China Offers Solutions to Challenges Concerning Global Peace and Development: VP

Beijing Hosts the 13th World Peace Forum (WPF) themed “Advancing Global Peace and Prosperity: Shared Responsibility, Benefit and Achievement,”

By: Muhammad Arif, Editor NSN.Asia

Beijing: The 13th World Peace Forum (WPF) themed “Advancing Global Peace and Prosperity: Shared Responsibility, Benefit and Achievement,” was held in Beijing from July 2 to 4, 2025.

Chinese Vice President Han Zheng addressing the opening ceremony of the 13th World Peace Forum called for jointly safeguarding international fairness and justice, and improving the global governance system.

Noting that at present, the cause of world peace and development is facing severe challenges,

Han said Chinese President Xi Jinping has put forward a series of proposals, including building a community with a shared future for humanity and the Global Development Initiative, the Global Security Initiative and the Global Civilization Initiative, providing a Chinese solution to major issues concerning human peace and development.

The forum gathered multiple former political leaders and 49 international delegates from 25 countries to voice how to enhance international cooperation and share the responsibility for safeguarding peace and promoting development amid a complex international landscape.

When addressing the first plenary meeting, former Japanese Prime Minister Yukio Hatoyama argued that Japan should reduce its dependence on the United States and pursue “de-risking” from the US as the correct path.

Hatoyama furthet stated that Japan has been one of America’s most faithful allies since World War II and is likely to continue on this path for some time. However, in his view, enhancing Japan’s autonomy and independence from the US is the most natural choice, even though it is not easy.

“In the face of serious and complex international developments and escalating regional conflicts, global peace and development face unprecedented challenges,” said Li Luming, president of Tsinghua University and chairman of the WPF, told the forum at the opening ceremony on Thursday.

Li noted that amid a turbulent international landscape and rising geopolitical tensions, fostering unity and dialogue is more important than ever.

Former President of the European Council Herman Van Rompuy argued that the global order is weakening, with institutions like the #WTO and #UN facing paralysis due to political divisions. Rising nationalism and conflicts push nations toward protectionism and militarization. The EU, founded as a “peace project,” advocates dialogue over confrontation but acknowledges its limited influence. It urges cooperation with China on trade and climate, where urgent action lags despite past pledges.

The forum comprised four plenary sessions and 18 panel discussions, where participants shared their perspectives on subjects including the international order and world peace, pan-securitization and the global security predicament, the role of the Global South in achieving world peace and prosperity, and major power coordination and conflict resolution.

Beginning in 2012, Tsinghua University has been co-hosting the forum with the Chinese People’s Institute of Foreign Affairs. The forum aims to provide a platform of communication and exchange for strategists and think tanks worldwide.