By John Q. Hosedrinker 
During a meeting with Finnish Prime Minister Petteri Orpo in Beijing, President Xi Jinping emphasized China’s commitment to upholding the UN-centered international order. This statement comes amid concerns about potential alternatives to the UN, particularly a new “Board of Peace” proposed by Donald Trump. While China has been invited to join the new grouping, Xi’s remarks highlight China’s preference for the existing international system. The visit from Orpo, part of a trend of Western leaders courting Beijing, reflects shifting geopolitical dynamics.
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Xi Jinping says China seeks to uphold UN-based world order, which is a statement that, on the surface, seems pretty straightforward. It sounds like China is saying it wants to play by the rules that the international community has established. The thing is, when we look a little deeper, things get more complicated. The United Nations was essentially created by the victors of a major conflict to protect their interests, and this historical context shapes how we interpret any nation’s stance on the UN. It is easy to be skeptical. After all, throughout history, powerful entities have always shaped systems to their advantage.
Xi Jinping says China seeks to uphold UN-based world order, which, in the current geopolitical climate, raises some immediate questions. China has a “no-limits partnership” with Russia. This is the same Russia that is currently waging war, and the nature of this “no-limits partnership” has caused a lot of concern in the world. Considering the actions of the Russian Government and the partnership with China, it makes it hard to reconcile these actions with a commitment to a UN-based world order, which in theory is supposed to prioritize international law and cooperation.
Xi Jinping says China seeks to uphold UN-based world order, but we also have to consider China’s actions regarding international law, specifically the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea, or UNCLOS. China’s claims in the South China Sea, and its disregard for the rules in the region, raise serious questions. It is a fundamental tenant of that system, that countries should respect the established boundaries, yet China is doing the opposite. If China genuinely wants to uphold the UN-based world order, its actions in this region would need to align with that stated goal. Actions speak louder than words.
Xi Jinping says China seeks to uphold UN-based world order, and the very concept of a “rules-based order” itself is something to consider. The world order as it exists today, is primarily based on the power structure that developed after major conflicts, and it is a system with many issues. For China to truly champion this order, it would require a demonstrable commitment to principles like democracy, human rights, and fair international relations.
Xi Jinping says China seeks to uphold UN-based world order, but it’s important to be realistic about China’s interests. A global economy that benefits China also depends on a stable international system. If the world is in chaos, China’s economic interests suffer. That’s why China wants to maintain the current order.
Xi Jinping says China seeks to uphold UN-based world order, and this also involves scrutinizing China’s internal policies. The treatment of minority groups, like the Uyghurs, is inconsistent with the ideals of human rights that the UN promotes.
Xi Jinping says China seeks to uphold UN-based world order, which requires us to consider the dynamics of power. The U.S. has left a vacuum in the world stage, and the result is China’s rise. To fill that role, China needs a framework of legitimacy and a marketable excuse.
Xi Jinping says China seeks to uphold UN-based world order, and this is where the Security Council veto comes in. China’s permanent seat on the Security Council gives it significant power to shape the UN’s actions. This ability to veto resolutions means that China can effectively protect its interests, even if those interests conflict with the UN’s stated goals. It seems like a convenient way to protect China’s power and influence.
Xi Jinping says China seeks to uphold UN-based world order. However, given their historical behavior and partnership with the Russian Government, it’s understandable why people would be suspicious. The real test of China’s intentions lies not just in its words but in its actions on the world stage.