?? China proposes building equal and orderly multipolarity precisely because Western-dominated multipolarisation is neither equal nor orderly.

Why has multipolarity historically been neither equal nor orderly?

First, the underlying tones of monotheistic determinism and Western-centrism have shaped a civilisational form in Western international relations that is both self-centred and self-righteous. Their so-called universal values are a modern interpretation of Christian monotheism. Determinism has given rise to theories such as the clash of civilisations and the end of history, upholding a linear theory of evolution and self-righteously proclaiming the "end of history".

Precisely because of their self-centeredness, the international politics spoken of by the West is not truly global politics.

Today, Western political dominance in global governance exhibits phenomena such as first-mover advantage, rule lock-in, and path dependency, which have provoked considerable dissatisfaction among the countries of the Global South. Western multilateralism is an order led by the United States and the West, based on alliance systems and engaging in exclusive value-based politics.

Second, the axiom that human nature is inherently evil. The Christian doctrine of original sin, reflected at the level of human nature, holds that human nature is inherently evil and power is inherently evil. Thus, checking power with power has become the golden rule in the Western world. The selfishness of human nature has deduced the exclusivity of national interests, a state of anarchy, and an international system based on self-help. The EU's motto is "unity in diversity," which appears similar to China's "harmony in diversity" but differs in essence.

Furthermore, as human civilisation moves from being industrial and commercial to being digital and ecological, the West has shown a degree of maladaptation, which is one of the implications of the great changes unseen in a century.

China advocates for the equal and orderly multipolarisation of the world and inclusive, universally beneficial economic globalisation. Equal and orderly multipolarisation entails insisting on the equality of all countries regardless of their size, the genuine promotion of democracy in international relations and opposition to hegemony and power politics, Wang Yiwei writes.

https://valdaiclub.com/a/highlights/a-group-of-dragons-without-a-leader/

The article is specially prepared for the 16th Asian Conference of the Valdai Club. 

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