Transcript: opening session of the 9th China Global Think Tank Innovation Forum

Yang Wanming, Jiang Jianguo, Yu Tao, Jorge Toledo Albiñana & Siddharth Chatterjee spoke at CCG's forum in December 2024.

On December 4, 2024, the 9th China Global Think Tank Innovation Forum, jointly hosted by the Center for China and Globalization (CCG) and the Chinese People’s Association for Friendship with Foreign Countries (CPAFFC), with support from the Academy of Contemporary China and World Studies, was held in Beijing.

The forum featured an opening session and four panel discussions: “Presaging the Future of Global Governance under Trump 2.0,” “Trump Trumps: What's Next for U.S.-China Relations?” “Global Al governance: Prospects and Challenges for China-Europe Cooperation - In Collaboration with the Global Solutions Initiative,” “UN SDGs Agenda 2030 and Human Rights Development.”

The full video recording of the forum has been uploaded to CCG’s official YouTube channel and remains available on the Chinese internet. For the opening session, you can also watch it separately via the following link:

The opening session, moderated by Mabel Lu Miao, Secretary-General of CCG, featured:

• Henry Huiyao Wang, President of the Center for China and Globalization (CCG)

• Yang Wanming, President of the Chinese People’s Association for Friendship with Foreign Countries (CPAFFC)

• Jiang Jianguo, Executive Vice President of China Society for Human Rights (CSHRS)

• Yu Tao, Deputy Director of the China International Publishing Group (CIPG)

• Jorge Toledo Albiñana, Ambassador of the European Union to China

• Siddharth Chatterjee, United Nations Resident Coordinator in China

We realise it’s been some time since the forum was held, and we’ve been sidetracked by various other tasks. However, we’re finally rolling out the full transcripts from the opening session and all four panel discussions. Thank you for your patience!

Note that this transcript is based on the video recording and hasn’t been reviewed by the speakers.

Opening Session

Mabel Lu Miao, Secretary-General of CCG

Distinguished leaders, ambassadors, diplomats, think tank researchers, GYLD members, ladies and gentlemen, dear friends, a very good morning to all of you.

Welcome to the Ninth China Global Think Tank Innovation Forum 2024. This year, our forum features four relevant roundtable sessions. We will discuss topics regarding the Trump 2.0 policies, international relations, China-U.S. relations after the U.S. election, global AI governance, and prospects for China-EU cooperation, as well as the UN SDG agenda and human rights development.

[Switches to Chinese]

As our moderator just mentioned, we will also talk about innovation, but first of all, I would like to express our deep gratitude. We are honoured to co-host this forum with the Chinese People’s Association for Friendship with Foreign Countries, and I’d like to extend heartfelt thanks to President Yang for their support. I would also like to express my sincere appreciation to the China International Communications Group, the Academy of Contemporary China and World Studies, as well as our other partners: the China Friendship Foundation for Peace and Development, Our Hong Kong Foundation, and the Konrad Adenauer Foundation. Their contribution is critical to the success of this forum.

[Returns to English]

This year, we are honoured to welcome representatives from more than 15 think tanks across over 16 countries. We also have government officials from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the International Department of the CPC Central Committee, the State Council Information Office, the Ministry of Commerce, and the Ministry of Science and Technology. And this conference has also gathered global attention, with prominent guests from over 200 diplomatic missions, media organisations, enterprises, and research institutions joining us in person. Our forum this year features an innovative format, with senior experts from both China and abroad participating in each session. At the same time, representatives from our Global Young Leaders Dialogue program will ask questions to the experts. The young leaders, 26 selected from 140 candidates, will actively promote cross-border, intergenerational dialogue through their interactions with experts.

Now, let us move on to the opening remarks. I would like to invite the Founder and President of CCG and former Counsellor to the State Council, Mr. Henry Huiyao Wang, to deliver his speech.

Henry Huiyao Wang, President of the Center for China and Globalization (CCG)

Esteemed President Yang Wanming, Vice President Jiang Jianguo, Your Excellency Siddharth Chatterjee, Excellencies, distinguished guests, ladies and gentlemen, good morning. Welcome to the Beijing 9th China Global Think Tank Innovation Forum. On behalf of the Center for China and Globalization, I want to extend our warmest welcome to all of you to attend this very important annual event today in Beijing.

As Dr. Miao just mentioned, we have a really great gathering today at this Millennium Hotel, right here in the CBD, Central Business District in Beijing. We're privileged to have over 200 eminent representatives from more than 70 countries, including 50 think tanks, over 30 global young leaders, 40 media representatives, and, of course, business representatives. So it's really a mix of great gathering. And particularly, we have a large diplomatic corps attending our conference today. Your attendance today demonstrates a common dedication to promote dialogue and cooperation in an evermore interconnected global community.

So today, the world faces a series of pivotal transformations that are shaping the world landscape. Humanity stands at a crossroads. It's really a historical turning point facing unprecedented opportunities and challenges. The growing tide of anti-globalisation, the Ukraine-Russian conflict, war, and of course, the Middle East crises. All those geopolitical conflicts and deepening ideological divisions are exacerbating the original crises and undermining global stability. Persistent development imbalances continue to plague societies, while the long-term implications of technological innovation for humanity remain uncertain. Human security issues, not just national security issues, are more interlinked, transnational, and diverse, with new vulnerabilities, poverty areas, and sources of instability emerging. Together, those dynamics are eroding traditional notions of peace and pose profound challenges to our shared aspiration for a more harmonious and prosperous world.

We all know that the U.S. presidential election in November is almost certain one of the 2024's most significant events impacting the world. This is on a course to shape the future of the global political landscape. And multilateralism and global governance will be impacted. So the victory of Donald Trump, President-elect, and the conservative Republicans taking both houses will probably bring a significant change to the United States from the three-decade-long post-Cold War role as a global leader in globalisation and signals more tendencies towards traditionalism, conservatism, and probably unilateralism. So this outcome reflects both a conservatism in the U.S. foreign policy and also aligns with the transactional approach characteristic of President-elect Trump. But we look forward to more positive changes the Trump administration can bring to the world. So we'll see. This is really important for all of us.

Against this backdrop of these great changes, it is significant for many nations worldwide to critically assess and adapt to the profound shifts and transformation of international relations. China has always been an active promoter of global governance, global peace, and global prosperity. Recently, President Xi Jinping mentioned eight key initiatives at the G20 Summit. China is embracing changes continuously through openness and taking concrete action. For example, China has recently exempted tariffs for over 30 least-developed nations when they export to China and unilaterally granted free visas to 38 countries to come to China. Now I see the Beijing International Airport gets busier now and there are more travellers back and forth. China continues to stimulate its economy, including a recent series of government 1.4 trillion USD stimulus packages. Those steps demonstrate China’s ongoing commitment to openness.

So this forum is going to reflect all those things above. The forum has been convened in response to those present issues, bringing together distinguished guests here and global young leaders and scholars across the world. Through today's discussion and tomorrow's, we hope to explore the opportunities and challenges that humanity faces amongst current global challenges. The forum will feature multiple panel discussions—we're gonna have an exciting day—on issues of global governance, China-U.S. relations, China-EU cooperation, Middle East relations, AI, and of course, the UN Sustainable Development Goals agenda and human rights. We're going to have all those discussions throughout the day and tomorrow.

To conclude, I would like to again thank all of our partners, and also all our participants, distinguished guests coming from so many different countries. We have all the distinguished experts, and also we have media, we have also think tank colleagues and fellows. We'd like to well document our discussions and also make constructive proposals, not only to the government of China, but also to the relevant governments abroad. So this is really a great, again, it's the 9th year, and I would like to once again extend my heartfelt thanks to all of you for coming here today, and I wish you all the best in the discussions, deliberations, and learnings throughout the day. I wish the forum a resounding success. Thank you very much.

Yang Wanming, President of the Chinese People’s Association for Friendship with Foreign Countries (CPAFFC)

[Speaking in Chinese]

Distinguished President Henry Huiyao Wang, President Jiang Jianguo, distinguished Guests, scholars and experts, good morning. It is my great pleasure to co-host the annual China Global Think Tank Innovation Forum with the Center for China and Globalization once again.

Since its inception in 2016, this forum has focused on global development trends and reflected on humanity’s shared future, providing a vital platform for visionaries worldwide to exchange ideas, contribute wisdom, and deepen mutual understanding. This year’s conference addresses pressing international dynamics and hot-button issues, offering profound insights into global governance and the evolution of international relations. On behalf of the Chinese People’s Association for Friendship with Foreign Countries, I extend warm congratulations on the forum’s convening and heartfelt welcome to all distinguished guests.

Peace and development are the shared aspirations of humankind and enduring priorities for the international community. After two world wars and the Cold War, people around the world value peace more deeply, are more determined to safeguard security, and pursue development with renewed commitment. Yet the world is far from tranquil. The dual foundations of peace and development face serious threats.

Over 2024, geopolitical tensions have repeatedly flared, regional instability has worsened, progress on the global sustainable development agenda has stalled, and the wealth gap has widened, exacerbating terrorism and social unrest. In the midst of such upheaval, thought conflicts have intensified worldwide, competing interpretations of change are emerging, and civilisations face fundamental choices: Will we cooperate or clash? Choose peace or descend into war? Seek mutual benefit or fall into zero-sum rivalry? These are pressing questions that demand the urgent attention of think tanks, experts, and scholars.

Ladies and gentlemen,

We must approach the world with a broader vision and greater openness of mind. Only by seeing through the surface of clashing debates, aligning ourselves with the deeper trends of our time, and grasping the underlying laws of human development can we make the right choices. Since World War II, globalisation has been the prevailing trend, and multilateralism has become the mainstream. With the fundamental interests of both the Chinese people and people around the world in mind, President Xi Jinping has put forward the important vision of building a community with a shared future for mankind, along with high-quality Belt and Road cooperation, the Global Development Initiative, the Global Security Initiative, and the Global Civilisation Initiative. These proposals offer new solutions to common human challenges and outline a new blueprint for building a better world.

Building a community with a shared future for mankind resonates as a global aspiration, charts the course of civilisational advancement, and underscores China’s commitment as a major country. Over recent years, China has partnered with dozens of nations and regions to build diverse forms of shared communities—be it in health, ecological harmony, cyberspace, or maritime cooperation. The Belt and Road Initiative now engages over three-quarters of countries in the world and scores of international organisations.

The Three Global Initiatives have received enthusiastic responses from the international community. Building a community with a shared future for mankind has evolved from a Chinese proposal into an international consensus, transforming from a beautiful vision into rich practices. It has expanded from bilateral to multilateral, from regional to global, and from development to security, cooperation to governance, powerfully propelling the world toward a bright future of peace, prosperity, and progress.

Ladies and gentlemen,

The U.S. election has concluded, and the world is closely watching the next steps in China-U.S. relations. Not long ago, President Xi Jinping met with U.S. President Biden in Lima, Peru. President Xi reviewed the starting points, experiences, and lessons of China-U.S. relations over the past four years. These include having a correct strategic perception, matching words with actions, treating each other as equals, not challenging red lines, conducting more dialogue and cooperation, responding to the expectations of the people, and stepping forward to shoulder the responsibilities of major countries. The two heads of state reiterated the seven-point common understandings on the guiding principles for China-US relations, namely treating each other with respect, finding a way to live alongside each other peacefully, maintaining open lines of communication, preventing conflict, upholding the United Nations Charter, cooperating in areas of shared interest, and responsibly managing competitive aspects of the relationship. These experiences and principles are crucial for the steady and enduring development of China-U.S. relations and serve as the direction for both sides’ efforts.

Despite some uncertainties in the future of China-U.S. relations, China remains committed to viewing and developing this relationship from the perspective of building a community with a shared future for mankind. China’s policy toward the U.S. maintains continuity and stability. We always uphold the principles of mutual respect, peaceful coexistence, and win-win cooperation, exploring the right way for China and the U.S. to interact. At the same time, we firmly safeguard our sovereignty, security, and development interests.

We always believe that China and the U.S. should be partners, not adversaries; we should achieve mutual success, not harm each other; we should seek common ground while reserving differences, not engage in vicious competition; we should match words with actions, not say one thing and do another. We firmly believe that major-power competition is not the defining feature of our era; instead, unity and collaboration are the right path forward. Decoupling and confrontation are not solutions to problems; mutually beneficial cooperation is the way to achieve common development. “Small yard, high fences” is not what a major country should do; only openness and sharing can advance the well-being of humanity. China and the U.S. should work together for the greater good, focus on the future and destiny of humanity, take responsibility for world peace, create opportunities for the development of all countries, provide public goods for global ecological security, and make greater contributions to human progress.

Next year marks the 50th anniversary of diplomatic relations between China and the EU. In today’s turbulent and rapidly changing world, the strategic importance and global influence of China-EU relations have become more evident than ever. China has consistently approached its ties with the EU from a strategic, long-term perspective, viewing the EU as a key direction in its major-country diplomacy with Chinese characteristics, and as an essential partner in advancing its path to modernisation.

There are no fundamental conflicts of interest between China and the EU. Areas of consensus far exceed differences, and cooperation continues to outweigh competition. Both sides should make partnership the defining feature of China-EU relations and cooperation the central theme, uphold the principle of seeking common ground while reserving differences, work to turn divergences into drivers of synergy, and together open a new chapter of shared success.

Ladies and gentlemen, President Xi Jinping has emphasised that people-to-people friendship is the foundation for stable and sustained international relations and an inexhaustible driving force for promoting world peace and development. As a national organisation dedicated to people-to-people diplomacy, the Chinese People’s Association for Friendship with Foreign Countries (CPAFFC) has, over the past 70 years, established cooperative ties with more than 400 organisations in 150 countries. It has facilitated the formation of over 3,000 sister province/state and sister city relationships between China and 140 countries, working tirelessly to strengthen people-to-people bonds and contribute to national diplomacy.

Looking ahead, I am willing to work with all experts, scholars, and friends present here today to build more bridges for civil exchanges, practical cooperation, cultural interactions, and youth friendships between China and other countries. Together, we can enhance mutual understanding and friendship between the Chinese people and people worldwide, promote common development and mutually beneficial cooperation, and contribute to building a community with a shared future for mankind.

Finally, I hope that all experts and scholars will take advantage of this annual conference to engage in in-depth exchanges, share valuable insights, deepen mutual understanding, and support the development of international relations, making the world a more peaceful, secure, and prosperous place. I wish this conference a complete success. Thank you.

Jiang Jianguo, Executive Vice President of China Society for Human Rights (CSHRS)

[Speaking in Chinese]

Distinguished President Henry Huiyao Wang, President Yang Wanming, friends, and colleagues from think tanks, good day. It is my great pleasure to be invited once again to participate in the China Global Think Tank Innovation Forum.

For a long time, globalisation has informed our rational understanding of global issues and provided the broader context for international affairs. In recent years, however, the rise of anti-globalisation sentiment has deeply influenced both our perception and everyday life. Some argue that the upcoming transition in the U.S. administration further underscores the challenges facing globalisation, particularly in complicating China-U.S. relations.

In truth, tensions between China and the United States are structural in nature and not determined by changes in administration. At their core lies a contradiction rooted in the transformation of capitalism into imperialism—specifically, into financial monopoly capitalism. In this most extreme and aggressive phase, the system dictates that only the United States is entitled to a seat at the table, while others are left on the menu.

Likewise, today’s greatest global uncertainties stem from within the United States itself. Deepening domestic contradictions—racial discrimination, widening wealth gaps, mounting national debt, ideological polarisation, and a resurgence of populism—represent entrenched systemic challenges that cannot be resolved quickly. The U.S. government has a habitual tendency to externalise internal crises, inventing powerful adversaries to rally public opinion and consolidate authority. This strategy aims to sustain its global dominance through force, while continuing to reap gains from the rest of the world.

Under the strong leadership of the Communist Party of China (CPC), China continues to advance along the socialist path. United in purpose, the nation has accelerated its development. Especially in the new era, the “Two Affirmations” (the affirmation of Comrade Xi Jinping's core position on the Party Central Committee and in the Party as a whole and the affirmation of the guiding role of Xi Jinping Thought on Socialism with Chinese Characteristics for a New Era) and the “Two Upholds” (upholding General Secretary Xi Jinping's core position on the CPC Central Committee and in the Party as a whole, and upholding the Central Committee's authority and its centralised, unified leadership) have ushered China into a period of unprecedented progress. Firmly committed to self-development, China also harnesses the momentum of its growth to support and advance global peace and development.

Yet many politicians—and the Wall Street interests backing them—refuse to see it that way. They persist in viewing China as a threat to their entrenched dominance and cast it as the perfect scapegoat for domestic troubles. In doing so, they seek to suppress China by every available means, trying to relegate it from a seat at the table to a place on the menu. From a human rights perspective, this translates to denying China and the Chinese people their right to development.

A prevailing narrative holds that the next U.S. administration may favour pragmatism and national interest over morality and ideology. Yet such a view oversimplifies a far more complex reality. As the old adage cautions, “There is honour among thieves”—all hegemonic and overtly utilitarian actions are invariably cloaked in the language of moral righteousness. The appointments to the incoming administration reveal pronounced ideological leanings: many figures exhibit entrenched biases, staunch anti-communist views, and a Cold War mindset. Their rhetoric points to an intensifying ideological offensive. Without doubt, the next arenas of confrontation will revolve around trade and ideology, with public opinion warfare at the forefront. In this context, Chinese think tanks must concentrate their efforts on four fronts:

First, draw upon China’s rich ideological resources by deepening the study and implementation of Xi Jinping Thought on Socialism with Chinese Characteristics for a New Era and Xi Jinping Thought on Diplomacy. Firmly uphold national sovereignty, security, and development as inviolable red lines, while working to advance China-U.S. relations on the basis of mutual respect, peaceful coexistence, and win-win cooperation, thereby supporting the steady and healthy development of bilateral ties.

Second, reinforce the material foundations of national strength. Use the Party’s innovative theories to guide practice, translating thought into action, and theory into tangible strength, confidence, and unifying consensus. Focus on managing China’s own affairs well and accelerate the great rejuvenation of the Chinese nation.

Third, sharpen strategic approaches. Uphold the principles of peace, development, and win-win cooperation, while continuing to champion reform and opening up. Leverage the strengths of think tanks to deepen China-U.S. cultural exchanges and foster people-to-people ties. Through appeals to shared humanity and moral understanding, work to dispel the psychological fog and antagonism that have clouded perceptions in both countries and around the world.

Fourth, pursue shared goals by advancing the vision of a community with a shared future for mankind. Uphold the international system centred on the United Nations, the international order based on international law, and the fundamental principles of international relations grounded in the UN Charter. Promote global peace and development, and contribute to building a better world for all.

These are my own reflections offered in the spirit of constructive dialogue. I extend my sincere thanks to the Center for China and Globalization for hosting this forum and providing a valuable platform to explore the challenges of globalisation. May our exchanges here spark ideas that serve the greater good of humanity. Thank you.

Yu Tao, Deputy Director of the China International Publishing Group (CIPG)

[Speaking in Chinese]

Distinguished President Jiang Jianguo, President Yang Wanming, President Henry Huiyao Wang, distinguished guests, experts, and friends, good morning! It is my great honour to join all the new and old friends here in Beijing for the 9th China Global Think Tank Innovation Forum. On behalf of the China Foreign Languages Publishing Administration (CFLPA) and the China International Communications Group (CICG), I extend our warmest congratulations on the successful convening of this annual event.

Today, the global landscape, the era we live in, and the course of history are all unfolding in ways never seen before. Global development is confronted with a series of new challenges. At the G20 Leaders' Summit, President Xi Jinping pointed out that prosperity and stability would not be possible in a world where the rich become richer while the poor are made poorer, and countries should make global development more inclusive, beneficial to all, and more resilient. China's major initiatives, such as the Global Development Initiative, the Global Security Initiative, and the Global Civilisation Initiative, as well as the vision of building a community with a shared future for mankind, have gained widespread international recognition. These proposals have injected new energy into addressing global challenges and brought China even closer to the rest of the world.

China is a staunch promoter of global economic cooperation. As the world's second-largest economy, China has always attached great importance to economic cooperation with other countries. In particular, through the Belt and Road Initiative, China has expanded cooperation in production capacity, infrastructure development, and the facilitation of trade and investment with partner countries. Together, these efforts help uphold the stability and authority of the multilateral trading system.

China is an active advocate for global innovation-driven development. Technological innovation is the primary driving force for global progress. In the new pattern of global development, China continues to advocate for international exchanges and cooperation in cutting-edge fields such as artificial intelligence, big data, and cloud computing. China works with the international community to jointly promote global technological innovation and industrial upgrading, and facilitate the sharing and optimal allocation of global technological resources.

China is a committed champion of global cultural exchange and mutual learning among civilisations. With an open and inclusive approach, China has consistently promoted dialogue among cultures, fostering greater mutual understanding and friendship among peoples around the world. While actively advancing the international reach of Chinese culture, China also contributes to the richness and diversity of global civilisations, supporting the flourishing development of world culture.

As China’s leading institution for international communication, the CFLPA and the CICG have remained dedicated to telling China’s story well and sharing China’s voice with the world. We have established extensive partnerships with prominent Chinese and international think tanks, media outlets, and universities—including the Center for China and Globalization, led by President Henry Huiyao Wang and Secretary-General Mabel Lu Miao. Together, we conduct joint research on major global issues and emerging topics, build knowledge-sharing networks and institutionalised communication platforms, and provide Chinese public knowledge products to global audiences. These efforts contribute meaningfully to strengthening people-to-people exchanges and promoting mutual learning among civilisations.

Taking this opportunity, I would like to share three reflections on how we can better seize international communication opportunities amid the evolving landscape of global development.

First, peaceful development must remain the fundamental principle guiding the international community. While contradictions and differences among major powers are inevitable, they must not be allowed to harm each other’s core interests, let alone escalate into conflict or confrontation. As long as the essential safeguards and mutual safety nets are upheld, peaceful coexistence can become the prevailing norm, preserving the planet’s fundamental character—clear and blue.

Second, mutual benefit is a vital foundation for global economic and trade cooperation. In a world marked by rising instability, frequent conflicts, and unprecedented challenges for humanity, decoupling is not a viable solution. Only through mutually beneficial cooperation can the world realise shared development. “Small yard, high fences” is not what a major country should do; only openness and sharing can advance the well-being of humanity. Only by broadening the scope of cooperation, expanding the pie of shared interests, and achieving win-win outcomes can greater certainty be brought to the international landscape and positive momentum generated for the world.

Third, exchange and mutual learning are enduring drivers of human civilisation’s progress. In relations among nations, it is essential to respect the unique paths of civilisational development, build bridges for people-to-people and cultural exchanges, and remove barriers and disruptions that hinder understanding. Cultural dialogue and people-to-people engagement should serve as key channels for fostering peace and development, providing global public goods, and contributing positively to unity and cooperation within the international community.

Ladies and gentlemen,

The CFLPA and the CICG remain committed to deepening cooperation and exchanges with all partners. We aim to seize new opportunities in international communication amid the evolving global landscape, continue building collaborative networks, and promote people-to-people exchanges and mutual learning among civilisations by focusing on the Global Development Initiative, the Global Security Initiative, and the Global Civilisation Initiative. Working with global partners in media and think tank dialogues, we strive to contribute meaningfully to presenting China more effectively to the world and supporting China’s deeper integration into the international community.

In closing, I wish the 9th China Global Think Tank Forum every success. Thank you all.

Jorge Toledo Albiñana, Ambassador of the European Union to China

Thank you very much, Mabel. Thank you very much, Henry. Thank you to the Center for China and Globalization. I come here often. I am invited by Henry and Mabel, thank you very much. And I think this is a forum which is probably our favourite in the European Union delegation because it allows us to speak, and to speak freely. And it's also a partner for us. It's a partner for the European Union delegation. We organise yearly think tank exchange with CCG, and we are always very happy to cooperate with the CCG. So thank you very much.

The talk of the town, of every town, everywhere, is the new U.S. administration. We have heard a lot already today about that. I am a bit reluctant talking about the new U.S. administration because the new U.S. administration is not yet there. There is a lot of speculation. There’s a lot of twitters, a bit too many for my taste. We have to continue working, we have to continue cooperating, and we have to continue making efforts for the world peace and progress.

So, I will not refer too much about the new U.S. administration, if you allow me, but there is a lot of talk here and in Brussels about how it could affect the EU-China relations. Some say the EU-China relations will improve because maybe the new U.S. administration will hit us with tariffs, and then that is an opportunity for China and the EU to get closer. Some say we will be drawn into an anti-China U.S. policy. I'm not going to get into that, because that would be speculating and I'm not here to speculate. I will try to be brief and objective.

I know that our Chinese friends don't like the way we describe EU-China relations as a partner, a competitor, and a systemic rival. I think this is a fair description, and I don't think it will change naturally. Or, it will change if the underlying causes for us to call it like this change. And this is my most important message. We describe our relations with China as partners, competitors and systemic rivals because there are reasons for that. We are partners, and very good partners, I must say, as we’ve demonstrated in Baku COP, and we have demonstrated in the protection of biodiversity and the protection of the environment in general. Not perfect partners, but good partners in the protection of the environment, biodiversity and the fight against climate change. It's not perfect, and we would like—and I say it clearly—China to contribute financially at least half of what it contributes to the problem, which is 30% of the greenhouse gas emissions. It's a country that is no longer a developing country as we understand it, which is, according to the UN, according to the World Bank, a high medium-income country and very soon a high-income country.

But anyway, we are competitors. And there starts the problem. We are competitors, and we don't mean competition as the U.S. means competition. When we say competition, it's that we are competitors in the world markets. We are competitors in trade, we are competitors in investment. That's okay. But why do I say that starts the problem? Because we sincerely and clearly believe that we are not competing fairly, and we have been telling this to our Chinese friends for many years. And it has become unsustainable. And that's why we are now taking measures. So we have seen no progress in our trade talks with China in the last five years. President von der Leyen was here twice last year, many commissioners visited China, and I must say, this is clearly what we believe: there has been no progress. So whatever happens in the White House, we still have this problem. Whatever happens in the White House or from the White House doesn't mean that our unfair trade and investment relations will naturally change. They will only change, we will only get to a level playing field, if we find progress, if there is progress by China.

The European Union Chamber of Commerce has listed over 1,000 market access barriers. This is up 100 market access barriers from 2022. China has grown 40% since 2017 to 2024 in its GDP. Do you know how much our exports have grown? Well, they have decreased by 30%. So it has reached unsustainable levels, and these have to be levelled. Otherwise, whatever happens in the White House, we will have a problem.

And third, we are systemic rivals. I know that our Chinese friends hate that, but we are systemic rivals in several issues. At least one of them is existential, but more of them. One I always mention, which is the Chinese position on the Russian aggression on Ukraine, which we call it like this because it is an aggression, an unprovoked and illegal aggression on Ukraine. We know that China didn't create the problem and that China says it is not supplying lethal weapons to Russia. Well, it is supplying, not the Chinese government, but the Chinese companies are supplying dual-use products to China [sic], which is feeding the war machine that has been attacking and causing so many deaths in Ukraine.

But I tell you why this is a systemic rivalry problem, which again, will not change for the better, whoever is in the White House. Because it is such a contradiction for traditional Chinese principles that we cannot understand it in Europe. And in Europe, this is an existential problem, and these have changed the perception of India [sic] for the worse in Europe, and it won't change for the better if the Chinese attitude, if the Chinese position doesn't change. Because when the Chinese government was celebrating a few weeks ago the Five Principles of Peaceful Coexistence, and I will mention them one by one: mutual respect for sovereignty and territorial integrity, mutual non-aggression, non-interference in internal affairs, equality and mutual benefit, and peaceful coexistence. I remember I was participating some event, and I said which one of those is not being blatantly violated by Russia, apart from the fact that the P5 permanent members of the Security Council are supporting diplomatically and politically the aggressor which is another member of the P5 that is attacking with no provocation a sovereign state which was recognised by the international community and by Russia itself. So we have other systemic rivalry issues, like what we consider human rights and the narrative about human rights, but we have a discussion, we have a dialogue with China.

But let me finish here. We have an opportunity. Ambassador Wang Yi mentioned at the 50th anniversary of our relations. This is cause for celebration, this must be cause for grasping this opportunity. Changes like the one in the White House bring challenges and opportunities. Let's face the challenges together through dialogue, and let's grasp the opportunities. But be conscious that the problems that underlie our relations can only be solved by us bilaterally, whatever happens anywhere else. Thank you very much.

Siddharth Chatterjee, United Nations Resident Coordinator in China

Your Excellency Mr. Yang Wanming, President of the Chinese People’s Association for Friendship with Foreign Countries, Your Excellency Mr. Jiang Jianguo, Member of the Standing Committee of the CPPCC National Committee, my brother Henry, Excellencies, ladies and gentlemen, let me start by commending and congratulating CCG—and Henry and Mabel—for their leadership in really transforming CCG into a global think tank which allows the purposes of intellectual exchange to happen in an open and transparent way. And I also want to commend everybody present here, because today's discussion is critically important.

Ladies and gentlemen, the world, for the first time post the Second World War, is seeing the gravest interlocking crisis we've ever experienced. We've come out of a health pandemic, which exposed the fragility of human health and health systems globally. In fact, it had an economic impact which rivals the Great Depression of the 1930s, an impact of which we will continue to face over years to come unless drastic structural adjustments are not made [sic]. We've seen a climate crisis which looms like the sword of Damocles over our heads, a climate crisis which is proving to be existential. Look at the hurricanes in Florida and North Carolina, wiping out lives and livelihoods. Look at the effects of floods in Europe. Look at the forest fires that happened in Chongqing in 2022. Climate change sees no borders. The triple planetary crisis is here—biodiversity loss, air pollution, and climate change—further impacting food security and public health. And then, we have over 80 conflicts going on all over the world. It's not just Gaza or Ukraine. There are 80 ongoing conflicts. And then we are seeing rising levels of inequality. Financial stress across the world. So the effects of what we are seeing now have put the world on a very dangerous trajectory. For the first time post the Second World War, over 120 million people have been displaced as a result of climate change, as a result of instability, as a result of conflict, as a result of impoverishment.

Bottom line is the Secretary-General of the United Nations has appealed to the world to rescue the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). It is the only hope, it is the only North Star that we have that all 193 member states of the United Nations came together in 2015 to agree on a set of principles, set of development ambitions that would aim to lift people up, the first five goals remaining the unfinished business: ending povert, ending hunger, universal health coverage, quality education, and gender equality.

The United Nations was founded on three pillars: peace and security, sustainable development, and human rights. And this is precisely why the United Nations Secretary-General called for the Summit of the Future this September at the UN General Assembly in New York. And the purpose of that Summit of the Future was to resurrect, reinvigorate, revive multilateralism, which is completely fractured. Multilateralism is actually in an existential crisis by itself. And that is where 193 member states of the United Nations came and agreed upon the fact that we do need to do something about it and they came up with the Pact for the Future which has 54 actions across the five overarching areas: global governance, peace and security, financing for sustainable development, science, technology and artificial intelligence, and finally, the most importantly, youth and future generations. This is about all of us, this is about your children and your grandchildren, of what you're going to be inheriting in times to come.

And in this context, I would like to quote the United Nations Secretary-General when he said that "The Pact for the Future is about turbocharging the Sustainable Development Goals and the Paris Agreement, accelerating a just transition away from fossil fuels, and securing a peaceful and liveable future for everyone on our planet." In this context, the United States and China relationship is the most consequential relationship of the 21st century, undeniably. For the Pact for the Future to succeed, we would need the leadership of the United States, of China, of the European Union coming together in the face of the coming threats that we confront.

Yes, there are geopolitical differences. That is why we have the United Nations as a place for dialogue, as a place for understanding, as a place for accord, as a place for diplomacy. But the geopolitics should not fracture the common threats that we are addressing. If you will recall, ladies and gentlemen, during the Cold War, scientists in Russia, scientists in the United States collaborated to create the vaccine against smallpox. It was possible, which ended smallpox across the world. Collaboration on the climate is going to be absolutely critical. And I see five overarching areas that can actually spur and give more velocity to human development: the space of artificial intelligence, the space of quantum computing, the space of semiconductors, fintech, biotech. Imagine if we had the intellectual might of the U.S., of the EU, of China coming together to address common challenges through these five areas of convergence; not only will we turbocharge the Sustainable Development Goals, but we would actually make humanity progress exponentially. In this very country, when 90% of China was poor in 1979, the per capita GDP of this country was a mere $180, in a matter of four decades, not only have they lifted 790 million people out of abject poverty, but also feed 1/5 of the world's population with 9% of the world's arable land. Imagine the possibilities of this knowledge coming together and being shared with other countries still struggling to get out of poverty, which brings me to another very important point: as to why we need to reform the international financial architecture.

We cannot continue with the way of business as usual of the World Bank and the IMF. I'm sorry, it is unacceptable that an institution that was created back in 1945 has not been able to reform itself and become fit for the purpose in the context of the financial crisis that we confront. The world today needs $4 trillion annually in order to keep the SDGs on track. And it's not that the money is not there, the money is in the market. It is about reforming, restructuring the entire financial architecture and financial institutions, which currently are failing countless developing countries.

Today's discussion is extremely important. It is about finding accord, it is not about the differences that we have. This is why the United Nations Secretary-General Mr. António Guterres launched the boldest reform of the United Nations system: reform of the development system to make the United Nations fit for purpose. Me, as the UN resident coordinator to China, as the senior-most representative of the Secretary-General, I'm determined to that clarion call of making the UN fit for purpose, to reposition the UN to be able to support China's development ambition, which is what exactly 129 resident coordinators across the world are trying to do. But for us to succeed, we will need the support of all member states in order to move forward on this. Given where we are, there is still reason for optimism. There is still reason for hope. There is still reason for opportunity.

Let me conclude with a quote from President Xi Jinping, which is made at the Boao Forum in 2021, and he said: “By setting sail together, we could ride the wind, break the waves, and brave the journey of 10,000 miles. We may encounter stormy waves and dangerous rapids, but as long as we pool our efforts and keep to the right direction, the giant vessel of human development will stay on an even keel and sail towards a brighter future.” Thank you very much. Xie xie.