What message does the world receive about global governance from China's 2026 Xiongan Forum?: Key Takeaways from China's Diplomacy in the New Era

The 2026 Global Governance Forum (Xiongan), held from October 23 to 25 in Xiongan New Area, Hebei Province, marked an important step in China's efforts to advance its Global Governance Initiative (GGI). According to a thought-provoking, insightful and timely report titled “The Global Governance Initiative Moves from Vision to Action,” published by China's Diplomacy in the New Era (chinadiplomacy.org.cn) on November 02, the forum introduced eight cooperative actions aimed at strengthening international cooperation, reforming global institutions and ensuring greater participation of developing countries in global decision-making.

The event brought together nearly 400 representatives from more than 90 countries and international and regional organizations, including the United Nations. Discussions focused on the growing need for a more inclusive and representative international governance system, particularly as developing nations continue to seek greater influence over decisions concerning international finance, trade, security, technology and development.

Chinese President Xi Jinping, in his message to the forum, highlighted growing challenges in global peace, development, security and governance. He emphasized extensive consultation, joint contribution and shared benefits as essential principles for addressing international challenges. China's position, as presented in the report, is to improve existing international institutions rather than replace them, making them more responsive to contemporary global realities.

Foreign Minister Wang Yi outlined eight cooperative actions to translate the initiative into practical outcomes. The first focuses on strengthening Asia-Pacific economic cooperation through the November 2026 Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) Economic Leaders' Meeting, promoting openness, innovation, regional integration and progress towards a Free Trade Area of the Asia-Pacific. The second action concerns United Nations reform, particularly improving its efficiency and institutional effectiveness. The third seeks to expand the role of the Group of Friends of Global Governance by advancing nine reform priorities and encouraging wider participation.

The fourth action focuses on implementing the Agreement on the Conservation and Sustainable Use of Marine Biological Diversity of Areas Beyond National Jurisdiction, known as the BBNJ Agreement. China also expressed support for Xiamen's bid to host its secretariat. The fifth action addresses human rights governance, particularly economic, social and cultural rights and the right to development. China plans to organize a workshop to strengthen developing countries' capacity in these areas.

The sixth action concerns outer-space governance. China released a position paper calling for stronger international rules, broader participation and peaceful cooperation in space exploration. The seventh focuses on artificial intelligence through the AI Capacity-Building Action Plan for Good and for All. A progress report will review two years of cooperation, practical experiences and achievements, with the objective of improving developing countries' access to AI knowledge, computing resources and technological capabilities. The eighth action involves establishing a Global Governance Research Center to study international governance issues, publish a Global Governance Index and produce annual reports to assess developments and progress.

The forum also produced the document titled "Global Governance: Xiongan Vision", alongside more than 450 proposals submitted by Chinese and international participants. Its discussions included 22 thematic seminars covering politics, economics, technology, culture and think-tank cooperation. Several institutions also released research reports, established dialogue mechanisms and launched cooperation projects.

Wang Yi stated that more than 160 countries and international organizations had endorsed the Global Governance Initiative, while over 60 countries had joined the Group of Friends of Global Governance. Elements of the initiative had also been incorporated into documents issued by the G20, Shanghai Cooperation Organization and BRICS. He further highlighted China's contributions, including its decision to forgo new special and differential treatment in ongoing and future World Trade Organization negotiations and provide zero-tariff access to African countries and least-developed countries maintaining diplomatic relations with China. Other initiatives include the International Organization for Mediation and the World Artificial Intelligence Cooperation Organization.

The report also emphasizes the importance of improving developing-country representation in international institutions, particularly the United Nations Security Council and international financial systems. Greater participation by African, small and medium-sized countries is considered essential to making global governance more balanced and representative.

Established in 2017, Xiongan New Area provided a setting reflecting China's long-term development approach, including urban planning, infrastructure and public services. The forum connected this domestic development experience with broader international discussions on governance and cooperation.

Overall, the 2026 forum represents an effort to move the Global Governance Initiative from political vision towards practical implementation. While its eight actions and Xiongan Vision provide a framework for cooperation, their success will depend on sustained international participation, institutional reforms and measurable outcomes. The central objective remains building a fairer, more inclusive global governance system in which developing countries have a stronger voice and international cooperation delivers tangible benefits.

Beyond the announced initiatives, the Xiongan Forum also sends a broader message about the importance of shared responsibility in addressing global challenges. At a time of geopolitical tensions, economic uncertainties and rapid technological transformation, international cooperation remains essential for maintaining stability and promoting sustainable development. China's emphasis on greater representation for developing countries highlights the need for international institutions to reflect the interests of a wider range of nations. The forum also underscores that global governance should not remain limited to political declarations but must deliver practical solutions through dialogue, mutual respect, collective participation and sustained cooperation among countries.

Stephen Rozario, a researcher and columnist.

×