Chinese President Xi Jinping on Monday strongly criticized the imposition of unilateral rules by powerful nations, urging the international community to reject double standards and work collectively toward a fairer global governance system.
Addressing the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) Council of Heads of States summit, President Xi introduced the Global Governance Initiative (GGI), a comprehensive framework aimed at fostering equality and inclusivity in international affairs.
He emphasized that all countries, irrespective of their size, strength, or wealth, should be treated as equal participants, decision makers, and beneficiaries of global governance.
“There should be no double standards, and the house rules of a few countries must not be imposed upon others,” Xi asserted, in a veiled criticism of Western-led policies.
The GGI, as outlined by Xi, is built on five key principles: sovereign equality, respect for international rule of law, genuine multilateralism, a people-centered approach, and concrete action-oriented policies.
Highlighting persistent global challenges, the Chinese leader said the world was haunted by Cold War mentality, hegemonism, and protectionism, which continue to obstruct collective progress.
He warned that humanity is facing “a new period of turbulence and transformation” and noted that global governance stands at a new crossroads.
Xi also underscored the central role of the United Nations, calling for firm safeguarding of its status and authority as the backbone of international governance.
At the same time, he stressed that the SCO must step up as a stabilizing force, setting an example in implementing the GGI and contributing to peace and stability in an increasingly volatile world.
The Chinese president, already recognized for championing the Belt and Road Initiative (BRI), positioned the new GGI as another hallmark policy aimed at shaping a more just international order while countering unilateralism and bloc politics.