Global Security Initiative a practical path to stability in turbulent times: China Daily editorial

The Munich Security Report 2026, which was released on Monday, highlights a critical issue that has become a common concern for the world: the United States as a major source of instability.

Titled "Under Destruction", the report analyzes the far-reaching consequences of the rise of political forces with disruptive agendas that favor destruction over reform. It paints a bleak picture of the global security outlook, highlighting a climate in which those forces employ bulldozers, wrecking balls and chainsaws to destroy the global system. They exploit the widespread disenchantment with the performance of "democratic" institutions and the pervasive loss of trust in meaningful reforms.

"Ironically, the president of the United States — the country that did more than any other to shape the post-1945 international order — is now the most prominent of the demolition men," the authors of the report write. "As a result, more than 80 years after construction began, the postwar international order is now under destruction."

For supporters of this approach, such bulldozer politics promise to break institutional inertia and compel problem-solving on challenges that were previously marked by gridlock. But instead, these destructive policies are undermining the cohesion of the international community, hamstringing its ability to tackle humankind's most daunting challenges. In effect and with intent, these demolition acts are aimed at creating a world that privileges the rich and the powerful in the US. To deal with this reality, the report calls for the actors defending international rules and institutions "to be just as bold as the actors who seek to destroy them".

To some extent, the report indicates that there is a growing realization in Europe that the US should not be regarded as a reliable partner. Europe watches helplessly as the entire order is disrupted and has to be rebuilt. It seems inevitable therefore that the tensions between the US and Europe will come to the fore at the upcoming conference which opens in Munich on Friday.

The report is a timely reminder of the need for a shift in how global security is perceived. The world needs a new approach to global security, one that can restore cohesion to the international community and enable it to tackle the daunting challenges together.

Enter the Global Security Initiative proposed by China. Introduced in 2022, as a practical and viable pathway toward building a community of shared security for humanity, this initiative offers a balanced approach to global security.

It is underpinned by "six commitments", specifically, commitment to the vision of common, comprehensive, cooperative and sustainable security; respecting the sovereignty and territorial integrity of all countries; abiding by the purposes and principles of the UN Charter; taking the legitimate security concerns of all countries seriously; peacefully resolving differences and disputes between countries through dialogue and consultation; and maintaining security in both traditional and nontraditional domains.

The initiative is rooted in the belief that security is a shared responsibility, requiring cooperation and mutual respect among nations. It calls for a departure from the zero-sum mentality that dominates international relations, instead promoting a vision of common security where the interests of all nations are taken into account. Its approach is particularly relevant in today's interconnected world, where challenges such as climate change, pandemics, biodiversity loss and growing inequality require collective solutions.

By prioritizing dialogue and cooperation, the initiative provides a framework for resolving conflicts peacefully and addressing security concerns without resorting to destructive measures.

In a world where the rules-based international order is under attack, the Global Security Initiative, along with the other three global initiatives China has put forward for development, civilization and governance, offers a way to reinforce and revitalize the global system, ensuring that it remains a cornerstone of the world order.