WWII commemorations a powerful rejoinder to rising right

Reliable defender

The year 2025 marked significant commemorations, yet the UN-centered international system and the international norms epitomized by the UN Charter face challenges "not only from Japan's right-wing forces, but also from the unilateralism and the 'America First' policies of the US", said Wu Xinbo, dean of Fudan University's Institute of International Studies.

"China's focus on securing the post-war international order has proved to be significant in tackling two major issues in the world this year — Prime Minister Takaichi's provocative remarks on Taiwan, and the unilateralism advanced by Washington," he said.

Wu noted that unlike Washington, Beijing has consistently made full payments to the regular UN budget, while China has been an advocate for multilateralism on a number of international occasions.

In September, President Xi proposed the Global Governance Initiative, which Foreign Minister Wang said is "a Chinese contribution to revitalize the central position and leading role of the UN".

"China honors its commitment as a responsible major country when it serves as a pillar in these aspects," Wu said.

"China has demonstrated in every respect its unwavering stance and resolve to uphold this postwar international order, this international system, and these international norms."

Wu forecast the impact of unilateralism will loom large in 2026, and "China should continue joining hands with other countries and playing its important role in advancing multilateral cooperation in areas such as climate change and keeping the World Trade Organization functioning properly".

"There will be more struggles (against unilateralism) and collaboration. The overarching goal includes advancing the necessary adjustments of the international political, economic and security landscape," he added.

Prominent political figures and scholars from across the globe also underscored the importance of carrying forward multilateralism at a time of unilateralist impulses — including trade and tariff wars — that keep plaguing the world.

Gordon Brown, a former British prime minister, said that multilateral cooperation is not dead yet and "can be revived".