April 24 is the International Day of Multilateralism and Diplomacy for Peace is celebrated annually to reaffirm the UN Charter and its principles of resolving disputes among countries through peaceful means.
In an era characterized by unprecedented global fragmentation, where the very concept of multilateralism is under assault, China emerges as a steadfast advocate for cooperation and a vocal opponent of the rising tides of protectionism, nationalism, and isolationism, primarily fueled by the unpredictable leadership of former US President Donald Trump.
China’s unwavering commitment to global cooperation through multilateralism is less a matter of ideology than a matter of survival, both for itself and for a world teetering on the brink of a new geopolitical reality.
Ironically, once a staunch proponent of free trade and the liberal international order, the United States has itself resorted to protectionism and isolationism—the very antithesis of its own prosperity. America’s high per-capita GDP among OECD countries is a direct consequence of its active participation in global trade. Multilateralism, the postwar mantra of global cooperation championed by the US-led West for decades, is unfortunately being hollowed out by its own architects. By abandoning these principles, it not only undermines its own long-term interests but also attempts to hinder other nations from following a similar path to prosperity.
In contrast, China’s vision, articulated by President Xi Jinping’s symbolic description of China as a “vast ocean”—stable, resilient, and rooted in a 5,000-year-old civilization—reflects an approach anchored in Confucian thought, civilizational richness, and strategic patience. Minor disruptions, such as trade tensions or geopolitical turbulence, cannot disrupt the Ocean’s fundamental direction, runs the belief.
This vision is manifested in the Belt and Road Initiative (BRI), China’s flagship global infrastructure and development program. Collaborating with over 150 countries and executing nearly 3,000 projects encompassing energy, transportation, education, and healthcare, the BRI embodies China’s conviction in mutually beneficial cooperation and shared prosperity. From ports in East Africa to railways in Central Asia, and from energy corridors in Pakistan to renewable energy initiatives in Latin America, the BRI serves as both a symbol and a mechanism of authentic multilateralism.
The China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC), a pivotal component of the BRI, has generated over 200,000 jobs and substantially enhanced Pakistan’s energy and transportation infrastructure. Similar outcomes have been observed in Ethiopia, Indonesia, Egypt, and Chile.
Despite its initiatives, China’s efforts are not immune to criticism. Most Western perspectives frame the Belt and Road Initiative (BRI) as an instrument of Chinese hegemony. Criticism often centers on concerns related to debt sustainability and transparency, as well as the environmental impact of large-scale infrastructure projects. Some of these may be genuine but largely they overlook the positive effects that the BRI has already had on partner countries. What critics fail to comprehend is that the BRI is not static; it has clearly adapted in response to these concerns. Over time, China has incorporated more sustainable practices, enhanced transparency, and adopted a more collaborative approach with host nations. In this regard, the BRI serves as a reflection of China’s growing self-awareness as well as its commitment to multilateralism.
Beyond the BRI, China has expanded its commitment to multilateralism through various frameworks, such as the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO), BRICS, and the Asian Infrastructure Investment Bank (AIIB). These institutions provide inclusive platforms for countries often marginalized by Western-led mechanisms, enabling them to participate in shaping the global agenda.
Even the International Monetary Fund (IMF) now explicitly acknowledges the concept of “cooperative regionalism” and recognizes that the post-war international architecture is no longer adequate. As traditional alliances face challenges under contemporary pressures, the IMF’s shift underscores the urgency of establishing novel, multipolar channels for collaboration.
Concurrently, at the 10th anniversary of President Xi Jinping’s inaugural visit to Pakistan, Chinese Ambassador Jiang Zaidong affirmed China’s unwavering commitment to upholding fairness and justice in international relations. China rejects all forms of hegemony or bullying and envisions a world where every nation, irrespective of its size or wealth, possesses a voice and a seat at the global table, the ambassador underlined emphatically, resonating his President’s vision on the importance of the multi-polarity. This vision extends beyond the Belt and Road Initiative (BRI) and encompasses China’s broader global initiatives, including the Global Development Initiative, Global Security Initiative, and Global Civilization Initiative. These initiatives embody China’s holistic approach to international relations, advocating for peace, mutual development, and sustainable cooperation among nations.
By pursuing this path, China is actively contributing to the shaping of a multipolar world, not by disrupting the existing global order, but by seeking to maintain, balance and reinforce it. As countries across Europe, the Middle East, Africa, and Asia progressively integrate through BRI corridors, CPEC, and parallel platforms such as BRICS, the concept of “1 + 1” transforms into “10 or even 20,” fostering collective prosperity rather than engaging in zero-sum competition.
President Xi Jinping’s recent visits to Vietnam and Malaysia underscore China’s unwavering dedication to partnerships that preserve sovereignty while simultaneously promoting mutual respect, strength and win-win progress. These relationships exemplify a model of cooperation characterized by shared development, respect for national independence, and a long-term vision that enables countries to withstand temporary challenges and ensure the broad sharing of global prosperity.
The International Day of Multilateralism and Diplomacy for Peace (April 24) also reminded us of the values associated with multilateralism. In an era where dominant powers hide behind protectionist barriers or engage in power politics, China’s consistent, adaptable, and inclusive multilateralism emerges as a compelling alternative. No surprise that President Xi and his team are working overtime to galvanize its immediate and extended neighborhood to offset the potential fallout from Trump’s disruptive executive orders.
