World

This paper analyses the content of the global governance model put forward by Xi Jinping, highlighting both its more attractive and its more problematic aspects. It also examines the possible ways to approach this model, which is neo-Westphalian in nature and liberal in narrative, in a context characterised by more explicit and direct threats to the liberal international order. Rather than roundly rejecting or ignoring Chinese initiatives to reform the current international architecture, it is proposed that they could be seized as an opportunity to build a more inclusive and effective global order. To this end it is suggested that the focus should be placed on the appropriateness of the terminology they use and on the values upon which they rest, while the Chinese leadership...

Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi’s statement that Chinese use of force against Taiwan could potentially create an ‘existential crisis’ for Japan triggered a heated war of words with China. Her remarks appealed to conservative voters and helped her cabinet gain an initial foothold, but at the cost of bilateral ties. In China, the comments were seen as a provocation and fed nationalist sentiment. Though the episode is unlikely to escalate further, it has given nationalists in both countries new leverage. On 7 November 2025, Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi, facing questioning from an opposition lawmaker, told the Diet that if China were to deploy warships and use force against Taiwan, it could potentially lead to an ‘existential crisis’ for Japan. Under Japanese law,