China and global economic governance: Towards a pluralist order

Abstract

Over the past decade, China has assumed a growing role with regard to the reform of global governance structures. Its narrative and initiatives reveal a preference for an order that recognizes a greater weight to the developing countries against the West, but that at the same time is favourable to its specific national interests. The size acquired by the Chinese economy and the increasingly explicit international ambitions of its leaders make it necessary to understand its intentions and agenda, as well as the impact of the transformation it expects. Although it does not seem plausible that China could succeed the United States as leader of the multilateral system, a new pluralist order may emerge.