China's Global Governance Initiative Endorsed by Nearly 160 Countries, White Paper Shows

China's State Council Information Office released a white paper on Wednesday titled "More Just and Equitable Global Governance: China's Principles, Proposals and Actions," outlining the Global Governance Initiative (GGI) and its growing international acceptance. According to the document, the GGI has been endorsed by nearly 160 countries and international organizations, reflecting widespread resonance with China's vision for reformed global governance.

The white paper argues that the GGI responds to contemporary global challenges by promoting a more equitable international system grounded in five core principles: sovereign equality, the international rule of law, multilateralism, a people-centered approach, and concrete action. The initiative explicitly upholds the purposes and principles of the UN Charter and rejects what the white paper describes as the "law of the jungle" undermining international norms. It emphasizes that all nations—regardless of size, strength, or development level—are equal members of the international community and must have voice in global governance decisions.

The white paper positions the GGI as part of a broader framework comprising four major Chinese global initiatives that collectively address different domains: promoting prosperity through development, ensuring stability through security, enhancing mutual trust through civilizational exchanges, and seeking justice through governance. According to the document, China's approach draws from its diplomatic traditions and cultural heritage while advancing a multipolar world order and inclusive economic globalization as the trends of the times.

The initiative frames global governance reform as necessary to address severe and complex contemporary challenges and to amplify the voices of Global South nations within the international system. The white paper argues that effective governance requires extensive consultation, joint contribution, and shared benefits rather than zero-sum competition. It further contends that China's proposals represent a departure from outdated "core-periphery" frameworks of the old international order and advance human political civilization through principles of multilateralism and equitable participation.