Chinese FM Wang Yi’s speech on multilateralism at the #MSC2020 hasn’t gotten that much attention (it is full of bland CCPisms like ("5000 years of civilization!" and "socialism w/ Chinese characteristics"). (Short thread) 1/12
But I think it deserves more attention as a statement of how the Chinese govt would like to shape the global narrative about how it approaches intl institutions and intl law. 2/12
First, Wang frames China-West relations as a problem of prejudice toward China’s attempt to assert its “right of development.” It then blends China’s “cultural traditions” with the “socialism” and then (of course) the leadership of the CCP. 3/12
This appeals to those in the West who want to see the CCP’s control of China as essentially a cultural difference rather than an ideological choice. 4/12
BTW, he also dropped this hard-to-swallow claim: “The [CCP] represents the fundamental interests of all Chinese people, and its leadership is supported by the 1.4 billion people of China.” (All 1.4 billion? Really?) 5/12
Second, Wang Yi sets forth a theory that “major countries” (of which China is one), must “set a good example.” I am struck by his statement that “major countries” should eschew “carving out spheres of influence.” Is that something China is going to start accusing the US of? 6/12
Third, Wang Yi calls on upholding “intl norms” which has two components: “democracy in international relations” and the UN Charter’s principles: “respect for national sovereignty,” and “peaceful resolution of disputes” and (of course) “non-interference in domestic affairs.” 7/12
(Notably missing here is any mention of the UN Charter’s commitment in Article 1 to promoting and encouraging respect for human rights.) 8/12
But what is new here is the application of these principles to China’s foreign policy. Wang cites China's policy toward Syria (Assad can do whatever he wants) and Afghanistan (Taliban can do whatever it wants) as examples of its commitment to “natl sovereignty.” 9/12
He cites its own treatment of Taiwan, Hong Kong, Tibet, and Xinjiang as its commitment to “non-interference.” And then he cites North Korea and the South China Sea (!!) as examples of China’s commitment to peaceful resolution of disputes. 10/12
Finally, Wang Yi concludes by citing Xi’s “community of shared destiny” which is “inspired by the traditional Chinese philosophy that sees the world as one big family.” One interesting question: If the world is a “family”, who are the parents? 11/12
Overall, nothing here is really new. China is painting itself as the responsible defender of developing/ non-Western countries in the UN system. The US govt needs to figure out how to counter this narrative, which works better than many US analysts probably appreciate. 12/12 END
