Eduardo Regalado and He Qin: Global Security Initiative: China's Solution for Building a Multipolar World Security Order
In 2022, Chinese President Xi Jinping proposed the Global Security Initiative (GSI), aimed at addressing contemporary challenges threatening world peace and stability, and promoting the construction of a new international order that is more multipolar, inclusive, and cooperative. As a comprehensive framework, this initiative is dedicated to eliminating the deep-seated roots of global insecurity and promoting the formation of a new paradigm of collective security. A powerful China is reshaping the international order; the elevation of its economic and military strength poses a challenge to the Western-dominated unipolar system. The GSI manifests China’s vision of making security and prosperity global public goods. The success of the initiative’s implementation depends on the will and actions of all parties to establish security consensus and trust.
I. The Temporal Background of the Global Security Initiative
In the 21st century, the global power configuration is undergoing a fundamental restructuring, and the international order is being redefined. The global system, which for the past 30-plus years was dominated by US unipolar hegemony, is being shaken as the balance of power between China and the United States undergoes a significant shift. China’s continuous progress has not only broken the equilibrium of the existing international landscape but has also provided an alternative for the transformation of the global governance system that embodies Chinese values.
As a global power with continuously expanding influence, China has achieved leapfrog development in fields such as the economy, science and technology, and the military. In the economic sphere, since the Reform and Opening-up, China has achieved exponential growth in its Gross Domestic Product (GDP), developing into the world's second-largest economy by nominal terms and the world’s largest economy by purchasing power parity (PPP). [1]
Currently, China has not only become the world’s largest trader in goods but has also become an indispensable core link in global supply chains; its economic growth injects continuous momentum into global development. In terms of scientific and technological innovation, by continuously increasing investment in Research and Development (R&D), China has achieved a leading position in frontier technological fields such as Artificial Intelligence (AI), 5G communications, quantum computing, and electric vehicles. The number of patent applications and grants for Chinese enterprises in several high-tech sectors continues to surpass those of their American counterparts. [2]
Technological progress has not only driven China’s domestic industrial upgrading but has also granted China greater autonomy and a stronger voice in global geopolitics. In the military sphere, the Chinese military has achieved unprecedented modernization. China continues to strengthen its military construction, researching and developing advanced weaponry and equipment—and forming corresponding projection capabilities—that were previously held only by major Western powers. Although the United States still maintains quantitative and qualitative advantages in many fields, the enhancement of Chinese military power effectively supports its strategic requirement to protect its own interests and deter potential threats.
China’s development poses a structural challenge to the existing Western-dominated international order. Since the Reform and Opening-up, China has successfully lifted more than 800 million people out of absolute poverty; this economic achievement laid a solid material foundation for the elevation of its military strength and technological level. With the enhancement of its comprehensive national strength, China has displayed a more confident posture on the international stage, actively promoting the construction of a more multipolar, fair, and just global order. In the economic realm, through the Belt and Road Initiative (BRI), China has pioneered a new paradigm for global interconnectivity and infrastructure cooperation. In diplomacy, by actively participating in UN Security Council affairs and UN peacekeeping operations, and playing a leadership role in mechanisms such as the G20 and the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO), China manifests its firm commitment to practicing multilateralism and promoting the realization of diverse global interests.
Presently, the global security environment remains in flux, regional conflicts occur frequently, and unilateralism and hegemonic acts are clamorous. Multilateral institutions appear fragile and exhausted when dealing with transnational crises. These trends highlight the necessity of a new paradigm for security and governance. China maintains that the Western security paradigm—based on exclusive military alliances, bloc politics, and unilateral intervention—is not only poorly suited to effectively address today's global security challenges but instead exacerbates instability, mistrust, and conflict within the international community. The Global Security Initiative proposed by China directly confronts the international security dilemma; the initiative is an extension of the concept of a community with a shared future for humanity, embodying the wisdom and responsibility of a major power actively promoting the transformation of the global governance system.
II. The Connotation and Essence of the Global Security Initiative
The Global Security Initiative is based on six core concepts and principles: staying committed to the vision of common, comprehensive, cooperative, and sustainable security; staying committed to respecting the sovereignty and territorial integrity of all countries; staying committed to abiding by the purposes and principles of the UN Charter; staying committed to taking the legitimate security concerns of all countries seriously; staying committed to peacefully resolving differences and disputes between countries through dialogue and consultation; and staying committed to maintaining security in both traditional and non-traditional domains in a coordinated manner. [3]
China views the GSI as an alternative to the hegemonism and power politics that have long dominated international relations. In an interconnected world, countries need to coordinate their responses to transnational challenges such as terrorism, climate change, cybersecurity, and the spread of epidemics. One cannot achieve one's own security at the cost of another country's security; rather, we should build a community with a shared future for humanity, allowing the interests of all countries to intermingle and achieve common prosperity. The Global Security Initiative Concept Paper issued by China elucidates the security threats and challenges facing the international community from five dimensions.
First, political security is the cornerstone of the GSI. The GSI emphasizes that the sovereignty and territorial integrity of all countries must be respected, and all countries have the right to independently choose their development paths without external interference. China maintains that interference in internal affairs, the promotion of "Color Revolutions," or the forced transplantation of foreign political systems are the primary sources of many local instabilities and conflicts. The GSI advocates for strictly observing the purposes and principles of the UN Charter and the norms of international law, resolving disputes through dialogue and consultation rather than the use or threat of force. In handling international relations, all countries must reject Cold War mentality, bloc confrontation, and exclusive alliances; otherwise, geopolitical tensions will be exacerbated and mutual trust undermined.
Second, economic security is the foundation for maintaining overall stability. The GSI emphasizes the importance of maintaining the security and stability of global supply chains, ensuring fair access to resources, and promoting inclusive and balanced economic development. China believes that poverty, inequality, and the lack of economic opportunity are roots of instability that can exacerbate conflict. Therefore, the GSI is inherently linked to the Global Development Initiative (GDI), the latter of which is dedicated to accelerating the implementation of the UN 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development, focusing on poverty reduction, food security, clean energy, and interconnectivity. [4] Through promoting the BRI and other programs, China facilitates the economic interdependence of various countries and builds a foundation of common interests with the aim of achieving common security.
Third, social security aims to protect the rights of citizens from non-traditional security threats. Maintaining social security includes combating terrorism, transnational organized crime, drug trafficking, and responding to public health crises (such as pandemics) and natural disasters. The GSI promotes international cooperation in these fields, emphasizing that collective action should be taken to address challenges that transcend national borders. [5] For example, the global practice in responding to the COVID-19 pandemic demonstrated an urgent need to strengthen the construction of public health systems and international cooperation and coordination in health crises, which has consistently been a key area of China’s global health diplomacy.
Fourth, environmental security focuses on ecological challenges. Issues such as climate change, loss of biodiversity, and resource shortages pose threats to the survival of all humanity and require coordinated responses from all countries. The GSI advocates for achieving green and low-carbon development, strengthening ecological and environmental protection, and promoting international cooperation in global environmental governance. As an important participant in global climate policy, China advocates for multilateralism, maintaining that responding to climate change should adhere to the principle of "common but differentiated responsibilities," promoting the transition of technological solutions toward more sustainable development models. Environmental security concerns not only ecological survival but also long-term socioeconomic stability.
Fifth, digital security aims to address cyberspace challenges such as cybersecurity, data protection, cybercrime, and the governance of emerging technologies. The GSI advocates for adhering to the "New Security Concept" in the digital security field, opposing the militarization of cyberspace and cyberwarfare, and advocating for the joint construction of a community with a shared future in cyberspace that is peaceful, secure, open, cooperative, and orderly by establishing a fair and just international rule system. This stance, which emphasizes global governance cooperation, stands in sharp contrast to the practices of some countries that prioritize the development of cyber-attack capabilities and unilateral control over information flows.
The GSI is closely linked to the concepts of cooperation, stability, and common development that China has long upheld. Cooperation is not only a way to solve problems but also a basic principle of international relations. Only when the economies and cultures of various countries are interdependent can mutual trust be enhanced and conflicts reduced. Stability is seen as a prerequisite for development; the GSI is dedicated to creating a peaceful global environment to promote global economic growth. Common prosperity, as a core concept of Chinese diplomacy, emphasizes the equitable distribution of development achievements at national and global levels and is committed to solving the inequality issues that lead to instability.
III. Paradigm Innovation of the Global Security Initiative
The study of international relations has historically been dominated by Western conceptual frameworks, deeply influenced by the Enlightenment and the experience of nation-states. While paradigms such as Realism, Liberalism, and Constructivism possess certain academic value, they are often based on Eurocentric assumptions, marginalizing the contributions of other civilizations or forcibly incorporating them into Western interpretative systems. As a global power, China has promoted a critical rethinking of Western paradigms, opening up important space for exploring non-Western perspectives on international relations.
The core philosophy of the GSI originates from the long-standing concept of Tianxia (all-under-heaven). The Tianxia concept advocates for the establishment of a political order with human harmony and interconnection at its core. Historically, Tianxia referred to the tributary system with China as the "Middle Kingdom," where its influence was manifested more in the moral and cultural spheres than through coercive rule. The contemporary significance of the Tianxia concept lies not in a literal revival but in the philosophical inspiration it provides for China’s vision of building a more inclusive and harmonious world order. Unlike Western paradigms such as Realism, which typically emphasize power competition and international anarchy, the Tianxia concept advocates for the pursuit of peaceful coexistence.
The security paradigm advocated by the GSI stands in sharp contrast to the Western collective security paradigm. The most notable representative of the Western collective security paradigm is the North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO), which is based on collective defense against perceived threats. [6] While such architectures maintained regional stability for a time, they may create division and suspicion and perpetuate the logic of zero-sum games. Conversely, influenced by the Tianxia concept, China advocates a vision of common, comprehensive, cooperative, and sustainable security. In proposing the GSI, Xi Jinping does not seek to establish a new military bloc or alliance, but rather to provide an open and inclusive platform for security cooperation. The initiative emphasizes respecting the sovereignty and territorial integrity of all countries, abiding by the UN Charter, and the peaceful resolution of disputes, aiming to redefine collective security.
The GSI is rich in connotation and clear in its stance. The initiative emphasizes the principles of sustainable security, interdependence, and non-interference in internal affairs, contributing Chinese wisdom and the Chinese path toward promoting a more harmonious, inclusive, and universally beneficial international order.
The principle of sustainable security is inseparable from China’s global development agenda and its philosophy of international relations. The construction of China’s security concept is based on the idea that peace and stability are necessary prerequisites for development, while development is the foundation for lasting security. This is one of the primary differences between Chinese and Western security concepts; the latter often decouple security from development or view development as a secondary tool for strategic security. In advocating the GSI, China maintains that development is the foundation of security and security is the guarantee for development. China’s global development agenda focuses on UN Sustainable Development Goals such as poverty eradication, food security, green development, global health, and technological innovation, and is seen as an important way to resolve development imbalances and development gaps. By promoting inclusive and equitable development, China is committed to laying a solid foundation for long-term peace and security, thereby reinforcing the view that "security is not limited to the military dimension but is closely related to socioeconomics and the well-being of the people."
The principle of interdependence is at the core of China’s concept of common security. In the era of globalization, challenges such as climate change, epidemics, terrorism, and economic crises know no borders; the security of one country is closely intertwined with that of others. China maintains that zero-sum games and—
The policy of “beggar-thy-neighbor” [7] is unsustainable in the long run. On the contrary, by promoting economic cooperation, trade, and investment as the pillars of the Belt and Road Initiative (BRI), China aims to construct a network of shared interests to curb conflict and enhance mutual trust. As an engine for global infrastructure construction and connectivity, the BRI benefits all parties by promoting common prosperity, thereby advancing regional and global stability. Mutual interdependence is also reflected in the promotion of inclusive multilateralism. China advocates for global governance reform that reflects the trend of multipolarity, enhancing the voice and representation of developing countries. China’s increasingly active participation and significantly elevated leadership role in multilateral platforms—such as the United Nations, the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO), and the BRICS cooperation mechanism—demonstrate its determination to build mechanisms for dialogue and consultation to address common challenges. This stands in sharp contrast to the approach of certain Western countries. China maintains that when multilateral institutions do not align with their short-term interests, the latter often tend to weaken or bypass existing multilateral mechanisms.
The principle of non-interference in internal affairs is another essential pillar of China’s security strategic thought. Deeply rooted in the poignant experience of foreign interference during China's modern history, this principle is a core component of the Five Principles of Peaceful Coexistence, which have served as the cornerstone of Chinese diplomacy since the 1955 Bandung Conference. China believes that foreign interference—whether at the military, political, or economic level—undermines regional stability, exacerbates conflict, and damages the sovereignty of the countries involved, thereby creating more factors of insecurity. While Western paradigms such as liberal interventionism and the "Responsibility to Protect" (R2P) have been used to justify so-called "humanitarian intervention" or democracy promotion, China consistently adheres to respecting the diversity of various countries' political and social systems. In China’s view, every country possesses the inalienable right to choose its own development path independently without external interference. The principle of non-interference in internal affairs is regarded by China as an important way to enhance mutual trust and avoid the unipolarization of the international order; this principle allows countries to resolve internal issues autonomously, thereby constructing a more stable and predictable environment for global security.
In short, China’s non-Western perspective on international relations, influenced by concepts such as Tianxia [8] ("all under heaven"), proposes a collective security paradigm distinct from the traditional power competition paradigm. China advocates for the Global Security Initiative (GSI) with the aim of building a more peaceful and prosperous world, thereby making security a global public good rather than the exclusive privilege of a few major powers. The degree of global identification with this vision and the effectiveness of its implementation will, to a large extent, determine the future direction of international relations.
IV. The Practical Path of the Global Security Initiative
The Global Security Initiative embodies China's holistic conception of 21st-century security issues. Unlike traditional approaches that focus primarily on military security or the containment of state threats, this initiative is grounded in a multi-dimensional and holistic perspective. It emphasizes the interconnectedness of contemporary challenges and aims to address the root causes of insecurity. The implementation of the GSI is not carried out through unilateral coercive mechanisms, but rather by relying on a network of multilateral platforms and a system of bilateral and multilateral agreements to consolidate regional and global security. China adopts a pragmatic strategy, comprehensively employing methods such as diplomatic mediation, economic cooperation, and security dialogue to build consensus and promote the implementation of the GSI.
First, China actively participates in the construction of multilateral platforms. (1) The United Nations is an important stage for China to practice true multilateralism and abide by international law. Within the Security Council, China consistently and firmly supports the principles of non-interference in internal affairs and the peaceful resolution of disputes. China promotes the GSI as a complementary framework to the principles of the UN Charter, aiming to strengthen the UN’s authority and core role in global security governance. China has also continued to substantially increase its contributions to UN peacekeeping operations. China is the second-largest contributor to the UN peacekeeping budget and the largest contributor of peacekeepers among the permanent members of the Security Council.
(2) The Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) is an important platform focusing on security affairs in the Eurasian region. Through the SCO, China promotes counter-terrorism cooperation, combats separatism and extremism, and coordinates border security affairs. The organization's norms fully embody the principles of non-interference and cooperation to achieve common security advocated by the GSI. With the accession of new members such as India and Iran, the expansion of the SCO highlights the increasing influence of this non-Western regional security platform.
(3) The Belt and Road Forum for International Cooperation is an important platform for promoting regional security. The BRI not only commits to promoting economic connectivity among countries along its routes but also exerts a significant impact on regional security through multi-dimensional measures: on one hand, it focuses on economic development and infrastructure construction to reduce socioeconomic instability at its source; on the other hand, the Belt and Road Forum for International Cooperation specifically discusses security issues, such as protecting infrastructure projects and combating transnational crime along the BRI routes. Furthermore, by deepening economic ties and connectivity, the BRI promotes the construction of a community of shared interests, thereby helping to defuse potential conflict risks.
(4) The BRICS cooperation mechanism is a key engine for promoting a multipolar world order. China utilizes the BRICS mechanism to join hands with emerging economies to address common challenges in the fields of security and development, advocating for a dialogue process to improve global governance and reform international institutions from a non-Western perspective.
Second, China extensively carries out bilateral and multilateral security cooperation. (1) Strengthening security and defense communication. China has long held high-level dialogues on defense and security issues with many countries in Southeast Asia, Africa, and Latin America. Security and defense dialogue mechanisms effectively promote information exchange, policy coordination, and strategic mutual trust between parties. (2) Conducting joint military exercises. China opposes "bloc-ism" and exclusive small circles targeted at specific countries, but advocates for various forms of non-aligned security cooperation with relevant nations. For example, within the framework of the SCO, China conducts joint military exercises with Russia, Pakistan, and Central Asian member states, aiming to improve the operational capabilities and response efficiency of all parties in coordinately addressing non-traditional security threats such as terrorism, while promoting the construction of military mutual trust mechanisms.
(3) Deepening law enforcement and counter-terrorism cooperation. China has strengthened bilateral cooperation with many countries in the fields of counter-terrorism, combating transnational crime, and drug control. For example, China carries out practical collaboration with neighboring countries and other countries along the BRI in areas such as intelligence sharing, personnel training, and law enforcement security actions for counter-terrorism and drug control. (4) Providing security assistance and training. China provides security assistance and training to many developing countries, particularly in Africa and Asia. For example, by providing police and military equipment and training for security personnel, China has enhanced these countries' capacities to maintain domestic and regional stability.
V. Latin American Echoes of the Global Security Initiative
Advancing frameworks like the Global Security Initiative requires not only a proper handling of major power competition but also the successful mobilization of Latin American and Caribbean countries (hereinafter "Latin American countries") to build a broader partnership. In this context, through a series of economic and diplomatic collaborations, the Latin American region is becoming an important stage for advancing and implementing the GSI. In this process, the management of and response to the trilateral relationship between China, the United States, and Latin America is particularly crucial.
Latin America has historically been viewed by the United States as its "backyard." Since the 21st century, the foreign relations of Latin American countries have become increasingly diversified, and China has become an important economic and political partner for them. Economic cooperation is the primary driver of the development of China-Latin America relations. China has surpassed the United States to become the largest trading partner for several Latin American countries. Currently, the BRI has become an important vehicle for China to expand its external economic relations. By driving economic growth and promoting regional stability, the BRI not only facilitates the construction of infrastructure—such as ports, roads, railways, and communication networks—for relevant Latin American countries but also provides alternative sources of financing that are often difficult to obtain through traditional Western channels. The deep economic interdependence between China and Latin America lays the foundation for both sides to carry out broader diplomatic cooperation and jointly implement the GSI. As economic ties strengthen, Latin American countries have become more receptive to China’s initiatives regarding global governance and international security affairs.
The Global Security Initiative emphasizes non-interference in internal affairs, the peaceful resolution of disputes, and the practice of multilateralism, which highly aligns with the core principles of the foreign policies of Latin American countries. Latin American countries have historically been constrained by external powers, and their development processes have been profoundly affected by geopolitical tensions and externally imposed security agendas. Historically advocating for national self-determination, sovereign equality, and multilateral cooperation, Latin American countries highly identify with the principles of sovereign equality and non-interference emphasized by the GSI. The GSI stands in sharp contrast to the interventionism and coercive policies of Western major powers. Many Latin American countries firmly support true multilateralism and the principle of peaceful dispute resolution, believing that the GSI aligns with their diplomatic traditions and their pursuit of strategic autonomy. For example, Nicaragua believes that the GSI is consistent with its diplomatic position of respecting sovereignty and the right to self-determination, and has included this initiative in the joint statement between China and Nicaragua. (7) Venezuela believes that the GSI is highly compatible with its comprehensive security concept of coordinating the maintenance of security in both traditional and non-traditional fields.
China-Latin America security cooperation provides new opportunities for regional development and security resilience building. The GSI advocates for the indivisibility of security, emphasizing that one country's security should not come at the expense of others, which has resonated widely in Latin America. China’s comprehensive security concept—addressing food, energy, environmental, and cyber security—has also gained broad recognition as the region faces these multiple challenges. GSI topics regarding the fight against transnational crime, the strengthening of humanitarian assistance, and disaster management are particularly welcomed by Latin American countries. Many Latin American nations have actively participated in forums and dialogue mechanisms practicing the GSI, demonstrating an open attitude toward exploring new paths for security cooperation.
China actively participates in platforms such as the Community of Latin American and Caribbean States (CELAC) and the China-CELAC Forum, promoting discussions on security and governance from a non-Western perspective, advocating for world multipolarity, and calling for respect for civilizational diversity—ideas that have received an extensive response in Latin America. Official statements from the China-CELAC Forum, serving as a collective response from Latin American countries to the GSI, highlight the increasing recognition among these nations of alternatives to traditional security paradigms. Xi Jinping has repeatedly emphasized that China is willing to work with Latin American countries to implement the GSI. This commitment is built on the principle of equality and mutual benefit, which has been the core characteristic of China-Latin America relations over the past few decades. China has incorporated the implementation of the GSI into high-level official documents between China and Latin America, and has explicitly expressed support for the Proclamation of Latin America and the Caribbean as a Zone of Peace and the Statement of the 33 Latin American and Caribbean Countries on the Establishment of a Nuclear-Weapon-Free Zone (8). This indicates that both sides have reached a consensus on the concept of peacefully addressing security challenges. The GSI specifically emphasizes tackling thorny issues such as cybersecurity, transnational crime, and public safety; these propositions are of great significance to the Latin American region, which faces unique security challenges. Furthermore, China actively participates in the China-Latin America High-Level Defense Forum, aiming to build an institutionalized platform for regional security dialogue. China's efforts to construct a multilateral security architecture with Latin America reflect its respect and inclusiveness toward regional diversity.
It is worth noting that China-Latin America relations are not static but are subject to constant influence from various internal and external factors. Faced with disagreements between China and the United States on global issues, the attitude of Latin American countries has gradually become more cautious. Nuances in the statements of Latin American countries provide insight into the complex influence of the balance of power between China and the United States on the region. As an intermediary in the China-U.S.-Latin America triangular relationship, Latin American countries seek to find a balance in their relations with both China and the U.S. to maximize their own interests. The continuous growth of China’s international influence helps Latin American countries gain greater autonomy in diplomatic decision-making, thereby reducing dependence on the United States. The rise of Latin American countries as an intermediary force reflects a shift in the international power structure and creates a favorable environment for the practice of the GSI. At the practical level, through all-around pragmatic cooperation, both sides are jointly promoting the implementation of the GSI in the Latin American region. Examples of cooperation—such as the joint construction of deep-space ground stations, the joint construction of "Safe Cities," and the deepening of cooperation in public health security—demonstrate the fundamental principles of the GSI and lay a solid foundation for deepening the construction of a China-Latin America community with a shared future.
First, China and Argentina are strengthening cooperation in outer space security. The deep-space ground station established by China in Neuquén Province, Argentina, is one of the landmark projects of China-Latin America security, development, and technological cooperation. This facility...
The project entered into operation in 2018 and is jointly managed by the China National Space Administration (CNSA) and the National Space Activities Commission (CONAE) of Argentina. Viewed through the lens of the Global Security Initiative (GSI), this project helps promote space security for both nations. On one hand, it provides ground support for China’s deep-space exploration programs, which is vital for China’s long-term scientific and technological development; on the other hand, according to the bilateral agreement, the project grants Argentina approximately 10% of the antenna usage time for scientific research. This achieves valuable technology sharing and enhances Argentina’s capabilities in high-tech sectors. This cooperation not only drives the cultivation of high-quality talent in Argentina but also strengthens its economic security by diversifying technical capacities and reducing dependence on primary industries [9], creating conditions for Argentina's long-term prosperity.
Second, China and Ecuador are cooperating to build "safe cities." The application and expansion of Chinese technology in Ecuador’s telecommunications infrastructure and safe city construction is another important practical outcome of the GSI in Latin America. Chinese enterprises such as Huawei and ZTE have played a significant role in promoting the modernization of 4G networks and the construction of 5G infrastructure in Latin America. In Ecuador, the ECU911 security system—built with Chinese technical and financial support—is a comprehensive system integrating video surveillance, emergency rescue, and national incident response. By enhancing Ecuador’s ability to respond to natural disasters, crime, and other emergencies, the ECU911 system has created a crucial security environment for Ecuador’s economic and social development; its importance in safeguarding Ecuadorian social security is beyond doubt. The application of this cutting-edge technology implies a degree of frontier technology transfer through technical training and support, thereby strengthening Ecuador's digital security capabilities as a participating nation in the GSI. China-Ecuador security cooperation demonstrates that technical investment in public safety can be transformed into an engine for development, injecting indispensable stability to drive economic growth and investment.
Third, China and Cuba are deepening cooperation in public health security. Cooperation between China and Cuba in the fields of biotechnology and health serves as an exemplary model of coordinating development and security. Despite suffering under a long-term economic blockade [10] by the United States, Cuba has consistently maintained close cooperation with China. Both sides believe that public health security and scientific-technological capacity are vital for enhancing national resilience. Although facing economic sanctions, Cuba continues to develop and strengthen its biotechnology industry, making it a powerful partner for China. Through the formation of Sino-Cuban joint ventures and joint research centers, both sides are dedicated to the collaborative R&D and production of vaccines, biopharmaceuticals, and diagnostic technologies. For example, the BioCubaFarma group and Chinese enterprises have conducted R&D and production cooperation in areas such as interferons. By improving access to treatment and pandemic response capabilities, Sino-Cuban biotech cooperation effectively maintains global public health security. This cooperation not only provides crucial resources and markets for Cuba’s biotech R&D and production but also allows China to draw on Cuba’s advanced experience in specific fields, promoting two-way technology transfer and enhancing domestic medical innovation capabilities. The significance of Sino-Cuban cooperation is also reflected at the level of economic security. Through biotech exports to China, Cuba has opened a vast market and obtained vital foreign exchange earnings and development resources, effectively alleviating the pressure of the external blockade. Consequently, China has diversified its biotechnology innovation channels and secured market access for new medicines, providing new support for safeguarding its economic security and national health. The immense potential for Sino-Cuban strategic cooperation in science and technology shows that even when joining hands with a smaller economy facing external pressure, it is possible to empower common development and guarantee common security. China and Cuba consistently uphold the concept of win-win cooperation, which highly aligns with the core principles of the GSI, standing in sharp contrast to those interventionist acts that prioritize confrontation and isolation.
VI. Conclusion
As a global power, China has profoundly promoted the transformation of the international order from unipolar dominance toward a multipolar pattern. In this context, the Global Security Initiative is not only a foreign policy proposition but also a programmatic manifesto. It comprehensively expounds on China’s vision for global security governance and actively positions China as a defender and promoter of stability and development. This strategic narrative aims to consolidate its image as a responsible major power, both distinguishing itself from traditional Western paradigms and providing a new path toward global peace and prosperity.
First, China advocates a security concept that transcends military confrontation and is committed to being a defender of stability. The GSI emphasizes a common, comprehensive, cooperative, and sustainable security outlook, opposing the logic of bloc confrontation, unilateralism, and hegemonism. In China's view, these are precisely the main causes of global instability. China adheres to principles such as respect for national sovereignty, non-interference in internal affairs, and the peaceful resolution of disputes, striving to shape an international image that prioritizes dialogue and cooperation rather than relying on military force or power politics to maintain peace and stability. This position is deeply influenced by China's modern history of suffering from foreign interference, making China more resolute in viewing these principles as the bedrock for achieving lasting peace. China continues to play a constructive role in multilateral frameworks such as the United Nations, advocating for true multilateralism and international law as the pillars for maintaining the stability of the international order.
Second, as China's status as a development partner continues to consolidate, China recognizes that security and stability are inseparable from economic and social progress. The GSI incorporates economic, social, environmental, and digital security into a comprehensive security system. In the process of jointly building the "Belt and Road" with various countries, China has vividly practiced its commitment to coordinating development and security through a series of pragmatic and concrete measures. By investing heavily in infrastructure construction, connectivity projects, and sustainable development plans in regions such as Latin America, China is committed to achieving common prosperity. Projects highligted in China-Latin America cooperation, such as the Argentine deep-space station and Sino-Cuban biotechnology cooperation, are not only economic investments but also involve significant technology transfer and local capacity building, which both enhance the economic security of partner countries and promote regional stability. Furthermore, international cooperation in the fields of public health, food security, and sustainable energy advocates a security concept based on mutual benefit, win-win results, and equitable growth, further reinforcing China’s image as being committed to providing tangible solutions for the safety and well-being of the people.
Finally, by promoting the implementation of the GSI and related measures, China is actively shaping its favorable image as a responsible major power in a multipolar world. This narrative aims to drive the transformation of the international order from unipolar dominance to multipolar cooperation, with the concept of a community with a shared future for humanity being the concentrated expression of this vision. China respects the diversity of civilizations, promotes international solidarity and consensus-building, and supports all countries in independently choosing their own development paths. Currently, tensions between China and some Western powers persist, as these countries attempt to interpret China's development path through the lens of strategic competition and hegemonic transition. Despite this, China continues to demonstrate its consistent position on maintaining world peace and development through the ongoing practice of the GSI, steadily consolidating its international image as a responsible major power.
In summary, the Global Security Initiative advocates a non-confrontational security concept and demonstrates China’s vision for reshaping the global security governance landscape. In Latin America, China promotes China-Latin America development cooperation through technology transfer and economic growth plans. Both sides will further align security concepts and integrate interests to jointly promote the implementation of the GSI in Latin America, making the initiative truly serve regional development and security needs, and contributing the strength of China and Latin America toward the long-term stability and common development of the international community.
(Authors' Affiliations: Eduardo Regalado, Center for International Policy Research, Cuba; He Qin, Institute of Marxism Studies, Chinese Academy of Social Sciences)
Source: Contemporary World and Socialism, Issue 6, 2025 Editor: Huihui