H.E. Jiang Wei, Chinese Ambassador to Antigua and Barbuda
By H.E. Jiang Wei, Chinese Ambassador to Antigua and Barbuda
China released a white paper on June 17, 2026, titled "More Just and Equitable Global Governance: China's Principles, Proposals and Actions." According to Antigua.news, Ambassador Jiang Wei has taken the opportunity to outline the document's key principles and proposals for audiences in Antigua and Barbuda.
The ambassador writes that the world has entered an era of profound change on a scale unseen in a century. Peace and development remain daunting challenges. Geopolitical tensions are intensifying, armed conflicts are erupting across multiple regions, and global economic fragmentation is exacerbating development disparities. Unilateralism and hegemonism, he argues, have inflicted serious harm by violating international law and the basic norms governing international relations.
De-globalization and protectionism are on the rise, while economic and trade issues are increasingly being politicized, instrumentalized, and weaponized. Ambassador Jiang contends that the current global governance system has grown incompatible with today's realities, and that its shortcomings are becoming ever more pronounced. He calls for a model of global governance that is more inclusive, equitable, and sustainable, with greater representation for Global South voices.
In September 2025, Chinese President Xi Jinping put forward the Global Governance Initiative (GGI), framing it as China's response to two central questions: what kind of global governance system should be established, and how that system can be reformed and improved. The initiative swiftly gained support from nearly 160 countries and international organizations, with over 60 countries joining the Group of Friends of Global Governance.
The white paper outlines five core commitments. The first is sovereign equality — all countries, regardless of size, strength, or wealth, are entitled to have their sovereignty and dignity respected and to participate equally in global governance. The second is the international rule of law, described as the fundamental safeguard for a fair and just global environment. Third is multilateralism, with countries urged to uphold the central role of the United Nations and pursue extensive consultation, joint contribution, and shared benefits. Fourth is a people-centered approach, placing the well-being of all nations' citizens as the ultimate measure of governance. Fifth is a commitment to real results, with effective governance defined as governance that solves actual problems.
Ambassador Jiang describes China not merely as an advocate of the GGI, but as an active practitioner. On security, China participates in UN peacekeeping operations as the second largest contributor to the UN peacekeeping budget and the largest troop contributor among permanent members of the UN Security Council. On trade, China has promoted liberalization and facilitation through higher-standard opening up and continued progress on Belt and Road cooperation.
On multilateral institutions, China supported the historic expansion of BRICS and the growth of the Shanghai Cooperation Organization, backed the African Union's membership in the G20, and advanced initiatives for open and inclusive Global South cooperation. China also initiated the creation of the International Organization for Mediation, convened the Conference on Dialogue of Asian Civilizations and the Ancient Civilizations Forum, established the Kunming Biodiversity Fund, and put forward the Global Initiative on Data Security and the Global AI Governance Initiative.
The ambassador closes with a call to action, describing global governance as a boat that must forge ahead or be driven back. He states that China stands ready to work alongside Antigua and Barbuda to strengthen multilateral cooperation and jointly build a more just and equitable global governance system.
