Certainty amid uncertainties (original) (raw)

The world is no longer what it was a decade ago. The once-unquestioned dominance of the West has given way to a more fragmented and unpredictable global order. At the 2025 Munich Security Conference (MSC) in Germany—an event that organizes high-level discussions and fosters agreements and transnational cooperation on global security—it was clear that China, a country used to being portrayed as a "disruptor" by the West, is increasingly being recognized as a stabilizing force in this evolving landscape.

Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi's remarks at the conference underscored a recurring theme in China's foreign policy. On February 14, in his keynote speech on the first day of the three-day gathering, Wang reaffirmed that a multipolar world is not only a historical inevitability; it is also becoming a reality. And China's answer to the "increasing mix of turbulence and transformation" across the world is that "we should work for an equal and orderly multipolar world."

While the U.S. and its allies remain fixated on preserving a Western-centric order, China advocates for an international system that reflects the realities of a world no longer dominated by a single power bloc. China sees the need to counterbalance Western hegemony and offers an alternative vision of global governance that emphasizes inclusiveness, economic cooperation and non-interference in domestic affairs.

While having a conversation on stage with the outgoing MSC Chairman Christoph Heusgen, Wang quoted Chinese proverbs that he said might be difficult to translate into other languages. He suggested the international audience turn to DeepSeek—a Chinese-developed chatbot that was released to the amazement of the whole world just about a month ago—to check them out.

"Let them be strong, the gentle breeze brushes the mountain ridge; Let them be fierce, the bright moon still shines over the mighty river." This quotation was written by late Hong Kong author Louis Cha Leung-yung, better known by his pen name Jin Yong, in his seminal work The Heaven Sword and Dragon Saber published in the early 1960s. China will surely be a factor of certainty in this multipolar system and strive to be a steadfast constructive force in a changing world, Wang said.

This is not just rhetoric. China has backed its words with actions. It continues to forge deeper ties with the Global South, those nations of the world that are considered to have a relatively low level of economic and industrial development and are typically located to the south of more industrialized nations; invest in infrastructure through the Belt and Road Initiative, which aims to boost connectivity along and beyond the ancient Silk Road routes; and play a more prominent role in mediating conflicts. China is filling a vacuum inadvertently left by an increasingly insular America and a Europe preoccupied with internal challenges.

Wang also called for stronger China-EU ties to ensure global stability. European nations, while allied with the U.S., are growing uneasy with Washington's erratic foreign policy and its relentless push for economic decoupling from China. Many in Europe recognize that engagement with China is not just necessary but desirable.

China, for its part, is well aware that Europe is key to its foreign diplomacy. It does not seek to replace the U.S. as Europe's primary partner, but rather to offer an alternative economic and collaborative path.

The MSC also served as a reminder that China is not just a rising nation—it is a necessary actor in solving global challenges, from climate change to security crises.

For the West, the choice is clear: engage with China or continue to view it as a rival to be contained. The former path offers an opportunity for a more balanced and cooperative world order. The latter risks further fragmentation and division in an already volatile geopolitical landscape. BR

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Excerpts of Wang Yi's Keynote Speech at the Conversation With China Session During the 61st Munich Security Conference

First, it is important to advocate equal treatment. Rivalry between big powers had brought disaster to humanity, as evidenced by the lessons of the two world wars in the not-so-distant past. Whether it is the colonial system or the core-periphery structure, unequal orders are bound to meet their demise. Independence and autonomy is sought across the world, and greater democracy in international relations is unstoppable. Equal rights, equal opportunities and equal rules should become the basic principles of a multipolar world.

It is in this principle that China advocates equality among all countries regardless of size, and calls for increasing the representation and say of developing countries in the international system. This will not lead to "Westlessness," but will deliver more positive-sum results to the world. The Munich Security Conference has invited more participants from Global South countries in recent years. This is a wise thing to do. Every country should have their voice heard. Every country should be able to find their place and play their role in a multipolar paradigm.

Second, it is important to respect international rule of law. As an old Chinese saying goes, circles and squares cannot be drawn without compasses and rulers, which means nothing can be accomplished without following norms and standards. The purposes and principles of the UN Charter provide fundamental guidance for handling international relations. They are also an important cornerstone of a multipolar world. The world today is witnessing incessant chaos and confusion, and one important reason is that some countries believe might makes right and have opened a Pandora's box marked the law of the jungle. In reality, all countries, regardless of size or strength, are stakeholders in international rule of law. The multipolar paradigm must not be a state of disarray. Without norms and standards, one may be at the table yesterday but end up on the menu tomorrow. Major countries must take the lead in honoring their words and upholding rule of law, and must not say one thing but do another, or engage in zero-sum games.

It is based on the above points of view that China resolutely upholds the authority of international rule of law, and actively fulfills its international responsibilities and obligations. It is a member of almost all universal intergovernmental organizations and a party to over 600 international conventions. It never practices exceptionalism, still less cherrypicking. It is providing the greatest certainty in this uncertain world. I wish to emphasize that there should be no double standards in observing international law. Respect for all countries' sovereignty and territorial integrity should mean support for China's complete reunification.

Third, it is important to practice multilateralism. In the face of emerging global challenges, no country can stay unaffected, and the "we first" approach in international relations only leads to a lose-lose result. The UN is at the core of practicing multilateralism and advancing global governance. This edifice has shielded all countries from wind and rain for nearly 80 years, and is all the more needed in the multipolar world of the future. We should cement its foundation, rather than destroy its pillars. We should take up our responsibilities on governing global issues, rather than seek self-interests only. We should tackle common challenges in solidarity, rather than resort to bloc confrontation.

It is from this understanding that China upholds true multilateralism and advocates the vision on global governance featuring extensive consultation and joint contribution for shared benefit. We have firmly upheld the authority and stature of the UN, and contributed to more than 20 percent of the UN regular budget. We have acted earnestly on the Paris Agreement on climate change, and built the world's largest clean power generation system. We have also proposed and delivered on the Global Development Initiative, the Global Security Initiative and the Global Civilizations Initiative, providing public goods for improving global governance.

Fourth, it is important to pursue openness and mutual benefit. Development holds the key to addressing various problems. The multipolar world should be one where all countries develop together. Protectionism offers no way out, and arbitrary tariffs produce no winners. Decoupling deprives one of opportunities, and a "small yard with high fences" only ends up constraining oneself. It is important to pursue open cooperation, and support an equal and orderly multipolar world with a universally beneficial and inclusive economic globalization.

It is for this goal that China stays committed to sharing development opportunities with all countries. An Australian scholar called China an "enabler," which I find very fitting. With a 5-percent GDP growth last year, China contributed nearly 30 percent of the world's economic growth. It has served as an important engine for global economic growth, and shared with the world the benefit of its supersized market. China is willing to synergize high-quality Belt and Road cooperation with the European Union's Global Gateway strategy, so as to empower each other and empower the entire world.

(Source: Website of the Chinese Ministry of Foreign Affairs)

Copyedited by G.P. Wilson

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