Illustration: Liu Rui/GT

Recent escalations in regional conflicts and confrontations have reignited global concerns about the danger of nuclear war. Sun Xiaobo, director-general of the Department of Arms Control of the Foreign Ministry of China, urged the international community on Thursday to establish "a world free of nuclear weapons." 

All countries and regions must collectively and deeply reflect on the existing security structures and their effectiveness in preventing nuclear proliferation and conflict.

The post-World War II international order, including the nuclear deterrence strategy of the Cold War, has not adequately addressed the fundamental issues surrounding nuclear weapons. While the concept of mutually assured destruction may have prevented direct conflict between nuclear powers, it has kept the world living under a constant shadow of the nuclear threat.

As global geopolitics undergo dramatic shifts, we're witnessing new dynamics in international relations. In Asia, proposals for expanding extended military alliances have emerged. Discussions about NATO's role in Asia and the creation of new regional security pacts reflect the complex security concerns of certain nations, including fears of nuclear threats.

However, we must carefully consider whether such approaches truly enhance global security or risk escalating tensions. The root causes of war and nuclear proliferation are complex and multifaceted. They stem not just from the weapons themselves, but from deep-seated geopolitical tensions and historical grievances. To effectively address these issues, we need a nuanced understanding of global security dynamics that goes beyond simplistic "us versus them" narratives.

Why have the existing security mechanisms failed to effectively prevent the threat of nuclear war? The answer likely lies in the approach to international relations and security. The pursuit of absolute security of certain nations or blocs often comes at the expense of others' perceived security, creating a cycle of mistrust and arms buildup.

To break this cycle, we need a paradigm shift in the approach to global security. This should include: developing a more inclusive and cooperative security framework that addresses the legitimate concerns of all nations; investing in conflict prevention and resolution mechanisms that tackle the root causes of international tensions; promoting nuclear disarmament efforts while simultaneously addressing the security concerns that drive atomic proliferation; encouraging civil society participation in discussions about war, peace and nuclear disarmament.

Merely discussing the destructive consequences of nuclear war is clearly not enough. History teaches us that military confrontation and the division of the world into opposing blocs do not lead to lasting peace. Instead, we must strive for a standard, comprehensive, cooperative and sustainable security concept. This approach recognizes that in an interconnected world, the security of one nation is inextricably linked to the security of all. 

All countries and regions must take concrete steps toward creating a more stable and secure world order. This requires moving beyond Cold War thinking and embracing a more nuanced, collaborative approach to global security.

By fostering understanding, promoting cooperation and addressing the root causes of conflict, we can work toward a world free from the shadow of the nuclear threat - a human community with a shared future where security is achieved through collective commitment to peace.