China’s Blueprint for Global Leadership: GSI, GDI, GCI and Xi Jinping's Vision for the International Order

China’s Blueprint for Global Leadership offers the first comprehensive academic analysis of China’s Three Major Initiatives—the Global Security Initiative (GSI), the Global Development Initiative (GDI), and the Global Civilization Initiative (GCI)—launched between 2021 and 2023. Collectively known as the San da changyi, these initiatives reflect Beijing’s attempt to articulate a new vision of global order rooted in Chinese values, norms, and leadership, and positioned as a challenge to the Western-led Liberal International Order.

The book analyses the origin, content, and likely consequences of these flagship proposals, placing them within the broader framework of China’s foreign policy strategy during the Xi era. The authors explore how, through the GSI, GDI and GCI, Beijing seeks to present a coherent global vision that spans the realms of security, development, and political ideology. In doing so, China proposes itself as a leader beyond its immediate region—particularly for the Global South and the BRICS coalition.

Matteo Dian Matteo Dian is Associate Professor International Relations of East Asia at the Department of Political and Social Sciences, the University of Bologna.
Silvia Menegazzi is Assistant Professor at the Department of Political Science, Luiss Guido Carli University, where she teaches International Relations and Chinese Studies.


Matteo Dian Matteo Dian is Associate Professor International Relations of East Asia at the Department of Political and Social Sciences, the University of Bologna.

Silvia Menegazzi is Assistant Professor at the Department of Political Science, Luiss Guido Carli University, where she teaches International Relations and Chinese Studies.