Distinguished guests,

Ladies and Gentlemen,

Dear Friends,

Good afternoon!

It is a true pleasure to be here with both old and new friends at the 14th Manila Forum for China–Philippines Relations. Thank you to our co-host, the Association for Philippines-China Understanding (APCU), for the strong support. A warm welcome to the delegation of Chinese scholars led by Professor Gao Zhikai. The theme of this forum—Safeguarding Peace and Security in the Asia-Pacific—captures our common aspiration: to deepen mutual understanding and trust, promote win–win cooperation, advance the reform of global governance, and work hand in hand to uphold peace and stability in our part of the world. 

Twelve years ago, President Xi Jinping, with a keen understanding of global trends and a deep concern for mankind’s future, called for the building of a community with a shared future for humanity, lighting the way for a world in search of direction. Since then, China has put forward the Global Development Initiative, the Global Security Initiative, and the Global Civilization Initiative. Together, these three initiatives serve as pillars of this vision. They have contributed Chinese wisdom to tackling global challenges across multiple dimensions, while injecting much-needed stability and positive energy into a world facing challenges and uncertainties.

Not long ago, China successfully hosted the Shanghai Cooperation Organization Summit in Tianjin, as well as the commemoration of the 80th Anniversary of the Victory in the Chinese People’s War of Resistance Against Japanese Aggression and the World Anti-Fascist War. These events conveyed a clear message of China’s steadfast commitment to upholding international fairness and justice, and underscored the strong momentum toward building a community with a shared future for mankind. 

Building on the three major initiatives, President Xi further proposed the Global Governance Initiative (GGI), offering a practical roadmap for reforming and improving global governance and providing stronger support for our shared future. The GGI rests on five core principles: upholding sovereign equality, abiding by international law, practicing multilateralism, embracing a people-centered approach, and focusing on concrete action. This initiative aligns with the purposes and principles of the United Nations Charter, responds to the common aspirations of people in all countries, and addresses the pressing needs of today’s world. Since its launch, the GGI has been welcomed and supported by leaders of many countries and international organizations, and it is destined to gain broader recognition from the international community.

This Initiative is a natural response to the trends of our times. Today, the world is undergoing profound and accelerated changes unseen in a century. Emerging markets and developing countries are rising together, bringing about a historic shift in the international balance of power. This has created strong impetus for reforming the global governance system. At the same time, the calls of the Global South for peace, development, and cooperation are growing louder, while the urgency to improve global governance and redress historical injustices continues to mount. Born in this context, the GGI responds to the challenges of our times and charts a course for transformation.

This Initiative is the right choice for addressing our common challenges. Around the world, hegemonic and bullying practices—using strength to intimidate the weak, seizing benefits through force or deceit, and playing zero-sum games—are causing serious harm. The deficits in peace, development, security, and governance continue to widen, posing unprecedented challenges to humanity. No country can remain unaffected. Only through cooperation can we strengthen our collective resilience against external risks and pursue shared development.

The five core principles of the GGI are deeply rooted in China’s fine traditional culture and carry forward the best traditions of its diplomacy. They reject the outdated logic of zero-sum games and winner-takes-all, and rise above Western-centrism and notions of civilizational or racial superiority. At the same time, they add new dimensions to China’s traditional worldview and to Marxist theories of world history, offering fresh, value-based guidance for global governance.

In a world marked by turbulence and transformation, peace and stability in the Asia-Pacific are especially precious. It is our shared responsibility to preserve and safeguard this situation. 

As a member of the Asia-Pacific family, China has long shared a common destiny with its neighbors, remains committed to promoting regional peace and stability, as well as building a community with a shared future alongside neighboring countries. Looking ahead, China will continue to work hand in hand with regional partners to champion the Asian values of peace, cooperation, openness, and inclusiveness—resolutely upholding international fairness and justice, and serving as a source of stability in a turbulent world.

Taking this opportunity, I would like to share a few ideas in the hope of inspiring further reflection and dialogue:

First, with evolving theories on international order, we now see two contrasting schools of thought: one grounded in international law, and another based on so-called “rules.” The latter raises important questions: On exactly what and whose rules is this “rules-based order” founded? How do these rules relate to the established framework of international law? And ultimately, what kind of international order does the world at large—and our region in particular—truly need? 

Second, as the Ukraine and other crises continue to spill over, some countries have sought to replicate bloc confrontation in the Asia-Pacific by promoting the idea of an “Asia-Pacific NATO.” Faced with such divisive intentions, we must ask: What sort of security architecture does our region require? One that is exclusive, built only on military alliances, or one that is distinctly Asian—featuring shared security, respect for diversity, and active dialogue? 

Today, we are happy to welcome distinguished scholars from both China and the Philippines to this forum. We look forward to meaningful exchanges that will generate fresh insights and help build greater consensus.

In closing, I sincerely wish this Forum every success.  

Thank you!