Wang Yi pitches multipolarity at Munich
China's top diplomat, Wang Yi, believes a multipolar world is at hand.
On Friday, Wang delivered a speech at the Munich Security Conference, outlining China's vision for a shifting global order.
Some context: Speaking at the same conference, US Vice President JD Vance criticized European leaders for not playing a big enough role in the continent’s defense, suggesting a reduction of US support.
Wang seized on the opportunity to cast China as a pragmatic, consensus-oriented partner for Europe and the world (MoFA):
- “China has always viewed Europe as a key pillar in a multipolar world."
- “We are ready to...deepen strategic dialogue and strengthen mutually beneficial cooperation [with the European side].”
He also offered a thinly veiled rebuke of the US:
- “In the face of escalating global challenges, no country can stand alone, and prioritizing national interests above all else will only lead to a lose-lose scenario.”
- "We should share global responsibilities, not prioritize self-interest."
Finally, Wang made an appeal for free trade:
- “Protectionism is not the answer and excessive tariffs benefit no one.”
- “Decoupling ...destroys opportunities, while [protectionist barriers] only isolate those who build them.”
Get smart: There’s nothing particularly new in Wang’s speech.
- But against the backdrop of an increasingly protectionist and isolationist US, European leaders are looking at these tired talking points with fresh eyes.
Get smarter: Beijing will try to capitalize on the rift between Washington and Brussels to coax Europe into a softer stance on China.