By Gerald Mbanda
In an era marked by rising geopolitical tensions, unilateral military actions underscore the fragility of the international order. Recent developmentssurrounding US military invasion of Venezuela and the capture of President Nicolas Maduro, have reignited global concern over the erosion of international law and respect for national sovereignty. Regardless of political differences, international peace depends on strict adherence to the principles enshrined in the United Nations Charter. In this context, China’s Four Global Initiatives appear more relevant today than ever before.
The modern international system was built on the ruins of WW2, with a clear promise: never again would powerful states be allowed to impose their will on weaker nations through military force. Yet today, that promise appears increasingly fragile. The United Nations (UN) Charter is explicit in its rejection of aggression. Article 2(4) forbids the use or threat of force against the territorial integrity or political independence of any state. This principle is not conditional, selective, or optional. It is the foundation of international peace. Article 2(7) further prohibits external interference in the internal affairs of sovereign nations, reinforcing the idea that political disagreements do not justify military action. Even Article 51, which permits self-defense, restricts its application strictly to cases of armed attack and requires immediate reporting to the Security Council.
Together, these provisions leave little room for unilateral military adventures like what the US forces carried out in Venezuela. Leadership disputes, ideological differences, or strategic interests cannot override international law. When powerful countries act outside these rules, they weaken the very system that protects all states—especially smaller and less militarized ones.
International law exists to restrain power, not to reward it. Without these constraints, the world risks returning to an era where military strength determines legitimacy. Such a system would be inherently unstable, encouraging arms races, regional conflicts, and constant insecurity. Peace cannot survive where rules apply only to the weak.
This is why the role of the UN is critical, not to remain passive in the face of unlawful force or intimidation. Failure to condemn violations of sovereignty in the strongest terms creates dangerous precedents and signals that global rules are selectively applied. When international law is applied selectively, it loses its authority altogether.
Against this troubling background, China’s Four Global Initiatives stand out as a timely framework for restoring balance and trust in global governance. The Global Development Initiative recognizes that long-term stability depends on shared economic progress rather than sanctions, blockades, or coercion. The Global Security Initiative challenges the logic of military dominance, emphasizing dialogue, mutual security, and conflict prevention instead of confrontation.
The Global Civilization Initiative rejects ideological supremacy and insists that different political systems and cultures can coexist without hostility. This principle is especially relevant in a world where regime change has too often been pursued through force, with devastating humanitarian consequences. The Global AI Governance Initiative, meanwhile, acknowledges emerging risks and calls for collective responsibility to prevent technology from becoming a new tool of domination or warfare.
These initiatives share a common message: global peace cannot be sustained through threats, invasions, or unilateral decisions. It must be built through cooperation, respect for sovereignty, and adherence to international law. They seek to address misunderstandings before they escalate and disputes before they turn into wars.
All nations—large or small, rich or poor—have an equal right to security and self-determination. No country should live under the fear that its political choices could trigger external military action. When aggression is tolerated, instability spreads far beyond the immediate conflict zone.
Today’s world does not need more demonstrations of power as the US administration is presently showing the world. It needs renewed commitment to rules, restraint, and collective responsibility. In this sense, China’s Four Global Initiatives are not abstract ideas; they are practical reminders that peaceful coexistence remains the only viable path for humanity. If global order is to endure, international law must be defended consistently, and aggression—wherever it occurs—must be firmly rejected.
The author is a researcher and Publisher on China and Africa Development and Cooperation
