. These factors and practices have given birth to confrontations and problems.

Against this backdrop, he conceived China, in collaboration with Global South, must be a leading voice for reforming global system. China and Global South should strive to create a system that prioritises dialogue over confrontation, win-win cooperation over a zero-sum game and a level playing field.

It gives due importance to principles of equity and equality without any prejudices. It aims to explore establishing networks of inter-civilisation dialogue to enhance mutual learning and find new ways of cooperation. China being a major country, should lead by actions through sharing its experience, prosperity and cultural products to create a harmonious world.

He asked Chinese diplomats to become more active rather than take a lead in reforming global system in accordance with Chinese philosophy of international relations. It is pertinent to highlight Chinese ontology of international relations is based on “relations” as opposed to Western ontology, which is based on “things”. Thus, it negates exploitation, bullying and promotes win-win cooperation and sustainable partnerships. However, he also ensures China does not adopt hegemonic or bullying behaviour. Many experts believe President Xi’s vision also kick-started Chinese transition from conservative, passive and low-key to assertive, proactive and high-profile country.

Simultaneously, President Xi Jinping, in pursuit of his philosophy “lead by actions, not empty talks,” launched multiple initiatives. In line with Chinese philosophy of shared prosperity, peaceful coexistence, respect for sovereignty and non-interference, he targeted world’s most pressing issues, especially those of Southern countries.

He identified the world, especially weak countries, faces huge investment gaps and has limited financial resources impacting their dream of sustainable development. The existing investment opportunities and financial avenues are exploitative in nature and have an interest in capturing the market, not assisting.

He launched numerous initiatives, such as Belt and Road, Asian Infrastructure and Investment Bank, and encouraged Chinese financial institutions to assist Southern nations. China International Import Expo was created to share the dividend of Chinese development and benefits of a huge market of China. It also opened a new world for innovative companies to sell their products. To further deepen the efforts to share prosperity, he initiated investing in the welfare and prosperity of southern countries.

He started strengthening institutions, such as South-South Cooperation and Six Hundred Development Programmes. In 2015, President Xi pledged $3billion for South-South Cooperation Fund and again refuelled it with $1 billion. Later on, he came up with idea of Global Development Initiative, which is a very comprehensive and multipronged development program. Chinese financial institutions have pooled and dedicated $10 billion to Global Development Initiative, and over 200 cooperation projects have been included in the GDI project pool.

On the other hand, President Xi is cognizant of the fact without protecting environment and biodiversity and respecting boundaries of nature, development and prosperity cannot be sustainable. Thus, in 2015, he pledged $3.1 billion to establish China South-South Climate Cooperation Fund. In 2021, he pledged $230 million to Kunming Biodiversity Fund to protect the biodiversity.

President Xi is also focused on peaceful coexistence. He believes shared development and prosperity provide the foundations for sustainable peace. Therefore, he advocates development holds the master key to resolving all conflicts. Furthermore, peace can only be sustainable if it is achieved through coordinated, cooperative means that address concerns of all parties, not just one. He presented Global Security Initiative, which is built on four pillars: common, comprehensive, coordinated and sustainable security.

However, President Xi believes Chinese efforts will not have a significant impact unless they address superiority complex, promote equity and respect diversity. He contends every country and civilisation has played a role in development and modernisation of world.

Therefore, all countries and civilisations have something to celebrate. He urged Chinese diplomats and policy-makers to promote dialogue among countries and civilisations, negate hegemonic and superiority complex, and create opportunities for the win-win cooperation. Further, China must strive to cultivate conditions for joint modernisation of humanity and respect boundaries of nature. To consolidate efforts, he introduced the Global Civilisation Initiative.

In conclusion, President Xi’s vision of creating a peaceful, prosperous, and fair world attracted attention of world community, especially from Global South.

They believe President Xi’s vision for global reforms can help create a fair, equity-based world, respectful of diversity and sovereignty and. It will bring back humans at the centre, not hegemonic interests. Moreover, President Xi’s vision is unique in a sense it is not an empty talk show but concrete programmes and actions, such as GDI, GSI, GCI, AIIB, BRI, CIIE, etc. Ultimately, the world will achieve the goal of cooperative coexistence, sustainable peace and prosperity. Thus, they started to rally around President Xi and China.