Zhu Feng, dean of school of international studies at Nanjing University. Photo: GT

The way of interaction among major powers has always existed; the question is under what background and international context this interaction takes place, and what values we need to promote in order to meet the demand of each nation's strategic development, a Chinese scholar said at Global Times Annual Conference 2025, themed "Moving forward in Partnership: Resonance of Values between China and the World," held in Beijing on Saturday. 

There are three characteristics of major power relations this year: first, domestic political factors have fermented to create new uncertainties in the foreign policies of major powers; second, divergences and controversies over core strategic issues are deepening; third, the US' interest-centered approach and protectionism may exacerbate to challenge the global economic and trade situation, said Zhu Feng, dean of school of international studies at Nanjing University.

Zhu said that as the world's second-largest economy, China's understanding of the global order and its rules is evolving, especially regarding its relations with the world. The essence of major power interactions lies in understanding changes in relationship between us and the world, and identifying China's key international interests during this transformation. A rising China influencing and reshaping the world is not an overnight process; it requires long-term and sustained efforts.

Global Times