Great challenges lie ahead for the world

Although regional conflicts increased in 2017, international relations helped strike a balance between competition and cooperation. Enhanced cooperation among countries allowed them to enjoy mutual benefits, especially in trade and nonproliferation. Intensive research into and exploration of areas such as deep seas, outer space and energy have led to greater cooperation on, as well as competition in, technological innovations.

Besides, peace and development are not certain, because of intensified geopolitical conflicts, the US' decision to not fulfill its responsibilities in terms of global governance and conflict resolution, the spread of a large number of Islamic State terrorists to different countries after the terror group's defeat in Syria and Iraq, the ongoing turmoil in the Middle East, and the Korean Peninsula nuclear issue.

On the other hand, global governance has suffered because of the lax performance of the international organizations and mechanisms. And the existing world order is no longer capable of meeting the needs of the emerging economies and developing countries, indeed the fast-developing world. The world needs the major powers to cooperate in plugging the loopholes in and reforming the world order, and only if they are serious and sincere in their approach can the desired results be achieved.

Tang Yongsheng, major general and vice-dean of National Security College at National Defense University of the People's Liberation Army