‘Türkiye, China share strong partnership in promoting global peace’

Türkiye and China have emerged as key players advocating for peace and global stability amid escalating geopolitical tensions, said a senior Chinese policymaker and a prominent expert in international affairs.

Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan’s call for urgent United Nations reforms, which emphasises the need for a more inclusive global governance structure, is worthy of praise, said Henry Huiyao Wang, founder and president of the Center for China and Globalization (CCG), a Beijing-based think tank.

“Türkiye, as both a NATO member and a BRICS partner, and also a key player in the Global South, shares a strong partnership with China in promoting peace,” said Wang, who is also a former Councillor of the powerful State Council of China.

The State Council of China is the country’s highest administrative authority, overseeing various ministries and agencies to implement national policies and manage government affairs.

Wang noted that Türkiye and China share a commitment to peaceful conflict resolution and advancing the interests of the Global South. Both countries have acted as mediators in global crises, making their partnership crucial for addressing geopolitical challenges.

Türkiye’s mediatory role in the Russia-Ukraine war and China’s successful facilitation of talks between Iran and Saudi Arabia are examples of their potential to lead peaceful resolutions, he said.

“These efforts reflect a shared commitment to fostering dialogue and reducing tensions, particularly in the Global South,” Wang explained.

Wang particularly pointed to Ankara's successful facilitation of the Black Sea grain corridor in 2022 during the early stages of the Russia-Ukraine war, which helped prevent a global food crisis. He also praised Türkiye's persistent efforts to find a peaceful resolution to the ongoing Middle East conflict, underscoring its importance in global peace initiatives.

“I see Türkiye as an important and credible mediator in the Russia-Ukraine war, as well as in the Middle East and Gaza. I believe Türkiye will continue to collaborate with China, Brazil, and the Global South to mediate global crises and contribute to peacebuilding efforts worldwide,” Wang said.

Urgent call for UN reforms

Wang was in Istanbul to attend the recently held TRT World Forum 2024, where Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan, in his inaugural address, called for a major overhaul of the United Nations.

Erdogan’s critique of the UN’s current structure focused on the dominance of the five permanent Security Council members. He argued that the system no longer reflects a multipolar world and called for urgent changes to make the UN more equitable and effective.

“The UN needs to be completely reformed. The world cannot be left to the mercy of the five permanent (Security Council member) countries. The fate of 194 countries cannot be left in the hands or the lips of one of these five permanent members,” Erdogan said

Lauding the Turkish President’s speech, Wang said it echoed China’s own vision for a more inclusive world order.

"I believe it is high time for the UN to undergo reform. The Global South should have a stronger voice, and the current structure should better reflect the influence of emerging economies, such as those within BRICS.”

Stressing that an inclusive and restructured United Nations is crucial for fostering global peace and dealing with emerging crises, the Chinese expert advocated granting G20 countries greater influence in the UN Security Council.

“The G20 includes 20 of the world’s most influential countries, and five of them are already permanent members of the UN Security Council (P5). Why not let the other 15 have a rotating role in the Council?”

Wang proposed that while the P5 nations–China, Russia, France, the UK, and the US–retain their permanent seats, the remaining G20 members could occupy rotating positions, perhaps every two or three years.

“With its increasing influence over the years, the G20 countries must have a big say in the affairs of the world. It’s a step toward making the UN more reflective of today’s geopolitical realities.”