AT a time when the world is in disarray, there’s one voice which hasn’t lost faith in a rules-based order, globalisation and interdependence. It is the voice of the People’s Republic of China, whose president floated the concept of building “a community with shared future for mankind”. This concept seeks to build an orderly multipolar world predicated on openness, inclusivity and mutual benefit. To this end, China proposed the Belt and Road Initiative, which has connected it with over 150 countries through investment in ports, roads, railway, energy grids, trade and finance. While BRI partner countries use Chinese investments to achieve economic growth, China benefits by securing markets for its goods and business opportunities for its firms, plus it expands its global footprint.

Complementing the BRI are three global initiatives that China has proposed since 2021. The first is the Global Development Initiative that seeks to make development people-centred, innovation-driven and result-oriented. Under the GDI, China has invested and mobilised billions of dollars for international projects. In 2022, China proposed the Global Security Initiative to uphold the UN Charter and address security risks through dialogue, partnerships and respect........

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