How China envisions future of global cooperation Overcoming barriers

Last week's events, viewed through the lens of the Russia-Ukraine track—or rather, the U.S.-Russia negotiations, where the situation in and around Ukraine was merely one aspect of shaping a new world order—left several important geopolitical nuances unnoticed by many news agencies. Among these, in my subjective opinion, a particularly interesting report by the Xinhua analytical centre stands out, as it highlights a positive resolution to the issue of civilizational coexistence. In this article, we will attempt to examine certain key aspects of this report.

The Xinhua document was presented to the world under the title "Promoting the Development and Progress of Human Civilization through Exchange and Mutual Learning." First and foremost, the report acknowledges that the world, at this historical stage, is facing "persistent value conflicts," which, in turn, put "the diversity of civilizations under threat." Among the key factors driving this trend, the report highlights the rise of anti-globalist sentiments, accompanied by the "resurgence of protectionism, isolationism and populism." These tendencies often lead to a severe breakdown in the mechanisms of "global cultural cooperation," fostering "alienation and hostility" between different civilizations.

It is precisely for this reason that Beijing has put forward the Global Civilizations Initiative, which emphasizes the recognition and respect for the "diversity of world civilizations" by promoting "universal human values." Within this framework, significant attention is given to " the inheritance and innovation of civilization, and strengthening international cultural and people-to-people exchanges."

In line with this vision for the benefit of all humanity, China has launched dialogue platforms that go beyond the Conference on Dialogue of Asian Civilizations to include the promotion of 16 mechanisms for multilateral exchange and cooperation. These efforts encompass initiatives such as the Meeting of BRICS Ministers of Culture. A significant outcome of Beijing’s policy was the unanimous approval by participants of the 78th session of the UN General Assembly (2024) of China’s proposed resolution to establish the International Day for Dialogue Among Civilizations (June 10).

Overall, the ideas outlined in the report build upon the Community of Common Destiny for Mankind, a concept introduced by Xi Jinping in 2012 as a crucial step toward achieving truly peaceful global development and fostering a harmonious world. For Beijing, this concept serves as the foundation of a New World Order, which is intended to replace the "outdated model of international relations." As Xi Jinping originally articulated, given the planet’s diverse cultures, races, religions, and states with varying social systems, the Community of Common Destiny for Mankind is essential for shaping a global society governed by the principle: "You are in me, and I am in you." This motto underscores the interdependence of all nations worldwide.

According to the Chinese perspective, the core idea of this Community is to establish a deep connection between "the future and destiny of every nation and every country." By undertaking joint actions, including "sharing joy and sorrow," humanity can transform the planet into "a harmonious family." In geopolitical terms, this means that all nations "must follow the path of dialogue and consultation," adhering to the principles of peaceful coexistence and recognising the necessity of "mutual concessions." Only by advancing in this direction can the world fully move away from the Cold War mentality and finally establish a "comprehensive, cooperative, and sustainable" new "security concept," whose ultimate goal is the creation of "a universally safe world."

This approach also aims to foster an "open, inclusive, balanced, and mutually beneficial economic globalisation," serving as the foundation for a "planet of shared prosperity." In this framework, cultural exchanges play a crucial role in "overcoming civilisational barriers," as mutual learning is seen as the key to "transcending the constraints of civilisational conflicts," strengthening dialogue, and jointly building "an open and inclusive world." This trajectory, in turn, is expected to lead to the collective development of a "global ecological civilisation."

It is highly symbolic that at the beginning of 2025, China inaugurated a research centre dedicated to studying the concept of building a Community of Common Destiny for Mankind.

In this context, it is worth noting that Beijing’s approach aligns with the position of official Baku, which is rooted in Azerbaijan’s unique centuries-old experience. As President Ilham Aliyev has emphasised, for centuries, Azerbaijan has been a space where "religions, cultures, and civilisations coexisted," and the principles of multiculturalism thrived in Azerbaijan long before the term "multiculturalism" itself even existed.

In light of the discussion, it is fitting to conclude with the perspectives of the leaders of Azerbaijan and China on bilateral relations. In a recent interview with China’s CGTN television channel, President Ilham Aliyev described the adoption of the Declaration on Strategic Partnership between Baku and Beijing in 2024 as "an important political step in bilateral relations." He elaborated that "strategic partnership represents a very high level of mutual trust and cooperation."

Meanwhile, Xi Jinping stated that elevating bilateral ties to the level of strategic partnership marks "a new starting point, and we will continue to strengthen mutual support for the benefit of our peoples." The declaration itself underscores that both sides regard each other as "priority and reliable" partners, independently determining the course of their bilateral relations "regardless of external factors."

As the saying goes, no further comments are needed.