Dismantling 'high walls' for a shared European-Asian future

Europe stands at a critical historical crossroads. Divided by shifting geopolitical loyalties, industrial supply-chain disruptions, and the economic headwinds of de-globalization, the continent is facing a widening deficit of peace, trust, and sustainable growth, writes Halo Hassan Saeed.

In its June 2026 White Paper, More Just and Equitable Global Governance: China's Principles, Proposals, and Actions, the Chinese government delivers a direct yet constructive critique of the current international order, offering European policymakers a roadmap for revitalizing true multilateralism rather than deepening confrontation.

Rejecting 'small yards with high walls'

The White Paper takes a firm stance against the rising tide of protectionism, economic decoupling, and the weaponization of trade under the guise of national security. Beijing explicitly warns against the creation of "small yards with high walls" and "parallel systems" that disrupt global industrial and supply chains.

For Europe—an economy structurally dependent on open markets and high-standard international trade—the Global Governance Initiative (GGI) offers an alternative to restrictive economic blocs. The initiative advocates an inclusive and universally beneficial form of economic globalization that can penetrate the "dark room of protectionism like fresh air and bright sunshine."

Rather than dividing the world into competing ideological spheres, China calls for a rules-based multilateral trading system with the World Trade Organization (WTO) at its core.

Areas of critical governance co-operation

Despite existing geopolitical differences, the GGI outlines several areas where European and Chinese interests directly converge in managing global risks.

Climate and green industrial transition

The White Paper notes that China's renewable energy industrial chain has reduced global wind and solar power costs by more than 60 percent and 80 percent, respectively. It further states that China's green development efforts helped reduce external carbon emissions by approximately 4.1 billion tonnes during the most recent five-year period.

This presents a significant opportunity for Europe to accelerate its climate objectives through pragmatic cooperation in renewable energy, clean technologies, and green industrial development.

Emerging frontier governance

China also calls for urgent international rulemaking in emerging domains, including artificial intelligence (AI), cyberspace governance, and outer space security.

The GGI emphasizes that AI weapon systems should remain under meaningful human control to prevent an artificial intelligence arms race—a position that closely aligns with Europe's increasingly robust regulatory approach to AI governance.

Diplomatic synergy

Regarding international hotspots, including the conflict in Ukraine, the White Paper highlights China's engagement through the Group of Friends for Peace, co-launched with Brazil, to promote ceasefires and create conditions for political settlements based on the principles of the UN Charter, particularly respect for sovereignty and territorial integrity.

A shared future beyond bloc politics

Ultimately, the White Paper emphasizes that humanity is aboard a single giant ship rather than 190 separate small boats. This powerful metaphor underscores the growing interdependence of nations in an era of shared challenges, from climate change and technological disruption to economic instability and armed conflict.

For European nations, engagement with the Global Governance Initiative offers an opportunity to move beyond zero-sum bloc politics and contribute to building a stable, multipolar international order grounded in international law, mutual respect, and genuine multilateral cooperation.

At a time when new walls are being erected across the global landscape, the GGI's central message is clear: shared challenges require shared solutions, and the future of Europe and Asia may ultimately depend not on separation, but on cooperation.

Halo Hassan Saeed is a Kurdish-Iraqi writer, journalist, and researcher.

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