The "Two Major Initiatives" complement each other, forming an inseparable whole that reflects the high degree of linkage and close interaction between global politics and economics today. Theoretically, the "Two Major Initiatives" represent a systematic understanding of the development trends of our times, profoundly revealing the rich connotations and contemporary characteristics of world multipolarity and economic globalization. In practice, they drive the international order and system toward a more just and equitable direction, charting a shared path forward for people of all nations standing at a historical crossroads.

From [specific date] to [specific date], the United Nations Future Summit was held at the UN Headquarters in New York. The summit adopted the "Future Pact" and its annexes to further develop the multilateral framework, adapt to future developments, and strive to build a safe, peaceful, just, equal, inclusive, sustainable, and prosperous world. The photo shows the summit scene taken on [specific date]. Photo by Li Rui, Xinhua News Agency.

Looking at the world today, multipolarity has become a fundamental trend. However, there is no consensus in the international community on how the process of multipolarity will develop under the great changes in the world, or how countries will participate and promote it. China advocates for an equal and orderly world multipolarity, which, compared to a unipolar or bipolar world, better reflects the international community's common pursuit of fairness, justice, and win-win cooperation, more closely aligns with the practical needs of maintaining world peace and development, and more effectively contributes to the reform and improvement of the global governance system.

The multipolarization of the world should be equal, and the key is to adhere to the principle that all countries, regardless of size, are equal. Mutual respect and equality among countries of all sizes are requirements of the progress of the times and the primary principle of the United Nations Charter. President Xi Jinping pointed out: "Countries vary in size, strength, and development stages, but all are equal members of the international community, with equal rights to participate in regional and international affairs." Advocating for an equal multipolar world is of great significance for ensuring the normal development of international relations, promoting international peace and development, and especially for protecting the legitimate rights and interests of the vast number of developing countries.

For centuries, a few countries or groups of nations, leveraging their economic and military superiority or taking advantage of the flawed institutional design of the old international order, have monopolized international affairs, allowing hegemonism and power politics to prevail. Since the end of the Cold War, particularly in the new century, economic globalization has fostered thriving trade, investment facilitation, movement of people, and technological advancement, propelling rapid global economic growth. This has notably spurred the collective rise of emerging market countries, leading to the gradual formation of multiple development hubs across the world, fundamentally reshaping the global landscape.

However, the outdated mentality of hegemonism and power politics refuses to die. Certain countries attempt to replace and subvert the widely recognized principles and norms of international law with their so-called "rules-based order," resisting and undermining the deepening trend toward a multipolar world. This behavior, in essence, seeks to impose one's own will and standards on others, placing national interests above those of other countries, thereby seriously threatening global peace and stability.

We advocate an equal and multipolar world, where the notion of equality carries rich connotations, primarily reflected in the following aspects: First, we emphasize upholding sovereign equality. Regardless of size, strength, or wealth, every country’s sovereignty and dignity must be respected, its internal affairs free from interference, and its right to independently choose its social system and development path upheld. Second, we emphasize equal participation. All countries should engage equally in the multipolar process, enjoy rights, and play their roles. No country or group of countries should impose its rules on others, nor should unilateralism by individual countries dictate the pace for the entire world. The representation and voice of developing countries should be amplified. Third, we emphasize equal treatment for all nations. There should be no double standards—rights, opportunities, and rules must be applied equally. Every country should find its place in the multipolar system, fulfill its due role in compliance with international law, and contribute to the democratization of international relations. This breaks the traditional narrative that multipolarity is only about a few major powers. Fourth, we emphasize that major countries should demonstrate the vision and responsibility befitting their status. They should take greater initiative in promoting regional and global peace and development, rather than seeking greater monopolization over regional and international affairs. Major countries should lead by example in championing equality, cooperation, good faith, and the rule of law, living up to their role as major nations.

A multipolar world of equality resolutely opposes hegemonism and power politics, firmly resists the monopolization of international affairs by a few countries, does not allow the rule of the strongest to dictate, does not permit the division of countries into hierarchical classes based on their power status, and certainly does not tolerate a situation where some countries are at the table while others are on the menu. We must genuinely promote the democratization of international relations, effectively uphold international fairness and justice, and safeguard the legitimate rights and interests of developing countries.

The multipolarization of the world should be orderly, ensuring that the process of multipolarization is generally stable and constructive. Order is the fundamental prerequisite for global prosperity and development, as well as an important foundation for the stable development of the international system. In the international community, order is a generally stable state that emerges from the positive interactions of countries according to universally recognized international rules, and it is a constructive and positive force.

Some countries often worry that the multipolarization process will bring turbulence and disorder. The fact is, much of the turbulence and chaos in today’s world is not caused by the flourishing multipolarization, but by certain major countries obsessed with their own priorities, who go all out to stoke division and confrontation in order to maintain their unipolar hegemony. In recent years, certain major countries have rallied their allies to impose unilateral sanctions, erect protectionist barriers, and arbitrarily withdraw from treaties and organizations. These actions not only run counter to the common aspirations of people around the world, but also trample on the legitimate rights and dignity of nations. Multipolarization does not mean division into blocs, still less fragmentation or disorder. We advocate an orderly multipolar world, and we must ensure that the process of multipolarization is generally stable and constructive.

President Xi Jinping stressed that "China will firmly uphold the purposes and principles of the UN Charter, and advocate that international affairs should be addressed through consultation among us all." To achieve overall stability in the process of multipolarization, all countries must jointly abide by the purposes and principles of the UN Charter and adhere to the universally recognized basic norms of international relations. The frequent turbulence in the world and the growing challenges to world peace, development, and international fairness and justice are not because the purposes and principles of the UN Charter are outdated, but because they have not been effectively implemented. Only when all countries firmly uphold the UN-centered international system, the international order underpinned by international law, and the basic norms of international relations based on the purposes and principles of the UN Charter, and act within the UN-centered international system, can we prevent the multipolarization process from becoming a "jungle world" with a "rules vacuum."

For the multipolarization process to be constructive, countries must jointly practice true multilateralism. International affairs should be discussed and handled together by all, and the future and destiny of the world should be decided collectively. When multilateralism is upheld, the well-being of humanity is preserved and enhanced; when it is undermined, the world falls into chaos.