China Launches New Group of Friends to Strengthen International Cooperation

Beijing: China has launched the Group of Friends of Global Governance, a new platform aimed at promoting international cooperation and reforming global governance. The group was officially established at the United Nations headquarters in New York, with 43 founding member countries, including Cuba, Iran, Pakistan, Venezuela, North Korea, Kenya, Kazakhstan, Morocco and Malaysia.

The Group of Friends is guided by the Global Governance Initiative, proposed by Chinese President Xi Jinping, which focuses on sovereign equality, international rule of law, multilateralism, people-centered approach and real actions. This initiative has received support from over 140 countries and international organisations since its announcement in September.

The key objectives of the Group of Friends include strengthening exchanges and cooperation, reforming global governance and promoting multilateralism. The group aims to enhance dialogue and coordination on global governance issues, pool collective wisdom and coordinate actions for reform and improvement. It also seeks to uphold the UN-centered international system and principles of sovereignty, territorial integrity and non-interference.

The initiative has received international support, with Pakistan's Permanent Representative to the UN, Asim Iftikhar Ahmad, praising China's initiative, saying it offers ‘visionary leadership’ and a modern blueprint for addressing global crises. Cuba's Permanent Representative to the UN, Ernesto Soberon Guzman, welcomed the initiative, citing its potential to democratise international relations and reduce double standards. Burundi's Permanent Representative to the UN, Zephyrin Maniratanga, emphasised the group’s importance in addressing global challenges.

The Group of Friends is designed as an open and inclusive platform, encouraging more countries to join and contribute to global governance reform.