Lianhe Zaobao:

In recent years, some Western countries have claimed that they will "safeguard the rules-based international order," accusing China of challenging the existing international order and coercing other countries. The CPC is now actively pushing ahead with reform and improvements in the global governance system. Does this mean a rejection of the existing international order and norms? Thank you.

Liu Jianchao:

Thank you for your question. The so-called "rules-based international order," claimed by certain countries, sounds good outwardly, but we must comprehensively analyze the concept. What, in essence, are the "rules," and who are the rule-makers? After extended observation and analysis, we have concluded that the so-called "international order" that these countries claim, based on military alliances and oriented by ideology, is only in line with the rules set by themselves. Their aim is to safeguard the dominant role of several certain countries in the world, and exclude developing countries from the international system and the global governance system.

We believe that there is only one international system and one international order in the world. We must underscore the role of the United Nations (UN) as it is an important international platform that forges and reflects the international consensus and demonstrates democracy in international relations. We call for an international system with the UN at the core and an international order based on international law. Meanwhile, we believe that there is only one set of fundamental international norms, the one that is based on the missions and principles of the Charter of the United Nations. There is only one type of true multilateralism, which is also underpinned by the purposes and principles of the UN Charter and features equality and win-win cooperation, instead of fake or pseudo multilateralism used by several countries as a pretext for acts of unilateralism.  

You just referred to the accusation that China has coerced other countries. I think the truth is quite the reverse. China has put forward a series of proposals and initiatives welcomed by the international community, including the Belt and Road Initiative, advocation of the free and open international trade and multilateral trade, and development of the foreign trade and economic relations following the principles of equality and mutual benefit. Meanwhile, in today's world, who, on the contrary, is attempting to dictate international affairs, determine other countries' destiny, or monopolize development resources? Who is engaging in clique politics by rejecting dissidents, threatening, or intimidating other countries? Who has imposed decoupling, supply disruption, or sanctions? Who has pushed the world into division and even confrontation? I think people around the world all know the obvious answer. China stays committed to openness and inclusiveness instead of closeness and exclusion; to international law and rules instead of seeking one's supremacy; to consultation and cooperation instead of conflict and confrontation; and to keep up with the times instead of rejecting change. China has always worked to safeguard world peace, contribute to global development, and preserve international order. The CPC has proposed building a human community with a shared future and an open, inclusive, clean, and beautiful world that enjoys lasting peace, universal security, and common prosperity. It is the CPC's major initiative to address the prominent issues facing the world today and guarantee the sustainable development of human civilization.

China will unswervingly uphold true multilateralism, shoulder its responsibility in safeguarding world peace, take every effort to advance global development, set a good example of preserving international order, contribute and respond to global challenges, and work together with countries around the world to promote the building of a human community with a shared future. Thank you.