The characters combine literally and perfectly to mean “many-sided-ism,” a direct and clear translation of “multilateralism.”
In global politics, “multilateralism” is a neutral term. However, in modern Chinese political discourse, 多边主义 (duōbiān zhǔyì) carries significant weight and is a cornerstone of its foreign policy narrative. Chinese leaders and media frequently champion 多边主义 to position China as a responsible global power that upholds international law and respects institutions like the United Nations (联合国) and the World Trade Organization (世贸组织). It is often presented as the moral and practical solution to global challenges. A key point of contrast is with the concept of 单边主义 (dānbiān zhǔyì) - unilateralism, which is often used, sometimes implicitly and sometimes explicitly, to critique the foreign policy of the United States. By promoting multilateralism, China advocates for a “multipolar” world where global governance isn't dominated by a single superpower. This framing suggests a more democratic and inclusive approach to international affairs, which aligns with traditional Chinese values of seeking harmony (和谐, héxié) and avoiding direct, zero-sum conflict. While a Western leader might speak of “multilateralism” in the context of strengthening existing alliances, a Chinese leader uses 多边主义 to call for a broader, more inclusive system of global cooperation, often through new platforms where China plays a central role, such as the Belt and Road Initiative (一带一路) or the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (上海合作组织).
This is a highly formal and specialized term. You will almost never hear it in casual, everyday conversation. Its use is confined to specific, formal contexts.
The connotation of 多边主义 in official Chinese contexts is overwhelmingly positive. It is associated with peace, progress, fairness, and cooperation.