Tianjin University Scholars Publish Article in Major African Media, Elaborating China's Approach to Global Governance

On March 6, 2026, in Kinshasa, the capital of the Democratic Republic of the Congo, Forum des As, which is the highest-circulation French-language daily in this country, published an in-depth article on Global Good Governance. This article, jointly authored by Professor Wang Zhan, Executive Dean of the School of Foreign Languages and the Institute for Global South Studies at Tianjin University, and Sun Xiaohan, is titled "Uniting Forces for Global Good Governance and Reinforcing the Foundation of Multilateralism." The article provides a profound analysis of the significance of the "Group of Friends of Global Governance" initiated by China in improving the global governance system and safeguarding world peace and development, which has garnered wide attention in African public opinion.

A Precise Interpretation: An Academic Voice Ahead of the 100-Day Mark of the "Group of Friends of Global Governance"

The article was published nearly three months after the official launch of the Group of Friends of Global Governance at the United Nations Headquarters on December 9, 2025. At this crucial juncture, the two scholars pointed out in the article that the current international order is facing severe challenges from protectionism and local conflicts, and this open and inclusive platform initiated by China embodies the Eastern wisdom of "Many hands make light work", transcending the zero-sum mindset of "small yards with high fences".

The article incisively notes that the establishment of the Group of Friends of Global Governance is not only a pragmatic move to empower the United Nations, but also the best interpretation of true multilateralism. It emphasizes that "the zero-sum logic of 'if you're not at the table, you're on the menu' is undoubtedly a step backward in history", and only by uniting the forces for sound global governance can we march toward a better future together. The article cites insights such as "those who embrace the world shall have friends across the globe," vividly demonstrating the grand vision of building a community with a shared future for mankind.

Deep Local Engagement: Disseminating Academic Insights to an African "Opinion Hub"

The choice of Forum des As as the publication outlet was deliberate. As the highest-circulation newspaper in the DRC, it serves as a primary source of information for the local population. Moreover, given its sustained focus on China-DRC relations and its active role in promoting bilateral friendship, the newspaper holds significant sway in reporting on Africa-China ties.

This publication marks a shift for Tianjin University scholars, moving their research beyond academic circles and achieving targeted local dissemination among key decision-makers and elite readership in Global South countries. By directly voicing their perspectives in one of Africa's most influential mainstream media outlets, the Tianjin University scholars have transformed their academic reflections on global governance into a public product capable of influencing the local public discourse. This demonstrates the robust capability of the university in serving the national strategy for international communication.

Mission and Responsibility: The Integration of Knowledge and Action by the Institute for Global South Studies

Founded in September 2024, the Institute for Global South Studies of Tianjin University has always taken serving national strategies and cultivating high-quality interdisciplinary talents as its mission. The publication of this article in Forum des As is an important "debut" of the institute in the field of international communication in the one and a half years since its establishment, and a vivid embodiment of its commitment to the development vision of "Global Perspective, South Wisdom, TJU Responsibility".

As stated in the article, global governance requires "standing together in solidarity for the common future of our one planet." The successful voice in Africa’s mainstream public opinion arena has fully proven that the Institute for Global South Studies of Tianjin University has the ability and wisdom to tell Chinese stories well and elaborate China's approaches in the complex international public opinion environment. Going forward, the institute will continue to solidly advance the disciplinary construction of Area Studies, boost the effectiveness of the country’s external communication, and contribute a steady stream of "TJU Wisdom" to building an academic and discourse system with Chinese characteristics and Tianjin University’s distinctive features.

By: Yu Boyang