China, Russia, and Global Governance
Gennady Zyuganov, Pravda, May 21,2026 —
Current generations have been destined to live in an “era of change.” Chinese sages have pointed out the difficulties and dangers of such times. But… we cannot choose our times. This means that it is up to us to determine how the current period of upheaval will end. What will be its outcome? Will a new, just world order be built? Or will the dictates of force, inequality, and the violation of international law only worsen?
The first months of this year made it abundantly clear: imperialism had cast off all pretense of decency. It set about destroying the remnants of the system that had emerged after World War II. True, that system wasn’t perfect. But the set of global checks and balances still worked.
US aggression against Venezuela has escalated into an attack on Iran. Threats against Cuba are becoming increasingly vocal. Tariff wars, sanctions, blockades, and dirty information campaigns are fueling the militaristic urge. As V.I. Lenin said, “Politically, imperialism is generally a striving for violence and reaction.”
Global capital is infuriated. It understands that time is not on its side. An invisible bell is tolling the final hours of Western hegemony. Its rulers are no longer able to hide their fear of a new world where they will be unable to dictate their will to other countries and peoples. The actions of the global oligarchy are becoming increasingly dangerous. The task of combating reaction and forming a new system of international relations has become paramount.
It is crucial to curb the illegitimate claims of imperialist forces and open the doors to a more just society. All people of good will must find their place in this struggle. This is especially true for political parties and public associations.
The Communist Party of the Russian Federation remains true to its ideals and principles. Together with like-minded partners, we have already held two International Anti-Fascist Forums—in Minsk and Moscow. Their conclusions were further developed at an international media forum at the end of last year. In the coming days, we look forward to welcoming our friends and comrades to the 3rd International Anti-Fascist Forum. Its work will serve to unite forces in the fight against imperialism and neocolonialism, state terrorism, neo-fascism, and the threat of a new major war.
To achieve results in our struggle, considerable intellectual and practical political work remains. The China Initiative on Global Governance is a timely and well-thought-out response to the challenges of the times. It was put forward by Chinese President Xi Jinping last September in Tianjin at the Shanghai Cooperation Organization summit. This fact alone is symbolic. It is the members of the SCO and BRICS who are called upon to become the pillars of the new global system.
The Global Governance Initiative is the result of Beijing’s long-standing commitment to addressing dangerous developments in international politics. It is based on the ideas of the Community of Shared Future for Humanity and China’s practical experience in building equitable relations between countries. The Belt and Road Initiative is an excellent example of this approach.
Chinese President Xi Jinping emphasizes: ” The world we live in is diverse and colorful. Diversity makes human civilization what it is and serves as a constant source of vitality and the driving force behind global development .” It’s hard to disagree with the General Secretary of the CPC Central Committee.
For too long, the world has been dominated by a model in which a small number of states determined the rules of the game. The need for a fundamentally different system is becoming increasingly urgent. It must be based on equality and consideration of the interests of all participants in the global community.
Xi Jinping’s global governance initiative is built on five principles. First, sovereign equality . Regardless of size, population, economic development, or political influence, every state should have an equal right to participate in decision-making and access to benefits.
Secondly, there’s the principle of the rule of international law . It must remain the key guarantor of stability. In a situation where the US and NATO members openly disregard international law, adherence to the UN Charter, the spirit of good neighborliness, and justice are particularly important. Without this, the “law of the jungle” will reign supreme, and the Shere khans and their fellow Tabaquis will continue to terrorize the world.
Third, the principle of multilateralism in its new form. This involves preserving existing international institutions while adapting them to reality. Strengthening coordination, expanding the system of consultations, and joint participation in decision-making will overcome existing shortcomings and transform the UN into a genuine instrument for protecting the interests of all countries and peoples.
Fourth, a human-centered approach . Any political model must take into account the needs and aspirations of ordinary people. The well-being of nations is a priority. Reforming global governance should narrow the gap between North and South, increase access to development, and ensure an equal distribution of its benefits. In other words, the goal of governance is to tangibly improve people’s quality of life, not merely abstractly declare stability, development, rights, and freedoms.
Fifth, a focus on action . No matter how appealing theoretical constructs may be, their implementation is far more important. Modern threats to humanity are manifold, including instability, climate change, and artificial intelligence. Success requires systemic and long-term measures, resource mobilization, and deeper practical cooperation.
Beijing has previously put forward important initiatives in the areas of global development, security, and civilizational interaction . This new, historic initiative forms a holistic concept aimed at building a community with a shared future for humanity.
Xi Jinping’s proposals are particularly important for countries in the Global South. Unfortunately, in the current system of international relations, they remain on the periphery of decision-making processes. A real increase in the representation of these states in international institutions will make their voices more audible and their opinions more influential.
We must boldly admit: previous approaches are no longer adequate. The UN 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development has stalled. It sets 169 specific targets. Almost half of them are being implemented too slowly. Less than 35% are on schedule. Regression has been observed on 18% of targets.
The world will stagnate unless international financial and economic structures are reformed. Today, in this sphere, as in politics, might prevails. The United States and its allies hold dominant stakes in the International Monetary Fund, the World Bank, and the Asian Development Bank. They use this position as a tool to subjugate developing economies.
There is a growing need to develop new rules in areas such as the digital economy, outer space, and the use of global resources. Here, the principles of sovereignty, equality, and justice must be firmly upheld.
The Communist Party of the Russian Federation highly values China’s role in global governance reform . China consistently advocates for strengthening multilateralism and developing cooperation, expanding access to public goods, and protecting the environment.
It is crucial that Beijing has long since moved from rhetoric to action in its aspirations. In this regard, it relies on platforms such as the Belt and Road Initiative, the Fund for Global Development and South-South Cooperation, the Asian Infrastructure Investment Bank, and the BRICS New Development Bank.
Conditions for large-scale positive change are gradually being created on our planet. This process must be made truly irreversible. China’s initiatives require the comprehensive support of other countries. Russia has a special place in these processes.
President Vladimir Putin’s current visit to China and his talks with Xi Jinping are aimed at strengthening Russian-Chinese cooperation. A joint statement was signed between Russia and China on further strengthening their comprehensive partnership and strategic interaction and deepening good-neighborly, friendly, and cooperative relations. Other joint documents have also been issued. The Year of Russian-Chinese Cooperation in Education has officially launched, which is particularly important for bringing younger generations closer together.
China and Russia have a long history of cooperation, filled with many truly glorious chapters. At the turn of the 20th and 21st centuries, the two countries finally realized that we desperately need each other. Working “back to back” is more important today than ever. Moreover, it’s not just our peoples who need the alliance between Beijing and Moscow. The entire world sees it as the main barrier to Western imperialism.
In 2026, as global capital shifts to open aggression, China and Russia celebrate important anniversaries. It will be 30 years since the establishment of strategic cooperation and partnership between our countries. At the same time, we celebrate 25 years since the signing of the Treaty of Good-Neighborliness, Friendship, and Cooperation.
In March, during the “two sessions” in Beijing, Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi stated: ” No matter the world’s adversity, be it unrest or chaos, Chinese-Russian relations have been and remain as stable as a mountain, reflecting the essence of a new type of international relations .” In April, at a press conference following his visit to China, Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov concurred. He noted that Russia and China play a stabilizing role in international affairs.
Another step forward has been taken recently. In Beijing, the leaders of Russia and China signed an important document. It is called the “Joint Declaration of the Russian Federation and the People’s Republic of China on the Establishment of a Multipolar World and a New Type of International Relations .” Let’s hope this document has a truly happy historical destiny.
Like our Chinese friends, Russia is committed to the lofty ideals of the UN Charter. Leading political forces in our country uphold the ideals of equality, justice, sovereignty, and mutual respect on the global stage. This is particularly true for the Communist Party of the Russian Federation—the party of socialist humanism and friendship among peoples.
We are convinced that China and Russia are capable of becoming leaders in the creation of a new system of global governance. And we have no doubt that Beijing and Moscow will receive the overwhelming support of the global majority in this regard.
Last year, China and Russia jointly celebrated the two victories of 1945—over fascism in Europe and militarism in Asia. A clear signal was sent to the world about the importance of steadfastly upholding the historical truth about World War II. Eighty years ago, our countries made a special contribution to the post-war order. Today, this experience helps us work to shape a just, multipolar world and uphold the ideals of humanity’s shared destiny!