In a recent interview with Xinhua, Wang Huiyao, president of the Center for China and Globalization (CCG), said “multipolarization remains a core theme in the world today, but new changes continue to emerge in relations between major global powers, which are currently in a period of considerable flux.”

The COVID-19 pandemic, climate change, and other challenges demand that the world reach a consensus about its future, but how to reach such a consensus is still unknown, Wang said.

“That’s why we should listen to different voices and try to find constructive ideas,” Wang added. The CCG is a think tank based in Beijing that focuses on research concerning globalization, global governance and international trade and investment.

In the fall of 2020, CCG started to collect insights and new ideas on global governance from thinkers around the world. In October this year, CCG and the Springer Nature Group, a renowned international academic publishing institution jointly launched a new book — Consensus or Conflict: China and Globalization in the 21st Century. The book now is openly available online to readers across the world.

According to Wang, chief editor of the book, 38 book contributors are from North America, Europe, Africa and Asia with a wide spectrum of backgrounds including politics, academia, business, international organizations, research institutions and educational institutions. Their professional and practical viewpoints make the book a reliable source, he said.

The book explores the challenges and dilemmas of globalization and governance in an era increasingly defined by a cascade of crises. About 15 days after its launch, the new book has been downloaded 85,000 times worldwide.

“It is notable for an academic publication on global challenges and governance to receive such a warm welcome at this challenging moment,” Wang said.

Major countries need to reach consensus on fighting the common challenges facing mankind, Wang said, adding that China will play an increasingly important role in global governance.

“It is our sincere wish that some ideas in this book may contribute to the genesis of new policies that deliver positive benefits to all of humanity,” he said.

“We hope their thoughts will stimulate a fruitful dialogue that will inspire countries to address the emerging challenges and work together for a better future,” Wang said.