Mr. Xi has put forth three significant new initiatives – the Global Development Initiative (GDI), the Global Security Initiative (GSI), and the Global Civilisational Initiative (GCI) – that will serve as the foundation of China’s foreign policy in his third term. These initiatives are poised to shape and guide the nation’s approach, embodying his vision for the future.
Key Facts About Global Security Initiative
- On April 21, 2022, President Xi Jinping gave a virtual keynote speech at the Boao Forum for Asia Annual Conference 2022 in Boao, Hainan Province.
- The title of his speech was “Rising to Challenges and Building a Bright Future Through Cooperation”.
- Xi Jinping introduced a new concept, the Global Security Initiative (GSI), during his speech. The GSI emphasises a vision of common, comprehensive, cooperative, and sustainable security, while rejecting Cold War-era thinking, group politics, and bloc confrontation.
- This new concept is considered an extension of Xi Jinping’s thoughts and diplomatic style, often referred to as Xiplomacy.
- Xi Jinping’s speech highlighted six major points; sustainable security, upholding sovereignty, territorial integrity, non-interference in internal affairs, and respecting each nation’s policy choices based on their unique socio-political system.
- The term “indivisible security” was a key concept in his speech.
- After the speech, Chinese leaders, officials, and the media made several attempts to explain the new initiative.
After the speech, Chinese Foreign Minister, Wang Yi, elaborated on the Global Security Initiative (GSI) in an article in People’s Daily. The key elements of GSI are:
- Upholding the United Nations’ authority, promoting solidarity, and encouraging genuine multilateralism.
- Encouraging peaceful dialogues and collaboration to resolve critical issues peacefully.
- Addressing security threats in traditional and non-traditional areas by improving the global security governance system.
- Balancing development and security to foster a robust recovery of the world economy.
- Building a new regional security framework for maintaining peace and stability in Asia.
Wang Yi emphasised that China is willing to collaborate with nations and people who are committed to peace and development to implement the GSI.
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Principle Of “Indivisible Security”
- In his speech, Xi Jinping introduced the principle of “indivisible security,” a concept first used in the Helsinki Act of 1975 and subsequently in the 1990 Charter for a New Europe and the 1997 Founding Act. This concept implies that the security of one state is tied to the security of all states in its region.
- This is the first time China has applied the notion of “indivisible security” outside of its relations with Russia.
- Xi’s speech indicates China’s aspiration to lead an alternative international order.
- In 2017, China had already incorporated “Xi Jinping Thought on Socialism with Chinese Characteristics for a New Era” into its Constitution.
- The Global Security Initiative (GSI) is an addition to this thought, presenting China’s critique of the current international order and its alternative vision.
- The contours of this new concept are still evolving, and more clarity is needed regarding the specifics of the initiative.
GSI’s Implication For India
- China has recently expressed its interest in implementing “indivisible security as the important principle” and establishing a “security community” under the Global Security Initiative (GSI). India is keeping a close eye on these developments.
- The eastward expansion of NATO, hinted at by Japan, has raised concerns in China. They’re apprehensive about strengthened ties between NATO and Asia-Pacific partners.
- China has previously displayed pre-emptive defense strategies, as seen in the Ladakh stand-off. Russia’s invasion of Ukraine serves as another example of such maneuvers.
- A shift in China’s approach is expected, from primarily focusing on economic development via the Belt and Road Initiative to a more assertive security-focused GSI in regions close to India.
- Despite China’s apparent resistance to Indo-Pacific or an ‘Asia-Pacific version of NATO’, it should be noted that China may see the potential to create its own security blocs in Asia. This has been partially undertaken through the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation and may be expanded with South Asian partners.