Chinese Vice President calls for stronger global governance at St. Petersburg Forum

ST. PETERSBURG: Chinese Vice President Han Zheng on Friday called for enhanced international cooperation, stronger multilateralism, and a more equitable global governance system while addressing the plenary session of the 29th St. Petersburg International Economic Forum (SPIEF).

Delivering a keynote speech on implementing the Global Governance Initiative and building a better future for humanity, Han said the world was undergoing profound transformations marked by accelerating geopolitical shifts, growing governance challenges, and increasing global uncertainties.

He noted that the Global Governance Initiative, proposed by China, had received positive responses and support from nearly 160 countries and international organisations. Han highlighted the establishment of the Group of Friends of Global Governance at the United Nations, describing it as a collective effort to uphold the purposes and principles of the UN Charter, promote genuine multilateralism, and oppose unilateral actions.

As the initiator of the Global Governance Initiative, Han said China had translated its commitments into concrete actions aimed at promoting reforms and improvements in the global governance framework.

The Chinese vice president stressed that China and Russia, as major countries and permanent members of the United Nations Security Council, bear important responsibilities in advancing the transformation of the global governance system and maintaining international stability.

He reaffirmed China's readiness to work with Russia and other countries to promote an open, inclusive, fair and just international order based on mutually beneficial cooperation.

During his speech, Han presented a four-point proposal for advancing global governance reforms.

First, he called for equal cooperation among nations and advocated a governance model based on extensive consultation, joint contribution and shared benefits. He stressed the importance of genuine multilateralism and greater representation and participation of developing countries in global decision-making processes.

Second, Han urged the international community to uphold fairness and justice while preserving the authority and central role of the United Nations. He emphasised the need to oppose double standards and selective application of international law and to strengthen the UN's role as the primary platform for addressing global challenges.

Third, he highlighted the importance of promoting common development and improving people's livelihoods worldwide. Han called for the full implementation of the United Nations 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development to achieve shared prosperity and inclusive growth.

Fourth, he underscored the need for stronger policy coordination and practical cooperation among countries, international organisations and multilateral institutions to generate greater synergy in addressing global challenges and advancing sustainable development.

Han also noted that 2026 marks the first year of China's 15th Five-Year Plan, which outlines the country's development objectives for the next five years. He said the plan reflects China's commitment to high-quality development and its aspiration to deepen mutually beneficial cooperation with countries around the world.

The vice president reiterated China's willingness to work with all partners to implement the Global Governance Initiative, promote a more balanced and equitable international system, and build a brighter future for humanity.

On the sidelines of the forum, Han held brief exchanges with President Shavkat Mirziyoyev of Uzbekistan and President Samia Suluhu Hassan of Tanzania.