Xi calls for reforms on global governance

BEIJING - Xi Jinping, general secretary of the Communist Party of China (CPC) Central Committee, has called for closer cooperation to pursue reforms to the global governance system and advance the noble cause of peace and development for mankind.

Xi made the remarks Tuesday at a study session attended by members of the Political Bureau of the CPC Central Committee.

Gao Fei, a professor with the China Foreign Affairs University gave a lecture at the session with the themes of the G20 summit and global governance system reform,
As the international balance of power has shifted and global challenges are increasing, global governance system reform has emerged as a "trend of [the] times," Xi said.

China must take the chance and ride the wave to make the international order more reasonable and just to protect the common interests of China and other developing countries, Xi said.

He said China has been making efforts to maintain the international order with the principles of the United Nations Charter as the core, and has been engaged in the process of setting rules for new areas such as oceans, the polar regions, cyberspace, outer space, nuclear security, anti-corruption and climate change.

Praising the recent G20 summit in China, Xi said China had "charted the course for the world economy, provided momentum for world growth and reinforced the basis for international cooperation" and had "left a Chinese mark in the G20 history."

Xi said the global governance structure depends on the international balance of power and reforms hinge on a change in the balance.

He called on the country to hone-in on economic development and domestic affairs, and to increase China's voice in international affairs.

"We must actively participate in global governance, we will take more international responsibilities, and in so doing we will try our best but not overreach ourselves," Xi said.

Global governance system reforms, which matter to the whole international community, must be backed by consensus and joint efforts, Xi said.

Xi said the G20's role as a major platform in global economic governance should be further developed to make it a long-term mechanism.

Moreover, the Belt and Road Initiative, cooperation under the Shanghai Cooperation Organization, and regional cooperation mechanisms such as the Conference on Interaction and Confidence Building Measures in Asia (CICA) and the East Asia Summit, should all be strengthened, he said.

China needs to play a bigger role in making rules for new areas including the Internet, the polar regions, deep sea and outer space, and will extend greater support to cooperation mechanisms and projects on educational exchange, dialogue among civilizations and ecological conservation, according to Xi.

China has been promoting the shaping of a new type of international relations, one which is characterized by win-win cooperation, building a community of common destiny, and advocating the concept of common, comprehensive, cooperative and sustainable security since the 18th CPC National Congress, Xi said.

Noting that these initiatives had received international acclaim, Xi said China will continue to pursue cooperation instead of confrontation.

Xi stressed that China needs to improve its ability of participating in the process of rule-making, agenda setting, publicity and coordination in global governance, requiring for better building of a talent pool in this regard.