The impact of China's Foreign policy on global governance - based on a study of relations between the United States and China (2013-2024)

Van Veili PhD in Politics Master's Degree; Faculty of Humanities and Social Sciences, Department of Theory and History of International Relations; Patrice Lumumba Peoples' Friendship University of Russia 138 Trade Union Street, 313 block, Moscow, 117198, Russia 1349226127@qq.com

Chapter 1. The Transformation of China's Foreign Policy in Global Governance

In the context of the new era, China's foreign policy is undergoing profound changes: from the early "hiding abilities and waiting in the wings" to a more active international role, especially its growing influence in global governance. In 2013, Chinese President Xi Jinping, in his reflections on Chinese diplomacy in the new era, emphasized that China will play a more significant role in global governance and contribute to building a more just and rational international order. Within this framework, China's foreign policy is not only focused on its own interests, but also aims to ensure global public goods and solve global problems, demonstrating the "role of a great power" ^[1].

Global governance as a mechanism for solving transnational problems (for example, climate change, the global health crisis, economic inequality, etc.) faces numerous challenges. Currently, the international order, led by the United States, is suffering from instability, and the resurgence of unilateral actions and protectionism is forcing the global governance system to change^[2]. Against this background, the development of Sino-American relations, which are among the most important bilateral relations in the world, has a profound impact on global governance. China and the United States have both deep competition and broad opportunities for cooperation in a number of areas, and their interaction not only defines the direction of global governance, but also has a profound impact on the future of the international order.

Therefore, after analyzing the main directions of China's foreign policy in the new era and its practice in the field of global governance, in this article we will consider the role and tasks of China in the field of global governance, especially how China can contribute to the reform and development of the global governance system through its diplomatic strategy, faced with conflicts and cooperation in the American-Chinese relations, taking into account the actual case of US-Chinese relations.

Chapter 2. The Positive Side of Chinese Foreign Policy in Global Governance

2.1 China's role in global governance.

As the world's second largest economy, China plays an important role in global governance; its GDP of $17.96 trillion in 2023 will account for 17.81 percent of global GDP, making it one of the main forces in the global economy^[3]. Through platforms such as the Belt and Road Initiative, China promotes the development of global infrastructure and regional economic cooperation, promotes global economic integration, and provides economic support to developing countries.

Table 1 Global GDP and global share of the largest economies in 2023 (source: World Bank)

In terms of climate management, China is the world's largest carbon emitter. According to the International Energy Agency, China's carbon emissions will amount to 11.68 billion tons in 2020, or 32.48 percent of global carbon emissions. China has set a goal to reduce carbon dioxide emissions by 2030 and achieve carbon neutrality by 2060 by actively participating in international climate negotiations and contributing to global green transformation through green investment and technological innovation. This demonstrates China's responsibility and leadership in global climate governance.

Table 2 Share of carbon emissions in China and major countries (source: International Energy Agency, 2020)

In the field of international security, China, as a permanent member of the UN Security Council, advocates the settlement of international disputes through multilateral cooperation. China plays an important role in global peacekeeping operations, especially in Africa and the Middle East, by sending peacekeepers and providing humanitarian assistance. At the same time, China is strengthening regional security cooperation through the Shanghai Cooperation Organization and other platforms to promote global stability.

In general, the PRC is playing an increasingly important role in global governance, not only playing a key role in areas such as economic growth, climate change and international security, but also actively participating in the reform of the global governance system. As China's influence grows, it will play an even more important role in solving global problems.

2.2 New concepts of global governance proposed by the PRC

China has put forward a number of new global governance concepts aimed at promoting the development of global governance in a more equitable, rational and inclusive manner. The main new concepts of global governance put forward by China are listed below.:

Table 3 China's New Global Governance Concept (summary)

These concepts embody China's deep thinking and unique contribution to global governance, and reflect China's firm determination to promote the reform of the international order and strengthen global cooperation. By putting these concepts into practice, China is actively promoting the development of global governance in a more equitable, inclusive and cooperative manner.

2.3 China's diplomatic strategy in Sino-American relations

In relations between the United States and China, China adheres to a multidimensional diplomatic strategy aimed at maintaining stable relations while preserving its core national interests.

Table 4. China's diplomatic strategy in Sino-American relations

China stands for responding to the strategic pressure of the United States through stable bilateral relations and flexible diplomatic tactics that promote mutually beneficial cooperation. China has also launched an initiative on a "new type of relationship between the major powers of China and the United States," which focuses on peaceful coexistence and strategic cooperation to ensure the healthy development of relations between the two countries. Through this series of strategies, China seeks to promote a more just and rational international order in global governance and protect its own interests.

Chapter 3. Conflict and Cooperation in U.S.-China Relations - the Dual Impact of Global Governance

3.1 Challenges to global governance from competition between the United States and China

The rivalry between China and the United States has a profound impact on the stability and development of the global governance system. The United States has long dominated the international political and economic order, but with the rise of the Chinese economy, especially with its active participation in the Belt and Road Initiative and global governance reform, China is gradually emerging as an important force for global reform. The strategic rivalry between China and the United States, especially in technology, trade, and the military, has brought uncertainty to the global governance system.

Under the Trump administration, the United States has pursued an "America First" policy, withdrawing from a number of international agreements and organizations, including the Paris Climate Agreement and the World Health Organization (WHO)^[4].

This behavior has weakened the power of global multilateralism and created challenges in managing global issues such as climate change and health. On the other hand, China actively promotes the reform of the global governance system, advocates multilateral cooperation and an international order centered on the United Nations, and promotes the concept of a "Community of Common human Destiny."

Data shows that in the fight against climate change, China's carbon dioxide emissions will reach 32.48 percent of global emissions in 2020, while the United States accounts for 14.6 percent of global carbon dioxide emissions. The Chinese concept of "green" development and the path of global cooperation are becoming increasingly important on climate change issues, but the withdrawal or weakening of US commitments makes it difficult to achieve synergy in global climate governance.

3.2 The potential and reality of Sino-American cooperation

Despite the numerous rivalries between the United States and China, the potential for cooperation remains enormous, especially in the face of global challenges. Topics such as climate change, global health and the fight against terrorism require cooperation between the two countries to counter global threats. The potential of US-Chinese cooperation in the field of climate change is particularly great.In April 2021, Xi Jinping and U.S. President Joe Biden reached a consensus emphasizing the commitment of the two countries to deepen cooperation on climate change. This cooperation not only reflects the responsibility of both countries for global governance, but also provides an important impetus for global climate governance ^[5].

The reality of collaboration is still complex. China and the United States have different views on cooperation on climate change, especially on issues such as energy consumption patterns and carbon reduction targets. China's proposed "eco-friendly" development path and the development of clean energy technologies are facing skepticism and competition from the West. The United States often protests against China's policy of subsidizing the renewable energy sector and environmental standards.

In the field of global economic governance, cooperation between the two countries remains essential to ensure global economic stability, despite deep differences in trade and investment, especially conflicts over tariffs and trade agreements. The cooperation between China and the United States after the global financial crisis of 2008 demonstrated the important role of the two countries in the recovery of the global economy. For example, in 2008, the United States and China agreed to jointly respond to the global financial crisis, seek reform of the International Monetary Fund (IMF), and jointly support global trade liberalization.

3.3 The Foreign policy game in Sino-American relations

The game of Sino-American foreign policy is not limited only to bilateral relations, but also affects the direction and way of global governance. In the field of global governance, China has put forward the concept of "common cause, common construction and shared use", which emphasizes the equal participation of all countries and the joint development of rules ^[6]. The United States, on the contrary, insists on its dominant position and strives to maintain an international order based on Western values. The game between the two countries in the United Nations, the World Trade Organization, the International Monetary Fund and other international organizations shows their different understanding of the rules of global governance.

In 2020, the United States criticized China's role in the World Health Organization (WHO), accusing China of hiding information about pandemic outbreaks and announcing the suspension of WHO financial support. Meanwhile, China has increased its investments in developing countries through the Belt and Road Initiative, strengthening its voice and influence in global governance. China's assistance in building global infrastructure, responding to climate change, global health, and other areas has given new impetus to global governance, but at the same time has intensified the strategic rivalry between China and the United States ^[7].

In the field of international trade and technology, the game between China and the United States is particularly tense. China's growth in areas such as 5G and artificial intelligence has challenged U.S. leadership in technology. The United States has responded to China's rise with a technology blockade, trade sanctions, and other means by introducing measures such as the Foreign Investment Risk Control Modernization Act to restrict technology exports and market access to Chinese companies such as Huawei, which has not only affected bilateral relations, but also changed the global technology governance model.

Conclusion:

This article examines China's role in global governance, its new management concepts, and the dual impact of U.S.-China relations on global governance. China's growing role in the global economy, climate change, international security and other areas reflects its determination to promote reform and development in global governance. Through platforms such as the Belt and Road Initiative, China not only supports developing countries, but also actively participates in global infrastructure development, climate change response, and other issues.

However, competition and cooperation between China and the United States in the fields of economics, technology, and security have had a profound impact on the direction of global governance. Despite the many challenges facing China-US relations, the potential for cooperation between the two countries in areas such as climate change and global economic governance remains enormous. China's new concepts of global governance, such as "community of human destiny" and "common cause and common benefit," have served as a source of new ideas for global governance and have made important contributions to world peace and prosperity.