Column: Harmony over hegemony: China's path to global peace and development

by Serik Korzhumbayev

In an era of unprecedented transformation, understanding China's worldview -- its contributions to global peace and development -- is essential to grasp the shifting dynamics of international relations. China's ancient philosophy, historical experiences and modern policies intertwine to create a vision of global harmony, sustainable growth and shared future.

As a journalist and expert from Kazakhstan, a country that serves as a key bridge between East and West, I view China's worldview as an inclusive and stabilizing force in global affairs. China's emphasis on dialogue, infrastructure development and cultural exchange resonates strongly with Central Asian countries.

The Belt and Road Initiative (BRI), in particular, has brought transformative changes to our region, improving logistics, energy cooperation and digital connectivity. In times of global uncertainty, China's consistent and principled approach is seen as a source of balance and partnership.

ROOTED IN ANCIENT CIVILIZATION

China's worldview is deeply rooted in its civilizational heritage, especially the philosophies of Confucianism, Daoism and the principle of "harmony without uniformity" (he er bu tong). For centuries, Chinese thought has emphasized balance, order and peaceful coexistence as fundamental pillars of human society.

Unlike some Western traditions that often stress competition and conflict, the Chinese tradition advocates for a relational view of the world, where cooperation and mutual respect form the basis of interaction.

The concept of "tianxia" (all under heaven) is another cornerstone of the Chinese worldview. Historically, "tianxia" envisions a moral and political order where diverse peoples coexist under shared values, not necessarily under a single political authority.

This idea influences China's modern foreign policy, reflected in its emphasis on building a community with a shared future for mankind.

Shaped by millennia of philosophical thought and historical experiences, China's worldview offers a vision of global cooperation, peace and development that contrasts with narratives of conflict and zero-sum competition.

DIALOGUE OVER CONFRONTATION, PARTNERSHIP OVER HEGEMONY

China's diplomatic philosophy promotes dialogue over confrontation and partnership over hegemony. As a permanent member of the UN Security Council, China has consistently advocated for the resolution of international disputes through political negotiation and other peaceful means. China's approach to global peace emphasizes sovereignty, non-interference and respect for diverse developmental paths.

Over the past two decades, China has significantly expanded its participation in UN peacekeeping operations. It is now the second-largest financial contributor to the UN peacekeeping budget and one of the largest providers of peacekeeping personnel among the permanent Security Council members. Chinese peacekeepers have served in conflict zones including South Sudan, Mali and Lebanon, demonstrating China's concrete commitment to maintaining international peace and security.

China also supports multilateralism as a critical mechanism for safeguarding global stability. Through active participation in international organizations like the United Nations, the World Health Organization and the World Trade Organization, China works to strengthen the global governance system and ensure that it is more representative and equitable.

DRIVING FORCE IN GLOBAL DEVELOPMENT

The BRI, proposed in 2013, is the most prominent example of China's efforts to promote infrastructure connectivity, economic cooperation and shared prosperity across continents. As of 2025, more than 150 countries and 30 international organizations have joined the BRI, leading to the construction of railways, highways, ports and energy projects that contribute to economic integration and development.

China's commitment to sustainable development is also notable. It has pledged to achieve carbon neutrality by 2060 and has become a global leader in renewable energy production, including solar, wind and hydroelectric power. Through South-South cooperation, China shares its expertise and technologies with developing countries to help them pursue low-carbon growth paths.

While China's contributions to global peace and development are substantial, they are not without challenges. However, China's consistent messaging underscores that its development is peaceful and that it seeks partnership, not dominance.

As the international community navigates the challenges of the 21st century, China's role as a promoter of peace and development will remain pivotal for achieving shared global progress.

Editor's note: Korzhumbayev is the editor-in-chief of the Delovoy Kazakhstan newspaper and a Kazakh media veteran.

The views expressed in this article are those of the author and do not necessarily reflect the positions of Xinhua News Agency.