(W.E. Talk) China’s Global Governance Initiative will benefit the world

By Guan Na, Chen Tianhao

On Sept 24, 2025 local time, Chinese Premier Li Qiang met with European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen in New York. During the meeting, Li called on China and the EU, as two major forces in the world, to demonstrate responsibility, uphold strategic autonomy, fairness and justice, and play a more constructive role in global affairs.

In addition, Li also called on both sides to better safeguard the common interests of China, the EU, and the wider international community, and contribute to the stability and certainty of the world.

Von der Leyen said as the world's two major economies, strengthening dialogue, enhancing understanding and deepening mutual trust between the EU and China are of great significance for both sides and global development.

This year marks the 50th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between China and the EU. In today's world, as globalization deepens and intertwines with multiple challenges, how can China and the EU build consensus and work hand in hand for the next 50 years? From the perspective of Portuguese Prime Minister Montenegro's recent visit to China, how will high-level exchanges between China and Europe drive bilateral cooperation to a deeper level? In this regard, the W.E. Talk has invited Bernardo Mendia, Secretary General of the Portugal-China Chamber of Commerce and Industry, and Liu Ying, Research Fellow of Chongyang Institute for Financial Studies, Renmin University of China, to engage in an in-depth dialogue on related topics.

 

Multiple "firsts": Deepened cooperation for a better world

China-EU cooperation has broad prospects, which will not only promote the in-depth development of bilateral economic, trade and investment relations, but also inject new impetus into global cooperation, Liu Ying said.

Speaking about the foundation of China-EU cooperation, Liu said China's unique advantages in the global industrial chain have laid a solid foundation for China-EU cooperation. She stressed that China not only has a vast consumer market, but also has high-quality capacity in production and technology, especially in high-end manufacturing, smart manufacturing and equipment manufacturing.

She further stated that China has shown significant advantages in smart manufacturing, emerging and future industries, which makes the cooperation between European countries and China in these fields highly attractive, and this attraction is irreplaceable.

As an important member of the EU and the eurozone, Portugal has been playing an active role in promoting China-EU relations and has created many "firsts" in developing ties with China.

For example, Portugal is the first Western European country to sign a Belt and Road cooperation document with China, the first EU country to formally establish a "blue partnership" with China, and the first eurozone country to issue renminbi bonds.

On the basis of these "firsts", China-Portugal cooperation has been deepening, with green energy and technology innovation becoming the most prominent areas of cooperation.

Mendia pointed out that "the relationship between European countries and China must continue to advance. China's green energy transition products, decarbonization products, battery storage products and other fields are very important to Portugal."

Mendia cited the example of China's CALB (China Aviation Lithium Battery) making a huge amount of investment of about 2 billion euros. "It can create almost 2,000 jobs in Portugal, which is a good example of bilateral cooperation."

In Mendia's view, Portugal and China are now committed to deepening bilateral cooperation with shared goals and integrated interests. This will encourage companies in Portugal and other European countries to deepen cooperation with Chinese companies, and the concerted efforts of European and Chinese companies will inevitably help make the world a better place.

On the other hand, Liu believed that Prime Minister Montenegro's visit has set an important example for European countries to carry out "de-politicized cooperation" with China. She said this leading role is reflected in the practical cooperation between Portugal and China in the fields of digital economy, green economy, ocean economy and cultural tourism.

 

Significant implications: Visit releases multiple positive signals

This year marks the 20th anniversary of the establishment of a comprehensive strategic partnership between China and Portugal. Liu pointed out that the visit of Portuguese Prime Minister is of great significance, as it not only reflects Portugal's tradition of pragmatic diplomacy, but also promotes China-Portugal and even China-EU relations.

"Against the backdrop of intensified geopolitical conflicts and rising unilateralism and protectionism, the visit itself sends a positive signal of opposing unilateralism, resisting protectionism, and promoting world peace and development," Liu believed.

In addition, Liu said that "although China and Portugal are far apart and located at opposite ends of the Eurasian continent, they have set an example of cooperation based on mutual respect and mutual benefit between countries with different social systems and national conditions."

Mendia also believes that Montenegro's visit to China has set an example for Europe, saying that the first signal released by the visit is the continuity of Portugal-China relations. "Montenegro's visit continues the tradition of high-level exchanges between Portugal and China, which fully demonstrates the stability of bilateral relations."

 

Global Governance Initiative: The world will be the beneficiary

Since China proposed the Global Governance Initiative on September 1, it has received great attention from the international community.

Many leaders have expressed their agreement with the Global Governance Initiative, saying that they welcome China's greater contribution to improving the global governance system.

Portuguese Prime Minister Montenegro also said that China plays a vital role in international affairs, and Portugal agrees with the important ideas underpinning the Global Governance Initiative. He said Portugal stands ready to work jointly to safeguard multilateralism, and welcomes China’s greater contribution to improving the global governance system.

In this regard, Mendia pointed out that in world trade, it is not uncommon for large countries to impose their will on smaller ones. "Fortunately, China, as one of the largest countries in the world, has proposed such an initiative, which is necessary," he said. He thought this initiative will promote a broad global consensus, and “in the end it will be the world who will benefit."

Liu holds the same view. She said that Portugal is not only a member of the EU, but also a traditional ally of the United States and a member of NATO. "Therefore, Portuguese Prime Minister's visit to China itself is a practical action to express support for the Global Governance Initiative and affirm the important role of this initiative in global governance."

Liu added that China has not only proposed the Global Governance Initiative, but also put it into practical action through multilateral platforms such as the Shanghai Cooperation Organization, the G20 and the Belt and Road Initiative, contributing China's wisdom and strength to promoting the improvement and development of global governance.