The Global Security Initiative: China’s Approach to Safeguarding Common Security

April 21, 2026 marks the fourth anniversary of the Global Security Initiative (GSI). Four years ago, President Xi Jinping proposed this important initiative, calling on all countries to pursue a new vision of security--one that features dialogue over confrontation, partnership over alliance, and win-win outcomes over zero-sum approaches.
Four years on, changes unseen in a century are unfolding at a faster pace. Regional conflicts continue to erupt, while traditional and non-traditional security challenges are becoming increasingly intertwined. The international community is calling more urgently for effective responses to security deficits. In this context, the GSI offers a clear answer: upholding common security.
I. Upholding Common Security: Moving beyond Zero-Sum Approaches
A defining feature of the GSI is its emphasis on common security. It is grounded in the reality that countries’ interests are closely intertwined and their security is interdependent. It highlights that individual security and common security are inseparable, traditional and non-traditional security are interconnected, security rights and obligations must go hand in hand, and security and development are mutually reinforcing.
The initiative rejects outdated notions of absolute security and exclusive security. No country can achieve its own security in isolation from global security, nor can absolute security be built on the insecurity of others. The ongoing tensions in the Middle East once again illustrate that the pursuit of one-sided security will only lead to greater instability.
The GSI calls on the international community to adopt a holistic approach to security and to shoulder shared responsibilities. To date, it has been supported by over 130 countries and regional and international organisations, demonstrating that the vision of common security reflects the trend of the times and is gaining broad international recognition.
II. Openness and Inclusiveness: Building the Broadest Consensus
Guided by the vision of common security, the GSI is open and inclusive, advocating that international affairs should be addressed through consultation by all. The initiative has been incorporated into more than 140 bilateral and multilateral cooperation documents between China and other countries. China has reached important consensus on implementing the GSI with countries including Russia, Pakistan, Indonesia and Brazil.
China has released the Concept Paper on the Global Security Initiative and a progress report on its implementation, and has actively promoted platforms such as the Beijing Xiangshan Forum, Global Public Security Cooperation Forum (Lianyungang), and the China-Africa Peace and Security Forum. These platforms have provided important avenues for dialogue, policy coordination and practical cooperation.
This open and inclusive approach, which does not target any third party or set exclusive thresholds, has helped build broad consensus and injected steady momentum into efforts to build a community with a shared future for humanity in the field of security.
III. Delivering through Action: Acting as a Builder of Peace
Consensus must be translated into concrete actions. In response to the evolving situation in the Middle East, China has maintained an objective and impartial position and has been committed to promoting peace and dialogue. Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi has maintained close communication with his counterparts from relevant countries, and China’s Special Envoy on the Middle East Issue has engaged in shuttle diplomacy to facilitate deescalation.
On 31March this year, China and Pakistan jointly put forward the Five-Point Initiative of China and Pakistan for Restoring Peace and Stability in the Gulf and Middle East Region. Its key elements include an immediate cessation of hostilities, the early launch of peace talks, and ensuring the safety of non-military targets, the security of maritime routes, and the authority of the UN Charter.
As the largest troop-contributing country to UN peacekeeping operations among the permanent members of the Security Council, and the second-largest contributor to the UN peacekeeping budget, China has consistently supported the central role of the United Nations. As of March this year, China has participated in 26 UN peacekeeping operations, dispatching more than 50,000 personnel to over 20 countries and regions. 17 Chinese peacekeepers have lost their lives in the line of duty. Currently, more than 1,600 Chinese peacekeepers remain on mission in Lebanon, South Sudan, Abyei and the Democratic Republic of the Congo. These facts demonstrate China’s firm commitment to world peace.
Bangladesh is also a steadfast supporter of UN peacekeeping operations. Since 1988, it has contributed nearly 200,000 personnel, with more than 5,600 troops and police currently deployed worldwide, making it the third-largest troop contributor. Their professionalism and dedication have been widely commended by the international community.
China stands ready to work with all peace-loving countries, including Bangladesh, to advance common security for all, so that security can be shared by all and development can benefit all.
Experience has shown that only by upholding common security can we ensure lasting stability, only through openness and inclusiveness can we build broad consensus, and only through concrete actions can we create a better future.
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The writer is Ambassador 
of China to Bangladesh