China unveils 8 practical actions to further implement Global Governance Initiative at Xiong'an forum

China unveiled eight practical actions to further implement the Global Governance Initiative at the opening of the 2026 Global Governance Forum (Xiong'an) on Thursday evening in Xiong'an New Area, north China's Hebei Province. 

The forum, themed "Rebuilding Confidence and Cooperation: Reforming and Improving Global Governance in a Transforming World," has brought together nearly 400 participants from more than 90 countries around the world. 

Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi delivered a keynote speech at the opening ceremony where he outlined the eight practical actions China will take.

These include hosting a successful APEC Economic Leaders' Meeting in November, remaining deeply engaged in UN reform, and strengthening the role of the Group of Friends of Global Governance. 

China will also promote the full and effective implementation of the the Agreement under the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea on the Conservation and Sustainable Use of Marine Biological Diversity of Areas beyond National Jurisdiction, and work to recalibrate global human rights governance, Wang said.

Furthermore, China is issuing a Position Paper on Strengthening Outer Space Governance and a Progress Report on the AI Capacity-Building Action Plan for Good and for All, and will establish a Global Governance Research Center, he said. 

Following the opening, international guests visited Xiong'an New Area to see the development of the city. 

At the Smart City Innovation Center, they learned about the city's construction and experienced cutting-edge technology application scenarios. 

Guests said they were impressed by the city's level of innovation and called for cooperation on governance. 

"This particular city has shown that it is possible for creativity to go very high up. So I'm sure it's going to impress lots of other cities in the world," said Imtiaz Ahmed, executive director of the Center for Alternatives in Bangladesh.

"I think it is the time that we need cooperation more than ever, particularly within the Global South. I'm hoping this kind of forum creates dialog and opportunities for cooperation," said Carlos Oya, a professor for political economy of development at SOAS University of London.

Since its establishment in 2017, Xiong'an New Area has been transformed from a blueprint into a rapidly growing modern city.

Under its planning framework, the area has prioritized the relocation of non-capital functions from Beijing. Central state-owned enterprises have set up more than 400 institutions in Xiong'an, while the number of Beijing administrative service items that can be handled directly in Xiong'an has been expanded to 625. 

Connectivity will be further enhanced. The 86-kilometer Beijing-Xiong'an Express Line has begun full-line trial operations and is expected to connect with the Beijing Daxing Airport Express this year. 

China unveils 8 practical actions to further implement Global Governance Initiative at Xiong'an forum

French protesters taking to the streets nationwide say they are growing increasingly frustrated and angry about the future as they struggle with the rising cost of living, deteriorating educational facilities and poor public services.

Nationwide demonstrations erupted in France on Oct 17, with the government estimating that approximately 550,000 people had participated across the country, while organizers claimed the figure reached 800,000.

In many cities, the protests escalated into violent unrest. In Paris, vehicles were set ablaze and shops were vandalized, while public facilities in several other cities also sustained varying degrees of damage.

The mass protests were initially triggered by students dissatisfied with a lack of educational resources and the poor condition of school facilities.

They were later joined by groups such as farmers and urban residents frustrated by rising energy prices, the high cost of living and declining public services.

Last week, protests in Marseille, France's second-largest city, descended into widespread violence.

On Oct 22, authorities in the Bouches-du-Rhone department, where Marseille is located, announced a ban on all protests across the department, including the southern port city, effective Oct 24.

High school students in Marseille say rising living costs and deteriorating school conditions are among the reasons they have taken to the streets.

"The price of gasoline and life itself have become too expensive. We have to protest, for the future, for ourselves and for our lives in the future," said Pablo Marez, a high school student.

"Overcrowding in classes, rats in classes. Walls in classes just don't stand up anymore. The heating doesn't work. During summer, it was way too hot," said Jenna, another high school student.

Observers said the protesters' demands highlight a series of governance challenges facing France, including a fiscal crisis, pressure on the welfare system and political polarization. With the 2027 presidential election approaching, some protesters say they see no candidate capable of turning the situation around.

"Currently, I don't see anyone who is capable of changing the situation in a country like France. I don't believe the answer lies in turning to the extremes or to the extremist parties -- whether it's the extreme right or the extreme left. People are becoming increasingly angry. We saw this on Saturday, October 17, and unfortunately, things are likely to get even worse in two days," said Jerome Borgeot, a social worker who works with homeless people in Marseille.

French protesters grow increasingly disillusioned about future amid nationwide demonstrations