IRS seminar highlights multilateralism no longer an option but a strategic necessity

2026-01-26 - 00:49

China’s approach to global affairs rooted in inclusivity, equity, and respect for diversity: Prof Qian Feng Director of the Research Department at the National Strategy Institute, Tsinghua University, Prof Qian Feng has emphasized that China’s approach to global affairs is rooted in inclusivity, equity, and respect for diversity and multilateralism remains the most viable pathway to global peace and stability. These remarks were made at a seminar titled “Protecting Shared Interests through Multilateralism: An Imperative for Global Peace and Stability,” hosted by the China Programme at the Institute of Regional Studies (IRS), Islamabad. The seminar examined the urgent need to reinforce multilateralism amid a rapidly fragmenting global order. Prof Qian Feng noted that China advocates governance frameworks that accommodate different viewpoints and development models, rejecting unilateralism and protectionism in favor of universal security and shared progress. According to him, China’s vision of multilateral institutions is anchored in the idea of building a shared future for mankind, where cooperation replaces confrontation and collective interests prevail over narrow national agendas. Counsellor at the Embassy of the People’s Republic of China Mr. Wang Shengjie outlined China’s comprehensive alternative to unilateralism. He observed that violations of sovereignty and “my interest first” policies have become some of the most alarming realities of today’s world. In contrast, he said, China envisions a global order based on shared interests, sovereign equality, openness, inclusiveness, and opposition to exclusive blocs. Stressing the importance of tangible outcomes, he noted that China’s approach complements and strengthens the UN-based international order. Highlighting Pakistan–China relations as a model of mutual trust and shared well-being, he concluded that multilateralism is a collective journey grounded in equity, cooperation, and shared responsibility, with Pakistan offering a constructive middle path as a key middle power. Earlier, in his welcome address, President of IRS, Ambassador Jauhar Saleem highlighted the growing tendency of traditional powers toward unilateral actions, protectionism, and transactional diplomacy, warning that such trends undermine international law and the principles enshrined in the UN Charter. Referring to India’s proclivity for military aggression as a manifestation of this mindset, he stressed that safeguarding shared interests cannot be left to the discretion of a single power but requires collective adherence to multilateral mechanisms. He noted that China’s expanding institutional engagements reflect a commitment to shared prosperity and concrete contributions to strengthening the international order. Senator Mushahid Hussain Sayed underscored that multilateralism is no longer a policy choice but a strategic necessity. He described China as a flag bearer of multilateralism and globalization, citing widespread participation in the Belt and Road Initiative as evidence. He also reaffirmed Pakistan’s longstanding support for mediation and dialogue, noting that multilateral engagement has been a cornerstone of its foreign policy since independence. Other speakers echoed concerns over the erosion of the international order. Ambassador Naela Chohan cited examples such as Indian military actions against Pakistan, the Russia–Ukraine war, and ongoing trade and tariff wars as destabilizing unilateral decisions. Prof. Zafar Nawaz Jaspal warned that intensifying great-power competition is increasingly affecting middle powers, underscoring the relevance of China’s dialogue-oriented initiatives. Speakers from the Global South, including Dr. Manzoor Khan Afridi and Dr. Noor Fatima, highlighted the people-centric, inclusive, and development-focused nature of China’s initiatives, while Dr. Talat Shabbir emphasized the need to reinvent inclusive mediation mechanisms to restore trust in global governance. The seminar concluded with a shared consensus that strengthening multilateralism is essential for addressing contemporary global challenges and ensuring durable peace and stability.