[ Qualifier ]

Responsible

The Party argues that it has a historic responsibility to “serve the people” and derives its legitimacy from delivering tangible benefits. The CCP presents itself as the only organisation capable of guiding China’s economic and technological rise while ensuring the creation of a “moderately prosperous society” and safeguarding social stability (which is often contrasted with the purported political turmoil of other nations).

On the global stage, China has responded to regular appeals by Western states to be a “responsible global stakeholder” by positioning itself as a responsible major power (负责任大国) that delivers concrete benefits and contributes to global public goods in areas such as economic growth, health, and climate. It highlights its constructive engagement in the United Nations, by engaging in peacekeeping and regularly paying its UN dues. China’s initiatives—such as the BRI and its growing list of global initiatives on development, security and other areas— are presented as key pillars of the international order.

This narrative presents China as a peaceful, non-hegemonic, and solution-oriented alternative to Western countries, that is inclusive of developing nations– even as it shows a high willingness to exert high pressure when China’s political and economic interests are at stake.

Key Examples

“We must not let the rules set by one or a few countries be imposed on others, or allow unilateralism pursued by certain countries to set the pace for the whole world. What we need in today’s world is justice, not hegemony. Big countries should behave in a manner befitting their status and with a greater sense of responsibility.” — Xi Jinping at Boao Forum, April 20, 2021
“As a responsible major power, China has taken decisive countermeasures from the outset, demonstrating a moral commitment to “fight to the end.” This has effectively safeguarded the international rules-based order, provided other countries with more time and space to address U.S. trade bullying, and significantly strengthened the confidence and resolve of the international community to unite against bullying.” —Press release published by China’s National Development and Reform Commission, April 30, 2025
“China, as a responsible major country, has always upheld justice and stood up for fairness. China has resolutely opposed hegemonism and power politics, resolutely pushed back against a handful of countries’ attempt to dominate international affairs, demanded increased representation and say of developing countries in the global governance system, supported addressing the historical injustices done to African countries as a priority, and urged the lifting of all illegally imposed unilateral sanctions. With these efforts, China has firmly upheld the common and legitimate rights and interests of developing countries, and made the international order more just and equitable.” — Foreign Minister Wang Yi, January 9, 2024