Source: CGTN Published: 2024-03-07

Editor's note: Wang Yiwei, a special commentator on current affairs for CGTN, is vice president of the Academy of Xi Jinping Thought on Socialism with Chinese Characteristics for a New Era, research fellow of the Platform for the Study of Contemporary Political Parties, and Jean Monnet chair professor at the Renmin University of China. The article reflects the author's opinions and not necessarily the views of CGTN.

Currently, the global landscape is undergoing profound changes, and human society is facing multiple challenges, Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi, also a member of the Political Bureau of the Communist Party of China Central Committee, said at a press conference on the sidelines of the second session of the 14th National People's Congress on Thursday.

In this era of change and uncertainty, we find ourselves reflecting on the famous Charles Dickens' quote: 'It was the best of times; it was the worst of times.'

The existing international order reveals glaring flaws, leaving the Global South longing for their rightful share of benefits. Simultaneously, developed Western nations, once supporters of this order, also express dissatisfaction as their piece of the pie diminishes. The world is grappling with a multitude of challenges, including the Ukraine crisis and the Gaza conflicts, plunging us into a state of general security dilemma.

Why such a bleak outlook? The root cause lies in the flawed underlying logic of international politics and the disrupted ecosystem of globalization. Modern international relations are undergoing unprecedented changes, rendering traditional geopolitical competition inadequate for today's world.

So, what role does China assume in this evolving world?

Undeniably, China plays a significant role in shaping our global civilization. At the material level, the country's contribution to global economic growth surpassed 30 percent in 2023, solidifying its position as the foremost engine of world development. Beyond being recognized as the world's manufacturing hub, China has evolved into a digital marketplace and a vital source of new energy.

At the institutional level, the China-proposed Belt and Road Initiative (BRI) has yielded tangible benefits for participating nations over the past decade. This initiative fosters an open and inclusive collaborative process that transcends national borders, ideological differences, developmental disparities, social systems, and geopolitical conflicts. This inclusive approach has attracted the involvement of over 100 countries, including developed nations, in the Asian Infrastructure Investment Bank.