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Experts gathered at the Shanghai Forum 2026 state that China and Europe have a direct responsibility in reconfiguring the global order, in defending rules-based governance, and in strengthening the UN in the face of increasing geopolitical risks, protectionism, and the transition to an international structure less centered on the United States
The global order entered the center of international debate after experts advocated for China and Europe to work together to reorganize global governance. The assessment was presented at the Shanghai Forum 2026, held in Shanghai and hosted, among other institutions, by Fudan University, at a time marked by geopolitical tensions, regional conflicts, and questions about the United States’ role in leading the international agenda.
The weight of the discussion lies in the political and economic scope of this proposal. According to participants, cooperation between China and Europe can influence trade, economy, new technologies, climate, and global governance, precisely as the perception grows that the international system is moving towards a more multipolar configuration, less concentrated in Washington.
Global order becomes the axis of rapprochement between China and Europe
Experts heard at the forum stated that China and Europe share important views on multilateralism and global governance. In this scenario, the reconfiguration of the global order was presented as a concrete necessity, not a distant hypothesis, with both sides seen as central actors to sustain an international co-governance structure.
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The central idea is to defend a rules-based international order and curb the logic that might makes right. In the debate, this point appeared as a direct response to a more unstable international environment, where smaller and more fragile countries tend to suffer more when multilateralism loses ground.
What this means in practice for the UN and multilateralism
One of the most direct messages from the meeting was the defense of a UN-centered multilateral system. Enrico Letta stated that China and Europe see this structure as the only solution for problems related to trade, economy, new technologies, and geopolitics, in addition to advocating for joint plans to strengthen the role of the United Nations.
Wu Xinbo, from Fudan University, reinforced this view by saying that both sides share positions on a UN-centered international architecture and on cooperation in the face of global challenges, such as climate change. In practice, this places the UN at the center of the institutional reorganization proposal advocated at the forum.
Why the US appears at the center of the discussion on the new global order
The debate took place under the assessment that the United States government has increased pressure on global prosperity and peace, while regional conflicts raise geopolitical risks. In this context, Letta stated that the world is undergoing a geopolitical earthquake and that this change requires new forms of international coordination.
Thomas Fingar added that the US withdrawal from certain leadership fronts creates a void that is difficult to fill. According to him, convincing other countries to assume the costs, risks, and responsibilities of joint governance will be one of the greatest challenges of this era, even though Washington remains a crucial actor in any integration effort.
Trade, technology, and climate emerge as decisive areas of cooperation
Beyond the diplomatic plan, experts highlighted that China and Europe can expand cooperation in global governance, trade, and cultural and educational exchanges. Wu Xinbo stated that there is great potential for improvement in this relationship, especially because both sides advocate for an open international economic system and oppose US protectionism.
The economic basis of this rapprochement was also highlighted. According to experts, Europe has increasingly come to see China as a relevant source of technology and investment, as well as an important market. This expands the weight of the partnership not only in political discourse but also in the competition for growth, competitiveness, and access to strategic sectors.
The numbers that explain the scale of the debate in Shanghai
The Shanghai Forum 2026 lasted three days and brought together participants from research centers, universities, and governments from over 50 countries and regions. The meeting’s theme was “The Era of Reconfiguration: Innovation and Global Governance,” with debates focused on AI, green transition, and the development of the Global South.
These figures help show that the discussion was not restricted to the bilateral relationship between China and Europe. The forum sought to gather different views on how to reorganize international governance in areas considered decisive for the next global cycle.
What changes with the transition to a multipolar world
Wu Xinbo stated that the relationship between China, Europe, and the United States tends to become more symmetrical in the future, moving away from a US-centric model and towards a multipolar world. This interpretation summarizes an important structural change: the reorganization of international influence among distinct poles of power.
In this scenario, China and Europe appear as relevant players in redesigning global rules, institutions, and coordination mechanisms. The proposal discussed at the forum suggests that the new global order may depend less on a single center of power and more on negotiated arrangements among major actors with converging interests in sensitive areas.
The next steps involve AI, quantum technology, and sustainable development
Letta stated that the experiences and opinions exchanged at the forum on artificial intelligence and quantum technologies should guide countries and institutions in formulating development plans in these areas. This indicates that the reconfiguration advocated by experts is not limited to traditional diplomacy and also extends to technological sectors that can redefine economic power and governance capacity.
At the same time, debates on green transition and inclusive development show that the proposed cooperation between China and Europe seeks to combine political stability, economic coordination, and a response to long-term global challenges. It is this combination that supports the idea of a more shared global order, less subject to fragmentation.
In your view, do China and Europe have sufficient political and economic strength to drive a new, more multilateral global order in an increasingly divided world?
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