Read in Chinese

Speakers:

Mr. Wang Yi, a member of the Political Bureau of the Communist Party of China (CPC) Central Committee and minister of foreign affairs

Mr. Jin Xin, deputy director of the International Department of the CPC Central Committee

Mr. Miao Deyu, vice minister of foreign affairs

Mr. Zhou Haibing, vice chairman of the National Development and Reform Commission

Mr. Zhao Fengtao, vice chairman of the China International Development Cooperation Agency

Chairperson:

Mr. Mo Gaoyi, deputy director of the Publicity Department of the CPC Central Committee and minister of the State Council Information Office

Date:

June 17, 2026

Mo Gaoyi:

Ladies and gentlemen, good morning. Welcome to this press conference held by the State Council Information Office (SCIO).

Today, the SCIO released a white paper titled "More Just and Equitable Global Governance: China's Principles, Proposals and Actions," and organized this press conference to introduce and interpret its main ideas.

Guided by Xi Jinping Thought on Socialism with Chinese Characteristics for a New Era, the white paper provides a systematic overview of the historical context, rich implications and significance of the Global Governance Initiative. It comprehensively presents China's extensive involvement in the reform and building of the global governance system, and further clarifies China's goals, principles and actions in global governance.

The white paper consists of a preface, main body and conclusion, totaling around 20,000 Chinese characters. The main body consists of five chapters: "The World Today Faces Severe and Complex Challenges"; "The Global Governance Initiative Responds to Challenges of Our Times"; "China's Contribution to Promoting Global Governance"; "Guiding the Direction of Change Towards a Bright Future"; and "Moving Forward Hand in Hand at a Critical Juncture in History."

The white paper is published in eight languages — Chinese, English, French, Russian, German, Spanish, Arabic and Japanese — by the People's Publishing House and the Foreign Languages Press. It is available at Xinhua Bookstores nationwide.

To facilitate a deeper understanding of the white paper, we have invited Mr. Wang Yi, a member of the Political Bureau of the Communist Party of China (CPC) Central Committee and minister of foreign affairs, to introduce the white paper and take your questions.

Also present are: Mr. Jin Xin, deputy director of the International Department of the CPC Central Committee; Mr. Miao Deyu, vice minister of foreign affairs; Mr. Zhou Haibing, vice chairman of the National Development and Reform Commission; and Mr. Zhao Fengtao, vice chairman of the China International Development Cooperation Agency.

Now, Mr. Wang Yi will brief you on the relevant information.

Wang Yi:

Good morning, distinguished guests and friends. I am pleased to witness with you the release of the white paper "More Just and Equitable Global Governance: China's Principles, Proposals and Actions."

Global governance is a common endeavor that bears on the well-being of all humanity, and reforming and improving the global governance system is a shared vision pursued by people around the world. The main purpose of releasing this white paper today is to systematically present China's principles, proposals and actions in global governance, and to build broader international consensus and synergy for reforming and improving the global governance system and effectively addressing global challenges.

The international system established after World War II has been severely disrupted by multiple crises, placing global governance at a critical crossroads. Progress is imperative; failure to advance risks falling behind. At this crucial juncture, President Xi Jinping solemnly put forward the Global Governance Initiative, calling on all countries to join hands in building a more just and equitable global governance system. The initiative offers Chinese wisdom and Chinese solutions to address the global governance deficit and chart the course for humanity's progress.

This major initiative responds to the shared desire of the international community to improve global governance. In the initiative, President Xi Jinping outlines five core principles: adhering to sovereign equality, abiding by international rule of law, practicing multilateralism, advocating a people-centered approach, and taking concrete actions. It articulates the principles and pathways to follow in reforming and improving global governance, and echoes the international community's strong call for fairness rather than hegemony, the rule of law rather than disorder, cooperation rather than confrontation, and practical action rather than empty talk.

This major initiative expands the practical pathways for building a community with a shared future for humanity. The Global Governance Initiative is yet another significant public good that President Xi Jinping has contributed to the world, following the Global Development Initiative, the Global Security Initiative and the Global Civilization Initiative. Providing systematic solutions, China's four major global initiatives run in parallel with a focus on different domains and form a complete action framework built upon four dimensions: development, security, civilization and governance, thus providing clear strategic guidance for promoting the building of a community with a shared future for humanity.

This major initiative also opens up new horizons for international political civilization. The initiative is committed to promoting greater democracy and rule of law in international relations, and to forging a new path of global governance guided by consultation, joint contribution and shared benefits. It transcends the outdated "core-periphery" order under traditional international relations theories, rejects the law of the jungle that "might makes right," deepens people's understanding of the laws governing human social development, and innovates both the theories and practices of international political civilization.

This explains why the Global Governance Initiative has garnered extensive and positive responses from the international community since its announcement. To date, nearly 160 countries and international organizations have welcomed and endorsed it, while over 60 countries have enthusiastically joined the Group of Friends of Global Governance. The Global Governance Initiative has transformed from China's solution into international practices, increasingly demonstrating its strong vitality.

Friends, this year marks the 55th anniversary of the restoration of the lawful seat of the People's Republic of China in the United Nations. As a permanent member of the U.N. Security Council and the largest developing country in the world, China has always actively participated in the building of the global governance system. Especially since entering the new era, under the scientific guidance of Xi Jinping Thought on Diplomacy, China has championed the building of a community with a shared future for humanity and taken the lead in practicing true multilateralism. It has consistently been a builder of world peace, a contributor to global development, a defender of the international order and a provider of public goods, making continuous efforts to reform and improve global governance.

We uphold common security and contribute to international collective security. To date, China has participated in 29 UN peacekeeping operations, promoted the first issuance of a joint statement of the leaders of the five nuclear-weapon states on preventing nuclear war, and fully safeguarded global strategic stability. We have pioneered the use of a unique Chinese approach to addressing international flashpoints, unswervingly mediated for peace and promoted dialogue, and contributed China's strength to the peaceful settlement of international disputes.

We uphold openness and cooperation, injecting momentum into global economic growth. China firmly safeguards the multilateral trading system with the World Trade Organization (WTO) at its core and has become the main trading partner of more than 160 countries and regions. Guided by the principles of extensive consultation, joint contribution and shared benefits, we have promoted the Belt and Road Initiative (BRI) as an international platform for mutually beneficial cooperation. China has implemented a zero-tariff policy for African countries and the least developed countries (LDCs) with which it has diplomatic relations, bringing trade dividends and development opportunities to a growing number of nations.

We uphold fairness and justice, and speak up for the Global South countries. We have facilitated the historic expansion of BRICS and the growth of the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO), supported the African Union's accession to the G20, proposed an initiative for open and inclusive Global South cooperation, and announced eight measures in support of Global South cooperation, helping the Global South countries march together toward modernization.

We uphold solidarity and coordination, and build platforms for international governance cooperation. China has initiated the establishment of the International Organization for Mediation (IOMed), filling a gap in the international mediation mechanism. We have launched the Conference on Dialogue of Asian Civilizations and the Ancient Civilizations Forum to promote exchanges and mutual learning among civilizations around the world. China has established the Kunming Biodiversity Fund, put forward the Global Initiative on Data Security and the Global AI Governance Initiative, and worked to improve governance rules in new domains.

Friends, the world has entered a new period of turbulence and transformation, and humanity needs more than ever to revitalize multilateralism, uphold the rule of law and ensure more efficient governance.

First, we should be steadfast in safeguarding the central role of the United Nations. At a high-level meeting of the Security Council initiated by China last month, all parties called for revisiting the founding mission of the U.N. Charter and restoring the authority of the U.N. We must effectively implement the UN80 Initiative to boost the quality and efficiency of the United Nations, and enhance the capacity for action of the Security Council. This will enable the Security Council to fulfill its mandate of maintaining international peace and security, while jointly resisting any unilateral actions that bypass the Council.

Second, we should actively work to de-escalate flashpoints. We are committed to resolving disputes and conflicts through dialogue and consultation, achieving lasting peace and stability through universal security, and promoting the political settlement of hotspot issues, including the Ukraine crisis and the Gaza conflict. The situation in the Middle East affects the whole world. The top priority is for all parties to work toward the same direction, firmly commit to a ceasefire and an end to hostilities, and lay the foundation for a sustainable security architecture in the region.

Third, we should maintain the correct path of open development. We will firmly uphold the multilateral trading system with the WTO at its core, support trade and investment liberalization and facilitation, maintain the stability and smooth flow of global industrial and supply chains, and promote a universally beneficial and inclusive economic globalization. This year marks both the launch of China's 15th Five-Year Plan and the APEC "China Year." China will further expand high-standard opening up, advance the building of an Asia-Pacific community, and share development opportunities with other countries around the world.

Fourth, we must give full play to the vital role of the Global South. We will promote high-quality development of cooperation within the expanded BRICS and the SCO family frameworks, advance the reform of the International Monetary Fund (IMF), the World Bank and other international institutions, and continuously enhance the voice and representation of developing countries in international affairs. We should support Global South countries in hosting multilateral summits and advancing multilateral agendas, and pool their strength.

Fifth, we must focus on addressing weak links and deficiencies in the global governance system. In the face of new frontiers and new challenges, we must keep pace with the times, innovate governance mechanisms, and fill gaps in the rules. We must ensure that the process of climate governance does not backslide, that common but differentiated responsibilities are upheld, and that we continue to advance the global transition to green and low-carbon development. We need to improve the rules of governing outer space, the polar regions, and cyberspace, and develop a widely accepted governance framework. China is accelerating the establishment of the World Artificial Intelligence Cooperation Organization and welcomes all parties to join and promote the use of AI for good.

Friends, "the world's momentum either flourishes or declines; its governance either progresses or regresses." China is willing to work shoulder to shoulder with all parties and hold high the torch of multilateralism. We will forge stronger synergy through broader consensus and tackle global challenges through closer cooperation. Together with all sides, China will put the Global Governance Initiative into practice, work to promote the building of a more just and equitable global governance system, and make steady progress toward the grand goal of building a community with a shared future for humanity. Thank you.

Mo Gaoyi:

Thank you, Mr. Wang. The floor is now open for questions. Please identify the media outlet you represent before raising your questions.

CCTV:

We have noticed that a growing number of people are concerned that the current international order is sliding back toward the "law of the jungle," where the strong prey on the weak. At the same time, the authority and effectiveness of the United Nations are being weakened. Against this backdrop, how will China uphold multilateralism and support the United Nations in playing a stronger role? Thank you.

Wang Yi:

To answer your question, we need to return to the original aspiration of multilateralism. More than 80 years ago, it was precisely because the international community witnessed the human catastrophe wrought by the "law of the jungle" that nations emerged from the ruins of two World Wars, reflected deeply, and chose to embrace multilateralism and establish the United Nations. Today, the apparent failure of multilateralism is not because the U.N. has become irrelevant. Instead, it is because its authority and role have not been respected and brought into play. The resurgence of the "law of the jungle" is not because the U.N. Charter is outdated, but precisely because the charter has not been effectively observed and upheld.

Faced with mounting global challenges, the pressing priority is to fulfill our obligations under the U.N. Charter, uphold sovereign equality, abide by the rule of international law, and oppose hegemony and bullying. We should actively support the United Nations in playing a central role. Through the U.N. platform, we can build global consensus, coordinate actions among countries, jointly address challenges and continuously reduce the deficit in global governance.

At the same time, we must advance with the times, accelerate the pace of U.N. reform, actively respond to the demands of developing countries, strive to enhance the representation and voice of the Global South, and continuously stimulate the vitality and effectiveness of the U.N.

As the first country to sign the U.N. Charter, China is duty-bound to uphold the U.N.'s authority by advancing the Global Governance Initiative and to work with other countries to reinvigorate and strengthen the United Nations. Thank you.

CNBC:

My question is for NDRC's Mr. Zhou Haibing. What has China done for global AI governance? And what does China propose for international AI cooperation with the U.S. and other countries? Thank you.

Mo Gaoyi:

I'll give the floor to Mr. Zhou to answer these questions.

Zhou Haibing:

Thank you for your questions. The governance of AI is a matter of vital importance to the future of all humanity and is a common challenge facing all countries. China upholds multilateralism and the principles of openness and inclusiveness, actively promotes global AI governance and international cooperation, and continues to contribute Chinese solutions to global development in the age of intelligence.

In terms of governance, China took the lead in releasing the Global AI Governance Initiative, which sets out a vision for AI governance where technology is used for good, remains safe and controllable, and is developed in an inclusive and fair way. It provides systematic, pragmatic and feasible guidance for action on global AI governance. China supports the U.N. in serving as the main channel for global AI governance, has promoted the adoption by the U.N. General Assembly of a resolution on international cooperation in AI capacity building, and has put forward the AI Capacity-Building Action Plan for Good and for All. We conduct regular international exchanges and training to help developing countries tackle weaknesses in technology, personnel and governance, and work to effectively bridge the global gap in intelligent development.

In terms of international cooperation, China continues to deepen practical AI cooperation by relying on multilateral platforms such as the SCO and the BRICS cooperation mechanism. We will vigorously develop an open-source ecosystem and promote the global sharing of technological achievements and application experience. We will resolutely abandon closed, exclusive and technologically monopolistic development models, and strive to build an open, inclusive, mutually beneficial and win-win framework for international cooperation. China has hosted the World Artificial Intelligence Conference for eight consecutive years and has proposed the establishment of the World Artificial Intelligence Cooperation Organization. China will host the 2026 World AI Conference & High-Level Meeting on Global AI Governance in Shanghai this July. We look forward to using this conference as an opportunity to further strengthen international cooperation in AI with all parties.

President Xi Jinping has emphasized that AI can serve as an international public good that benefits all humanity. Going forward, China will adhere to the principle of balancing development and security, actively practice multilateralism, uphold a people-centered and AI-for-good approach, and work to ensure that AI always develops in a beneficial, safe and fair way. At the same time, we should fulfill our responsibilities as a major country, manage risks and strengthen prevention measures, explore cooperation in AI regulation, and work together to prevent AI-related security risks. Thank you.

EBS TV:

The Global Governance Initiative emphasizes a people-centered approach. However, poverty remains a major challenge in many developing countries. For example, World Bank says about 38% of people in sub-Saharan Africa live on extreme poverty. So, how does the Global Governance Initiative help countries work together to advance development and end poverty? Thank you.

Mo Gaoyi:

Let's have Mr. Zhao answer this question.

Zhao Fengtao:

Thanks for your question. President Xi Jinping pointed out that ending poverty is a basic right of people in all countries to pursue a happy life. The Global Governance Initiative, with people's well-being at its core, has contributed Chinese wisdom and solutions to advancing development cooperation and addressing the challenges of poverty alleviation worldwide.

First, we uphold multilateralism and continue to improve the framework for poverty reduction governance. China is committed to improving the global poverty reduction governance system, and has listed poverty reduction as the top priority among the eight key areas of the Global Development Initiative. In recent years, China has successfully hosted three editions of the High-Level Conference of the Forum on Global Action for Shared Development and has established international poverty reduction cooperation networks such as the Africa-China Alliance for Poverty Alleviation. Together with 53 countries and nine international institutions, China launched the Global Partnership for Poverty Alleviation and Development, continuously turning its poverty reduction experience into global public goods, injecting new momentum into the global poverty reduction process.

Second, we emphasize an action-oriented approach to further advance joint efforts in poverty reduction. We have pooled development resources to help establish the Global Development and South-South Cooperation Fund, increasing its capital to $4 billion. More than 200 projects in over 70 countries have benefited more than 40 million people. We have carried out "small and beautiful" public wellbeing projects to enhance agricultural production capacity in developing countries. Hybrid rice and Luban Workshops have become golden brands of China's foreign aid in poverty reduction. Juncao technology has created hundreds of thousands of jobs in more than 100 countries. We have leveraged science and technology by establishing a "Digital South" special fund and by releasing a new-generation Mazu early warning cloud platform. The Mazu platform helps strengthen global capacity in agricultural meteorological disaster prevention and mitigation. We have also closely integrated trade, investment and aid, creating new opportunities for poverty reduction and development in African countries through the implementation of zero-tariff treatment.

Third, we advocate a people-centered approach to further enhance the internal driving force for poverty reduction. China has stepped up technical assistance and training for other countries and actively shared its experience in Chinese modernization and poverty reduction. Books such as "Up and Out of Poverty" have been well received by political leaders and scholars in many countries. During the 14th Five-Year Plan period, China implemented more than 7,000 foreign aid training programs, training 230,000 people in various governance and technical skills, and effectively supporting countries in exploring poverty reduction and sustainable development paths suited to their national conditions.

The way to reduce poverty lies in building self-sustaining capacity rather than simply providing aid; the path to development lies in advancing together rather than going it alone. China stands ready to work with all countries, taking the implementation of the Global Governance Initiative as an opportunity to help address global poverty challenges and jointly build a better world free from poverty and marked by shared development. Thank you.

Hong Kong Ta Kung Wen Wei Media Group:

The white paper shows that the Global South now contributes 80% to global economic growth. However, it has long been marginalized in global governance, particularly in terms of its insufficient voting power in major international financial institutions. How should China work to address the North-South imbalance in the current global governance architecture? Thank you.

Mo Gaoyi:

Mr. Miao will take this question.

Miao Deyu:

This is indeed an important issue. All parties should attach greater importance to the imbalance between the Global South and the Global North. China believes that the collective rise of the Global South is unstoppable, that the era of the monopolization of international affairs by a small number of countries is gone for good, and that long-standing historical injustices must be redressed. In international affairs, the voices of the Global South must be heard, its representation strengthened, and its rights and interests safeguarded. These are integral parts of building a more just and equitable global governance system.

To that end, we should support the Global South in building strength through unity and make full use of major cooperation platforms such as BRICS, the SCO, and the Group of 77 and China. We should also strengthen emerging financial institutions such as the New Development Bank and the Asian Infrastructure Investment Bank, injecting strong momentum from the Global South into the cause of world peace and development.

We should prioritize increasing the weight of Global South countries in international affairs. On U.N. Security Council reform, we must hold firm to the right direction of greater representation and voice for developing countries. We should accelerate the World Bank shareholding review and achieve a meaningful realignment of IMF quota shares as soon as possible. We should work for more U.N. agencies and international organization headquarters to be based in developing countries, and support more outstanding professionals from developing countries in taking up leadership positions in international organizations.

Moreover, we should promote dialogue between the Global South and the Global North and strengthen macroeconomic policy coordination. We should also urge developed countries to earnestly fulfill their historical responsibilities and obligations in bridging the development gap and addressing global issues such as climate change, while fostering an open and inclusive international environment.

As a natural member of the Global South, China has always kept the well-being of the Global South in mind and remained firmly rooted in it. Acting on the principles of sincerity, real results, amity and good faith, China has consistently supported the development of Global South countries and safeguarded the interests of developing countries in international affairs. China will continue to strengthen solidarity and cooperation with developing countries, walk hand in hand with them on the path to modernization and work together to advance reform of the global governance system. Thank you.

China Daily:

Promoting exchanges among civilizations is an important aspect of reforming and improving global governance. What measures has China taken to promote dialogue and mutual learning among civilizations, and what progress has been achieved so far? Going forward, how does China plan to promote synergy between the Global Governance Initiative and the Global Civilization Initiative? Thank you.

Mo Gaoyi:

Mr. Jin will take these questions.

Jin Xin:

Thank you for your questions. Exchanges among civilizations serve as a bridge and bond for building consensus and enhancing mutual trust, and are crucial to building a more just and equitable global governance system. In 2023, General Secretary Xi Jinping proposed the Global Civilization Initiative, charting a course for the development and progress of human civilization. Over the past three years, the Global Civilization Initiative has evolved from vision into action, and exchanges and mutual learning among civilizations have gone from being optional to essential in international cooperation. Our work has focused on four areas:

First, we have built broad international consensus. From bilateral to multilateral, from regional to global, General Secretary Xi Jinping's footprints of promoting civilizational exchanges have reached every corner of the world, and head-of-state diplomacy has greatly advanced exchanges and mutual learning among civilizations. General Secretary Xi Jinping's important remarks have become landmark statements in the theory of international civilization. The international community believes that the Global Civilization Initiative will promote a new vision of mutual learning among civilizations and write a new chapter in global governance.

Second, we have built a network for civilizational exchanges. We have supported the United Nations in serving as the main platform for dialogue among civilizations and pushed for the U.N. General Assembly to establish the International Day for Dialogue among Civilizations. We convened the Global Civilizations Dialogue Ministerial Meeting and established multiple international platforms, such as the World Conference of Classics. These brought together political parties, think tanks, youth groups, women's organizations, and civil society organizations from various countries in dialogue among civilizations. A multi-level, multi-field global pattern of civilizational dialogue and exchanges is gradually taking shape.

Third, we have strengthened cultural inheritance and innovation. We actively promoted the protection of cultural heritage and the development of cultural undertakings, and have signed cooperation agreements with more than 100 countries to deepen cooperation in areas such as joint archaeology, world heritage protection, and mutual translation of classic works. This has not only strengthened our own cultural roots but also jointly safeguarded the cultural treasures of humanity.

Fourth, we have promoted mutual understanding and amity among peoples. We have carried out diverse forms of international cultural and people-to-people exchanges and cooperation, with fruitful results in education, science and technology, health, sports and other fields. Cultural cooperation projects such as cultural years, tourism years and arts festivals have been very successful. At the same time, we have continued to facilitate the exchanges of people between China and other countries, achieving mutual progress in both cultural exchanges and the tourism economy.

Looking ahead, we will focus on promoting the coordinated implementation of the Global Governance Initiative and the Global Civilization Initiative, drawing wisdom from dialogue among civilizations to address global challenges and promoting good governance through civilizational harmony. We will actively support the establishment of a U.N. mechanism for exchanges among civilizations and firmly uphold the authority and standing of the U.N. in global governance. We will actively promote the integration of civilizational exchanges with the global governance agenda, bring the value-guiding role of the Global Civilization Initiative into full effect and harness the power of civilization in reforming and improving global governance. Thank you.

Daily Ittehad:

The reform of global governance faces multiple challenges and requires a global effort. What steps will China take to make the Global Governance Initiative a reality and turn its vision into action?

Mo Gaoyi:

I'll invite Mr. Wang to answer this question.

Wang Yi:

As the reporter just mentioned, the Global Governance Initiative seeks to advance the common well-being of the international community and relies on the concerted efforts of all countries. At the meeting of the Group of Friends of Global Governance held last month, China proposed nine directions for reforming and improving global governance, which received positive responses from the U.N. Secretariat and participating countries. Going forward, advancing the Global Governance Initiative in a deeper and more substantive way requires major countries to shoulder their responsibilities, multilateral mechanisms to play their due roles, and the international community to act in concert.

To this end, China will focus on four key areas of work this year.

First, we will reinvigorate open regionalism. This year, China will host the APEC Economic Leaders' Meeting. We will recommit to the original aspirations of Asia-Pacific cooperation, deliver more outcomes in trade, connectivity, innovation and development, and advance the building of an Asia-Pacific community, injecting fresh momentum into peace and development in the region and beyond.

Second, we will strengthen governance in emerging fields. New challenges are emerging from new frontiers. How to ensure that technology serves people and that AI develops for the benefit of all? How to advance sustainable development and achieve a global green and low-carbon transition? How to keep industrial and supply chains and international transport corridors stable and unimpeded? On all these fronts, China will work with the international community to build consensus and develop innovative governance mechanisms.

Third, we will strengthen governance platforms. China initiated the establishment of the International Organization for Mediation (IOMed), which has made a promising start in resolving international disputes. We welcome more countries to join the IOMed and work together toward the peaceful settlement of international disputes. Moreover, China is applying to host the Secretariat of the Agreement on Marine Biological Diversity of Areas Beyond National Jurisdiction in Xiamen, with the aim of making greater contributions to global ocean governance.

Fourth, we will foster consensus on global governance. This autumn, we will host the inaugural Xiongan Global Governance Forum, bringing together people from all sectors worldwide to discuss ways to reform and improve global governance. The forum aims to forge broader international consensus for building a more just and equitable global governance system.

The key to success is simple. What matters is action. We believe that as long as we unite and take action, we can steadily transform the grand vision of the Global Governance Initiative into a roadmap, an implementation plan and a real-life picture, thus jointly creating a better future for humanity. Thank you.

Mo Gaoyi:

Thank you, Mr. Wang Yi. Thanks to all the speakers and friends from the media. That's all for today's press conference.

Translated and edited by Yang Chuanli, Chen Xinyan, Ma Yujia, Wang Xingguang, Li Congrong, Zhu Bochen, Liao Jiaxin, Xiang Bin, Xu Xiaoxuan, Jay Ian Birbeck, David Ball, Fan Junmei, Liu Sitong, Li Xiao, Li Huiru, and Gong Yingchun. In case of any discrepancy between the English and Chinese texts, the Chinese version is deemed to prevail.