On February 13, 2026, the 62nd Munich Security Conference opened and continued through February 15. Within the framework of the event, on February 14, Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi delivered remarks at the session titled ’’Conversation with China’’, after which he answered questions from the audience.
China’s senior diplomat presented Beijing’s vision of the international order and global governance, outlining the country’s key foreign policy messages.
UN-Centered Order, Anti-Bloc Rhetoric, and ’’True Multilateralism’’
At the Munich Security Conference, Wang Yi identified unilateral actions and a power-based order, which he described as the ’’law of the jungle’’, as the main causes of the erosion of global stability. In his assessment, humanity has reached a ’’new crossroads’’ for peace and development.
The central theme of the minister’s speech was the reform of global governance, which, he described, should be pursued through strengthening the United Nations, as weakening the organization would return the world to a power-based system.
He identified a ’’Cold War mentality’’ and bloc confrontation as the root causes of the crisis, proposing instead an approach grounded in inclusive cooperation, which he described as ’’harmony without uniformity’’.
One of the key concepts of the address was ’’true multilateralism’’, understood as a multipolar system based on the equal participation of states. According to Wang Yi, the world should no longer be governed by a handful of powerful countries, in a ’’multipolar world’’, decisions on international issues should be made collectively.
Wang also criticized unilateral sanctions and the setting of international rules by individual powers, advocating instead collective consultations grounded in international law.
Addressing the structure of global governance, he emphasized that it should reflect the evolving balance of power and the growing role of developing countries, including increased representation in international institutions and the formation of a more equitable international order.
Taiwan at the Center of China’s message at Munich Conference
At the conference, Wang Yi reiterated Beijing’s position on Taiwan, stating that the issue is a non-negotiable matter related to China’s sovereignty and remains one of the primary sources of tension. He warned that external support for the island could cross China’s defined ’’red lines’’.
According to Wang, the Taiwan issue is a legacy of China’s civil war and is regarded by Beijing as an internal affair. He argued that reunification is linked to territorial integrity, while moves toward Taiwanese independence or the use of the island as a tool to contain China would undermine regional stability.
According to Reuters, Wang also linked tensions around Taiwan to Japan, describing Tokyo’s policies as a contributing factor to regional instability.
Taiwan’s government responded to the remarks. Foreign Minister Lin Chia-lung rejected Beijing’s position, described China as a threat to regional security, and criticized its appeal to UN principles amid increasing military pressure on the island. He emphasized that Taiwan’s future should be determined by its own people.
The exchange of statements demonstrates that disagreements between Beijing and Taipei over Taiwan’s status remain unchanged, and the issue continues to be a major challenge for regional security and interstate relations.
China Calls for Dialogue in Global Conflict Hotspots
At the 62nd Munich Security Conference, Wang Yi outlined Beijing’s position on the conflicts in Gaza, Iran, and Ukraine, identifying dialogue, mediation, and political settlement as the primary paths to stability.
Addressing the war in Gaza, Wang stated that an immediate ceasefire should be followed by reconstruction of the territory and the resumption of peace negotiations. He emphasized that resolving the conflict on the basis of a two-state solution is a responsibility of the international community.
Regarding Iran, Wang warned that developments in the country could undermine regional stability and called on all parties to exercise restraint. He noted that escalating tensions could affect energy, security, and diplomatic spheres, arguing that China favors dialogue and political crisis management over sanctions or military pressure.
Wang also addressed the war in Ukraine, stating that ’’the door to dialogue is finally open’’. He urged the parties to reach a ’’comprehensive, durable and binding’’ agreement, adding that only a settlement addressing the root causes of the conflict can ensure long-term stability in Europe.
Although Beijing presents itself as a neutral actor, critics question this stance due to China’s close relationship with Russia.
’’Partner, not rival’’
Wang Yi’s address reflected the core priorities of Beijing’s foreign policy – from global governance to relations with the United States and cooperation with Europe.
He described the launch of China’s 15th Five-Year Plan as a new stage of development, emphasizing that the country’s modernization follows a peaceful path aimed at promoting both national prosperity and global stability.
Discussing China-Europe relations, Wang stated that both sides are ’’indispensable poles’’ in a multipolar world and that their cooperation is crucial for global stability, in contrast, confrontation would increase economic and security risks.
According to the minister, China does not view the European Union as a systemic rival and supports mutually beneficial cooperation in trade, technology, climate, and global governance, based on mutual respect and shared interests.
Addressing relations with the United States, he warned that economic and technological decoupling raises the risk of conflict and serves no one’s interests. In his assessment, the future of bilateral relations depends on whether Washington chooses cooperation over confrontation, underscoring the need for continued dialogue.
Ultimately, he concluded that the ’’right direction’’ for the international system lies in strengthening the role of the United Nations.
The Munich Security Conference was held in Munich at the Hotel Bayerischer Hof. The forum traditionally serves as one of the leading platforms for international security policy, where world leaders and experts discuss contemporary global challenges.
Author: Mariam Simsive
