China's Ambitious Plans to Reshape the Global Landscape Gain International Attention

Sign up for CNN's Meanwhile in China newsletter to stay informed about the country's rise and its impact on the world. Xi Jinping, one year into his unconventional third term as the Chinese leader, is intensifying his efforts to challenge America's global dominance and promote his own vision.

Last month in Beijing, amidst a gathering of distinguished guests including Russian President Vladimir Putin, United Nations Secretary General Antonio Guterres, and top dignitaries from various nations, China's bid received unprecedented attention. It was during this occasion at the Belt and Road Forum that President Xi, asserting China's capabilities in navigating the challenges of the 21st century, emphasized the significant changes and developments shaping our world. He expressed China's commitment to relentlessly work towards the modernization of all nations and strive to create a shared future for humanity.

Xi's vision, veiled in abstract terms, reflects the Chinese Communist Party's growing determination to reform an international system it perceives as unfairly biased towards the United States and its allies. Regarded as a rival by these nations due to its escalating assertiveness and authoritarian approach, Beijing is convinced that the present moment demands a restructuring of the system and a recalibration of global power dynamics to secure China's ascendancy, defying any attempts to hinder it.

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Beijing has been actively promoting its alternative model through policy documents, "global initiatives," speeches, diplomatic meetings, forums, and international gatherings. This concerted effort aims to garner support globally. However, many are apprehensive that adopting Beijing's rules may lead to the acceptance of repressive practices such as heavy surveillance, censorship, and political repression.

However, China's increasing efforts coincide with the escalation of American wars abroad, an unstable foreign policy dictated by election cycles, and a deep political divide that has raised doubts about US global leadership. At the same time, pressing issues such as climate change, Russia's aggression in Ukraine, and Israel's attack on Gaza have sparked debates on whether the Western world is pursuing the appropriate response.

These circumstances align with the longstanding demands of developing countries for a more inclusive international system that grants them a greater voice.

Many countries have significantly strengthened their economic connections with Beijing during Xi's tenure, particularly through his global infrastructure building initiative worth up to $1 trillion. Leaders recently convened in the Chinese capital to commemorate this decade-long effort.

The level of acceptance for a future aligned with China's ideology is yet uncertain, but Xi's determined efforts to amplify his message amidst ongoing tensions with Washington intensify the competition between the US and China.

And, as the recent visits to Beijing by numerous world leaders, including for Xi's gathering last month, have demonstrated, while some nations may be doubtful of China's authoritarian-led global system, others are paying attention.

Chinese leader Xi Jinping, Russian President Vladimir Putin and other leaders pose for a group photo during the Belt and Road Forum in Beijing last month.

Shen Hong/Xinhua/Getty Images

Shared future

In September, Beijing released a comprehensive policy document spanning over 13,000 words that presents China's vision for global governance. The document addresses the root cause of existing global challenges, emphasizing the detrimental impact of certain nations' hegemonic, abusive, and aggressive behavior on global security and development.

According to the document, under Xi's vision of a "global community of shared future," the emphasis is placed on prioritizing economic development and stability. Countries are encouraged to treat each other as equals and collaborate for the achievement of "common prosperity."

In this envisioned future, there would be no involvement in "bloc politics," ideological rivalries, military alliances, or the burden of upholding "universal values" determined solely by a few Western nations.

Chinese leader Xi Jinping, his French counterpart Emmanuel Macron and European Commission President Ursula von de Leyen meet in Beijing on April 6, 2023.

Ludovic Marin/Pool/AFP/Getty Images

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This overarching vision is evident in three recent "global initiatives" unveiled by Xi in the last couple of years, which concentrate on development, security, and civilization.

The initiatives reflect Beijing's longstanding talking points and are mostly lacking in specific details while being filled with rhetoric. Analysts argue that they collectively demonstrate that a US-led system is no longer appropriate for the present era, and signify a determined effort to reshape the post-World War II order advocated by the US and other Western democracies.

The current international framework aims to maintain peace and protect political and human rights for populations while respecting national sovereignty. China has leveraged this order to boost its economy through World Bank loans and enhanced opportunities facilitated by its membership in the World Trade Organization, with the support of the United States when it joined in 2001, with the expectation of fostering liberalization in the Communist nation.

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Washington's efforts to limit Chinese access to sensitive technology and enforce economic sanctions are perceived by Beijing as blatant attempts to repress and control it. The US, along with other countries, has condemned Beijing's intimidation of Taiwan's self-governing democracy and attempted to hold China accountable for alleged human rights abuses in Tibet, Hong Kong, and Xinjiang. The UN human rights office stated last year that the situation in Xinjiang could potentially amount to "crimes against humanity," a charge that Beijing denies.

Riot police stand guard during a June 2019 protest in Hong Kong against a proposed extradition law that would have allowed extradition of fugitives to mainland China.

Sanjit Das/Bloomberg/Getty Images

In response, Xi has ramped up longstanding efforts to undercut the concept of universal human rights.

Xi emphasized that various civilizations held their own interpretations of common human "values," as he addressed leaders of political parties and organizations from approximately 150 nations during the introduction of China's "Global Civilization Initiative" earlier this year. The implication of his statement was that under China's leadership, nations would refrain from forcing their own values or ideologies onto others.

This notion aligns with Beijing's perspective that governments' endeavors to enhance the economic conditions of their citizens equate to safeguarding their human rights, irrespective of the absence of freedom to express dissent against their governing authorities.

This is also seen as evidence of increasing belief among Chinese leaders in their governance model. They believe that their model has played a genuinely positive role in global economic growth and poverty reduction, unlike the United States which has engaged in wars, triggered a major global financial crisis, and is confronted with troubled domestic politics. Shanghai-based foreign policy analyst Shen Dingli stated that all of this contributes to China's perception that America is rapidly declining. Consequently, Chinese President Xi Jinping is driven to not only dismantle the current world order but also to reform it.

Beijing perceives the US as only pretending to support the "liberal order" in order to harm other nations.

According to him, China questions which country is more inclined towards peace and less competent in leading the world. This perception has strengthened China's self-image, asserting that "We are great and we should strive for greater achievements, making the world recognize that it is our time."

Whos listening?

For strongmen leaders and autocratic governments, Xis vision has obvious appeal.

Despite being accused of war crimes and continuing his brutal invasion of neighboring Ukraine, Russian President Putin and Afghan Taliban leaders were both given a warm reception at Chinese President Xi's gathering of nations in Beijing last month. Even more surprising, just weeks before, Syrian dictator Bashar al-Assad, who has been accused of using chemical weapons against his own people, was treated with reverence at the Asian Games in Hangzhou. Arriving on a Chinese-chartered jet, he even had the opportunity to visit a renowned Buddhist temple.

The state-run Global Times presented Assads visit as that of a respected leader from a war-torn country, highlighting China's support in the face of Western isolation. This sheds light on the potential scenarios that could become common if Xis worldview gains popularity. Beijing's overarching argument, suggesting that a few affluent Western nations wield excessive global power, resonates with more governments beyond those in conflict with the West.

Israel's relentless assault on Gaza following the October 7 attack by Hamas has brought international attention and raised concerns. In recent weeks, these concerns have been emphasized as the world has focused on the situation. The US, in opposition to broad global support for an immediate humanitarian truce, has stood in the minority. Its unwavering support of Israel is perceived by many as enabling the continuation of their retaliation, resulting in an increase in civilian casualties.

Russian President Vladimir Putin is welcomed by Chinese leader Xi Jinping during a ceremony at the Belt and Road Forum in Beijing last month.

Sergei Savostyanov/Sputnik/Reuters

According to Ali Sarwar Naqvi, the executive director of the Center for International Strategic Studies in Islamabad, Pakistan now aligns with Chinese leader Xi Jinping's belief that a new global era, marked by multipolarity and a shift away from Western dominance, is developing. This shift in alignment is observed even in countries that have historically maintained a close partnership with the US.

However, numerous governments maintain apprehension towards its politics and aspirations, or the perception of aligning themselves with Beijing rather than the West. Papua New Guinea Prime Minister James Marape emphasized his country's commitment to maintaining relations with all nations during the Belt and Road Forum. In his speech, he advocated for increased investments in green energy in his country through the China-led initiative.

However, as some may be prepared to support China's demand for a fairer global system, there are uncertainties regarding the interpretation of this concept under Beijing's guidance.

According to Rubens Duarte, coordinator of LABMUNDO, a Brazil-based research center for international relations, China can rely on Brazil at all times to emphasize the significance of multilateralism and the need to reexamine global governance. However, there is a crucial concern being raised, particularly in countries like Brazil, questioning why China is currently advocating concepts that have been advocated by the Global South for 70 years and asserting them as its own.

A passenger gets off a Chinese-funded high-speed train after its commercial operations launched last month in Indonesia.

Li Zhiquan/China News Service/VCG/Reuters

Expanding ambitions

China has long relied on its economic power to wield influence on the global stage. Its remarkable journey from a poverty-stricken nation to the world's second-largest economy has served as an inspiration for other developing countries.

Xi initiated his flagship Belt and Road financing initiative in 2013, which brought numerous borrowing nations closer to Beijing and expanded China's global presence. This occurred a year after he assumed leadership and made a commitment to "revitalize" China as a major global power. According to Tong Zhao, a senior fellow at the Carnegie Endowment for International Peace, China's traditional foreign policy was heavily centered around economic capability, as it served as the foundation for gaining political influence, soft power, and other related aspects.

China's economic growth has coincided with increased tensions and conflicts with the United States and its allies, prompting Beijing to recognize the importance of addressing geopolitical issues alongside its economic ambitions. The situation in Ukraine has further exacerbated this trend, as European countries that are vital economic partners for China have strengthened their alliances with the US and reevaluated their connections with Beijing due to its failure to condemn the Russian invasion. Consequently, Washington has also taken steps to strengthen its relationships with allies in Asia.

The Chinese were awakened to the realization that the competition they face against the United States is ultimately about influencing the rest of the world, as stated by Sun from the Stimson Center in Washington.

A Chinese vessels operate near Scarborough Shoal in a disputed area of the South China Sea.

Ted Aljibe/AFP/Getty Images

Faced with increasing Western pressure to denounce Moscow's invasion of a sovereign nation, Beijing seized the opportunity to present its perspective on global security. Two months following Russia's incursion into Ukraine, President Xi unveiled China's "Global Security Initiative" at an international conference. He emphasized that "bloc confrontation" and a "Cold War mentality" would jeopardize the framework for global peace.

The reference was not directed towards Russia as the aggressor, but towards NATO, which both Moscow and Beijing have accused of instigating the conflict in Ukraine.

While Xis words were not groundbreaking for Beijing, Chinese diplomats intensified their promotion of this rhetoric in the subsequent months. They reached out to their counterparts in European capitals, as well as the US and Russia, urging them to develop a "sustainable European security architecture" that would tackle the "security deficit linked to the (Ukraine) crisis."

The rhetoric seemed to gain popularity, as Brazilian President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva, shortly after his return from a state visit to China this spring, urged Washington to "cease promoting conflict."

Chinese leader Xi Jinping and Russian President Vladimir Putin shake hands after signing joint statement during Xi's state visit to Moscow in March 2023.

Xie Huanchi/Xinhua/Getty Images

China and Russia condemn Israel as tensions with Western countries escalate. Experts argue that Beijing's goal does not involve forging alliances or employing military strength to ensure stability in unpredictable circumstances, contrasting with the approach adopted by the United States.

Instead, it aims to undermine the credibility of that system, while presenting its own, albeit ambiguous, strategy for achieving peace through dialogue and shared interests, challenging the notion that nations should confront each other solely due to political disagreements.

During a security forum hosted by Beijing last month, Gen. Zhang Youxia, a high-ranking military official, emphasized that countries that excessively suppress divergent opinions are likely to incite global conflicts and wars. His remarks were addressed to delegations from over 90 nations.

Beijing is touting its successful model, citing its role in facilitating the reconciliation between Saudi Arabia and Iran in March. In addition, Beijing sent an envoy to the Middle East to de-escalate the situation, without mentioning any visits to Israel or Palestine in its official statements.

However, many countries view China, with its rapidly modernizing military, as the main aggressor in Asia. They also question China's support for Russia, despite Moscow's blatant violation of international law during its invasion of Ukraine. Philippine Defense Secretary Gilberto Teodoro Jr. accused China of bullying smaller countries by asserting control over disputed areas in the South China Sea, in disregard of an international tribunal's ruling.

Alternative architecture

Beijing's endeavor to communicate its vision for reshaping the global order is facilitated by an extensive network of international organizations, regional dialogues, and forums that it has developed over the past few decades.

Experts assert that bolstering these groups and positioning them as alternative international organizations to those affiliated with the West has also become a crucial element of Xi's strategy in transforming global power.

This summer saw the expansion of the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO), founded by China and Russia, as well as the BRICS group of emerging economies. These groups served as a platform for Xi to promote his geopolitical agenda. Xi emphasized the need for countries to reform global governance and prevent the formation of exclusive groups that package their own rules as international norms. During a meeting with leaders from Brazil, Russia, India, and South Africa, Xi applauded the invitation extended to Argentina, Egypt, Iran, Ethiopia, Saudi Arabia, and the United Arab Emirates to join BRICS, marking the first expansion since 2010.

Weeks later, he showed his preference for his own alternative architectures by skipping the Group of 20 summit hosted by New Delhi, where US President Joe Biden and other Group of Seven leaders were present.

However, in addition to the high-profile events on China's diplomatic calendar, officials are also promoting China's vision and presenting its new initiatives in ministerial or lower-level regional dialogues with counterparts from Southeast Asia to Latin America and the Caribbean. This includes participating in topical forums on security, culture, and development with international scholars and think tanks, as indicated by official documents.

China has effortlessly garnered support from numerous countries for its vision, albeit the identities of these supporters and the extent of their commitment remain unclear.

BRICS leaders gather in Brazil in 2019.

Sergio Lima/AFP/Getty Images

Earlier this year, the Chinese Foreign Ministry asserted that over 80 countries and organizations have conveyed their "approval and support" for the Global Security Initiative. Beijing further states that the "Group of Friends" for the "Global Development Initiative," which prioritizes economic aspects and was initiated in 2021 to aid United Nations sustainability objectives, accommodates approximately 70 countries under the auspices of the UN.

This aligns with China's longstanding strategy to gain widespread support and oppose Western countries in the UN and other international organizations, where Beijing is also advocating for a more influential role. Besides the level of practical support Beijing can obtain, a crucial unanswered question lingers: are Xi's ambitions restricted to controlling the global narrative and altering rules in China's favor, or does he aspire to genuinely become the world's dominant power?

China's power and military capacity lag significantly behind that of the US, creating a substantial gap. Additionally, there is concern that a struggling economy could hinder China's ascent. Currently, experts suggest that China is concentrating on altering the rules to diminish American influence in intervening or holding nations accountable for internal matters, such as civil conflicts or human rights abuses.

The success of such an endeavor could have significant consequences for the global response to any prospective efforts aimed at acquiring control over Taiwan, a self-governed and democratic island that is claimed by the Communist Party.

However, China's actions in Asia, characterized by its growing assertiveness in the military realm and simultaneous disapproval of the presence of US military forces, indicate to numerous observers that Beijing does indeed aspire to exert dominance over the region.

They also raise questions about how a more militarily and economically powerful China would behave globally, if left unchecked.

China, however, has denied ambitions of dominance.