Wang Yi Keynote Speech at Munich Security Conference

"A Steadfast Constructive Force in a Changing World"

Many electrons went toward coverage and discussion about the speech by JP Vance at the Munich Security Conference but what Wang Yi had to say shouldn’t be overlooked given China’s weight in the world. The Conference’s theme was ready-made for Wang and he took full advantage as you’ll read “A Steadfast Constructive Force in a Changing World”:

Your Excellency Chairman Christoph Heusgen,
Dear Friends,
Colleagues,

The world we live in is an increasing mix of turbulence and transformation. Many people are asking the same question: Where is it headed? If I may borrow the theme of this year’s Munich Security Report, it is headed toward multipolarization. When the United Nations was founded 80 years ago, it had only 51 member states; today, 193 countries ride in the same big boat. A multipolar world is not only a historical inevitability; it is also becoming a reality.

Will multipolarity bring chaos, conflict and confrontation? Does it mean domination by major countries and the strong bullying the weak? China’s answer is, we should work for an equal and orderly multipolar world. This is another major proposition put forward by President Xi Jinping, and it represents our sincere expectation for a multipolar world. China will surely be a factor of certainty in this multipolar system, and strive to be a steadfast constructive force in a changing world.

Here, I want to make four points. 

First, it is important to advocate equal treatment. Rivalry between big powers had brought disaster to humanity, as evidenced by the lessons of the two world wars in the not-so-distant past. Whether it is the colonial system or the core-periphery structure, unequal orders are bound to meet their demise. Independence and autonomy is sought across the world, and greater democracy in international relations is unstoppable. Equal rights, equal opportunities and equal rules should become the basic principles of a multipolar world.

It is in this principle that China advocates equality among all countries regardless of size and calls for increasing the representation and say of developing countries in the international system. This will not lead to “Westlessness,” but will deliver more positive-sum results to the world. The Munich Security Conference has invited more participants from Global South countries in recent years. This is a wise thing to do. Every country should have their voice heard. Every country should be able to find their place and play their role in a multipolar paradigm.

Second, it is important to respect international rule of law. [Also emphasized in original] As an old Chinese saying goes, circles and squares cannot be drawn without compasses and rulers, which means nothing can be accomplished without following norms and standards. The purposes and principles of the U.N. Charter provide fundamental guidance for handling international relations. They are also an important cornerstone of a multipolar world. The world today is witnessing incessant chaos and confusion, and one important reason is that some countries believe might makes right and have opened a Pandora’s box marked the law of the jungle. In reality, all countries, regardless of size or strength, are stakeholders in international rule of law. The multipolar paradigm must not be a state of disarray. Without norms and standards, one may be at the table yesterday but end up on the menu tomorrow. Major countries must take the lead in honoring their words and upholding rule of law, and must not say one thing but do another, or engage in zero-sum game.

It is based on the above points of view that China resolutely upholds the authority of international rule of law and actively fulfills its international responsibilities and obligations. It is a member of almost all universal intergovernmental organizations and a party to over 600 international conventions. It never practices exceptionalism, still less cherry-picking. It is providing the greatest certainty in this uncertain world. I wish to emphasize that there should be no double standards in observing international law. Respect for all countries’ sovereignty and territorial integrity should mean support for China’s complete reunification.

Third, it is important to practice multilateralism. In the face of emerging global challenges, no country can stay unaffected, and the “we first” approach in international relations only leads to a lose-lose result. The U.N. is at the core of practicing multilateralism and advancing global governance. This edifice has shielded all countries from wind and rain for nearly 80 years, and is all the more needed in the multipolar world of the future. We should cement its foundation, rather than destroy its pillars. We should take up our responsibilities on governing global issues, rather than seek self-interests only. We should tackle common challenges in solidarity, rather than resort to bloc confrontation.

It is from this understanding that China upholds true multilateralism and advocates the vision of global governance featuring extensive consultation and joint contribution for shared benefit. We have firmly upheld the authority and stature of the UN and contributed to more than 20 percent of the UN regular budget. We have acted earnestly on the Paris Agreement on climate change and built the world’s largest clean power generation system. We have also proposed and delivered on the Global Development Initiative, the Global Security Initiative and the Global Civilization Initiative, providing public goods for improving global governance. 

Fourth, it is important to pursue openness and mutual benefit. Development holds the key to addressing various problems. The multipolar world should be one where all countries develop together. Protectionism offers no way out, and arbitrary tariffs produce no winners. Decoupling deprives one of opportunities, and a “small yard with high fences” only ends up constraining oneself. It is important to pursue open cooperation and support an equal and orderly multipolar world with a universally beneficial and inclusive economic globalization.

It is for this goal that China stays committed to sharing development opportunities with all countries. An Australian scholar called China an “enabler,” which I find very fitting. With a five-percent GDP growth last year, China contributed to nearly 30 percent of the world economic growth. It has served as an important engine for global economic growth, and shared with the world the benefit of its supersized market. China is willing to synergize high-quality Belt and Road cooperation with the European Union’s Global Gateway strategy, so as to empower each other and empower the entire world.

Friends,

China has always seen in Europe an important pole in the multipolar world. The two sides are partners, not rivals. This year marks the 50th anniversary of China-EU diplomatic relations. Taking this opportunity, China is willing to work with the European side to deepen strategic communication and mutually beneficial cooperation, and steer the world to a bright future of peace, security, prosperity and progress.

Thank you. [Bolded Italics My Emphasis. All other original]

I note very close alignment of Wang’s words with those of Lavrov in his 4 February essay, “The UN Charter should become the legal foundation of a multipolar world,” which given the closeness of the two nations and their policies shouldn’t surprise anyone aside from those not paying attention. And given the tenor of the Conference, Wang’s speech was singular. There were other developments, such as Wang’s encounter with his Ukrainian counterpart which was very cordial according to this report, “China expects fair, lasting, binding peace agreement for Ukraine crisis: FM,” that also raises a few questions. Here’s the main one and is related to this statement:

China has been Ukraine's largest trading partner in recent years, Wang noted, adding that this is hard-won under the current circumstances and demonstrates the potential and space for cooperation between the two sides. [My Emphasis]

How is a relatively destitute Ukraine able to purchase Chinese goods in the volume suggested?

Another Global Times report, “China’s role in global governance highlighted at 61st MSC,” from Munich provides another interesting insight into how this conference is framed:

Dubbed the "Davos of Defense," the 61st Munich Security Conference (MSC) officially opened on Friday. Observers noted that across a broad spectrum of discussions, China's role is attracting an ever-growing share of the interest. [My Emphasis]

This further excerpt seeks to describe the Conference atmosphere:

The [Multipolarization] theme represents a significant, albeit reluctant, recognition by the collective West that the era of American unipolarity has come to an end, Warwick Powell, adjunct professor at Queensland University of Technology and former advisor to former Australian prime minister Kevin Rudd, told the Global Times.

Powell noted that the report openly acknowledges that power is now diffused among a greater number of actors, influencing key global issues in ways that unipolar decision-making cannot accommodate. The shift, while long predicted by some, has taken decades to be acknowledged within Western strategic thought, Powell said.

The question now is whether the West will fully embrace this new reality or continue to resist it through strategies of containment and competition, Powell added.

What has been more widely noticed by the observer than the theme multipolarization itself is a sense of anxiety brought by the new US administration in the Western world. [My Emphasis]

There’s much more, like the following from this report, “Chinese FM calls for positive, responsible policy from NATO toward China”:

Rutte acknowledged China as a great nation with remarkable development achievements. He said that NATO, as a regional defensive organization, has no intention of expanding into Asia and will not do so. Rutte added that NATO is willing to enhance dialogue and communication with China to deepen mutual understanding and trust.

Talk about spur-of-the-moment policy change unless it’s just another lie. The expert cited above, Warrick Powell, had an op/ed published by Global Times, “Munich Security Conference shows the West has come to a reluctant reckoning with reality,” with his opening paragraph saying;

The annual Munich Security Conference serves as a crucial forum where global leaders, policymakers and analysts converge to discuss pressing security and geopolitical issues. The 2025 iteration of the conference, themed around "Multipolarization," represents a significant, albeit reluctant, recognition by the collective West that the era of American unipolarity has come to an end. The conference's annual report openly acknowledges this shift, noting that power is now diffused among a greater number of actors, influencing key global issues in ways that unipolar decision-making cannot accommodate. This shift, while long predicted by some, has taken decades to be acknowledged within Western strategic thought.

Powell notes how the world has changed since Putin’s 2007 Munich Conference speech and reviews most of the current issues in play. The last Chinese media report I’ll provide is from Xinhua, “Munich Security Conference highlights Europe's struggle for strategic realignment,” which provides a good overview of what transpired during the very active and provocative first day. There’re many other reactions that merit further discussion, but that will be material for another article. Although he doesn’t use the term spheres of influence, Wang Yi clearly called for an inclusive world where all nations participate, not just a few—a hegemony of a few is just as unequal as a unipolar hegemon, and that IMO is where the big difference will arrive between Russia, China and the Outlaw US Empire, for Trump has clearly indicated he wants to preserve that concept, not just in the Western Hemisphere but in Palestine too.

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