On 28 April 2020, the South China Morning Post published Ambassador Zhang Jun’s op-ed “A lesson from Covid-19: no country can be great in isolation. Instead, we must strengthen multilateralism” on the occasion of the International Day of Multilateralism and Diplomacy for Peace of 2020. Here is the full text of the article:

Last Friday was International Day of Multilateralism and Diplomacy for Peace. In the 75th anniversary year of the United Nations, commemorating this international day is especially important.

Multilateralism, a collective choice made by humankind following a world war, has secured peace and development for the world over the past 75 years. At present, however, unilateralism is having a strong impact on multilateralism, threatening the international system centred on the UN, and shaking the international order underpinned by international law. This is truly worrying.

Is multilateralism outdated? The answer is no. The Covid-19 pandemic has underlined the importance of multilateralism to all countries. After hard struggles against the disease and the loss of countless lives, humankind has finally realised that the virus knows no borders, or race.

Global collaboration, multilateral cooperation and collective strength is desperately needed in response to the pandemic. The overwhelming majority of countries fully support the World Health Organisation, which has been central to multilateral cooperation efforts on health.

The UN General Assembly, the European Union, the African Union, the Non-Aligned Movement, the Group of 77 and China and others, have all expressed their firm support. Multilateral cooperation is the only way to lead the global community to success.

The world faces a long list of formidable challenges. Armed conflicts in Libya, Yemen and Syria remind us that universal peace remains elusive. Terrorism is still threatening our daily lives. Climate change poses an existential challenge to us all.

The global economy is plagued with uncertainties, as the spread of protectionism is disrupting global supply and industrial value chains and undermining world trade. This is compounded by acts of bullying, which are jeopardising global peace and stability. We have no choice but to strengthen multilateral cooperation.

All countries, big or small, need multilateralism. In a world of interdependence, no one can escape a major challenge or get through it on its own. No country can make itself great in isolation.

In fact, big countries have a bigger stake in multilateral cooperation, because they usually have more expansive interests around the world, from investment to trade, from protection of nationals to public security. And they need to behave in a way that befits their status.

Instead of putting their own interests above those of others, they should care for the common interests of all. Instead of carving out spheres of influence, they should work for an open world. Instead of provoking confrontation, they should take the lead in maintaining world peace and stability.

How can multilateralism be strengthened?

First, there must be trust. The trust deficit is the biggest crisis. Trust, especially trust between major countries, is the foundation of effective cooperation and a prerequisite of coordinated action. This virus is terrible. Yet, what is more terrible is a political virus, such as a Cold War mentality or a zero-sum game, which harms everyone.

Trust is built on mutual respect. China respects and learns from Western countries to work for shared prosperity. Western countries, for their part, need to respect the choices of the Chinese people and welcome the progress of a major country in the East, one with a different system from theirs.

Second, there must be responsibility. Global governance requires concerted efforts and, more importantly, efforts by major countries. Just as citizens pay their taxes, so countries pay their dues, or at least they should do. Withdrawing from multilateral organisations or tearing up international agreements undermines cooperation among countries, and will eventually hurt one’s own interests.

Responsibility means acknowledging problems and finding solutions. Shifting the blame is like asking others to take pills for one’s own illness. It will not solve the problem, but only hurt others.

Third, there must be equality. Developing countries constitute the vast majority of the UN membership, and their rights should be fully guaranteed in global governance. Only when all parties engage on an equal footing will multilateral mechanisms have vigour and synergy, and succeed in maintaining international fairness and justice.

Achieving equality requires strong determination and sustained efforts. In this regard, China’s Belt and Road Initiative follows the principle of consulting together, building together and sharing together, which is a true demonstration of equality of all.

Fourth, there must be benefits for all. The biggest advantage of multilateral cooperation is that resources and strength can be mobilised to the greatest extent in joint responses to global challenges. This will benefit more countries, especially vulnerable ones, and ensure no one is left behind.

In combating Covid-19, solidarity for the mutual benefit of all is even more important. All countries should cherish the assistance received and try to help others. China is proud to have provided medical supplies to over 140 countries and international organisations, and will continue to help.

We live in one world and have a shared future. Covid-19 will not be the last pandemic we have to face. Stronger and better multilateral cooperation is key to winning the battle, all the time. Now more than ever, it is a lesson that we cannot afford to ignore. Supporting multilateralism is supporting ourselves.