China v USA on the topic of global order
USA
Might is right and whatever Trump wants is the way of the world.
China
Committed to international rule of law.
Discussion
As a founding member of the United Nations, a permanent member of the UN Security Council, and the host country of the UN headquarters, the US has not upheld the international order; instead, it has taken the lead in undermining it - violating the norms of international relations and weakening the foundations of global governance.
China, on the other hand offers a mature world view on the topic of global governance.
Last year, China proposed the Global Governance Initiative, clearly advocating for staying committed to sovereign equality, international rule of law, multilateralism, the people-centered approach and real results.
I am not from China, but I support their Initiative ,announced in October last year(see below).
But in addition to their five principles (see below) I would add that it is essential that the UN Security Council veto system needs to be reviewed. The veto system simply does not work.
Here are the five core principles espoused by the China, for you to compare with the position of the USA:
II. Core Concepts
1. Staying committed to sovereign equality. This is the foremost premise of global governance. Sovereign equality is the most important norm governing state-to-state relations, and the foremost principle observed by the U.N. and all other international institutions and organizations. The essence of sovereign equality is that all countries, regardless of size, strength or wealth, shall have their sovereignty and dignity respected, their domestic affairs free from external interference, the right to independently choose their social system and development path, and the right to participate in, make decisions in and benefit from the global governance process as equals. Greater democracy should be promoted in international relations to make the global governance system better reflect the interests and aspirations of the majority of countries and to increase the representation and say of developing countries.
2. Staying committed to international rule of law. This is the fundamental safeguard for global governance. The purposes and principles of the U.N. Charter are universally recognized basic norms of international relations. They must be upheld unwaveringly. In emerging areas, international rules should be formulated on the basis of extensive consensus. International law and rules must be applied equally and uniformly, without any double standards or imposition. The authority and solemnity of international law must be upheld. Major countries, in particular, must take the lead in advocating and defending international rule of law.
3. Staying committed to multilateralism. This is the basic pathway of global governance. Multilateralism is the core concept of the existing international system and international order. The principle of extensive consultation and joint contribution for shared benefit must be upheld. Global affairs should be decided by all, the governance system built by all, and the fruits of governance shared by all. Practice of unilateralism must be rejected. The U.N. is the core platform for practicing multilateralism and advancing global governance, whose role must be enhanced, not weakened. Other global and regional multilateral institutions should give play to their respective strengths and play a constructive role. All discriminatory and exclusionary arrangements should be avoided.
4. Staying committed to the people-centered approach. This is the underpinning value of global governance. The people of all nations are the fundamental actors in global governance, and their well-being is its ultimate benefit. The global governance system must meet the people’s needs and consistently foster their confidence and belief in a stable future in order to be extensively supported and effective. It must seek improvement through reforms in order to inspire, among peoples of all countries, a greater sense of fulfillment through accelerated common development, a greater sense of safety through more effective response to humanity’s common challenges and a greater sense of well-being through advancing the common interests of different countries and communities.
5. Staying committed to real results. This is an important principle of global governance. Effective global governance is essentially one that resolves real problems. Given the close links among various issues, global governance should be carried out in a more coordinated, systematic and holistic way. It must address both root causes and symptoms to find sustainable solutions. It must both tackle pressing issues and take into account long-term challenges. Developed countries should earnestly take on their responsibilities and provide more resources and public goods. Developing countries, on their part, should pull together for strength and do their best for the world.
Idea
I am from the west, but I vote the rest of the world engages with and supports China at this time, and not the USA which has gone rogue.
Comments