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Yahoo
16-05-2025
- Politics
- Yahoo
Global Times: White paper highlights China's proactive, steadfast practice of GSI, stresses country's contribution to global security
BEIJING, May 15, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- China's State Council Information Office on Monday released its first white paper on the country's national security in the new era. The white paper systematically elaborates on the theoretical system of China's holistic approach to national security for the first time. According to the white paper, China's holistic approach to national security is the first major strategic thinking established as the guiding principle for national security efforts since the founding of the People's Republic of China. It is an important component of Xi Jinping Thought on Socialism with Chinese Characteristics for a New Era and represents a major theoretical contribution from contemporary China to the global community. It is noteworthy that the white paper presents the GSI as the "World Chapter" of China's holistic approach to national security. The white paper notes that the GSI highlights the security vision of building a community with a shared future for humanity, and brings a global outlook to the holistic approach to national security. With the development and changes of the times, the connotation and extension of national security are constantly expanding, and the international situation is becoming increasingly sharp and complex. In this context, the release of a white paper on national security is of great significance for enhancing the public's understanding of the field and scope of national security, Li Wei, a researcher and security expert at the China Institutes of Contemporary International Relations, told the Global Times. In the new environment, the white paper can help everyone have a more scientific, comprehensive, and objective understanding and awareness of national security, he said. Wang Yiwei, a senior research fellow at the Institute of Global and Area Studies, Renmin University of China, echoed Li. He explained that the concept of national security used to include domestic and international security, but the boundary between the two forms of security is getting increasingly blurred given the turmoil and complex international situation, not to mention that emerging challenges in the governance of artificial intelligence and the management of the ecological environment have brought about new problems in the field of security. China's holistic approach to national security stresses the common security of the global society. And this is a vital reason behind why China proposed the GSI: to create a new era of common and sustainable security without hegemony at the institutional level, Wang noted. Chinese wisdom In April 2022, President Xi Jinping proposed the GSI at the Boao Forum for Asia, offering Chinese wisdom, solutions, and strength to address global security challenges, bridge the peace deficit, and promote shared security worldwide. In the GSI concept paper published in 2023, China expounded the initiative's core ideas and principles, reaffirming its commitments to abiding by the purposes and principles of the UN Charter, taking the legitimate security concerns of all countries seriously, and peacefully resolving differences and disputes between countries through dialogue and consultation, among other pledges. By integrating the GSI into China's holistic approach to national security and connecting it with the global community with a shared future, the white paper is providing a specific plan for the construction of the global community with a shared future from the perspective of security, according to Wang. According to the white paper, the GSI addresses the urgent need of the international community to uphold world peace and prevent conflicts. It echoes the shared aspirations of the vast majority of nations for win-win cooperation over hegemony and bullying, aligning with humanity's common pursuit of lasting peace and universal security. The initiative offers a new pathway to eliminate the root causes of international conflicts, tackle global security challenges, and improve global security governance. China is not only an active proponent of the GSI, but also a steadfast practitioner. According to the white paper, as of May 2024, China had sent more than 50,000 peacekeepers to participate in more than 30 UN peacekeeping missions in over 20 countries and regions. The country had also dispatched more than 30,000 medical personnel to 77 countries and regions, benefiting at least 300 million patients. The country has also played a constructive role in resolving some of the world's most challenging regional conflicts, bringing certainty and positive energy to a world filled with turmoil, according to the white paper. Regarding the Ukraine crisis, China released a paper outlining its position on the political settlement of the Ukraine crisis, actively engaging in shuttle diplomacy and urging peace talks; China facilitated the reconciliation between Saudi Arabia and Iran; under China's efforts, Palestinian factions signed the Beijing Declaration to end division and strengthen Palestinian national unity. China upholds true multilateralism, promotes adherence to international law, and drives reforms to make the global security governance system fairer, more equitable, and responsive to the will and interests of the majority of countries. This approach better meets practical needs in addressing global challenges, the white paper notes. Global contribution Over the past three years, the GSI has served as an important public good contributed by China to global security. It has played a positive role, garnered widespread support, demonstrated significant contemporary relevance and practical impact, and continues to benefit the noble cause of human peace and development. Along with its implementation, the initiative has also gained recognition, understanding of, and support from many countries, regions, and international organizations around the world. According to the white paper, by the end of 2024, the GSI had received support and appreciation from 119 countries and international organizations, and had been included in 123 bilateral and multilateral political documents. Talking about how China and Brazil could cooperate in the field of security, Marina dos Santos, a legislator from Rio de Janeiro, told the Global Times in a recent interview that China's experience in public security offers valuable lessons for Rio de Janeiro, particularly in the state's efficacy in protecting its citizens. "It's not just about ensuring personal safety and material property, but about using security to foster well-being and quality of life," she noted. The three major global initiatives proposed by China - namely the GDI, the GSI and the GCI - have become important strategic guides for building a community with a shared future. These three initiatives indicate the direction for human society's progress from the dimensions of development, security, and civilization, complementing and reinforcing each other. They serve as a crucial foundation for promoting the construction of a community with a shared future and provide a Chinese solution to significant issues concerning human peace and development, according to Wang. The three global initiatives demonstrate that China's confidence in global governance is transforming into conscious action, which involves deliberately linking domestic reform and opening up with global governance and actively advancing the modernization of governance systems and capabilities, Wang noted. Like the interpretation of the GSI in the recent white paper, Wang expects China to take the initiative to provide more specific perspective and plans to practically promote the construction of a global community with a shared future. View original content: SOURCE Global Times Sign in to access your portfolio
Borneo Post
05-05-2025
- Business
- Borneo Post
Trash, treasure and thrifting: China's youth turns eco-anxiety into trendy action
A staff member demonstrates the plastic recycling process at the Boao zero-carbon demonstration zone during the Boao Forum for Asia (BFA) Annual Conference 2025 in Boao, south China's Hainan Province, March 25, 2025. (Xinhua/Xie Ziyi) BEIJING (May 6): When Cici Tomato donated her ex-boyfriend's hoodie to a secondhand shop in Shanghai providing what it calls a 'Rescue Wardrobe for Your Ex's Clothes,' she wasn't only thinking about decluttering. 'Letting it go felt like giving both the hoodie and myself a fresh start,' said Cici, who swapped the item for a cropped tank top. The spirit of the service — rehoming clothes to reduce waste and support communities — captures the spirit of China's youth-driven sustainability movement: practical, personal, and undeniably cool. Whether it's redistributing surplus food in mystery bags or using worms to compost in high-rise apartments, young innovators are turning sustainability into a joyful, accessible lifestyle — less of a burden and more of a daily rhythm. Leading the charge is Xishi Magic Bag, a social enterprise tackling food waste by selling 'mystery bags' filled with unsold, discounted, perfectly edible food items from bakeries, cafes and convenience stores. Since 2021, the initiative has expanded to over 100 cities, rescuing more than 10,000 tonnes of food in total. Users see their carbon footprints reduction through an app, blending environmental impact reduction with gamification. 'It's like being a wizard,' said Luona Cai, 32, a partner at Xishi. 'You grab a bag, save food, and bam — you've cast a spell against waste.' Over 80 percent of Xishi users are women aged 18 to 40, drawn by the thrill of treasure hunting while slashing their carbon footprints. The surprise element — the contents of each bag are a mystery — turns sustainability into an adventure. The initiative's impact goes beyond reducing emissions. 'Magic brings new life' is more than just a slogan for Xishi; It was inspired by a user who found it both an emotional comfort and financial relief during a tough job transition. Others have also shared stories of serendipity, like couples who met during bag pickups. 'When sustainability is convenient and fun, people embrace it,' Cai said. This fusion of personal and planetary care resonates with influencers like Su Yige, a 27-year-old sustainable and vegan lifestyle content creator with over 110,000 followers on Bilibili and Xiaohongshu, liftstyle platforms. Su, who began her sustainability journey in college, champions eco-living as 'hedonism, not hardship,' sharing tips on thrifting lipstick, plant-based recipes, and DIY decor for rented apartments. 'Eco-living is a lifestyle, not a mission,' said Su, who rejects the pressure to be an extreme environmentalist. 'People think you need to quit plastic or avoid flights. I say: Start where you are. Even small choices matter.' Businesses are also riding the sustainability wave. In Beijing, Amy Li, a restaurateur and co-founder of Susu & Pakpak, has embraced Xishi Magic Bag as a creative way to manage surplus food and empower young chefs. 'We don't allow popular dishes to sell out,' she explained. 'But prepared ingredients would go to waste. The magic bags enable us to reduce waste and give customers something experimental.' For some, this shift to sustainability goes even deeper. In her 30s, Zhang Ying made a bold career shift, leaving her job as an English tutor to become a full-time nature educator. Zhang, who now goes by her 'nature name,' Sandalwood, teaches children in cities about composting through her apartment earthworm colony. Their 'black gold' fertilizer, which is made from kitchen scraps, nourishes plants and minds alike. 'Apart from being producers and consumers, we're all decomposers in nature's grand story,' she said. 'Even a tiny worm can reshape how we see our place in the world.' This eco-culture shift is evident in data: A 2023 China Youth Daily survey revealed that over 90 percent of college student respondents expressed concern about environmental issues, with many actively practicing eco-friendly habits like reducing food waste, conserving energy and eating more plant-based meals. This proactive mindset fuels platforms like secondhand marketplace app Xianyu, which boasts 600 million users. Restaurants are also seeing surging demand for 'mini' portions, and apps reward low-carbon habits with subway discounts or tree-planting credits. Cai sees a contrast between generations: 'Older people practiced frugality out of necessity. But today's youth, raised in a digital age, are asking deeper questions — about their future, their relationship with nature, and what it means to live with purpose.' Cai and her team now plan to expand Xishi Magic Bag's supply base to include cooked meals, hotel buffets and upstream food suppliers, aiming to tackle food waste at the source. Whether sparked by a discarded hoodie or a rescued croissant, China's youth is rewriting the green playbook one small, fashionable choice at a time. For Su, progress lies in imperfection. 'Eco-living isn't about being flawless. It's about doing your best, your way.' 'Self-care,' Su reflected, 'can go hand in hand with Earth-care.' – Xinhua China environment Recycling sustainability
Nikkei Asia
01-05-2025
- Politics
- Nikkei Asia
China, India quietly bid for global leadership as the US abdicates
Chietigj Bajpaee is senior fellow for South Asia at Chatham House, an international affairs think tank in London. He is co-author of a recent research paper: "How China-India relations will shape Asia and the global order." When China and India are talking about upholding the "rules-based international order" while the U.S. shuns the very order it helped to establish, you know that we are living in a New World Order. In March, I had the opportunity to attend major international conferences in both countries: the Raisina Dialogue in New Delhi and the Boao Forum for Asia in Hainan. Both events highlighted Beijing and New Delhi's visions of the emerging international order and their places in it.
South China Morning Post
02-04-2025
- Business
- South China Morning Post
China showcases its role as a stabilising force amid US turbulence
China's annual 'two sessions' parliamentary meetings last month outlined its domestic priorities, including advancing home-grown technologies, accelerating the green energy transition and addressing the debt challenge. The Boao Forum for Asia expanded on these themes. Advertisement Beijing's leadership is reaffirming China's role as a stabilising force in Asia and a proponent of multilateral frameworks in the face of growing US tariffs, intensifying climate constraints and fragmented global trade dynamics. China seeks to balance diplomatic flexibility with legislative strategy to traverse the geopolitical and economic currents. China's two sessions reaffirmed its dedication to advancing Chinese-style modernisation, a vision seen as balancing on three elements: a strong technological foundation , a highly skilled workforce and a far-reaching global presence. Innovations in artificial intelligence (AI) – a sector that generated an estimated US$402.6 million in revenue last year, with earnings projected to hit US$3.98 billion by 2030 – quantum computing and renewable energy underscore China's adaptability. Managing high debt in the real estate industry and urban economies, which require reforms to ensure sustainable growth, are two of China's most urgent issues. Meanwhile, US protectionist measures, including tariffs, have intensified China's reorientation towards Southeast Asia, Africa and Latin America. While these tariffs threaten global trade stability, they have also spurred Beijing to forge stronger alliances. Advertisement
South China Morning Post
02-04-2025
- Business
- South China Morning Post
Australia-China trade ties ‘imperative' as both sides eye emerging prospects, risks
A sense of 'renewed optimism' between Australian and Chinese businesses has been fuelling efforts to create an environment where both sides can 'live in harmony' and grow economically, according to the head of a leading Australian business association. Advertisement However, David Olsson, chairman of the Australia China Business Council (ACBC), also cautioned that while trade relations between the two nations had thawed recently, there was still a possibility that Beijing could reinstate trade barriers, which could affect businesses sharply, as geopolitical uncertainties persisted. The message was delivered last week in an interview on the sidelines of the Boao Forum for Asia , an annual gathering of high-level officials, academics and business executives, in the southern province of Hainan, which ended on Friday. 'We want to work with China particularly as the influential power in the region to create that environment in which we can live in harmony, and that we can continue with economic development,' Olsson said. 'This is an important relationship to both of us. It is an important relationship to the Asia region generally because ... we are in one region in the world so we have to work together. That's an imperative that will bring us together.' Advertisement China lifted its last trade bans on Australian exports in December after imposing restrictions in 2020 amid strained bilateral relations. Despite the thaw, uncertainties remain, including simmering tensions over security issues and economic risks from Washington's tariffs.
