Global trading system is under contestation, and China is vigorously defending not just its own legal rights, but the integrity of the system, assert experts in a think tank forum.
China Propels Multilateral Defense, Encourages Collaborative Efforts
Photographed at the 12th CCG VIP Luncheon in Beijing on April 16, 2025, a Chinese sage elucidates the nation's role in championing the multilateral system. Image courtesy of CCG
In 2025, China's resolve to protect the multilateral system sets the stage, both through diplomatic endeavors and pivotal events like the 12th CCG VIP Luncheon. Here's a digestible rundown of China's strategy and activities pertaining to this matter:
China's Champion for Multilateral Institutions
- Shielding Intellectual Property Rights and Multilateral Trade: Vocal about preserving the international system, China champions cooperation to safeguard intellectual property rights and multilateral trade[1][4].
- Curbing Unilateral Acts: Stongly opposed to unilateral policies, such as U.S. tariffs, China aims to safeguard its own interests as well as the broader multilateral system[2][3].
The Need for Symbiotic Collaboration Echoes at the 12th CCG VIP Luncheon
At meetings like the 12th CCG VIP Luncheon, Chinese experts underscore the necessity for collaboration[2]. They remind us that their efforts transcend protecting their own interests and extend to the pursuit of global harmony and mutually beneficial partnerships.
Forging Flexible Alliances Beyond Traditional Multilateralism
Although championing traditional multilateralism, China is also cultivating minilateral security frameworks – agile associations devised to bolster regional security without overly relying on Western-led institutions[5].
Key Actions and Initiatives
- Arria-Formula Meeting: Holding an Arria-formula meeting at the UN to discuss the fallout of unilateralism on international relations, China showcases its commitment to upholding multilateral tenets and the UN Charter[3].
- Global Networking: Persuading other nations, like the UK and EU, to back multilateral trade and stand ground against unilateral tariffs, China stresses the significance of mutual benefits and global stability[4].
- China's economic strategy in 2025 strongly emphasizes the protection of the multilateral system, particularly through advocacy for cooperative efforts in safeguarding intellectual property rights and multilateral trade.
- At the 12th CCG VIP Luncheon in Beijing, Chinese experts highlighted the importance of collaboration, suggesting that their undertakings extend beyond protecting their own interests and focus on promoting global harmony and mutually beneficial partnerships.
- In addition to championing traditional multilateralism, China is also developing minilateral security frameworks, nimble alliances designed to strengthen regional security while minimizing dependence on Western-led institutions.
- Key actions taken by China to uphold multilateral principles include hosting an Arria-formula meeting at the UN to address the consequences of unilateralism on international relations and persuading nations like the UK and EU to support multilateral trade and resist unilateral tariffs, underscoring the significance of mutual benefits and global stability.
