On October 2, Lebanon’s L’Orient-Le Jour published an op-ed by Chinese Ambassador Chen Chuandong entitled “The Global Governance Initiative: China’s Answer for a World of Transformation and Turbulences” in. The article highlights the progress made since the launch of the Global Governance Initiative a year ago. The full text is as follows:

The world today is marked by great transformation and turbulences. The international community faces four major challenges: governance deficit, trust deficit, peace deficit and  development deficit. Unilateralism, protectionism and the logic that “might makes right” are eroding the international order established after the Second World War.

In September 2025, Chinese President Xi Jinping put forward the Global Governance Initiative (GGI), offering China’s answer to the problems of global governance. To date, the Initiative has received the support and positive response from 160 countries and international organizations.

The GGI is underpinned by five core concepts: sovereign equality, international rule of law, multilateralism, people-centered approach, and real actions. Mutually reinforcing and forming an integrated whole, these five concepts answer the defining questions of our times — what kind of global governance system the world needs, and how global governance should be improved.

Adhering to sovereign equality means that all countries, regardless of size, strength or wealth, are equal members of the international community, and all have the right to independently choose their own development paths and social systems. The future of the Middle East should be in the hands of the people of the Middle East. Countries outside the region should respect the sovereignty of  countries in the region. Lebanon’s sovereignty, security and territorial integrity brooks no violation.

Abiding by the international rule of law means that international rules can only be written by all members of the international community together. The purposes and principles of the UN Charter and universally recognized basic norms governing international relations must be observed comprehensively, fully and faithfully. Countries of the region should be supported in settling their differences on their own through dialogue and consultation. There must be no double standards, no exceptionalism for major powers, and no return to the law of the jungle.

Practicing multilateralism means upholding extensive consultations, joint governance and shared benefits, advancing an equal and orderly multipolar world, opposing unilateralism, and safeguarding the international system with the United Nations at its core. The more rampant power politics becomes, the more important it is to champion multilateralism and to counter “small circles” with greater unity.

Advocating a people-centered approach means putting the people first, reforming and improving global governance, promoting a universally beneficial and inclusive economic globalization, bridging the North-South gap, and delivering the fruits of development to the people of all countries.

Focusing on real actions means solving problems through concrete deeds. Over the past year, China has acted to turn vision into action. China initiated the establishment of the International Organization for Mediation, the world’s first intergovernmental organization dedicated to resolving international disputes through mediation. China organized the World Artificial Intelligence Conference and was joined by 29 countries in launching the World Artificial Intelligence Cooperation Organization. Since 1 May this year, China has extended zero-tariff treatment to all 53 African countries having diplomatic relations with China, using its vast market to create new opportunities for developing countries. Together with 53 countries and nine international organizations, China launched the Global Alliance for Poverty Reduction and Development, injecting fresh impetus into global poverty reduction.

China and Lebanon both actively advocate and practice multilateralism. China stands ready to work with Lebanon, taking advantage of the Global Governance Initiative as a platform, to strengthen communication and coordination in promoting a just and equitable system of global governance.