At a recent symposium held in Beijing, scholars analyzed the dynamics of the current global security landscape, putting forth research pathways and solutions aimed at enhancing global security governance. Convened in late June, the International Symposium on “Global Security Governance: Current Challenges and China’s Solutions” was hosted by the University of International Relations.

Evolving security challenges

At present, momentous changes of a like not seen in a century are accelerating across the world, posing myriad challenges to international security governance. Wu Zhicheng, deputy director of the Institute of International Strategy at the Party School of the Central Committee of CPC (National Academy of Governance), regarded the phenomenon as a sign of a “rising global security deficit.”

“The ‘global security deficit’ in fact indicates a mismatch between the security status quo of the international community and human expectations for security,” Wu said. This is embodied in the objective existence of dangers and threats, and subjectively, fear and worries over the security status.

In the context of an increasing global security deficit, traditional security concerns have resurfaced on the global stage, accompanied by the continuous emergence of new, non-traditional security issues. The intersection of these traditional and non-traditional domains has introduced additional levels and dimensions to global security challenges. According to Tang Yongsheng, a professor from the National Security College at the National Defense University, this trend signifies a further complication of the world’s geopolitical landscape, necessitating a heightened focus on its intricacies.

One notable aspect among the array of emerging concerns is the security deficit in cyberspace. Instances of online infrastructure attacks, data breaches, and information warfare have become increasingly common. Moreover, the epistemological transformations brought about by the information technology revolution have not only shaped the discourse surrounding security concepts, but also prompted a gradual shift in the international community’s perception of security, moving away from its purely material dimension towards a more conceptual framework. Scholars highlighted that these phenomena have generated new imperatives for strengthening national security capabilities.

Significance of GSI

The Global Security Initiative (GSI), which was put forward by Chinese President Xi Jinping in April 2022, advocates adapting to the profoundly changing international landscape in the spirit of solidarity, and addressing the complex and intertwined security challenges with a win-win mindset. Since its inception, China has demonstrated unwavering commitment to this initiative, establishing a solid groundwork for contributing to the resolution of the global security deficit.

Alexander Zhebin, a leading researcher from the Institute of China and Contemporary Asia at the Russian Academy of Sciences, said that the GSI has pointed the world in the right direction for development and will inspire countries globally to cultivate a vision for common, comprehensive, cooperative, and sustainable security.

The value attributed by Russia to China’s suggestions for peaceful dispute resolution serves as further evidence of China’s growing influence and responsible engagement in global affairs, Zhebin said.

India’s understanding of the principles of the GSI is highly consistent with China’s, said Swaran Singh Jaswal, a professor from Jawaharlal Nehru University in India. The GSI is driven by the objective of courageously addressing challenges and fostering a promising future through collaborative efforts, a focus that resonates with India as well.

Innovating security concepts is the first step towards advancing global security governance. Wu said that conceptual public goods related to security will effectively stimulate shifts in global security thinking patterns and strengthen the intellectual foundation for upholding universal security.

Both the vision of global governance featuring shared growth through discussion and collaboration under the concept of the human community with a shared future, and the vision for common, comprehensive, cooperative, and sustainable security within the GSI framework are key public goods that China has provided to resolve the global security deficit, representing Chinese insights the nation has contributed to the international community, Wu said.