WWII Commemoration & China's Vision for World Order - Global Governance Initiative Priority Areas Revealed - Pak PM Sharif's Article - My Take: India-China-Russia: The Troika that Isn't
Hi folks,
I am beginning today with my article that was first published in The Wire China earlier this week. I am sharing the piece here because I think some of the narrative around the India-China-Russia engagement is far to simplistic and does not account for the incentives and limitations within each of their individual ties. After this, we’ll look at the paper today.
Cheers,
Manoj
A picture, they say, is worth a thousand words. Sometimes, it also masks a hundred cracks. Scenes of handshakes and smiles shared between the leaders of India, Russia and China during the recently-concluded Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) summit in Tianjin have made headlines across the Western press, mostly couching the gathering in terms of the message it sent to the United States and its allies.
There is, of course, a significance to this moment. And indeed, the whiplash from the sharp turn in American foreign and economic policies under President Donald Trump has reshaped the incentives of the three leaders, Narendra Modi, Vladimir Putin and host Xi Jinping. However, a closer reading reveals that the optics of engagement have done little to alleviate the faultlines that exist between the three countries — and that there was far more to the meeting than simply a response to Trump’s diplomatic and economic provocations.
Take Russia and India. The two countries remain important partners. There is a deep historical logic to this relationship, and no fundamental conflict of interests exists between the pair. That said, the relationship has experienced friction in recent years. Moscow has often publicly bristled at New Delhi’s growing proximity with Washington. Russian foreign minister Sergei Lavrov has echoed Chinese criticism of the Indo-Pacific as a strategic construct, and India’s engagement in the Quad — the security grouping of the U.S., India, Japan and Australia.
India, meanwhile, has sought to strike a balance in its policy towards the war in Ukraine. Unlike Xi, the Indian Prime Minister Modi has visited Ukraine and engaged with Volodymyr Zelenskyy. New Delhi has grown increasingly anxious about Moscow’s proximity to and dependence on Beijing too. A Russia that finds itself deep within the Chinese orbit is detrimental to India’s strategic interests across the Eurasian landmass: In fact, it is even detrimental to Washington’s interests. Of particular concern for New Delhi are the green shoots of engagement between Moscow and Islamabad. For instance, Russia said last year that it would support Pakistan’s entry into the BRICS grouping. Engagement with Russia, therefore, is a strategic imperative for India.
That said, there's a ceiling to the India-Russia economic relationship, and the West remains crucial to India’s developmental aspirations and security objectives. Therefore, India must and will seek to pursue a balanced approach to its external relations, particularly since its ties with China remain difficult. On the other hand, Russia views India as an important partner in Asia and a balancer vis-a-vis China in the region.
China’s position relative to both India and Russia is far from straightforward as well. If the views of Chinese analysts are right, Beijing has never been particularly thrilled about India being a member of the SCO; Russian diplomacy was key to India gaining membership of the grouping. The bargain from the Chinese side was that it could balance this move by admitting Pakistan to the group. This is just one example of Sino-Russian competition playing out at a regional level. Similar examples of contestation between Moscow and Beijing are evident. Crucially, while Beijing does not want Moscow to lose the war in Ukraine, it has had concerns about the nature and impact of Russian conduct on China’s ties with the West.
Differences between the two sides are even sharper in terms of their engagement in each other’s periphery. Russia’s deepening security relationship with North Korea is a case in point. The 2024 Treaty on Comprehensive Strategic Partnership committed the two sides to provide “military and other assistance with all means in its possession without delay” if “any one of the two sides is put in a state of war by an armed invasion from an individual state or several states.” This marked a qualitative shift in the Moscow-Pyongyang relationship, to the detriment of Beijing’s influence. It also created certain conditions that China doesn’t particularly desire. Beijing is evidently not keen on appearing to be building some sort of a Cold War-style bloc with like-minded countries. On the other hand, it is clear that while China has gained a deeper foothold in Central Asia, Russian economic diplomacy in what was once its sphere of influence has been flailing.
A shared strategic understanding around the need for a stable border and the imperative to push back against the U.S.-led world order have, as a consequence, driven deeper Sino-Russian collaboration. That, however, does not mean there aren’t real frictions between the two, and concerns around the impact of the policies of the other on one’s interests. For Moscow, in particular, the asymmetry of economic and military strength with China is likely to remain a prickly issue over the long term.
An asymmetry of power is also fundamentally shaping the dynamics of the India-China relationship, the third side of the triangle. After decades of friction following the war in 1962, India and China arrived at a new modus vivendi in 1988 during the visit of then Prime Minister Rajiv Gandhi to Beijing. Both sides agreed to work on easing tensions and resolving the border dispute, while moving ahead with other areas of their bilateral relationship. That arrangement came at a particularly turbulent moment in the world order, with American unipolarity in the 1990s shaping the incentives of both sides. It was also a time when both India and China were at a parity in terms of their economic strength.
That, however, is not the case today. There now exists a deep power asymmetry between the two countries. This is obvious in their respective GDP numbers and the resources that the two countries can bring to bear to achieve developmental goals, and in times of strife. In addition, external actors like the U.S. and Russia have a bearing on the bilateral balance of power. This context provides an important backdrop to the meeting between Narendra Modi and Xi Jinping in Tianjin.
It’s also important to remember that the current Sino-Indian engagement is beginning from an incredibly low base. The clashes between the two countries at different points across the disputed boundary in Eastern Ladakh in 2020 led to a breakdown in the relationship, after which it took years of difficult negotiations to achieve troop disengagement from eyeball-to-eyeball confrontation. This process was completed late last year, allowing for Modi and Xi to meet at the sidelines of the BRICS summit in Kazan in October. That meeting was followed by a gradual process of cautious re-engagement.
Even today, however, there are no direct flights connecting India and China and the movement of people between the two countries is severely constrained. Both sides still have tens of thousands of soldiers forward deployed, and discussions around pulling them back to the barracks have yet to take place. The most substantive outcome of the dialogue process since Kazan came during the August 2025 visit of Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi. Those meetings in Delhi resulted in the announcement of new mechanisms to discuss issues related to the boundary dispute and to expand people-to-people and economic ties. There is still a long way to go for India and China to achieve some sort of normalcy, far be it a new equilibrium.
From an Indian perspective, therefore, the meeting in Tianjin during the past week was not about signalling a new bonhomie with China amid frictions with the U.S. owing to tariffs and over America's renewed engagement with Pakistan. Rather, it was about putting a floor under what is a contentious relationship with a testy and powerful neighbour.
New Delhi is cognizant that there are significant differences between the two sides on issues ranging from the boundary talks to trade and terrorism. These are reflective of a deeper, more structural difference in each’s strategic goals: China desires multipolarity in the world; New Delhi concurs but with the caveat that a multipolar Asia must persist. Resolving this broader misalignment in world views will take years of patient engagement, a process liable to stall or rupture at any time if there are further border or trade clashes. Given that, it would be a major mistake to view the Modi-Xi meeting this week as simply a response to Trump and his tariffs.
Here are the key reports and articles that I found noteworthy from the People’s Daily’s edition on Thursday, September 04, 2025.
The first couple of pages are dedicated to the events of yesterday. I’ve already covered Xi Jinping’s morning speech in yesterday’s edition. Xi also spoke at the banquet in the evening, which was attended by the entire Politburo Standing Committee and Han Zheng. He said:
“80 years ago, the Chinese people, after 14 years of bloody struggle, thoroughly defeated the Japanese militarist invaders and proclaimed the complete victory of the world anti-fascist war. This marked a historic turning point in the Chinese nation's journey from a deep crisis in modern times to a great rejuvenation, and it was also a major turning point in world development. This great victory was achieved by the Chinese people fighting shoulder-to-shoulder with the anti-fascist allied nations and peoples of all countries. The Chinese government and Chinese people will never forget the foreign governments and international friends who supported and helped the Chinese people resist invasion! This morning, we held a grand military parade ceremony to solemnly commemorate the 80th anniversary of the victory of the Chinese people’s War of Resistance Against Japanese Aggression and the World Anti-Fascist War, with the purpose of remembering history, honoring martyrs, cherishing peace, and creating the future. History teaches us that the faith in justice is unshakable, the yearning for peace is unstoppable, and the power of the people is invincible! 80年前，中国人民经过14年浴血奋战，彻底打败日本军国主义侵略者，宣告世界反法西斯战争的完全胜利。这是中华民族从近代以来陷入深重危机走向伟大复兴的历史转折点，也是世界发展的一个重大转折点。这一伟大胜利，是中国人民同反法西斯同盟国以及各国人民并肩战斗取得的。对支援和帮助过中国人民抵抗侵略的外国政府和国际友人，中国政府和中国人民永远不会忘记！今天上午，我们举行盛大阅兵仪式，隆重纪念中国人民抗日战争暨世界反法西斯战争胜利80周年，目的是铭记历史、缅怀先烈、珍爱和平、开创未来。历史告诫我们，正义的信念不可动摇，和平的期盼不可阻遏，人民的力量不可战胜！
Temporary strength and weakness lie in force; victory and defeat through a thousand autumns lie in principle/justice/moral strength. Justice, light, and progress will inevitably triumph over evil, darkness, and reactionaries. At any time, we must promote the common values of all humanity, firmly defend international fairness and justice, and let the world be filled with righteousness and peace. 一时强弱在于力，千秋胜负在于理。正义、光明、进步必将战胜邪恶、黑暗、反动。任何时候，我们都要弘扬全人类共同价值，坚定捍卫国际公平正义，让世界正气充盈、乾坤朗朗。
Humanity lives on the same planet and should work together in solidarity and harmony. At all times, we must adhere to the path of peaceful development, firmly safeguard world peace and tranquility, and work together to build a community with a shared future for mankind. People are the creators of history, and the pursuit of a happy and beautiful life is the common aspiration of people of all countries. At all times, we must take the people’s concerns as our own, the interests of the world as our own, and work tirelessly to improve people’s well-being. China’s modernisation is a modernisation that follows the path of peaceful development. China will always be a force for peace, stability, and progress in the world. We sincerely hope that all countries will learn from history, cherish peace, and jointly promote global modernisation to create a better future for mankind! 人类生活在同一星球，应当同舟共济、和睦相处。任何时候，我们都要坚持走和平发展道路，坚定守护世界和平安宁，携手构建人类命运共同体。人民是历史的创造者，追求幸福美好生活是各国人民的共同愿望。任何时候，我们都要以人民之心为心、以天下之利为利，为增进人民福祉而不懈努力。中国式现代化是走和平发展道路的现代化，中国永远是世界的和平力量、稳定力量、进步力量。我们真诚希望各国都以史为鉴、以和为贵，共同推进世界现代化，开创人类更加美好的未来!
On Page 3, there’s a commentary drawing on the events of yesterday. It says:
“Today, people repeatedly question history: Why, when China was still impoverished and weak, were the Chinese people able to defeat the ferocious and utterly evil (穷凶极恶) Japanese militarist invaders and achieve the first complete victory against foreign aggression in modern times? History has long provided the answer, and reality has repeatedly proven it. The Communist Party of China emerged at a critical juncture, providing a backbone for the Chinese people’s struggle for national independence, people’s liberation, national strength, and people’s happiness, enabling a shift in the spirit of the Chinese people from passive to active. Under the banner of the Anti-Japanese National United Front advocated and initiated by the Communist Party of China, the patriotic enthusiasm of the sons and daughters of China erupted like a volcano, braving enemy artillery fire to jointly face national calamity, vowing to fight the invaders to the bitter end, composing a heroic epic that could swallow mountains and rivers. The victory of the Chinese people’s War of Resistance Against Japanese Aggression was a great victory in which the CPC played the role of mainstay, establishing a historical turning point for the Chinese nation from falling into deep crisis since modern times toward great rejuvenation, ushered in a new historical journey for ancient China, rising from the ashes like a phoenix.” 今天，人们一遍遍叩问历史，当年的中国仍是积贫积弱，但为什么中国人民能够打败穷凶极恶的日本军国主义侵略者，取得近代以来反抗外敌入侵的第一次完全胜利？历史早已给出了答案，现实一再证明这一答案。中国共产党应运而生，中国人民谋求民族独立、人民解放和国家富强、人民幸福的斗争就有了主心骨，中国人民就从精神上由被动转为主动。在中国共产党倡导建立的抗日民族统一战线旗帜下，全体中华儿女的爱国热情像火山一样迸发出来，冒着敌人的炮火共赴国难，誓与侵略者血战到底，奏响了气吞山河的英雄壮歌。中国人民抗日战争胜利是中国共产党发挥中流砥柱作用的伟大胜利，为中华民族由近代以来陷入深重危机走向伟大复兴确立了历史转折点，开启了古老中国凤凰涅槃、浴火重生的历史新征程.
Over the past 80 years, China has undergone tremendous, earth-shaking changes. Under the strong leadership of the Communist Party of China, the Chinese people have created ‘two great miracles’, successfully pioneered the path of socialism with Chinese characteristics, and ushered in a new era of socialism with Chinese characteristics. The Chinese nation has made a great leap forward, from standing up, becoming rich, to becoming strong. The realisation of the great rejuvenation of the Chinese nation has entered an irreversible historical process. History has fully demonstrated that the Communist Party of China is the most reliable backbone of the entire people in times when storms strike. The great achievements of the new era have been forged through the joint efforts, hard work, and struggle of the Party and the people, fully demonstrating the decisive significance of the Two Establishments. On the road ahead, as long as the Party and the people always stand together, think together, and work together, no storm can shake our iron will, and no difficulty can stop our resolute steps. 80年来，中国的变化沧海桑田、翻天覆地。在中国共产党的坚强领导下，中国人民创造了“两大奇迹”，成功开辟了中国特色社会主义道路，开创了中国特色社会主义新时代，中华民族迎来了从站起来、富起来到强起来的伟大飞跃，实现中华民族伟大复兴进入了不可逆转的历史进程。历史充分表明，中国共产党是风雨来袭时全体人民最可靠的主心骨，新时代的伟大成就是党和人民一道拼出来、干出来、奋斗出来的，充分彰显了“两个确立”的决定性意义。前进道路上，只要党和人民始终站在一起、想在一起、干在一起，任何风浪都动摇不了我们的钢铁意志，任何困难都阻挡不了我们的铿锵步伐.
Remembering history is not only because of the hardships we experienced, but more because of the unending spirit and inexhaustible hope. ‘Never shall we cease to remember. We pray for peace. May the Chinese Dream be realised, and the great rejuvenation of the nation achieved’ (永矢弗谖，祈愿和平). This is the inscription on the National Memorial Cauldron for the victims of the Nanjing Massacre. ‘To be able to make the greatest effort, the greatest contribution, in the work of reviving the nation and recovering the lost territories!’ This is the expectation of the martyrs of the War of Resistance in their family letters to later generations. With the rivers and mountains as witness, with the years as testimony, ‘the ideals they believed in are being realised, the undertaking they pioneered is continuing, the history they wrote will surely continue to be written by us’.” 铭记历史，不仅因为我们经历的磨难，更因为绵延不绝的精神和生生不息的希望。“永矢弗谖，祈愿和平。中华圆梦，民族复兴。”这是南京大屠杀死难者国家公祭鼎上的铭文。“能够在复兴民族恢复失地的工作上作最大的努力，最大的贡献！”这是抗战先烈在家书中对后来者的期许。山河为证，岁月为名，“他们信仰的理想正在实现，他们开创的事业正在继续，他们书写的历史必将由我们继续书写下去.”
There is no smooth and level road, only an arduous journey of crossing mountains and rivers. Today, we are closer, more confident, and more capable than at any time in history of achieving the goal of the great rejuvenation of the Chinese nation. At the same time, we must be prepared to make even greater and more arduous efforts. Looking ahead, looking at the world, firmly standing on the right side of history, on the side of the progress of human civilisation, concentrating our strength on managing our own affairs well, our cause will be invincible! 没有一马平川的路途，只有跋山涉水的征程。今天，我们比历史上任何时期都更接近、更有信心和能力实现中华民族伟大复兴的目标，同时必须准备付出更为艰巨、更为艰苦的努力。眺望前方，放眼世界，坚定站在历史正确一边、站在人类文明进步一边，集中力量办好自己的事，我们的事业无往不胜!
Socialist China stands majestically in the East, and the baton of history has been passed to our generation. United as ‘one piece of hard steel’ under the Party's banner, with the determination and courage to overcome all difficulties and never be overwhelmed by them, daring to struggle and being good at creating, advancing courageously toward the glorious shore of the great rejuvenation of the Chinese nation, we are filled with confidence, resolve, and strength! 社会主义中国巍然屹立在世界东方，历史的接力棒交到了我们这一代人手中。在党的旗帜下团结成“一块坚硬的钢铁”，以压倒一切困难而不为困难所压倒的决心和勇气，敢于斗争，善于创造，向着中华民族伟大复兴的光辉彼岸奋勇前进，我们信心十足、底气十足、力量十足!
There’s a report on Page 3 on Xi’s meeting with Indonesian President Prabowo Subianto. The Chinese readout says:
“President Xi noted that President Prabowo coming to China for the commemoration despite difficulties shows the importance he attaches to China-Indonesia relations and the sincere friendship of the Indonesian people toward the Chinese people. China supports President Prabowo’s governance, Indonesia’s restoration of order and stability as soon as possible, and the development and growth of Indonesia. This year marks the 75th anniversary of diplomatic relations between China and Indonesia, the 80th anniversary of Indonesia’s independence, and the 70th anniversary of the Bandung Conference. No matter how the international landscape evolves, China and Indonesia always carry forward their national spirit of independence, pursue mutually beneficial cooperation, and demonstrate the responsibility of major countries for peace and development. China will work with Indonesia to uphold their commitment made at the start of diplomatic ties, carry forward the Five Principles of Peaceful Coexistence and the Bandung Spirit, build the China-Indonesia community with a shared future against high standards, and make due contribution to the cause of human progress. President Xi emphasized that the two sides should stay on the right direction, deepen all-round strategic collaboration and the alignment of development strategies, ensure the steady and long-term growth of China-Indonesia relations, and set an example at the regional and global levels. The two sides should make good use of the ‘2+2’ dialogue mechanism between their foreign and defense ministers, and deepen security and defense cooperation. They should work together for high-quality Belt and Road cooperation, expand two-way opening up, and enhance cooperation in critical minerals, the digital economy, artificial intelligence, agriculture and fisheries. China is ready to share its experience in poverty alleviation with Indonesia, facilitate personnel exchanges, and promote people-to-people ties. As major countries of the Global South, China and Indonesia should jointly oppose unilateral bullying, and safeguard regional peace and stability and international fairness and justice.”
As per the Chinese readout, Prabowo said that “Indonesia and China are good friends and true friends. Relations with China are a high priority in Indonesia’s foreign policy. China’s long-standing and valuable support for Indonesia’s economic and social development is very much appreciated. The bilateral relationship is at its best in history. Indonesia looks forward to strengthening cooperation with China in trade, investment, finance, infrastructure and other fields…”
On Page 5, there’s a report on Wang Yi’s meeting with Hungarian Minister of Foreign Affairs and Trade Peter Szijjarto. Xinhua says:
Wang said that “relations between China and Hungary are at their best in history. The successful cooperation between the two countries demonstrates that China and Europe are partners instead of rivals, Wang said, adding that the friendship between China and Hungary sets an example for China and Europe to enhance mutual trust and expand cooperation. For his part, Szijjarto said Hungary highly appreciates China for always standing on the side of peace and playing a key role in promoting world peace and stability. China is the most important cooperation partner of Hungary, and the Hungarian side looks forward to further deepening its relations with China. Cooperation between Europe and China brings about opportunities rather than risks, and regarding China as a systemic rival is the biggest misjudgement, Szijjarto noted, adding that the Hungarian side is willing to play a constructive role in promoting the development of Europe-China relations.”
On Page 6, there’s a long Guo Jiping bylined article on the WWII anniversary commemoration. The article reiterates some of the narratives that we have encountered in the preceding days and weeks. Some points to note:
“What we commemorate is the rebirth of ancient China in the midst of danger”; the author then outlines what the “great spirit” of the War of Resistance Against Japanese Aggression implies. You can find details on what the spirit entails, here.
“China was a key architect of the post-war international order…China made significant contributions to the emergence of a new international order.”
“The cause of human peace and justice has welcomed a tide of transformation that has changed the world map. After the Second World War, national liberation and independence movements flourished. More than 3 billion people broke free from the shackles of colonialism. The United Nations’ member states grew from 51 at its founding to 193 today. The change is reflected not only in the balance of international power, but also in the awakening of thought, the progress of ideas, and the improvement of governance on a global scale. Although hegemonism and power politics still exist in reality, they are increasingly losing popular support in terms of morality and thought. The vast number of developing countries are actively grasping their own future and destiny, unwaveringly promoting international fairness and justice, and continuously injecting powerful momentum into world multipolarity and the democratisation of international relations. 人类和平与正义的事业，迎来了改变全球版图的变革浪潮。二战后，民族解放和独立运动蓬勃发展，30多亿人挣脱了殖民主义的枷锁，联合国会员国从创始时的51个发展到如今的193个。变化不只反映于国际力量对比，更反映在全球范围内思想的觉醒、理念的进步、治理的改善。尽管霸权主义、强权政治在现实中仍然存在，但在道义和理念上已日益不得人心。广大发展中国家积极把握自身前途命运，坚定不移推动国际公平正义，持续为世界多极化和国际关系民主化注入强大动力.
In today’s world, the great changes unseen in a century are accelerating in their evolution, and the international situation is continuously undergoing profound changes. Faced with the reality of the shared destiny for all countries, and facing the surging counter-currents of hegemonism, unilateralism, and protectionism, maintaining the stability of the international order and promoting human progress requires new concepts to forge a new consensus. Drawing on historical lessons and grasping the trends of the times, General Secretary Xi Jinping has charted the path forward amidst chaos: ‘Humanity lives on the same planet and should work together in solidarity and harmony. At all times, we must adhere to the path of peaceful development, firmly safeguard world peace and tranquility, and work together to build a community with a shared future for mankind’. This is a profound reflection that connects the past and the future. The Chinese nation has emerged from the hardships of war and witnessed the profound suffering brought upon human society by colonialism and hegemonism. It will never impose its own tragic experiences on other nations, nor does it want any country or nation to repeat the mistakes of colonialism and hegemonism and plunge the world into the abyss again. From poverty and weakness to becoming the world’s second-largest economy, China’s development has been driven by the hard work of the Chinese people. It has followed a path of peaceful development and pursued win-win cooperation and mutual success with other countries. This is in stark contrast to the West’s historical path of modernisation, which relied on military expansion and colonial plunder. Today, China proposes and works with all parties to build a community with a shared future for mankind. This is to lead all parties to break away from the outdated logic of zero-sum games and winner-takes-all mentality, and from the historical rut of bloc politics and factional confrontation, towards a new vision of human civilisation characterised by mutual benefit, win-win cooperation, and harmonious coexistence.” 当今世界，百年变局加速演进，国际形势继续发生深刻变化。面对世界各国命运与共的时代现实，面对霸权主义、单边主义、保护主义的逆流涌动，维护国际秩序稳定、推动人类进步的事业，需要以新理念凝聚新共识。汲取历史教训、把握时代潮流，习近平总书记在乱象纷呈中指明前进的道路：“人类生活在同一星球，应当同舟共济、和睦相处。任何时候，我们都要坚持走和平发展道路，坚定守护世界和平安宁，携手构建人类命运共同体。”这是贯通历史与未来的深刻思考——中华民族从战争磨难中走来，目睹了殖民主义、霸权主义给整个人类社会带来的深重苦难，绝不会将自身曾经遭受过的悲惨经历强加给其他民族，也绝不希望任何国家、任何民族重蹈殖民主义、霸权主义覆辙将世界再次推向深渊。从昔日积贫积弱到如今成为世界第二大经济体，中国发展靠的是中国人民的勤劳付出，走的是一条和平发展道路，追求的是同世界各国合作共赢、相互成就。这与历史上西方靠对外军事扩张和殖民掠夺实现自身现代化的路径完全不同。今天，中国提出并携手各方推动构建人类命运共同体，就是要引领各方摆脱零和博弈、赢者通吃的陈旧逻辑，走出集团政治、阵营对抗的历史窠臼，迈向互利共赢、和合共生的人类文明崭新图景.
The final section is also worth noting:
Today, humanity again faces the choice between peace or war, dialogue or confrontation, win-win cooperation or zero-sum games. 2025 has been described by international public opinion as ‘the year with the most conflicts since World War II’. An international research institute has issued a warning that the ‘Global Peace Index’ is hitting new lows year after year. The Cold War mentality is resurfacing, geopolitical conflicts are escalating and spilling over, and the humanitarian situation in some regions has seriously deteriorated…Humanity's vision of peace, ‘forging swords into plowshares and never again fighting’, is struggling to navigate the thorns of reality. Internationally, voices hyping up the so-called ‘failure’ of the United Nations, ‘dysfunction’ of international law, ‘incapacity’ of multilateralism, and ‘disorder’ of the international order are continuously increasing. The challenges of our times are endless, requiring forces that dare to stand at the forefront and shoulder responsibilities. 今天，人类又面临和平还是战争、对话还是对抗、共赢还是零和的抉择。2025年被国际舆论评价为“二战以来冲突数量最多的一年”。有国际研究机构发布警告，“全球和平指数”正逐年跌破最低值。冷战思维死灰复燃，地缘冲突升级外溢，一些地区人道局势严重恶化……人类“铸剑为犁、永不再战”的和平愿景，正在现实的荆棘中艰难穿行。国际上炒作所谓联合国“失效”、国际法“失灵”、多边主义“失能”、国际秩序“失序”的声音不断增多。时代的挑战层出不穷，尤需勇立潮头、挺膺担当的力量.
‘I would like to propose the Global Governance Initiative, working together with all countries to promote the construction of a more just and reasonable global governance system, and jointly march toward a community with a shared future for mankind.’ At the critical juncture when global governance is like sailing against the current and facing setbacks, the Global Governance Initiative has emerged at the right time. The Global Development Initiative, Global Security Initiative, Global Civilization Initiative, and Global Governance Initiative, from the four dimensions of development, security, civilization, and governance, together provide strategic guidance for building a community with a shared future for mankind. “我愿提出全球治理倡议，同各国一道，推动构建更加公正合理的全球治理体系，携手迈向人类命运共同体。”在全球治理逆水行舟、不进则退的关键当口，全球治理倡议应运而生。全球发展倡议、全球安全倡议、全球文明倡议、全球治理倡议从发展、安全、文明、治理四个维度，共同为构建人类命运共同体提供战略引领.
‘War originates in the minds of men, so it is imperative to build a barrier to safeguard peace in their minds’. A major reason for the frequent chaos in today’s world is that some countries, trapped in selfish interests, are clinging to outdated Cold War and zero-sum game mindsets. Blind faith in strength will not bring true peace; instead, it could open Pandora’s box. Putting one’s own country first will not result in a ‘one side winning alone’ outcome; it will only lead to ‘multiple sides losing together’. Only by eradicating hegemonic thinking, allowing the concept of peace to take root, and allowing the principle of sovereign equality to guide the realities of international relations can we consolidate the foundations of peace and justice and promote a positive world.” “战争起源于人之思想，故务需于人之思想中筑起保卫和平之屏障。”当今世界乱象频出，一个重要原因就是个别国家囿于一己私利，抱着冷战思维、零和博弈等旧观念不放。迷信实力带不来真正的和平，反而可能会打开潘多拉的盒子。本国优先不会带来“一家独赢”，只会造成“各方多输”。只有根除霸权思维，让和平理念落地生根，让主权平等原则指导国际关系现实，才能夯实和平与正义的根基，促进世界的正和.
Practicing multilateralism and persisting in unity and cooperation is the survival wisdom that humanity has refined from historical experience, and is also the inevitable choice for addressing current challenges. The great victory of the World Anti-Fascist War was precisely a brilliant example of countries transcending differences in historical traditions, ideologies, and social systems, forming the broadest anti-fascist united front, and using unity and collaboration to resist savage violence. It profoundly demonstrates that when humanity upholds justice and conscience and works together, it can overcome unprecedented crises. 践行多边主义、坚持团结合作，是人类从历史经验中凝练的生存智慧，更是应对当前挑战的必然选择。世界反法西斯战争的伟大胜利，正是各国超越历史传统、意识形态、社会制度差异，结成最广泛的反法西斯统一战线，以团结协作抗击野蛮暴力的光辉典范。它深刻昭示，当人类秉持正义与良知，携手并肩，就能够战胜前所未有的危机。
Looking at the present, humanity faces various global challenges. No country can stand alone, and still less can any single country monopolize everything by its own strength. The world is not more than 190 small boats each drifting alone, but a giant ship of shared destiny. The fate of the world should be jointly grasped by all countries, international rules should be jointly written by all countries, global affairs should be jointly governed by all countries, and the fruits of development should be jointly shared by all countries. Putting down arrogance and prejudice and persisting in unity and cooperation is the only way out that conforms to humanity's common interests. 放眼当下，人类面临各种全球性挑战，没有国家能够置身事外，更不可能凭一己之力包打天下。世界不是190多条各自漂泊的小船，而是一艘命运与共的巨轮。世界命运应由各国共同掌握，国际规则应由各国共同书写，全球事务应由各国共同治理，发展成果应由各国共同分享。放下傲慢与偏见、坚持团结与合作，才是符合人类共同利益的唯一出路.
The more the international situation becomes chaotic and intertwined, the more we must persist in and maintain UN authority. Over the past 80 years, the UN has always been the most universal, representative, and authoritative intergovernmental international organization. For this edifice, we should consolidate the foundation and strengthen the base rather than tear down beams and destroy pillars. From the UN Summit of the Future held last year, which adopted the milestone Pact for the Future to the recent UN General Assembly passing a resolution with an overwhelming majority of 149 votes in favor demanding immediate, unconditional, and permanent ceasefire by parties to the Israeli-Palestinian conflict, facts prove that the UN remains the main platform for practicing multilateralism and advancing global governance, and building an equal and orderly multipolar world needs the UN even more. Any actions of practicing exceptionalism, of following pragmatism, of ‘using the rules when they fit, discarding them when they don’t’ are, in essence, betrayals of the spirit of multilateralism, and retrogressions in the course of history. 国际形势越是变乱交织，越要坚持和维护联合国权威。80年来，联合国始终是最具普遍性、代表性和权威性的政府间国际组织。对于这座大厦，应该固本强基而不是拆梁毁柱。从去年举行的联合国未来峰会通过具有里程碑意义的《未来契约》，到不久前联合国大会以149票赞成的压倒性多数通过决议要求以巴冲突方立即无条件永久停火，事实证明，联合国仍是践行多边主义、推进全球治理的主要平台，建设平等有序的多极世界更加需要联合国。任何搞例外主义、奉行实用主义，对国际规则“合则用、不合则弃”的行径，本质上是对多边主义精神的背离，是在历史的进程中倒退逆行.
The destiny of humankind is bound together in weal and woe. Only if all countries and all nations treat one another as equals, live in harmony, and watch over and help each other, can common security be maintained, the roots of war eliminated, and historical tragedies not be allowed to recur! “The purpose of our practicing multilateralism is precisely to build a community of shared future for mankind.” This is how UN Secretary-General Guterres described the goal of moving forward. If all countries in the world take history as a mirror and value harmony, and jointly become defenders of world peace, fellow travellers in development and revitalisation, and champions of international fairness and justice, they will certainly be able to strive for a brighter future for humanity's prospects and destiny. 人类命运休戚与共，各个国家、各个民族只有平等相待、和睦相处、守望相助，才能维护共同安全，消弭战争根源，不让历史悲剧重演！“我们践行多边主义的目的，就是要建立人类命运共同体。”联合国秘书长古特雷斯如是讲述前行的目标。世界各国都以史为鉴、以和为贵，共同做世界和平的维护者、发展振兴的同行者、国际公平正义的捍卫者，一定能为人类前途命运争取更加光明的未来.
After all this, if you are still interested, the Chinese government has shared the Global Governance Initiative Concept Paper. Two important paragraphs in that are:
“We will uphold principles, embrace new ideas, stay open-minded and inclusive, adhere to the principle of extensive consultation and joint contribution for shared benefit, and work under the framework of the GGI with all parties to enhance policy communication and coordination, so as to build extensive consensus and enrich the methods and pathways for reforming and improving global governance. We will leverage the platforms provided by the U.N., relevant international organizations, and regional and subregional multilateral institutions to take active actions with all parties and contribute our thoughts and energy to reforming and improving global governance. Priority will be given to areas where governance is in urgent need and scant supply, such as the reform of the international financial architecture, AI, cyberspace, climate change, trade, and outer space, and to firmly upholding the authority and central role of the U.N. and supporting the U.N. in implementing the Pact for the Future. We would like to increase communication and cooperation in these areas to build consensus, identify deliverables, and bring about early harvests.”
Finally, on Page 7, there’s an article by Pakistan Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif. He writes that:
“When relations between many countries are still at the level of exchange of interests, Pakistan–China relations have realised a fundamental transformation of the path of development. The friendship between our two countries originates from shared convictions, transcending considerations of interest. True friends not only deliver charcoal in the snow (provide timely support-雪中送炭), but also invest in each other’s futures.” 在很多国家之间的关系还停留在利益交换时，巴中关系实现了发展路径的根本转变。我们两国的友谊源于信念，超越利益考量。真朋友不仅雪中送炭，更会为彼此的明天投资.
The early years of the Pakistan-China partnership focused on political mutual trust and security cooperation. This foundation of strategic trust has not only been consolidated but continues to expand and deepen. Today, the areas of cooperation between the two sides have long transcended the political and defense realms to encompass the economy, science and technology, and people-to-people exchanges. Pakistan fully supports President Xi Jinping GDI, GSI, GCI and GGI. Under President Xi Jinping’s far-sighted leadership, Pakistan-China relations are experiencing unprecedented prosperity. 早期的巴中伙伴关系侧重于政治互信与安全协作，这一战略信任基础不仅得以巩固，而且持续拓展深化。如今，双方合作领域早已超越政治和防务范畴，覆盖经济、科技、人文交流等各个方面。巴方全力支持习近平主席提出的全球发展倡议、全球安全倡议、全球文明倡议和全球治理倡议。在习近平主席高瞻远瞩的引领下，巴中关系正迎来前所未有的繁荣期.
“The recent launch of Pakistan’s multi-purpose communications satellite and the training program for 1,000 Pakistani agricultural experts in China are both vivid testaments to the spirit of building a community with a shared future. Pakistani astronauts will soon depart for the Chinese space station, a testament to the fact that our friendship is reaching for the stars and the seas! 近期发射的巴基斯坦多功能通信卫星项目、千名巴农业专家在华培训项目，皆是命运共同体精神的生动注脚。不久后，巴宇航员将赴中国空间站，这昭示着我们的友谊正迈向星辰大海！
To attract Chinese companies and promote economic and trade cooperation between Pakistan and China, Pakistan has implemented a series of facilitation measures: simplifying the visa application process for Chinese citizens seeking business, work, and investment visas, and shortening approval times; establishing dedicated lanes and lounges for Chinese business people at the four major airports in Islamabad, Karachi, Lahore, and Faisalabad; and establishing a recently-opened Islamabad Business Facilitation Center, providing one-stop services for investors. Furthermore, the approval process for profit remittances has been expedited, ensuring payment to power companies and ensuring the fulfillment of financial commitments. 为了吸引中国企业、推动巴中经贸合作，巴方实施一系列便利化措施：简化中国公民商务、工作、投资签证流程，缩短审批时间；在伊斯兰堡、卡拉奇、拉合尔、费萨拉巴德四大机场设立中国客商专用通道及休息室；近期揭幕的伊斯兰堡商务便利中心为投资者提供一站式服务；同时加快利润汇出审批，保障电力企业款项支付，切实履行财务承诺.
The current priority is to make the long-standing cooperation more institutionalised: building cooperation mechanisms that transcend political boundaries, exploring new areas of cooperation, and ensuring that the rock-solid, all-weather friendship between Pakistan and China translates into shared prosperity and shared interests. From the Himalayas to the Arabian Sea, and now to the vastness of space, our friendship has always been an epic story of trust and transformation. The future is filled with hope and opportunity. We must continue to work together to create greater success. 当前要务是将长期以来的合作更加机制化：建设跨越政治层面的合作机制，开拓新合作领域，确保坚如磐石的巴中全天候友谊转化为繁荣共享和利益与共。从喜马拉雅山脉到阿拉伯海，如今更至浩瀚太空，我们的友谊始终是信任与变革的史诗。未来充满希望与机遇，我们当继续携手努力，共创辉煌.