James W. Pfister: China’s global security initiative

China has come out of its COVID-19 period with international energy, having recently brokered an accord between Iran and Saudi Arabia in the Middle East and with Chinese President Xi Jinping planning to speak with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy. On Feb. 21, China released a “Concept Paper” regarding its “Global Security Initiative” (herein GSI). It is a security plan for the world based on the Charter of the United Nations. My purpose here is to describe the highlights of this plan and to see how it relates to United States foreign policy.

It begins: “The issue of security bears on the well-being of people of all countries, the lofty cause of world peace and development, and the future of humanity … and the world is once again at a crossroads in history.” Regarding basic principles, it emphasizes “common security, respecting and safeguarding of every country….” One should take the “legitimate security concerns of all countries seriously.” The GSI is also committed to respecting “…the sovereignty and territorial integrity of all countries.” (Of course, they do not consider Taiwan to be a “country”). Each country should be able to choose its own social system and development path. There should not be external interference in the internal affairs of countries; there should be sovereignty and equality, regardless of the power of the country.

The UN Charter should be “…the main platform for global security governance…. The Cold War mentality, unilateralism, bloc confrontation and hegemonism contradict the spirit of the UN Charter and must be resisted and rejected.” (This latter is a criticism of the United States). China has a veto in the Security Council which, I think, the GSI means by the “spirit” of the Charter, whereas the U.S. has used Article 51 individual and collective self-defense for its unilateral actions, escaping the veto.

Regarding disputes, “only dialogue and consultation are effective in resolving differences.” Communication should be strengthened on an “equal footing,” facilitated by good offices and mediation. Probably referring to the United States, the GSI states: “Abusing unilateral sanctions and long-arm jurisdiction does not solve a problem, but only creates more difficulties and complications.” Non-traditional security concerns are also addressed: terrorism, climate change, cybersecurity and biosecurity.

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Regarding priorities, the GSI…