China moves forward in spite of global chaos

The word that best describes the international situation in 2016 is “eventful.” This year, a number of unforeseen incidents caused profound changes around the world.

Both conventional and unconventional security problems emerged, one after another, aggravating the “double-edged sword effect of globalization” wherein risks and challenges increase rapidly. Downward pressure on the global economy was on the rise, developed economies were further divided, and emerging economies moved forward amid great difficulty. China’s presence was more pronounced than ever in the international community, and its role in global governance was further enhanced.

Many people around the world were overwhelmed this year by various international affairs. The disorder of the Western system has intensified social conflicts, inciting populism and anti-establishment sentiments. U.S. President-elect Donald Trump’s “America first” strategic adjustment has made the situation more volatile, while Brexit stalled European integration in a major way.

Political consistency was often disrupted this year. Arab Spring affected many countries, and the Middle East faced complicated and severe circumstances. The right wing dominated Japan’s political arena, and new Japanese security laws took effect in March, giving a green light for the first time since the end of WWII to Japan's Self-Defense Forces (SDF) to engage armed conflicts overseas. The DPRK attempted two nuclear tests, which incurred heavy sanctions from the UN Security Council. The U.S. plan to deploy a Terminal High Altitude Area Defense (THAAD) system in South Korea undermined the strategic interests of China and Russia.

The U.S. allied with Europe to squeeze Russia with NATO, while tension escalated between Western countries and Russia over the issue of Ukraine. Internal and external conflicts confronting the EU were daunting, necessitating a postponement of the discussion regarding Ukraine’s accession to the EU and NATO.

Indeed, global governance has work to do. The world economy is recovering with great difficulty. The 3.1 percent global economic growth and 1.7 percent global trade growth given by the IMF and WTO respectively hit record lows since 2009. The deficit of global governance is growing. The ability of Western countries in innovation and public goods provision has been undermined. International cooperation, meanwhile, has shown progress. For example, international cooperation on climate change is a highlight, together with cooperation on nuclear security, public health and immigration.

The influence of China has become more pronounced in the international community this year. In September, the G20 summit took place in Hangzhou, promoting structural reform in the world economy, along with global development and comprehensive governance. The G20 has transformed from an emergency response mechanism into a long-term governance method. The inclusion of the RMB in the International Monetary Fund's SDR basket on Oct. 1 also carried significant meaning. The Belt and Road Initiative was heavily promoted, advanced by five state visits made by Chinese President Xi Jinping. The Asian Infrastructure Investment Bank (AIIB) issued its first loan for infrastructure construction in countries along the Belt and Road route. The Silk Road Fund was initiated successfully.

In 2017, polarization might develop further. No matter what, China will remain a positive power that maintains world peace, stability and development. Next year, China will hold two diplomatic events: the first International Cooperation Summit Forum on the Belt and Road Initiative and the ninth BRICS summit. China will always uphold the spirit of peace, development, cooperation and mutual benefits, in order to improve China’s international influence.

(The author is president of the China Institute of International Studies.)