By Giancarlo Elia Valori
On March 7, 2025, during the third session of the 14th National People’s Congress (China’s parliament) Wang Yi, a member of the Political Bureau of the CPC Central Committee, and Minister of Foreign Affairs, held a press conference at the Media Center.
Wang Yi answered questions from foreign and Chinese journalists on the PRC’s international policy and foreign affairs.
We summarize the highlights of the interview here:
Under the leadership of the General Secretary of the Communist Party of China, Xi Jinping, Chinese diplomacy has made important progress. It has created a good external environment for high-quality development, brought valuable stability to a world plagued by change and chaos, and taken new and solid steps in building a community with a shared future for humanity.
The international situation this year remains full of challenges, but China’s original diplomatic intention remains unchanged. China will continue to work with other countries to uphold the right path in the world, seize the trend of the times, uphold international equity and justice, and maintain world peace and stability.
Head of State Diplomacy
This type of diplomacy is the highest form of Chinese diplomacy. Recently, President Xi Jinping has personally planned and implemented head of state diplomacy, and achieved fruitful results. From the LXX anniversary commemoration conference of the Five Principles of Peaceful Coexistence, to the Beijing Summit of the Forum on China-Africa Cooperation, to the Forum on China-Arab States Cooperation, the three major diplomatic host events have set a new benchmark for cooperation among countries of the Global South.
From Europe to Central Asia, from BRICS to Latin America, four major visits gave new impetus to global unity and cooperation. President Xi also received numerous foreign dignitaries and friends and held more than 130 foreign policy talks and meetings, continuing to write a new history of friendship between China and foreign countries.
As the leader of a great country and a great party, President Xi Jinping, with a global vision and a sense of responsibility for the times, has led China’s diplomacy in upholding right principles and innovating, moving forward steadily and promoting positive and far-reaching changes in China’s relations with the world: first, diplomatic policy proposals, particularly the major concepts and initiatives put forward by President Xi Jinping, are increasingly welcomed and supported by the international community; second, China’s positive role in responding to various global challenges and solving burning and difficult issues is increasingly expected and praised by countries around the world; and third, the success and inspiration of China’s modernization path is recognized and emulated by more and more countries.
The year 2025 is an important year for both China and the world, and the diplomacy of heads of state will mark a pivotal moment. Just last February, President Xi attended the opening ceremony of the 9th Asian Winter Games (in Harbin, PRC), marking the beginning of this year’s domestic diplomacy. The LXXX Anniversary of the victory of the Chinese people’s war of resistance against Japanese aggression and the World Anti-Fascist War will also be solemnly commemorated, and a series of important events will be held, including the Shanghai Cooperation Organization Summit (f. June 14, 2001).
President Xi Jinping has several important foreign visits scheduled. Head of state diplomacy will write a new chapter of mutual progress and mutual success between China and the world.
China-Russia Relations
Every year a question is asked about China-Russia relations, but each time the topic is different. It is emphasized that no matter how the international environment changes, the historical logic of China-Russia friendship will remain unchanged and the endogenous driving force will not diminish.
The two sides have thoroughly summarized the historical experience and decided to maintain a permanent good neighborly friendship, carry out comprehensive strategic coordination and seek mutually beneficial cooperation and mutually beneficial results, because this is in accordance with the fundamental interests of the two peoples and is in line with the direction of development and progress of the times.
A mature, resilient and stable China-Russia relationship will not change because of a single event or incident, nor will it be hampered by a third party. It is a constant in a turbulent world, not a variable in geopolitical games.
Last year marked the LXXV anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between China and Russia. Presidents Xi Jinping and Putin met face to face three times, jointly leading the two countries’ global strategic partnership of coordination in the new era into a new historical phase.
This year also marks the LXXX anniversary of the World War II victory. China and Russia fought bloody battles on major battlefields in Asia and Europe respectively, made huge national sacrifices and made important historical contributions to the victory of the anti-fascist world war. The two sides will take the opportunity to jointly commemorate this important historical junction to promote a correct view of the history of World War II, defend the results of the victory, and maintain the international system with the United Nations at its core and promote the development of the international order in a more just and reasonable direction.
The International Situation in 2025
Today’s world is full of change and chaos, and certainty is becoming an increasingly scarce resource globally. The choices made by countries, particularly the great powers, will determine the direction of the times and influence the world order. Chinese diplomacy will remain firmly on the side of human progress and make a contribution to stabilizing an uncertain world.
China will be a force for justice in maintaining world peace and stability. It will continue to expand a global partnership based on equality, openness and cooperation, actively implement the distinctively Chinese approach to solving the most pressing problems, and write a new chapter of unity and self-reliance with the Global South. It will use facts to show that the path of peaceful development is a necessary one for steady and long-term development and should be a common choice for all countries in the world.
China will be a progressive force in advocating international equity and justice. It will support true multilateralism, keep in mind the future of humanity and the welfare of people, promote global governance based on consultation, joint construction and sharing, respect the purposes and principles of the UN Charter, and seek to build a broader consensus to edify a just and orderly multipolar world.
It is necessary to continue to expand high-level openness and share the vast opportunities of China’s modernization with other countries; maintain the multilateral free trade system; create an open, inclusive and non-discriminatory international cooperation environment; and promote inclusive economic globalization.
The Global Landscape in International Business
There are more than 190 countries in the world. Imagine if every country emphasized its national priority and believed in strength and imperialist status, the world would regress to the law of the jungle. Small and weak countries would bear the brunt, and international rules and order would be severely affected.
At the Paris Peace Conference in 1919, the Chinese raised the historic question, “does law prevail over force or the other way around?” New China diplomacy firmly stands on the side of international justice and resolutely opposes power and hegemony. History should move forward, not backward. Larger countries should assume their international obligations and fulfill their responsibilities as more powerful countries. One should not be motivated by profit and not intimidate the weak. In the West, there is a saying, “There are no permanent friends, only permanent interests.” In China, friends last forever and interests are shared.
President Xi Jinping has caught the historical trend, stood at the forefront, proposed working together to build a community with a shared future for humanity, and argued that all countries should transcend their various differences, jointly protect the one habitable planet, and jointly build a global village with a common future. This important concept not only embodies the noble tradition of Chinese civilization that the world belongs to everyone, but also demonstrates the internationalist spirit of Chinese communists, enabling us to stand at the pinnacle of the welfare of all mankind and “stand on the top of the mountain and look down on all other mountains from above.”
More and more countries have joined the ranks to build a community with a shared future, more than 100 countries have supported the three major global initiatives, and more than three-quarters of countries have joined the Belt and Road Initiative. History will show that only by keeping everyone in mind can we become a true winner. Working together to progress toward a community with a shared future for humanity will make this world livable for all countries and citizens.
The Issue of Developing and Small and Medium-Sized Countries
The extraordinary growth of the global South is the most distinctive symbol of this era. Today, the Global South accounts for more than 40 percent of the world’s total economic output and contributes 80 percent of the world’s economic growth. It has become a key force in maintaining international peace, driving world development and improving global governance.
The Global South must strengthen itself. Earlier this year, for example, Indonesia became an official member of BRICS and nine partner countries joined the BRICS family. BRICS is becoming the backbone of cooperation in the Global South and the engine of growth. It is necessary to make the Big BRICS bigger and stronger, so that the driving force for progress in the Global South is stronger and more sufficient.
The Global South needs to unite. In addition to China hosting the aforementioned Shanghai Cooperation Organization summit, Brazil and the Republic of South Africa will also host the BRICS and G20 summits this year, respectively. One must speak with one voice internationally to safeguard common interests and steadily improve representation and authority in global governance.
The Global South wants development. Last November, President Xi Jinping announced eight actions that China will take to support global development, giving new impetus to accelerating development in the Global South. He continued to put development at the center of the international agenda, and cultivate that momentum to enhance capacity and work together on the road to modernization.
China is a natural member of the Global South because it shares a common history of fighting colonialism, imperialism and hegemonism, and a common mission of development and revitalization. Regardless of how the international situation changes, China will always keep the Global South in mind, put down roots there and, together with other countries in the Global South, write a new chapter in the era of human development.
The Ukrainian Crisis
China has supported dialogue and negotiation and sought a political solution from the first day the crisis broke out. China has worked for peace and promoted talks. At the beginning of the crisis, President Xi Jinping put forward the important “four duties” proposal, which clarified the direction of Chinese efforts. In continuity, China issued a position paper on the Ukraine crisis, sent special envoys to conduct liaison diplomacy, and launched the “Friends of Peace” initiative at the United Nations with Brazil and other countries in the Global South. China has always maintained an objective and fair stance and expressed a calm and balanced tone, aiming to create conditions and build consensus to resolve the crisis.
Three-foot-thick ice does not form overnight and melt in the course of the day. But there are no winners in conflict and no losers in peace. The negotiating table is the end of conflict and the beginning of peace.
Although the parties’ positions are not entirely consistent, everyone hopes to reach a fair, lasting and binding peace agreement that is acceptable to all parties. This is a rare and valuable consensus and a goal for which everyone should work together. China is willing to continue to play a constructive role, in accordance with the wishes of the parties concerned, and to work with the international community to finally resolve the crisis and achieve lasting peace.
Finally, I would like to say that since the Ukrainian crisis has lasted for more than three years, in retrospect this tragedy could have been avoided. All parties involved should learn from the crisis: security is mutual and equal, and the security of one country cannot be built on the insecurity of other countries. A new concept of common, comprehensive, cooperative and sustainable security still needs to be advocated and put into practice so that long-term peace and stability in Eurasia and the world can truly be achieved.
Artificial Intelligence, DeepSeek and the Sino-US Competition
During this period, China’s scientific and technological innovation has consistently surpassed the public imagination. From “Two Bombs and a Satellite” (China’s space program in the 1950s), to “Shenzhou” and “Chang’e,” and then to 5G, quantum computing and DeepSeek, generations of Chinese have never stopped striving, and China’s path to becoming a scientific and technological powerhouse has become increasingly broad.
Of course, this path is not always smooth. Whether it is aerospace technology or chip production, the unreasonable repression imposed by one part of the outside world has never stopped.China welcomes and supports all efforts dedicated to peace.
Three-foot-thick ice does not form overnight and melt in the course of the day. But there are no winners in conflict and no losers in peace. The negotiating table is the end of conflict and the beginning of peace. courtyard cannot stop innovative thinking.
Science and technology should not be a tool for weaving an iron curtain, but an asset shared by all. To promote the common development of humanity, China has earnestly implemented the Global AI Governance Initiative proposed by President Xi Jinping; issued the Universal Plan for Artificial Intelligence Capacity Building; and launched the Initiative on International Cooperation in Open Science with Brazil, South Africa and the African Union, drawing attention to building scientific and technological capacity in the Global South and ensuring that no country is left behind. China is willing to share its innovative achievements with more countries and jointly pursue the search for “the stars and the sea.”
Sino-US Relations Amid Fentanyl, Tariffs and Good Relations
Mutual respect is the basic norm in relations between countries and an important prerequisite for Sino-US relations. No country can imagine that it can repress and contain China and at the same time develop good relations with it. This “two-faced” approach not only fails to promote stability in bilateral relations, but also fails to build mutual trust.
The fentanyl issue (an analgesic with at least 80 times the potency of morphine). First, it should be made clear that China has always firmly clamped down on drug trafficking and production. It is the country with the strictest and most thorough drug control policies in the world today. As early as 2019, at the request of the United States of America, China was the first in the world to list all fentanyl-like substances. Fentanyl abuse in the United States of America is a problem that the country itself needs to address and solve.
China has provided all kinds of assistance to the United States of America in the spirit of humanitarianism. The United States of America should not repay kindness with grievances, much less impose tariffs for no reason. This is not the behavior of a great and responsible country.
Should the United States of America review the gains made over the years from tariff and trade wars? Has the trade deficit increased or decreased? Has manufacturing competitiveness increased or decreased? Is inflation improving or worsening? Have people’s lives improved or worsened? The economic and trade relations between China and the United States of America are mutual and equal. If they decide to cooperate, there would be mutual benefits and win-win results; however, if pressure continues, China will resolutely counterattack.
As one is now the largest developing country and the other the most developed country on the planet, China and the United States of America should coexist peacefully. As President Xi Jinping stressed in a phone call with President Trump earlier this year, conflict and confrontation should not be an option. China and the United States of America have extensive common interests and wide spaces for cooperation. They can become partners, achieve mutual success and prosper together.
China will continue to strive for the stable, healthy and sustainable development of China-U.S. relations in accordance with the three principles of mutual respect, peaceful coexistence and mutually beneficial cooperation put forward by President Xi Jinping. At the same time, it is hoped that the U.S. side will be able to listen to the voices of the two peoples, recognize the general trend of historical development, consider China’s development objectively and rationally, conduct exchanges with China actively and pragmatically, and work with China to jointly follow the path of proper Sino-U.S. coexistence, which will benefit both countries and the world.
The Shanghai Cooperation Organization (OCS)
The OCS was born in China and named after a well-known Chinese city, which has a special meaning for every Chinese. What is important is that after a quarter century of development, the OCS has expanded from six members to a family of twenty-six countries, creating the largest and most populous regional cooperation organization in the world.
The key to the development and growth of OCS is that it has always promoted the “Shanghai spirit,” adhered to its original intention of mutual trust, mutual benefit, equality, consultation, respect for different civilizations, and pursuit of common development, and embarked on a new path of regional cooperation.
This year, as the rotating chairman, China is carrying out more than 100 activities in the fields of politics, security, economy, culture and other areas under the slogan “Promoting the Shanghai Spirit: OCS in Action.” It will perfect the Shanghai Spirit with China Action and drive the OCS steering wheel with the China Engine.
In addition, next fall China will host the OCS Summit in Tianjin. Then, leaders of OCS countries will gather on the banks of the Haihe River to summarize successful experiences, work out a development plan and build consensus on cooperation. This will enable OCS to restart from China and promote the building of a closer OCS community with a shared future.
The International Order
This year also marks the LXXX anniversary of the founding of the United Nations. Before and after the end of World War II, the most important decision made by the international community was to establish the United Nations for the purpose of creating an important platform for maintaining world peace and managing global governance. The facts have shown that the United Nations has stood the test and fulfilled its role.
All countries hope to prevent the world from returning to the law of the jungle. To that end, they must first lay a solid foundation for sovereign equality and recognize that all states, regardless of size, strength or weakness, are equal members of the international community. None should have the final say just because they have “bigger arms” or “more powerful fists.” Second, the principles of equity and justice should be upheld and the monopoly of international affairs by a few countries should be opposed.
The voice of the global South should be heard more, and the legitimate rights and interests of all countries should be fully protected. Third, the concept of multilateralism should be adhered to, the principles of consultation, joint construction and sharing should be upheld, group confrontation should be replaced with inclusiveness and cooperation, and “small circles” should be broken up with large unity. Fourth, the authority of the international rule of law should be strengthened. In particular, major countries should take the lead in being upright and upholding the rule of law, and oppose double standards and selective enforcement, and should not intimidate the market or plunder by force.
China is among the creators and beneficiaries of the post-World War II international order and, of course, is also the defender. As a permanent member of the Security Council, China is aware of its international responsibilities; it will firmly uphold the central position of the United Nations; serve as a pillar of the multilateral system; and be the voice of justice for the Global South. In February, at China’s call, the UN Security Council hosted a high-level meeting on “Practicing Multilateralism, Reforming and Improving Global Governance.” The meeting was chaired by Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi with more than 100 countries joining, this marked the beginning of the commemoration of the LXXX anniversary of the founding of the United Nations. China is willing to work with all parties to revisit the original aspirations of the founding of the United Nations, respect the purposes and principles of the UN Charter, and build a more just and reasonable global governance system.
The Israeli-Palestinian Issue
For China, Gaza belongs to the Palestinian people and is an integral part of Palestinian territory. Any attempt to forcibly change the status of Gaza will not lead to peace, but will only trigger new unrest. It is necessary to support the plan to restore peace in Gaza, initiated jointly by Egypt and Arab countries. The will of the people cannot be violated and justice cannot be abolished. If the great powers really care about the people of Gaza, they should promote a comprehensive and lasting cease-fire in Gaza, increase humanitarian assistance, uphold the principle of “Palestinians rule Palestine,” and contribute to the reconstruction of Gaza.
If the Near East is not at peace, the world will not be at peace, and the Palestinian issue has always been at the heart of the Middle East question. The crux of the recurring conflict between Palestine and Israel is that the “two-state solution” has only been half realized: the State of Israel has long been established, while the State of Palestine is still unattainable.
Only in this way can Palestine and Israel truly coexist peacefully, and the Arab and Jewish peoples can coexist side by side in lasting friendship. To this end, all Palestinian factions must first implement the Beijing Declaration (July 23, 2024) and achieve unity and self-reliance; all parties in the Middle East must transcend differences and support the establishment of the Palestinian state; and the international community must build a consensus for peace between Palestine and Israel, and provide assistance.
China is a strategic partner of the Near and Middle East countries and a sincere friend of the Arabs. China will continue to strive steadfastly for justice, peace and development for the people of the Near and Middle East, support those countries in independently grasping their future and destiny, independently exploring their own paths of development, and realizing the dream of peaceful revitalization in a timely manner.
China-Africa Cooperation
China and Africa have always been good friends, good partners and good brothers with a common destiny. Under the joint leadership of President Xi Jinping and African leaders, China-Africa relations have entered the best period in history. China has achieved full coverage of the strategic partnership with all African countries with which it has diplomatic ties, and the positioning of the China-Africa community with a shared future has been elevated to the level of “for any time, for any season.”
This year marks the 25th anniversary of the establishment of the Forum on China-Africa Cooperation. In the past quarter century, China has helped Africa build and modernize nearly 100 thousand kilometers of roads and more than 10 thousand kilometers of railways. In the past three years alone, Chinese companies have created more than 1.1 million jobs in Africa. China has remained Africa’s largest trading partner for sixteen consecutive years. Cooperation between China and Africa has brought visible, tangible and beneficial benefits to African brothers and sisters. Last year, a Gambian farmer sent rice he had grown in Hunan to pay tribute to Mr. Yuan Longping. Thanks to the Chinese hybrid rice, they said goodbye to hunger and welcomed hope. Stories like these happen every day in Africa.
The world should listen to Africa’s voice and pay attention to Africa’s concerns. Africa is experiencing a new awakening, and all countries should support the Continent in embarking on a new path of independent and self-reliant development.
This year marks the beginning of the implementation of the results of the Beijing Summit. China is willing to help Africa accelerate its process of industrialization and agricultural modernization in accordance with the “Ten Partnership Actions” for China and Africa to jointly promote modernization, implement zero tariffs on 100 percent tariff items, cultivate new growth points such as digital, green and artificial intelligence, promote a thousand projects that benefit people, strengthen experience exchanges in state governance and improve Africa’s representation and voice in international affairs. This year’s G20 summit will be held on the African continent for the first time. China strongly supports the Republic of South Africa in fulfilling its responsibilities as the presiding country and leaving a clear “African mark” on global governance.
The issue of Albanian Resolution 2758 (1971) of the United Nations General Assembly
This argument is a blatant challenge to the authority of the United Nations and the postwar international order. It is extremely absurd and dangerous. Those who spread this kind of argument should first improve their basic common sense.
Taiwan is an inalienable part of Chinese territory. This is both history and reality. This year marks the LXXX anniversary of Taiwan’s liberation. The victory of the Chinese people’s war of resistance against Japanese aggression allowed Taiwan to become part of Chinese territory again. The Cairo Declaration (Nov. 27, 1943) and the Potsdam Proclamation of Terms for Japanese Surrender (July 26, 1945) issued by the major victorious countries clearly stated that Taiwan, which had been stolen by Japan, was to be returned to China. Japan also announced its recognition of the Potsdam Proclamation and its unconditional surrender. All these elements confirmed China’s sovereignty over Taiwan and formed an important part of the postwar international order.
On October 25, 1971, the U.N. General Assembly-at the proposal of the People’s Republic of Albania-adopted Resolution 2758 by an overwhelming majority (76 yes, 35 no, 17 abstentions, 3 absent), deciding to restore all legal rights of the People’s Republic of China to the United Nations and immediately expel representatives of Taiwan authorities from the U.N. and all its agencies. This resolution completely resolved the issue of the representation of all China, including Taiwan, in the United Nations, and completely eliminated any possibility of creating “two Chinas” or “one China and one Taiwan.” The only name of the Taiwan region in the United Nations is “Taiwan Province of China.” Taiwan has never been a state, either in the past or in the future. To support “Taiwan independence” is to divide the country, to support “Taiwan independence” is to interfere in China’s internal affairs, and to tolerate “Taiwan independence” is to undermine the stability of the Taiwan Strait.
The principle of sovereignty is the cornerstone of the United Nations Charter. No country or individual should adopt double standards. Respecting the sovereignty and territorial integrity of all countries means supporting the complete reunification of China, and supporting the one-China principle means opposing any form of “Taiwan independence.” Realizing the complete reunification of the motherland is the common aspiration of all Chinese people. It is the general trend and the right cause. The separatist movement for “Taiwan independence” will only burn itself out, and “using Taiwan to contain China” is tantamount to a mantis trying to stop a cart. China will eventually and surely be united.
The Deployment of Intermediate-Range Missiles Around the Chinese Region
Since the beginning of this century, Asia has experienced rapid growth and has become a plateau of global development and an oasis of peace and stability. This has been hard-won and deserves to be safeguarded and protected. Asia is not only the Continent and the base of China, but also the common home of China and other Asian countries. President Xi Jinping proposed the concept of neighborhood diplomacy based on friendship, sincerity, mutual benefit and inclusiveness, which has led China’s friendly cooperation with neighboring countries to open new horizons.
Today China has reached a consensus on building a community with a shared future with 17 neighboring countries, forming two major groups of communities with a shared future in the Indochina Peninsula and Central Asia. China also signed cooperation agreements for the joint implementation of the Belt and Road Initiative with 25 neighboring countries and is the main trading partner of 18 countries. Today, China has become the center of stability in Asia, the engine of economic development and the support of regional security.
As long as the concept of a common home is upheld, the direction of a community with a common future must be adhered to, so it is necessary to negotiate on an equal footing and show mutual understanding and accommodation: only then will it be able to resolve differences and achieve win-win cooperation. China will also continue to expand its openness to neighboring countries, even unilaterally, and share greater development dividends with them.
As for the reference to the use of intermediate-range missiles by the United States of America in the region, China is strongly opposed to this and the countries in the region also do not welcome it. The United States of America has introduced the so-called Indo-Pacific strategy for so many years. What have they done for the countries in the region? Nothing but foment unrest and create divisions. It can be said that they are more likely to cause problems than to accomplish anything.
Asia is not a battleground for competition between great powers, but it should be a demonstration ground for international cooperation. That is, promoting open regionalism and sharing opportunities for Asia’s development on the basis of mutual respect, mutual benefit and win-win outcomes.
Economic and Trade Relations Between China and Europe
This year marks the 50th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between China and the European Union (in 1975: European Economic Community). Looking back on the half-century of exchanges between the two sides, the most valuable experience is mutual respect; the most powerful driving force is mutual benefit and win-win outcomes; the most consistent consensus is multilateralism; and the most accurate positioning is that of partners.
Over the past fifty years, China-EU cooperation has made great progress: trade volume has grown from $2.4 billion to $780 billion, and investment has grown from almost zero to nearly $260 billion. The total number of freight trains connecting China to Europe has exceeded 100,000, making it a preferred channel connecting Asia and Europe.
Today, half a century later, the total economic output of China and Europe accounts for more than a third of the world total, and China-Europe cooperation has greater strategic significance and global impact.
Earlier this year, President Xi Jinping emphasized in a phone call with the President of the European Council, António Luís Santos da Costa, that the more serious and complex the international situation, the more China and Europe should maintain the original intention to establish diplomatic relations, strengthen strategic communication, enhance strategic mutual trust and stick to the positioning of the partnership.
China continues to trust Europe and believes that Europe can become a partner that China trusts. Both directions have the ability and wisdom to properly resolve existing problems through friendly consultations and open the next half-century together worth looking forward to.
The High Regard of Southeast Asian countries, Africa and Latin America Toward China
Friendship between peoples is the foundation of bilateral relations and the driving force for promoting peace. As China’s economy and society continue to develop and high-level openness continues to expand, exchanges and interactions between China and the rest of the world are becoming more frequent and the distance between the countries is shrinking.
Public opinion in the countries of the Global South makes positive comments about China. China and the large number of developing countries have always treated each other sincerely and united their intentions, and there is a natural sense of closeness and identity between them. At the same time, we notice that discovering and welcoming China is becoming a trend among people in developed countries. Whether traveling to China to “check in” or to interact on social networks, everyone has seen a safe, open and modern country and met friendly, open-minded and witty Chinese.
The judgment of the people is the light that eliminates prejudice. The integration of people’s hearts is the power that breaks down barriers. China invites friends from all countries to come out of their information cocoon, to take off their tinted glasses and blinders, to see with their own eyes a more real and vibrant China, and to sincerely perceive the flourishing vitality of 1.411 billion Chinese people.
On China-Japan Relations
Last November, the leaders of China and Japan reached an important consensus and agreed to comprehensively promote strategic and mutually beneficial relations between China and Japan, in accordance with the spirit of the four policy documents, and to build constructive and stable Sino-Japanese relations that meet the requirements of the new era.
Through the joint efforts of both sides, bilateral relations have been on a positive trend of improvement and development. China calls on all sectors of the two countries to strengthen exchanges, deepen mutually beneficial cooperation and improve people-to-people feelings, as this is in the long-term interests of both sides. Regarding some specific concerns of Japan, China will adopt a responsible attitude and handle them appropriately, in compliance with laws and regulations.
It should again be noted that this year marks the LXXX anniversary of the victory of the Chinese people’s war of resistance against Japanese aggression. Remembering history means better creating the future. If you forget history, in addition to being condemned to relive it, you lose your bearings. At that time, Japanese militarism perpetrated brutal crimes against the people of China and other Asian countries and also caused great disasters to the Japanese people. Preventing the revival of militarism is Japan’s unceasing duty and an unwavering will of the Chinese and Asian people. Faced with the test of conscience and integrity, Japan should stick to the spirit of its peaceful constitution and continue on the path of peaceful development.
The one-China principle is the political foundation of China-Japan relations. Eighty years have passed since Taiwan’s return to China, but there are still people in Japan who have not reflected on their actions and are secretly cooperating with the forces for “Taiwanۥ independence. These people should be warned that instead of claiming that “if there are problems in Taiwan, there will be problems in Japan too,” it is better to remember that if they use Taiwan to create problems, they will also create problems for Japan.
China and Japan boast a long history of trade, and Japan should know better than anyone that China has always been a peace-loving power and a reliable and friendly neighbor. For thousands of years, China has always brought opportunities rather than threats to Japan. In the face of major historical changes, the Japanese with insight should think carefully and act accordingly on what is the right way to behave as neighbors and what is the general trend.
Tense China-U.S. Relations Regarding Latin America
China-Latin America cooperation is a South-South cooperation. There is only mutual support and no geopolitical calculation. In its relations with Latin American countries, China has always adhered to the principles of equality, mutual benefit and win-win cooperation. It has never sought spheres of influence or targeted any party.
What Latin American peoples want to build is their own homeland, not someone else’s backyard; what Latin American countries expect is independence, not the Monroe Doctrine. Cooperation between China and Latin America is popular because it respects the wishes of the Latin American people, meets the needs of Latin American countries, and offers a reliable choice and broad prospects for the revitalization of Latin America.
Since the new era, under the planning and guidance of President Xi Jinping and the leaders of Latin American countries, and with the support of the China-Latin America Forum mechanism, the building of a Sino-Latin American community with a shared future has produced fruitful results and benefited all peoples.
This year marks the 10th anniversary of the official activity of the China-Community of Latin American and Caribbean States Forum. China will host the forum’s fourth ministerial meeting in the first half of the year. The two sides will seize this opportunity to cross mountains and seas, eliminate interference and take China-Latin America cooperation to a new level.
Chinese Diplomacy and China’s Economic and Social Modernization and Development
China’s economy grew by 5 percent last year, still standing out among the leading countries in progress. Moreover, this achievement was achieved by vigorously promoting green transformation, and was achieved against the backdrop of sluggish global growth, overcoming unilateral sanctions by the United States of America and other countries. It demonstrates the distinctive characteristics of the Chinese economy in facing challenges and making progress.
President Xi Jinping once said that China has always grown in the baptism of wind and rain and has become stronger through trials. Whether it is the international financial crisis or the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic, China’s economy has never failed to overcome enormous tests and achieve better development.
The country’s confidence stems from China’s huge market and domestic demand, the strength of Chinese industries and its innovative momentum, and, most importantly, China’s institutional advantages, reforms and openness. The first half of the Chinese miracle was characterized by unprecedented high-speed growth, and the second half will be characterized by even more exciting high-quality development.
So far, China has unilaterally exempted visas from 38 countries and extended the visa-free transit policy to 240 hours for 54 countries. The visa-free “circle of friends” is expected to expand further, and “checking in to China” will continue to be a new international trend.
China will inaugurate more efficient foreign affairs services, coordinate diplomatic and international relations resources, innovate and enhance the Ministry of Foreign Affairs’ global promotion, and build bridges for further opening up and cooperation. It will create a more optimized business environment, steadily expand institutional opening, neatly expand independent opening, continue unilateral opening to LDCs, make the negative list shorter and the entry threshold lower, and ensure that China always remains the first choice for international cooperation.
China’s Relationship with ASEAN Countries and Friction with the Philippines.
Over the past year, thanks to the joint efforts of China and ASEAN countries, the situation in the South China Sea has remained peaceful and stable. It remains the safest and busiest maritime area for shipping and flying in the world. China and Indonesia signed an intergovernmental consensus document on joint offshore development. China and Malaysia engaged in bilateral dialogue on maritime issues.
Regarding the friction between China and the Philippines, not long ago, in an international forum, an official from a regional country said that the friction between the Philippines and China is a “shadow play.” This metaphor is very vivid. Whenever the Philippines takes action at sea, the script is written by foreign forces and the live broadcast is taken care of by Western media. The plot is always the same, designed to deliberately defame China. People are no longer interested in watching this repetitive charade.
China will continue to safeguard its territorial sovereignty, maritime rights and interests within the law, and demonstrate its humanitarian spirit according to real needs in the management and control of Ren’ai Jiao Reef and Huangyan Island. It should be made clear that provocations against violations of international law will inevitably backfire.
To achieve good neighborly friendship and long-term peace and stability in the South China Sea, China needs trust and rules. The key is to implement “The Declaration on the Code of Conduct in the South China Sea” (Nov. 4, 2002) and formulate the Code of Conduct. With China’s promotion, the consultation process on the Code of Conduct is accelerating and the third reading of the text has been completed. China has confidence in the prospect of reaching the final draft of that document.
China is willing to work with ASEAN countries to strengthen dialogue, eliminate interference, find common ground and resolve differences, and reach that Code as soon as possible to truly transform the South China Sea into a sea of peace, friendship and cooperation.
China and Women’s Rights: the XXX anniversary of the 4th World Conference on Women held in Beijing in 1995
Just the day after the press conference, International Women’s Day was celebrated. On September 4-15, 1995, China hosted the United Nations Fourth World Conference on Women. The Beijing Declaration and Platform for Action adopted at the conference became milestones in the global cause of gender equality. To mark the XXX anniversary of the Beijing World Conference on Women, China will hold another Global Women’s Summit in the second half of the year to implement the important initiatives proposed by President Xi Jinping.
In the last 30 years, China has put into practice the spirit of the Beijing World Conference on Women and promoted historic achievements in China’s women’s cause. China implements the basic national policy of gender equality and implements a national action plan to promote the comprehensive development of women. Countless outstanding women have become role models of the times and made important contributions to China’s modernization.
In these three decades, China has led the development of women’s cause globally through practical actions. China supports the work of UN Women, collaborates with UNESCO to advance The UNESCO Prize for Girls’ and Women’s Education, helps developing countries implement 100 maternal and child health projects, and trains more than 200 thousand female talents for more than 180 countries and regions.
Thirty years ago Beijing witnessed the determination of women around the world to pursue equality. Thirty years later, all parties will meet again in Beijing to discuss the development of the global women’s cause.
The Outlook for India-China Relations
China-India relations have made positive progress in the past year. Last October, President Xi Jinping and Prime Minister Modi met successfully in Kazan’ and provided strategic directions to improve and develop China-India relations. The two sides have scrupulously implemented the important consensus reached by the leaders of the two countries, strengthened exchanges and practical cooperation at all levels, and achieved a series of positive results. China and India are important neighbors to each other. China has always believed that being mutually successful partners and realizing the “dance of the dragon and the elephant” is the only right choice for both sides.
As two major developing countries, the common task is to accelerate the development and revitalization of their respective states. The two sides should support each other and cooperate closely instead of consuming each other in diatribes and mutual fears. This is in line with the fundamental interests of the two countries and their peoples.
One must insist on not defining the relationship between the two countries by the border issue and not letting specific differences affect the overall situation of relations between the two countries.
As an important member of the Global South, China also has a responsibility to take the lead in opposing hegemony and power politics. It is necessary not only to safeguard the legitimate rights and interests of the two countries, but also to respect the basic norms governing international relations. If China and India join forces, there would be great hope for the democratization of international relations and the growth of the Global South.
This year marks the LXXV anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between China and India. China is willing to cooperate with India to capitalize on experiences, open doors for the future and promote the development of China-India relations along a healthy and stable path.
The Repatriation of Fellow Citizens Abroad and the Fight Against Cross-border Criminal Activities, Online Gambling and Fraud
The Central Committee of the Communist Party of China is very concerned about compatriots abroad. Their welfare and safety have always been and are a major concern. In 2024, China safely repatriated more than ten thousand Chinese nationals from high-risk areas such as Lebanon and Haiti, handled more than 50 thousand consular protection cases, answered more than 500 thousand calls on the consular protection hotline, and issued more than five thousand overseas security alerts. China’s goal is to keep the homeland at a stone’s throw.
Online gambling and electronic fraud are a major concern for the general public, and they are also a key issue that needs to be kept on top of. For some time, under the common concern of the leaders of China and neighboring countries, law enforcement and diplomatic departments have been working together to effectively carry out cross-border cooperation and make every effort to rescue Chinese citizens caught in these malicious mechanisms.
All areas at risk of cyber fraud in northern Myanmar [Burma] near the border with China have been reclaimed; in Thailand, Myanmar, and Laos, there is cooperation to crack down on cyber fraud in their respective border areas including non-Chinese border areas (e.g., between Thailand and Myanmar). The mission is to cut off underworld directions and eradicate the cancer of online fraud that tends to harm people.
In 2025, the government will build a secure system for China based on the “three elements”: first, it will build an international security cooperation platform abroad, deepen security cooperation with all countries, especially those participating in the Belt and Road Initiative and the Lancang-Mekong Cooperation countries (Cambodia, PR of China, , Laos, Myanmar [Burma], Vietnam and Thailand), and expand the circle of allies for mutual assistance. The second is to make the best use of a consular protection hotline abroad to provide round-the-clock advice and assistance, regardless of time zone. The third is to improve a number of mechanisms linking alert-risk and emergency response to ensure more efficient consular protection for compatriots abroad and give peace of mind to citizens.
Author: Giancarlo Elia Valori – Honorable de l’Académie des Sciences de l’Institut de France, Honorary Professor at the Peking University.
(The views expressed in this article belong only to the author and do not necessarily reflect the views of World Geostrategic Insights).