Wang Yi Outlines China-Europe Partnership and Global Governance Goals at Munich Security Conference
At a glance
- Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi spoke at the Munich Security Conference on February 14, 2026
- He stated that China and Europe are partners, not systemic rivals
- Wang Yi called for reforms to strengthen the United Nations and global governance
Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi delivered a keynote address at the “China in the World” session during the 62nd Munich Security Conference in Munich, Germany, on February 14, 2026. His remarks focused on the relationship between China and Europe and the need for reforms in international governance structures.
During his speech, Wang Yi stated that China and Europe should be seen as partners rather than systemic rivals. He encouraged both regions to seek harmony while respecting their differences, referencing traditional Chinese principles to support this approach.
Wang Yi called for the revitalization of the United Nations system and emphasized the importance of multilateralism. He stated that countries should avoid bloc confrontation and unilateral actions, and instead work towards a fairer system of global governance.
He described the United Nations as an imperfect institution but maintained that it remains the most universal and authoritative intergovernmental body. Wang Yi stated that the effectiveness of the current international system is limited by actions such as magnifying differences and reviving Cold War thinking, rather than by the UN itself.
What the numbers show
- Wang Yi spoke at the Munich Security Conference on February 14, 2026
- He referenced more than 60 ongoing conflicts worldwide
- A trilateral meeting with German and French foreign ministers took place on February 13, 2026
Wang Yi urged reforms to improve global governance, including revitalizing the United Nations, promoting equality among sovereign states, supporting international rule of law, and adopting a people-centered approach. He stated that multilateralism should be upheld in addressing international challenges.
He highlighted several conflict areas, calling for a ceasefire and reconstruction in Gaza through a two-state solution, urging caution in Iran to prevent new conflicts, supporting dialogue in Ukraine for a binding peace agreement, and emphasizing the importance of sovereignty in Venezuela.
Wang Yi noted that more than 60 conflicts are ongoing globally and called for increased efforts to promote ceasefires, mediation, and dialogue to resolve these disputes. He stated that mutual dependence and intertwined interests between countries should not be viewed as risks or threats.
On the sidelines of the conference, Wang Yi met with German Foreign Minister Johann Wadephul and French Foreign Minister Jean-Noël Barrot on February 13, 2026. In this meeting, he reiterated that China and Europe are partners and stated that open cooperation does not undermine security.
* This article is based on publicly available information at the time of writing.
Sources and further reading
- China, Europe are partners, not systemic rivals: Chinese FM-Xinhua
- World should reform, improve global governance, says FM - World - Chinadaily.com.cn
- China and Europe are partners, not rivals, Chinese FM tells German and French counterparts in first-ever trilateral meeting - Global Times
- Global governance should be improved through reform: Chinese FM-Xinhua
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