By Ahmed Salam
In a world where geopolitical concerns intersect like restless waves, the release of the Chinese White Paper, titled China’s Position on Arms Control, Disarmament, and Non-Proliferation in the New Era, adds a crucial cornerstone to the architecture of global security.
This document, unveiled at a moment fraught with uncertainty and transformation, reflects a clear direction: recalibrating the compass of stability and presenting a model of genuine commitment aimed at preventing the world from sliding into new arms races.
Its publication holds particular symbolic significance, coinciding with the 80th anniversary of China’s victory in the War of Resistance Against Japanese Aggression and World War II, as well as the 80th anniversary of the founding of the United Nations.As a dedicated observer of Chinese policies in Asia and a long-time participant in academic dialogues on regional security, I believe the importance of this White Paper lies not only in it being the first of its kind since the 18th National Congress of the Communist Party of China (CPC) in 2012, but also in its timing.
It reaffirms that China, despite accelerating challenges, remains committed to the concept of security as a common good, rather than a tool for geopolitical conflict. The document offers a comprehensive overview of China’s policies on arms control, disarmament, and non-proliferation, alongside its visions and proposals for managing international security in the new era.The policies of the CPC and the Chinese government emphasise that arms control is not a transient slogan but an international responsibility and an integral part of a deeply rooted vision for preserving strategic stability and reducing the risks of war.
This aligns with the Global Security Initiative (GSI) and the Global Governance Initiative (GGI), which Beijing champions to enhance multilateral co-operation in a world characterised by increasing dynamics of uncertainty.
A prominent feature of the document is the link between arms control and the concept of a “Community of Shared Future for Mankind.” Although this concept may seem broadly ambitious to many, its core if seriously applied represents an attempt to forge a framework for more balanced and co-operative international relations in an age of declining trust between major powers. While the world tends towards escalation, China proposes an approach that seeks de-escalation, favouring governance over chaos.
The White Paper also reviews China’s practical efforts and achievements over the past two decades in actively participating in international arms control processes. This reflects its recognition of its role as a major power that bears the responsibility of leading global security governance and safeguarding international peace.
The publication does not neglect to address emerging domains such as outer space, cyberspace, artificial intelligence (AI), and cyber security, which have become new horizons for human development and focal points for strategic security.
China proposes that the United Nations with comprehensive participation from all nations should play a pivotal role in constructing a framework and standards for global governance in these areas, while also strengthening the voice and representation of developing countries.
This White Paper represents a practical step towards implementing the Global Security Initiative and the Global Governance Initiative. It underscores China’s persistent affirmation that, regardless of how the international situation changes, it will always stand on the side of peace and justice, acting as a force supporting international stability and security.
Supporting international efforts for disarmament and non-proliferation is an investment in a more stable future. In a world suffering from a “surplus of conflicts” and a “deficit of trust,” initiatives like this inject doses of certainty into an international system that has become more fragile than ever before.In conclusion, the White Paper is more than just a political document; it is a call to rethink the structure of the global security order.
If nations of East and West respond to the spirit of this call, it may become possible to envision a world less turbulent and more capable of managing its differences without descending into the abyss. This would serve all countries of the world… and open a window of hope that restores balance to reason in a turbulent age.
• Ahmed Salam is a member of the Egyptian council for foreign affairs, former Egyptian media counselor in BeijingYou can reach the writer via [email protected]
To the White Paper (for reference):http://english.scio.gov.cn/whitepapers/2025-11/27/content_118198082_2.html
