China’s role in the international order, Pg9

Key Highlights:

• All five permanent members of the UN Security Council (UNSC) visited China between December 2025 and May 2026.
• French President Emmanuel Macron visited in December 2025, followed by British Prime Minister Keir Starmer in January 2026.
• U.S. President Donald Trump and Russian President Vladimir Putin both visited China in May 2026.
• These high-level engagements underscore China's emergence as a central hub of global diplomacy.
• Discussions focused on upholding the UN-centered international system and deepening economic cooperation.

Detailed Insights:

• The visits highlight China's unique role in mediating amidst an increasingly fluid and challenging international order.
• China's foreign policy is rooted in peace, global partnership, multilateralism, and non-aggression, advocating dialogue over military means.
• China-U.S. relations aim for constructive strategic stability, emphasizing cooperation, managed competition, and stable differences.
• The Taiwan question was reiterated as the most important issue in China-U.S. relations, with China stressing the One China principle.
• China-Russia strategic partnership marked its 30th anniversary in 2026, guided by principles of non-alliance and non-confrontation.
• The UN's role is considered crucial for maintaining world peace and upholding the post-WWII world order.
• Economic and trade cooperation is seen as vital for peace, promoting inclusive economic globalisation and addressing industrial restructuring.
• China's 15th five-year plan aims to contribute to global economic growth and open its markets wider.
• Concerns regarding India's role are dismissed, emphasizing strategic autonomy and cooperation between China and India.

Key Concepts Involved:

• UNSC P5: The five permanent members of the United Nations Security Council (China, France, Russia, United Kingdom, United States).
• Multilateralism: The principle of cooperation among multiple countries on common issues and global challenges.
• One China Principle: The diplomatic stance acknowledging only one Chinese government, with Taiwan considered an integral part of China.
• Constructive Strategic Stability: A framework for managing relations between major powers, focusing on cooperation, managed competition, and stable differences.