The contemporary international system is undergoing a period in which uncertainties and transformations are intertwined. As global balances are being reshaped, the stance of great powers and their approaches to multilateral cooperation are becoming increasingly important. The Munich Security Conference stands out as a significant platform that addresses the most current issues in international security and foreign policy each year. Within this framework, the 61st Munich Conference, held on February 14, 2025, has drawn significant attention. In particular, the speech by Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi has provided important insights into Beijing’s vision of global governance and how it positions itself within the international system.
The central emphasis in Wang Yi’s speech was China’s approach to a multipolar world order. China argues that the current unipolar or Western-centric global system is not sustainable. In this context, Wang presents the increase in the number of United Nations members from 51 at its founding to 193 today as an indication that the international system has become more inclusive. China defines multipolarity not only as a historical inevitability but also as a necessity for the existing world order. However, the critical point here is that Beijing underscores the need to prevent this new order from turning into chaos or a struggle for hegemony. China seeks to present its own rise as a process that does not contradict Western concerns.[1]
Another noteworthy aspect of the speech was China’s emphasis on its role in global governance and its approach to international law. Wang Yi stated that the rule of law in the international system must be upheld, while also emphasizing that law should not be applied selectively.[2] Here, it is evident that a direct reference was made to China’s position on the Taiwan issue. China’s emphasis on “sovereignty and territorial integrity” once again highlighted Beijing’s sensitivity regarding Taiwan, while its discourse that international law should not be shaped solely according to the interests of certain states reflects a critical perspective toward the norms set by the West.
Wang Yi’s speech also contained critical messages regarding China’s relations with the United States (U.S.). The Chinese Foreign Minister’s statement that “if the U.S. is determined to suppress China, we will fight to the end” demonstrates how Beijing perceives the tensions with Washington.[3] China’s approach is based on avoiding direct conflicts while at the same time not yielding to pressure. This discourse carries significant implications for China’s national security strategies and its position in international relations.
Wang Yi’s statement that they will counter the U.S.’s unilateral actions while keeping the door open for cooperation highlights Beijing’s balancing policy. China, while responding to the West’s moves against it, also seeks to prevent the complete polarization of the global order by keeping dialogue channels open. However, how compatible this strategy will be with the U.S.’s current policies remains a significant question. The Trump administration’s continuation of harsh economic measures against China and its increased efforts to limit Beijing in the technology sector indicate that the space for cooperation is narrowing.
The U.S.’s imposition of additional tariffs on China and restrictions on advanced technology transfers further deepens the trade war between the two countries. The chip restrictions implemented during the Biden administration and the further tightening of these measures under Trump’s leadership reveal that Beijing views this issue not only as an economic matter but also as a national security concern. China perceives the U.S.’s technology restrictions not merely as economic competition but as a long-term strategic containment policy.
Wang Yi’s speech also contained significant references that demonstrated how China utilizes its historical heritage and cultural power as a diplomatic tool. In particular, quotations from the Book of Changes reflect China’s long-term strategic outlook and determination. The phrase, “The movement of Heaven is full of vigour. Thus the gentleman (follows suit and) makes himself strong and untiring.”conveys the message that China will move forward resolutely in the face of current challenges.[4] This quotation reflects the importance that China places on continuity and resilience in its state philosophy. Wang Yi’s use of such references implies that Beijing will approach current issues from a long-term perspective and show flexibility in response to Western pressures.
Wang Yi’s remarks at the Munich Security Conference also revealed Beijing’s effort to maintain its balancing policy on the Ukraine issue. Wang’s emphasis on the need for all parties involved in the peace talks to participate in the process indicates that China continues to advocate for multilateral diplomacy rather than a unilateral solution.[5] This discourse can be seen as part of China’s strategy to position itself as a “neutral power” in the eyes of global actors. However, China’s emphasis on the need to “address the underlying causes of the crisis” can also be interpreted as an indirect criticism of the West’s pressure policy on Russia. According to Beijing, the roots of the Ukraine crisis do not lie solely in Russia’s actions but also in the expansion of the North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO) and the imbalances created by the West in the security architecture.
China’s emphasis on Europe’s role in the peace process can be considered a strategic move. Beijing wants Europe to approach the crisis with a more independent perspective and develop a more active peace initiative, stepping out of the shadow of the United States. At this point, China’s desire to enhance strategic communication with the European Union (EU) may signal a potential rapprochement in China-EU relations. At a time when tensions with the U.S. are escalating, China appears inclined to strengthen its economic and political ties with Europe. On the other hand, U.S. President Donald Trump’s meetings and negotiations with the leaders of Russia and Ukraine seem to have caught European allies off guard. Trump’s statement that Ukraine’s NATO membership is “not practical” and that Kyiv’s full territorial recovery is “unlikely” highlights a significant divergence of views within the Western alliance. The U.S. attempt to steer the negotiation process without including Europe in the peace process has created discomfort among European leaders, making China’s role in Europe more meaningful.
In conclusion, the 61st Munich Security Conference, held on February 14, 2025, provided a crucial platform for understanding global security and foreign policy dynamics. Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi’s speech clearly outlined Beijing’s vision and strategic orientations in international relations. While China emphasized its aspiration for a multipolar world order and the unsustainability of the current Western-centric structure, it also expressed its intention to maintain balance in its relations with the U.S. China’s position on the Ukraine crisis reflects its commitment to multilateral diplomacy and its criticism of the West’s unilateral approaches to conflict resolution. Wang Yi’s statements indicate that Beijing continues its efforts to shape relations with global actors and solidify its place in the international system. In this context, China’s future foreign policy moves will play a significant role in reshaping global balances.
[1] “Keynote Speech by H.E. Wang Yi At the 61st Munich Security Conference Conversation with China”, Ministry of Foreign Affairs The People’s Republic of China, https://www.fmprc.gov.cn/eng/wjbzhd/202502/t20250215_11555665.html, (Erişim Tarihi: 18.02.2025).
[2] Aynı Yer.
[3]“China will ‘play along to the end’ with U.S., its top diplomat says”, Reuters, https://www.reuters.com/world/china-will-play-along-end-with-us-its-top-diplomat-says-2025-02-15/, (Erişim Tarihi: 18.02.2025).
[4] Aynı Yer.
[5]“China calls for all stakeholders in Ukraine war to be in peace process”, Reuters, https://www.reuters.com/world/china-calls-all-stakeholders-ukraine-war-be-peace-process-2025-02-15/, (Erişim Tarihi: 18.02.2025).
