A global community of shared future Photo: Zhan Chensheng/CSST

The concept of a global community of shared future is rooted in the treasure trove of fine traditional Chinese thinking and culture, representing the outcome of creative transformation and innovative development of fine traditional Chinese culture.  

All under heaven are of one family

The concept of a global community of shared future has the cognitive foundation of viewing the world as a unified family. The concept inherits and develops the principle of the world as one family from the worldview of Tianxia (a cosmopolitan view of the world). This vision has elevated the analytical rigor of international relations to the height of Tianxia, regarding humanity as a big family that shares weal and woe.

The concept promotes the value orientation that “the world belongs to all.” The concept of a global community of shared future views the world as a shared political sphere and common resources for all of humanity, adhering to equity and justice. It is dedicated to incorporating the principles of equality among sovereign states, the public nature of international affairs, and the openness of global governance into international agendas. 

The principle of “extensive consultation and joint contribution for shared interests” should be regarded as the core principle of global governance, driving the transformation of the global system towards a more just and equitable direction.

The concept advocates for the ideal goal of global harmony. The concept of a global community of shared future inherits and develops the ideal of global harmony in fine traditional Chinese culture. This vision manifests a clear practical orientation and reflects epochal characteristics through the detailed interpretation and practical development of “five goals for the world” (building a world of lasting peace, common security, common prosperity, openness and inclusiveness, and cleanliness and beauty).

Harmonious coexistence

The concept manifests the orientation that harmony is most precious in all interactions. Chinese civilization values harmony over competition, aiming to achieve a harmonious state among different entities. The primacy of harmony entails the advocacy of resolving confrontations through peaceful means. The concept of a global community of shared future upholds the principle of peaceful coexistence.

The concept incorporates the principle of cooperation based on solidarity and mutual aid. From the logical premise of the potential for future conflicts, pre-Qin (prior to 221 BC) thinkers deduced that the mutual aid among groups is the only rational choice for human survival and development. Furthermore, they regarded solidarity and mutual aid as the basic pathway and principle for achieving collective goals. 

The concept upholds the governance goal of coexistence of all in harmony. The notion of harmonious coexistence positions self and others as a unity of entities that establish each other through mutual aid. The holistic principle of win-win cooperation should be advocated in interactions among groups to realize diversity and harmony. 

Diversity in harmony

The concept features a broad and inclusive mindset. The concept of a global community of shared future upholds an inclusive and broad-minded approach, advocating for a new perspective on culture that is “diverse, equal, and inclusive.” It emphasizes that each civilization possesses its unique charm and profound heritage, representing the intellectual treasures of humanity. We should respect the objective laws of the development of different civilizations, achieve openness and inclusiveness through exchanges and mutual learning, and jointly promote the progress of human civilization, world peace, and development.

The concept features the ethical principle of inherent equality. Chinese diplomacy incorporates equality into the concept of a global community of shared future, stressing the Five Principles of Peaceful Coexistence. It respects the development pathways and social institutions independently chosen by people of different countries, and promotes a new type of international relations that values mutual respect, equity and justice, and win-win cooperation.  

The concept features the ideal model in which all are provided for. The concept of a global community of shared future emphasizes inclusiveness in international relations, stressing the openness, inclusiveness, and shared nature of cooperative methods, agenda setting, and benefit distribution. It regards true multilateralism as a vital pathway to building a global community of shared future, aiming to achieve balanced, effective, and sustainable development for all countries.

Righteousness & benefit

The principle of righteousness should take precedence, so as to stress its primacy and ontological status. China has actively participated in global development and aid projects, implementing the concept of a global community of shared future that values righteousness more than benefit in practice. 

Benefit nourishes the body. The legitimate and reasonable status of interests should be acknowledged. The concept of a global community of shared future highlights global equality and justice, recognizes the fundamental significance of interest-driven needs, and actively leverages the role of individual interests in stimulating and mobilizing state behaviors and driving the incremental development of global public interests. 

Righteousness leads to prosperity. The symbiotic relationship between righteousness and interests should be emphasized. Only through taking into account both righteousness and interests can we achieve gains in both aspects. Only through balancing righteousness and interests can we achieve win-win results for all. 

Harmony between man and nature 

The ecological ethic of cherishing all living beings is incorporated in the concept. 

China advocates for a new model of industrialization characterized by “innovation, coordination, green development, openness, and sharing,” aiming to promote the sustainable development of human society.

This concept incorporates the ecological concept that the Dao operates naturally. A global community of shared future advocates for respect for the objective evolutionary laws of the natural environment. It advocates for implementing protective development and science and technology in international cooperation to safeguard the environment.

The concept incorporates ecological norms guaranteed by laws. The concept of a global community of shared future inherits and innovates Chinese ecological conservation philosophy, which emphasizes the fundamental importance of abiding by laws and utilizing both etiquette and legal frameworks. 

In promoting the formation of a global ecological initiative, China advocates “common but differentiated responsibilities,” actively participating in global governance efforts to address climate change.

Wu Zhicheng is a professor from the Institute of International Strategy at the Party School of the Central Committee of the C.P.C (National Academy of Governance).

Edited by ZHAO YUAN