China has intensified its efforts to shape international governance through President Xi Jinping’s Global Governance Initiative (GGI), positioning itself as a leading advocate for developing countries and a supporter of a more representative international order.
In June 2026, Beijing released a white paper titled More Just and Equitable Global Governance: China’s Principles, Proposals and Actions, outlining its vision for reforming global governance institutions and strengthening the voice of developing nations, often referred to as the Global South.
The document builds on the Global Governance Initiative unveiled by President Xi in September 2025 and follows his earlier Global Development, Global Security and Global Civilization initiatives. Together, these frameworks form the cornerstone of China’s broader diplomatic agenda.
China’s Vision
The white paper argues that existing global governance structures face growing challenges amid geopolitical tensions, conflicts, economic uncertainty and development disparities. According to Beijing, reforms are needed to make international institutions more inclusive, representative and responsive to the needs of developing countries.
China presents itself as a supporter of multilateralism and the United Nations-centered international system. The paper emphasizes principles such as consultation, joint contribution and shared benefits, while advocating for what it describes as a more balanced and equitable international order.
Chinese officials argue that the initiative reflects the aspirations of many developing countries that seek greater representation in global decision-making. Foreign Minister Wang Yi has said the initiative aims to help address what China calls a “global governance deficit” and contribute Chinese ideas and solutions to international challenges.
The white paper also highlights China’s growing engagement with developing countries through platforms such as BRICS, the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO), the Forum on China-Africa Cooperation (FOCAC), and the Belt and Road Initiative.
Criticism of the Existing Order
While the white paper does not explicitly name the United States, many of its references are widely interpreted as criticism of Washington and Western-led institutions.
The document criticizes unilateralism, protectionism and power politics, arguing that such approaches have weakened international cooperation and undermined global governance. It calls on major powers to shoulder greater responsibility in maintaining peace, supporting development and strengthening multilateral institutions.
Chinese officials have increasingly argued that the world is moving toward a multipolar order in which developing countries should play a larger role in shaping international affairs.
The Global South Question
A central theme of the white paper is China’s support for the Global South. Chinese officials describe the rise of developing countries as one of the most significant trends in international politics and argue that these nations deserve a stronger voice in global governance.
Vice Foreign Minister Miao Deyu recently described the rise of the Global South as “unstoppable” and called for greater cooperation among developing nations through platforms such as BRICS and the SCO.
China has increasingly portrayed itself as a natural partner of developing countries, citing its own development experience, infrastructure investments, trade relationships and South-South cooperation initiatives.
The Debate Over Leadership
China’s growing emphasis on the Global South has generated debate among policymakers, academics and governments worldwide.
Supporters argue that China has become an influential voice for developing countries because of its economic rise, extensive engagement with Africa, Asia and Latin America, and its advocacy for reforms in global institutions. They point to initiatives such as the Belt and Road Initiative, expanded BRICS membership and increased development financing as evidence of Beijing’s commitment to the developing world.
Critics, however, question whether China can legitimately claim leadership of the Global South given its status as the world’s second-largest economy and its growing geopolitical influence. Some analysts argue that Beijing’s vision of global governance primarily serves China’s strategic interests and seeks to expand its influence within international institutions.
India has emerged as one of the most prominent alternative voices. New Delhi has hosted several Global South summits and argues that developing countries should pursue greater representation while maintaining constructive engagement with both developed and developing partners.
There are also concerns among some Western governments and research institutions that China’s governance model may encourage greater state control over political, media and civic institutions. Studies by organizations such as the Atlantic Council and other policy institutes have highlighted Chinese training programs for government officials, journalists and political leaders in developing countries, suggesting they may expose participants to governance practices that differ from liberal democratic traditions.
China rejects such criticism, maintaining that its cooperation programs are intended to share development experience, build capacity and respect each country’s sovereign right to choose its own political system.
Looking Ahead
The release of China’s latest white paper reflects Beijing’s determination to play a larger role in shaping the future of global governance. Whether China ultimately emerges as the leading voice of the Global South remains an open question.
What is clear is that competition over influence within the developing world is likely to intensify. As global power shifts continue, the debate over who represents the interests of developing nations—and what kind of international order should emerge—will remain one of the defining geopolitical issues of the coming decade.
