7 March 2025
On March 7, 2025, the 3rd Session of the 14th National People’s Congress held a press conference at the Media Center. Wang Yi, member of the Political Bureau of the CPC Central Committee and Foreign Minister, answered questions from Chinese and foreign journalists on China’s foreign policy and external relations.
Wang Yi: Good morning, friends from the press! I am very happy to meet you again. Thank you all for your continued concern and support for China’s diplomacy. 2024 is a year of profound changes in the international landscape, and a year in which China’s reform and development are striding forward. Under the leadership of General Secretary Xi Jinping, China’s diplomacy has made important progress, created a good external environment for high-quality development, brought precious stability to a world full of changes and chaos, and taken new and solid steps in building a community with a shared future for mankind. This year’s international situation is still full of challenges, but China’s diplomacy remains true to its original aspiration and will continue to work with all countries to adhere to the right path in the world, grasp the trend of the times, defend international fairness and justice, and maintain world peace and stability. Now, I would like to answer your questions.
CCTV reporter: Could you please share with us the achievements of the head of state diplomacy in the past year? What new highlights will there be this year?
Wang Yi: Head of state diplomacy is the highest form of Chinese diplomacy. In the past year, President Xi Jinping personally planned and implemented it, and the head of state diplomacy has achieved fruitful results, and the wonderful scenes are still vivid in our minds. From the 70th Anniversary Commemoration of the Five Principles of Peaceful Coexistence, the Beijing Summit of the Forum on China-Africa Cooperation, to the China-Arab Cooperation Forum, the three major main diplomacy has set a new benchmark for the global South to work together. From Europe to Central Asia, from BRICS to Latin America, four important visits have gathered new momentum for world unity and cooperation. President Xi also received many foreign dignitaries and friends, and held more than 130 foreign affairs talks and meetings, continuing to write a new story of friendship between China and foreign countries.
As the leader of a major country and a major party, President Xi Jinping, with a global vision and sense of responsibility for the times, has led China’s diplomacy to uphold the right principles and innovate, move forward steadily, and promote positive and far-reaching changes in China’s relations with the world: First, China’s diplomatic policy propositions, especially 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 hot and difficult issues is increasingly expected and praised by countries around the world; third, the success and inspiration of China’s modernization path are also recognized and learned from by more and more countries.
2025 is an important year for both China and the world, and the diplomacy of heads of state will usher in a new highlight moment. Just last month, President Xi attended the opening ceremony of the Asian Winter Games, kicking off this year’s home diplomacy. We will also solemnly commemorate the 80th anniversary of the victory of the Chinese People’s War of Resistance Against Japanese Aggression and the World Anti-Fascist War, and hold a series of major events such as the Shanghai Cooperation Organization Summit. President Xi Jinping is scheduled to carry out several important foreign visits. The diplomacy of heads of state will write a new chapter of China’s two-way rush and mutual achievement with the world.
TASS: Since last year, Chinese and Russian leaders have interacted intensively and the relationship between the two countries has developed healthily. Some people are also worried that the recent dialogue between Russia and the United States will affect the strategic cooperation between China and Russia. How do you view the relationship between China and Russia?
Wang Yi: China-Russia relations are asked every year, but the angle is different every time. What I want to emphasize is that no matter how the international environment changes, the historical logic of China-Russia friendship remains unchanged, and the endogenous driving force remains unchanged.
The two sides have profoundly summed up historical experience and decided to maintain permanent good-neighborly friendship, carry out comprehensive strategic cooperation, and seek mutually beneficial cooperation and win-win results, because this is in the best interests of the two peoples and in line with the direction of development and progress of the times. China and Russia have explored a way of getting along with each other that is “non-aligned, non-confrontational, and non-targeting third parties”, standing at the forefront of new major power relations and setting an example for relations between neighboring countries. A mature, tenacious, and stable China-Russia relationship will not change due to a single event, nor will it be interfered with by a third party. It is a constant in a turbulent world, not a variable in geopolitical games.
Last year marked the 75th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between China and Russia. President Xi Jinping and President Putin met face-to-face three times, jointly leading the China-Russia comprehensive strategic partnership of coordination in the new era into a new historical stage.
This year marks the 80th anniversary of the victory of the Second World War. China and Russia fought bloody battles in the main battlefields of Asia and Europe respectively, paid huge national sacrifices for the victory of the World Anti-Fascist War, and made significant historical contributions. The two sides will take the opportunity of jointly commemorating this important historical node to promote the correct view of the history of the Second World War, defend the results of the victory of the Second World War, 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.
Xinhua News Agency: You just mentioned that China’s diplomacy in 2024 injected valuable stability into a turbulent world. The international situation in 2025 may be even more turbulent and complex. What role will China’s diplomacy play?
Wang Yi: As you said, the world today is full of changes and turmoil, and certainty is becoming an increasingly scarce resource in the world. The choices made by countries, especially major powers, will determine the direction of the times and affect the world pattern. Chinese diplomacy will unswervingly stand on the right side of history and on the side of human progress, and will stabilize the uncertain world with China’s certainty.
We will be a staunch force in safeguarding national interests. The Chinese people have a glorious tradition of self-improvement. We never provoke trouble, and we are not afraid of it. Any extreme pressure, threats and blackmail will not be able to shake the unity of 1.4 billion Chinese people, nor will it stop the historical pace of the great rejuvenation of the Chinese nation.
We will be a force for justice in maintaining world peace and stability. We will continue to expand global partnerships based on equality, openness and cooperation, actively practice solutions to hot issues with Chinese characteristics, and write a new chapter of unity and self-reliance with the global South. We will prove with facts that the path of peaceful development is a bright road for steady progress and should also be the common choice of all countries in the world.
We will be a progressive force in safeguarding international fairness and justice. We will uphold true multilateralism, take the future of mankind and the well-being of the people into consideration, promote global governance based on consultation, joint construction and sharing, abide by the purposes and principles of the UN Charter, and build a broader consensus for building an equal and orderly multipolar world.
We will be a constructive force in promoting global common development. We will continue to expand high-level opening-up and share the broad opportunities of China-style modernization with other countries. We will safeguard the multilateral free trade system, create an open, inclusive and non-discriminatory international cooperation environment, and promote inclusive and beneficial economic globalization.
CNN reporter: After returning to the White House, Trump pursued an “America First” policy and proposed withdrawing from international organizations and various agreements such as the UN Human Rights Council and the World Health Organization. Does this provide a strategic opportunity for China to reshape the global landscape in international affairs?
Wang Yi: There are more than 190 countries in the world. Imagine if every country emphasized its own national priority and believed in strength and status, the world would regress to the law of the jungle, small and weak countries would bear the brunt, and the international rules and order would be severely impacted.
At the Paris Peace Conference more than 100 years ago, the Chinese asked a historical question: Is it “justice prevails over might” or “might is justice”? The diplomacy of New China firmly stands on the side of international justice and resolutely opposes might and hegemony. History should move forward, not backward. Major powers should assume international obligations and fulfill their responsibilities as major powers. They should not be profit-driven, and they should not bully the weak. There is a saying in the West, “There are no eternal friends, only eternal interests.” In China’s view, friends should be eternal and interests should be shared.
President Xi Jinping grasped the general trend of history and stood at the forefront of the times. He proposed to work together to build a community with a shared future for mankind, advocating that all countries transcend all differences and differences, jointly protect the only habitable planet for mankind, and jointly build a global village with a shared destiny. This important concept not only embodies the excellent tradition of Chinese civilization that the world is for all, but also demonstrates the internationalist sentiments of the Chinese Communists, allowing us to stand at the height of the well-being of all mankind and “stand on the top of the mountain and look down on all the mountains”. We are pleased to see that more and more countries have joined the ranks of building a community with a shared future. More than 100 countries support the “three major global initiatives”, and more than three quarters of countries have joined the “Belt and Road” family. History will prove that only by keeping “everyone” in mind can we become real “winners”. Working together to move towards a community with a shared future for mankind will make this world a world for all countries and the future a future for all.
Indonesian National Radio: The more unstable and uncertain the world becomes, the more likely developing countries and small and medium-sized countries will be the first to be victimized. How should the global South countries safeguard their own interests?
Wang Yi: The world is turbulent today. The winds rise from the South, and the tides come from the South. The remarkable growth of the Global South is the most striking sign of this era. Today, the Global South accounts for more than 40% of the world’s total economic output and contributes 80% to world economic growth. It has become a key force in maintaining international peace, driving world development, and improving global governance.
In the midst of a century of great changes in the world, the relationship between the east, west, north and south has undergone a historic change of gain and loss. Looking to the future, the global South is the key to stabilizing and improving the world.
The global South must become stronger. At the beginning of this year, Indonesia became a formal member of BRICS, and 9 partner countries joined the BRICS family. BRICS is becoming the “backbone” of cooperation in the global South and the “engine” of growth. We must make the “big BRICS” bigger and stronger, so that the driving force for the global South will be stronger and more abundant.
The global South must unite. In addition to China hosting the SCO summit, Brazil and South Africa will also host the BRICS and G20 summits respectively this year. We must speak with one voice in the international arena, safeguard common interests, and continuously enhance our representation and voice in global governance.
The global South needs development. Last November, President Xi Jinping announced China’s eight actions to support global development, injecting new impetus into accelerating development in the global South. We must continue to put development at the center of the international agenda, cultivate development momentum, enhance development capabilities, and work together on the road to modernization.
China is a natural member of the Global South because we share a common history of fighting against colonialism and hegemony and a common mission of development and revitalization. No matter how the international situation changes, China will always keep the Global South in mind, take root in the Global South, and work with other countries in the Global South to write a new chapter in the era of human development.
Bloomberg: The United States and Russia have started direct negotiations on ending the Ukrainian crisis. President Trump said he welcomes China’s help in this process. What role does China think it should play in this regard?
Wang Yi: China has advocated dialogue and negotiation and sought a political solution since the first day of the crisis. We have been working for peace and promoting talks. President Xi Jinping put forward the important proposition of “four shoulds” at the beginning of the crisis, which clarified the direction of our efforts. Based on this, China issued a position paper on the Ukrainian crisis, sent special envoys to carry out shuttle diplomacy, and launched the “Friends of Peace” with Brazil and other global southern countries at the United Nations. China has always maintained an objective and fair position and has always issued a calm and balanced voice, with the aim of creating conditions and gathering consensus for resolving the crisis.
China welcomes and supports all efforts committed to peace. At the same time, we should also see that the root causes of this crisis are complex and intricate. It took time for the ice to freeze three feet thick, and it will take time for it to melt and resolve. But there are no winners in conflict, and there are no losers in peace. The negotiation table is the end of the conflict and the starting point of peace. Although the positions of all parties are not entirely consistent, they all hope to reach a fair, lasting, binding and accepted peace agreement by all parties. This is a rare and precious consensus and a goal that should be worked together. China is willing to continue to play a constructive role in the final resolution of the crisis and the realization of lasting peace, in accordance with the wishes of the parties concerned and together with the international community.
Finally, I would like to say that the Ukrainian crisis has lasted for more than three years. Looking back, this tragedy could have been avoided. All parties should learn lessons from the crisis. Security is mutual and equal. The security of one country cannot be built on the insecurity of other countries. We should advocate and practice a new security concept of common, comprehensive, cooperative and sustainable security, so that we can truly achieve long-term peace and stability in Eurasia and the world.
CGTN reporter: DeepSeek’s sudden rise shows China’s innovative ability in the field of artificial intelligence. Some people believe that the United States cannot accept China’s technological leadership. How do you view the competition between China and the United States in the field of science and technology?
Wang Yi: During this period, China’s scientific and technological innovation has continuously exceeded people’s imagination. From the “two bombs and one satellite” to “Shenzhou” and “Chang’e”, and then to 5G, quantum computing, and DeepSeek, generations of Chinese people have never stopped striving, and China’s path to becoming a technological power is getting wider and wider.
Of course, this road is not a smooth one. Whether it is aerospace technology or chip manufacturing, the unreasonable suppression imposed by the outside world has never stopped. But where there is a blockade, there is a breakthrough; where there is suppression, there is innovation; the place where the storm is the most violent is precisely the stage for “Nezha Conquers the Sea” and “One Soars into the Sky”. There is a good saying in an ancient Chinese poem, “The green mountains cannot cover it, after all, it flows eastward.” The high walls of a small courtyard cannot stop innovative thinking, and decoupling and breaking the chain will eventually isolate oneself.
Science and technology should not be a tool to weave the Iron Curtain, but a wealth that is shared by all. To promote the common development of mankind, China has conscientiously implemented the ” Global AI Governance Initiative” proposed by President Xi Jinping, issued the “AI Capacity Building Inclusive Plan”, and launched the “Open Science International Cooperation Initiative” with Brazil, South Africa and the African Union, calling for attention to the construction of scientific and technological capabilities in the global South, so that no country will be left behind. We are willing to share the fruits of innovation with more countries and chase the stars and the sea with everyone.
Reuters: Soon after Trump returned to the White House, he imposed a new round of tariffs on Chinese goods exported to the United States on the grounds of fentanyl. At the same time, he also expressed his hope to establish good relations with China. How will China’s approach to dealing with the United States be different compared to the first term of the Trump administration?
Wang Yi: Mutual respect is the basic principle of state-to-state relations and an important prerequisite for China-US relations. No country can imagine suppressing and containing China on the one hand and developing good relations with China on the other. This “two-faced” approach is not only not conducive to the stability of bilateral relations, but also unable to establish mutual trust.
You mentioned fentanyl. First of all, I want to make it clear that China has always resolutely cracked down on drug trafficking and drug production, and is the country with the strictest and most thorough drug control policy in the world today. As early as 2019, at the request of the United States, we took the lead in the world to list all fentanyl-related substances. The abuse of fentanyl in the United States is a problem that the United States itself must face and solve. China has provided various assistance to the United States in the spirit of humanitarianism. The United States should not repay kindness with grievances, let alone impose tariffs without reason. This is not the behavior of a responsible major country.
“If you fail in your actions, look for the reasons within yourself.” The United States should review what you have gained from the tariff war and trade war over the years. Has the trade deficit widened or narrowed? Has the competitiveness of the manufacturing industry increased or decreased? Has inflation improved or worsened? Has the people’s lives improved or worsened? The Sino-US economic and trade relations are mutual and equal. If you choose to cooperate, you will achieve mutual benefit and win-win results; if you blindly exert pressure, China will definitely resolutely counterattack.
As the world’s largest developing country and developed country, China and the United States will both exist on this planet for a long time, so they must coexist peacefully. As President Xi Jinping pointed out in a phone call with President Trump earlier this year, conflict and confrontation should not be an option. China and the United States have extensive common interests and broad space for cooperation. They can become partners, achieve mutual success, and prosper together.
China will continue to follow the three principles of mutual respect, peaceful coexistence and win-win cooperation proposed by President Xi Jinping and work for the stable, healthy and sustainable development of China-US relations. At the same time, we hope that the US will listen to the voices of the two peoples, recognize the general trend of historical development, view China’s development objectively and rationally, actively and pragmatically carry out exchanges with China, and work with China to jointly walk the correct path of Sino-US coexistence that is beneficial to both countries and the world.
People’s Daily: How does China view the role of the Shanghai Cooperation Organization at this stage? What plans will China propose during its term as the rotating chair of the Shanghai Cooperation Organization? What issues will be discussed at the upcoming SCO summit in China?
Wang Yi: This year is the “China Year” of the SCO. The SCO was born in China and named after Shanghai, which has special significance for us. I am very happy to welcome the SCO “home”.
What makes us even more gratified is that after 24 years of development, the SCO has expanded from 6 members to a “SCO family” of 26 countries, building the world’s largest and most populous regional cooperation organization.
The key to the SCO’s development and growth is that it has always promoted the “Shanghai Spirit”, adhered to its original intention of mutual trust, mutual benefit, equality, consultation, respect for diverse civilizations, and seeking common development, and has embarked on a new path of regional cooperation.
As the rotating chair, China is carrying out more than 100 activities in the fields of politics, security, economy, and humanities under the slogan of “Promoting the Shanghai Spirit: SCO in Action” this year. We must polish the “Shanghai Spirit” with “China Action” and drive the wheels of the SCO with the “China Engine”.
I would like to inform you here that this fall, China will host the SCO Summit in Tianjin. Then, leaders of SCO countries will gather on the banks of the Haihe River to sum up successful experiences, draw up a blueprint for development, and build consensus on cooperation. This will allow the SCO to start again from China and promote the building of a closer SCO community with a shared future.
Global Times: Some people believe that the current international order is at its most dangerous moment since World War II, and the authority and role of the United Nations have been weakened. How does China think this situation should be avoided? What role will China play?
Wang Yi: This year marks the 80th 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 to create a major platform for maintaining world peace and conducting global governance. Facts have proved that the United Nations has withstood the test and played a role.
The situation has changed greatly now. Unilateralism is on the rise, power politics is rampant, and some countries have raised various questions about the United Nations. However, China believes that the more complex the contradictions are, the more we must highlight the important position of the United Nations; the more urgent the challenges are, the more we must safeguard the due authority of the United Nations.
All countries hope to avoid the world returning to the law of the jungle. To this end, we must first build a solid foundation for sovereign equality and recognize that all countries, regardless of size, strength or weakness, are equal members of the international community. No one with “thick arms” or “big fists” can have the final say. Second, we must uphold the principles of fairness and justice and oppose the monopoly of international affairs by a few countries. The voice of the global South should be heard more, and the legitimate rights and interests of all countries should be fully protected. Third, we must abide by the concept of multilateralism, uphold the principle of extensive consultation, joint construction and sharing, replace group confrontation with inclusive cooperation, and break the “small circle” with “great unity”. Fourth, we must strengthen the authority of international rule of law. Major countries in particular should take the lead in speaking honestly and the rule of law, oppose double standards and selective application, and should not bully the market or plunder by trickery.
China is a creator and beneficiary of the post-World War II international order, and of course, it is also the defender and builder of this order. We have no intention of starting anew, nor do we support any country to start over. As a permanent member of the Security Council, China is aware of its international responsibilities and will firmly maintain the central position of the United Nations, be the mainstay of the multilateral system, and be the voice of justice for the global South. Last month, China hosted a high-level meeting at the UN Security Council with the theme of “Practicing Multilateralism, Reforming and Improving Global Governance”. More than 100 countries actively signed up to participate, which kicked off the commemoration of the 80th anniversary of the founding of the United Nations. We are willing to work with all parties to review the founding aspirations of the United Nations, abide by the purposes and principles of the UN Charter, and build a more just and reasonable global governance system.
Reporter from Turkey’s Anadolu Agency: The United States has declared that it will “take over” and “own” the Gaza Strip and relocate Palestinians living in the area to neighboring countries. How does China view this US plan and the future development of the Gaza Strip? What role does China play in peace and stability in the Middle East?
Wang Yi: Gaza belongs to the Palestinian people and is an integral part of the Palestinian territory. Any act of forcibly changing the status of Gaza will not bring peace, but will only trigger new turmoil. We support the Gaza Peace Restoration Plan jointly initiated by Egypt and Arab countries. The will of the people cannot be violated, and justice cannot be abolished. If major powers really care about the people of Gaza, they should promote a comprehensive and lasting ceasefire in Gaza, increase humanitarian assistance, adhere to the principle of “Palestinians governing Palestine”, and contribute to the reconstruction of Gaza.
The world cannot be at peace without peace in the Middle East, and the Palestinian issue has always been the core of the Middle East issue. The recurring conflict between Palestine and Israel is due to the fact 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 out of reach. In the next stage, the focus of the international community’s efforts should be more on the “two-state solution” and more support for the establishment of an independent Palestinian state. Only in this way can Palestine and Israel truly coexist peacefully, and the Arab and Jewish peoples can coexist in friendship for a long time. To this end, the Palestinian factions must first implement the Beijing Declaration and achieve unity and self-reliance; all parties in the Middle East must transcend differences and support the establishment of a Palestinian state; the international community must build consensus and provide assistance for peace between Palestine and Israel.
China is a strategic partner of the Middle Eastern countries and a sincere friend of our Arab brothers. China will continue to firmly fight for justice, peace and development for the people of the Middle East, support the Middle Eastern countries in independently grasping their future and destiny, independently exploring their own development paths, and realizing the dream of peaceful revitalization at an early date.
Reporter from the News Agency of Nigeria: Last year, China successfully held the Beijing Summit of the Forum on China-Africa Cooperation, and you made your first visit to Africa in the new year. How will China implement the outcomes of the Forum on China-Africa Cooperation Summit and help Africa achieve development and revitalization?
Wang Yi: China and Africa have always been good friends, good partners and good brothers with a shared 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 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 “all-weather” level.
This year marks the 25th anniversary of the establishment of the Forum on China-Africa Cooperation. Over the past 25 years, China has helped Africa build and upgrade nearly 100,000 kilometers of roads and more than 10,000 kilometers of railways. In the past three years alone, Chinese companies have provided more than 1.1 million jobs in Africa, and China has remained Africa’s largest trading partner for 16 consecutive years. China-Africa cooperation has brought benefits to African brothers and sisters that are visible, tangible and beneficial. Last year, a Gambian farmer sent his rice to Hunan to pay tribute to Mr. Yuan Longping. Because of China’s hybrid rice, they have said goodbye to hunger and welcomed hope. Such stories happen every day in Africa.
Africa is the land of hope in the 21st century. Without Africa’s modernization, there will be no world modernization. Africa’s stability and development are related to the common destiny of mankind. 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 Africa in finding a new path of independent and self-reliant development.
This year is the first year of implementing the outcomes of the Beijing Summit. We are willing to follow the “Ten Partners Actions” of China and Africa to jointly promote modernization, help Africa accelerate the process of industrialization and agricultural modernization, implement 100% tariff-free products, cultivate new growth points such as digital, green, and artificial intelligence, promote 1,000 small and beautiful projects that benefit the people, strengthen the exchange of experience in governance, and enhance 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 firmly supports South Africa in fulfilling its responsibilities as the chair country and leaving a clear “African imprint” for global governance.
Phoenix TV: For some time, some Western countries have argued that UN General Assembly Resolution 2758 is not equal to the one-China principle, that the resolution does not clarify the sovereignty of Taiwan and does not prevent Taiwan from participating in international organizations. What is your response?
Wang Yi: This argument is a blatant challenge to the authority of the United Nations and the post-war international order. It is absurd and dangerous. Those who spread this argument should first learn some basic common sense.
Taiwan is an inalienable part of China’s territory. This is both history and fact. This year marks the 80th anniversary of Taiwan’s recovery. The victory of the Chinese People’s War of Resistance against Japanese Aggression brought Taiwan back to China. The Cairo Declaration and the Potsdam Proclamation issued by the major victorious countries at that time clearly stipulated that Taiwan stolen by Japan should be returned to China. Japan also announced its recognition of the Potsdam Proclamation and unconditional surrender. These have confirmed China’s sovereignty over Taiwan and constitute an important part of the post-war international order.
In 1971, the United Nations General Assembly adopted Resolution 2758 with an overwhelming majority, deciding to restore all the legal rights of the People’s Republic of China in the United Nations and immediately expel the representatives of the Taiwan authorities from the United Nations and all its agencies. This resolution completely resolved the issue of the representation of all of China, including Taiwan, in the United Nations, and completely eliminated any possibility of creating “two Chinas” or “one China, one Taiwan”. The only name for the Taiwan region in the United Nations is “Taiwan Province of China”. Taiwan has never been a country, it was not in the past, and it will never be in the future. Advocating “Taiwan independence” is splitting the country, supporting “Taiwan independence” is interfering in China’s internal affairs, and tolerating “Taiwan independence” is undermining the stability of the Taiwan Strait.
The principle of sovereignty is the cornerstone of the UN Charter. No country or person should adopt double standards. Respecting the sovereignty and territorial integrity of all countries means supporting China’s complete reunification. Adhering to the one-China principle means opposing any form of “Taiwan independence”. The realization of the complete reunification of the motherland is the common aspiration of all Chinese people. It is the general trend and the righteous cause. “Taiwan independence” will only burn itself. “Using Taiwan to control China” is tantamount to a mantis trying to stop a chariot. China will eventually reunify and will certainly reunify.
Pakistan Associated Press: China has always regarded its neighboring countries as its home, but the United States has deployed intermediate-range missiles in the region, provoking conflicts. How does China view the situation in its neighboring countries? What are its new considerations for neighboring diplomacy?
Wang Yi: Since the beginning of this century, Asia has maintained rapid growth and has become a global development highland and an oasis of peace and stability. This situation is hard-won and deserves to be cherished. Asia is not only China’s home, but also the common home of China and Asian countries. President Xi Jinping proposed the concept of “pro-sincere, beneficial and inclusive” neighborhood diplomacy, leading China to open up a new realm of friendly cooperation with neighboring countries. Today, China has reached a consensus on building a community with a shared future with 17 neighboring countries, and formed “two major clusters” of communities with a shared future in the Indochina Peninsula and Central Asia. We have also signed cooperation agreements on jointly building the “Belt and Road” with 25 neighboring countries, and are the largest trading partner of 18 countries. Today, China has become the focus of Asia’s stability, the engine of economic development, and the support of regional security.
Of course, there are bound to be bumps and bruises between neighbors. Historical issues and current conflicts of interest all need to be properly handled. But we believe that “harmony in the family brings prosperity”. As long as we uphold the concept of “common home”, adhere to the direction of “community of shared destiny”, negotiate on an equal footing, show mutual understanding and accommodation, we will surely be able to resolve differences and achieve win-win cooperation. China will also continue to expand its opening up to neighboring countries, including unilateral opening up, and share more development dividends with neighboring countries.
As for the US deployment of intermediate-range missiles in the region, China firmly opposes it and regional countries do not welcome it. The US has introduced the so-called “Indo-Pacific Strategy” for so many years. What has it done for regional countries? Except for provoking incidents and creating differences, it has done nothing. It can be said that it has done more harm than good.
Asia is not a battleground for great power competition, but a demonstration field for international cooperation. We advocate open regionalism and share Asia’s development opportunities on the basis of mutual respect, mutual benefit and win-win results.
AFP: China and Europe face long-term tense economic and trade relations, especially in the fields of new energy and electric vehicles. In this context, how does the Ministry of Foreign Affairs view the development of China-EU relations?
Wang Yi: This year marks the 50th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between China and the EU. Looking back on the exchanges over the past half century, the most valuable experience is mutual respect, the most powerful driving force is mutual benefit and win-win results, the most consistent consensus is multilateralism, and the most accurate positioning is partnership.
Over the past 50 years, China-EU cooperation has achieved rapid development, with trade volume growing from US$2.4 billion to US$780 billion, and investment growing from almost zero to nearly US$260 billion. The China-Europe freight train has exceeded 100,000 trains, becoming a golden channel connecting Asia and Europe.
Today, 50 years later, the total economic output of China and Europe exceeds one-third of the world’s total, and China-Europe cooperation has greater strategic significance and global influence. A healthy and stable China-Europe relationship will not only achieve mutual success, but also illuminate the world.
Earlier this year, President Xi Jinping pointed out in a phone call with European Council President Costa that the more severe and complex the international situation is, the more China and Europe should uphold the original intention of establishing diplomatic relations, strengthen strategic communication, enhance strategic mutual trust, and adhere to the positioning of partnership. China still has confidence in Europe and believes that Europe can become a partner that China trusts. Both sides have the ability and wisdom to properly resolve existing problems through friendly consultations and jointly open up the next 50 years worth looking forward to.
China Daily: Polls show that Southeast Asian people’s favorable impression of China has increased significantly. Compared with European and American countries, Southeast Asian, African, Latin American and other global southern countries are more willing to give China a positive evaluation. What do you think of the poll results and the differences?
Wang Yi: People-to-people friendship is the foundation of bilateral relations and the driving force for promoting peace. With the sustained development of China’s economy and society and the continuous expansion of its high-level opening-up, the exchanges and contacts between the Chinese and peoples of other countries in the world have become more frequent and the distance between them has been shortened.
You mentioned that people in the global South give China positive comments, which is indeed true. China and the vast developing countries have always treated each other with sincerity and connected with each other, and there is a natural sense of closeness and identity between them. At the same time, I also noticed that among the people of developed countries, discovering China and embracing China are also becoming a trend. Whether it is to “check in” when traveling to China or to interact on social platforms, everyone has seen a safe, open and modern country and met some friendly, tolerant and humorous Chinese people. A young American said that he felt full of positive energy from the Chinese people.
The judgment of the people is the sunshine that eliminates prejudice. The integration of people’s hearts is the power to break down barriers. We welcome friends from all countries to step out of the information cocoon, take off their tinted glasses, and use their own eyes to witness a more real and vivid China, and use their open hearts to feel the vigorous vitality of the 1.4 billion Chinese people.
Kyodo News: After the meeting between Japanese Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba and Chinese President Xi Jinping in Peru last November, friendly exchanges between the two countries have become increasingly active. At the same time, there are also many problems between Japan and China. Foreign Minister Wang, what is your opinion on the current Japan-China relations? Is China willing to actively respond to Japan’s concerns and expectations about resuming the import of aquatic products and allowing Japanese companies to do business in China with peace of mind?
Wang Yi: Last November, the leaders of China and Japan reached an important consensus and agreed to comprehensively promote the China-Japan strategic and mutually beneficial relationship in accordance with the spirit of the four political documents and build a constructive and stable China-Japan relationship that meets the requirements of the new era. With the joint efforts of both sides, the relationship between the two countries has shown a positive momentum of improvement and development. We welcome all sectors of the two countries to strengthen exchanges, deepen mutually beneficial cooperation, and improve national sentiments. These are all in the long-term interests of both sides. Regarding some specific concerns of the Japanese side that you mentioned, China will uphold a responsible attitude and properly handle them in accordance with laws and regulations.
Here, I would like to emphasize that this year marks the 80th anniversary of the victory of the Chinese People’s War of Resistance Against Japanese Aggression. Remembering history is to create a better future. Forgetting history will lead to losing the way forward. Back then, Japanese militarism committed brutal crimes against the people of China and other Asian countries, and also brought profound disasters to the Japanese people. Preventing the resurrection of the ghost of militarism is Japan’s unremitting obligation and the unchallengeable will of the Chinese and Asian people. In the face of the test of conscience and integrity, Japan should abide by the spirit of the peace constitution and continue to follow the path of peaceful development.
The one-China principle is the political foundation of Sino-Japanese relations. It has been 80 years since Taiwan returned to China, but there are still people in Japan who do not reflect on their actions and are secretly colluding with “Taiwan independence” forces. We must warn these people that instead of advocating “if Taiwan is in trouble, Japan is in trouble”, it is better to remember that using Taiwan to cause trouble is to cause trouble for Japan.
China and Japan have a long history of exchanges. Japan should know best that China is a peace-loving force and a trustworthy neighbor. For thousands of years, China has always brought opportunities to Japan, not threats. In the face of major historical changes, what is the way to be a neighbor and what is the general trend? People of insight in Japan should think carefully and act accordingly.
Reporter from Folha de São Paulo: Last month, the US Secretary of State made his first visit to Latin America and threatened to take measures if China does not distance itself from it. How will China respond to this pressure? Will this be one of the topics of the upcoming China-Latin America Forum?
Wang Yi: China-Latin America cooperation is South-South cooperation, with only mutual support and no geopolitical calculations. In dealing with Latin American countries, China always adheres to the principles of equality, mutual benefit and win-win results, never seeks spheres of influence, and never targets any party.
The Latin American people want to build their own homeland, not someone else’s backyard; Latin American countries expect independence, not the Monroe Doctrine. China-Latin America cooperation is welcomed because it respects the wishes of the Latin American people, meets the needs of Latin American countries, and provides 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 leaders of Latin American countries, and with the support of the China-Latin America Forum mechanism, the construction of a China-Latin America community with a shared future has achieved fruitful results and benefited all the people.
This year marks the 10th anniversary of the China-Latin America Forum. China will host the fourth ministerial meeting of the forum in China in the first half of the year. The two sides will take this opportunity to cross mountains and seas, eliminate interference, and push China-Latin America cooperation to a new level.
Dragon TV reporter: In recent years, the world economy has been growing sluggishly, and the Chinese economy has also encountered some challenges. How do you view the Chinese economic situation? What new measures will China’s diplomacy take this year to better serve China’s modernization and economic and social development?
Wang Yi: Last year, China’s economy achieved a growth of 5%, still “standing out” among major countries. Moreover, this achievement was achieved in vigorously promoting green transformation, against the backdrop of sluggish global growth, and despite unilateral sanctions from the United States and other countries, showing the distinctive characteristics of the Chinese economy in overcoming difficulties and striving for success.
President Xi Jinping once said that we have always grown up in the baptism of wind and rain and become stronger in the trials. Whether it is the international financial crisis or the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic, has the Chinese economy withstood huge tests and achieved better development? Our confidence comes from China’s huge market and domestic demand, from China’s strong industry and innovation momentum, and even more from China’s institutional advantages and reform and opening up. People often say that “the next China is still China.” The first half of the Chinese miracle was unprecedented high-speed growth, and the second half will be more exciting high-quality development.
China’s diplomacy will continue to provide solid strategic support for serving China’s modernization and create a favorable external environment. We will create more convenient channels for exchanges. So far, 38 countries have been granted unilateral visa-free entry, and 54 countries have been granted visa-free transit for 240 hours. The visa-free “circle of friends” is expected to expand further, and “checking in China” will continue to become a new international trend. We will launch more efficient foreign affairs services, coordinate diplomatic and foreign affairs resources, innovate and upgrade the Ministry of Foreign Affairs’ global promotion, and build bridges for further opening up and cooperation. We will create a more optimized business environment, steadily expand institutional opening-up, orderly expand independent opening-up, continue unilateral opening-up to the least developed countries, make the negative list shorter and shorter, and lower the entry threshold, so that China will always be the “first choice” for international cooperation.
Lianhe Zaobao: What new progress has been made in the consultations between China and ASEAN countries on the Code of Conduct in the South China Sea? What are the main obstacles? Will the friction between China and the Philippines in the South China Sea over the past year dim the prospects for the consultations?
Wang Yi: Over the past year, with 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 sea area for global navigation and overflight. China and Indonesia have signed an intergovernmental consensus document on joint development of the sea. China and Malaysia have launched a bilateral dialogue on maritime issues. China has achieved full coverage of the mechanism-based dialogue with the parties concerned in the South China Sea. Practice has proved that there are no problems that cannot be solved by dialogue and no goals that cannot be achieved by cooperation.
You mentioned the friction between China and the Philippines. Not long ago, at an international forum, an official from a regional country mentioned that the friction between the Philippines and China is a “shadow play”. This metaphor is very vivid. Every time the Philippines takes action at sea, the script is written by foreign forces, and the live broadcast is contracted by Western media. The play is always the same, which is deliberately smearing China. People are no longer interested in watching this repetitive farce. China will continue to safeguard its territorial sovereignty and maritime rights and interests in accordance with the law. When managing Ren’ai Reef and Huangyan Island, it will also reflect our humanitarian spirit according to actual needs. But I want to make it clear here that infringement and provocation will inevitably bear its own fruit, and those who are willing to be pawns will eventually be abandoned.
To achieve good neighborliness, friendship and long-term peace and stability in the South China Sea, we need trust and rules. The key is to implement the Declaration on the Conduct of Parties in the South China Sea and formulate the Code of Conduct in the South China Sea. Under China’s promotion, the consultation process of the Code of Conduct is accelerating, and the third reading of the text has been completed. We are full of confidence in the prospect of reaching the Code of Conduct. China is willing to work with ASEAN countries to strengthen dialogue, eliminate interference, gather common ground and resolve differences, reach the Code of Conduct as soon as possible, and truly make the South China Sea a sea of peace, friendship and cooperation.
Beijing Daily: This year marks the 30th anniversary of the Fourth World Conference on Women. President Xi Jinping proposed in 2020 that China will hold another Global Women’s Summit this year. Can you introduce the progress of the preparations for the meeting?
Wang Yi: Tomorrow is International Women’s Day. I would like to take this opportunity to extend my holiday greetings to all my female compatriots!
In 1995, China hosted the Fourth World Conference on Women of the United Nations. The Beijing Declaration and Platform for Action adopted at the conference became milestones in the global cause of gender equality. On the 30th 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 initiative proposed by President Xi Jinping.
Over the past 30 years, China has implemented the spirit of the Beijing World Conference on Women and has made historic achievements in promoting the cause of Chinese women. We have implemented the basic national policy of gender equality and the national action plan to promote the all-round development of women. Countless outstanding women have become role models of the times and have made important contributions to China’s modernization.
Over the past 30 years, China has taken concrete actions to lead the development of women’s cause around the world. We have supported the work of UN Women, established the Girls’ and Women’s Education Award in cooperation with UNESCO, helped developing countries implement 100 “maternal and child health projects”, and trained more than 200,000 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 gather in Beijing again to discuss the development of global women’s cause. We look forward to seeing more women’s lives shine and their dreams come true.
Press Trust of India: Driven by the interaction between the leaders of India and China, the two countries have finally succeeded in breaking the deadlock. How do you view the prospects of India-China relations? Can India and China establish a lasting relationship in the context of the current drastic global changes?
Wang Yi: China-India relations have taken positive steps in the past year. In October last year, President Xi Jinping and Prime Minister Modi met successfully in Kazan, providing strategic guidance for improving and developing China-India relations. The two sides have conscientiously 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 partners of mutual achievement and realizing the “Dance of the Dragon and the Elephant” is the only correct choice for both sides.
As the two largest developing countries, our common task is to accelerate the development and revitalization of our respective countries. The two sides should support each other rather than consume each other, and cooperate closely rather than guard against each other. This is in line with the fundamental interests of our two countries and our peoples.
As two ancient civilizations, we have enough wisdom and ability to maintain peace and tranquility in the border area until a fair and reasonable solution is found. We must insist on not defining the relationship between the two countries based on the border issue and not let specific differences affect the overall situation of the relationship between the two countries.
As an important member of the global South, we also have the responsibility to take the lead in opposing hegemony and power politics. We must not only safeguard the legitimate rights and interests of the two countries, but also uphold the basic norms of international relations. If China and India join hands, there will be great hope for the democratization of international relations and the development and growth of the global South.
This year marks the 75th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between China and India. China is willing to work with India to sum up experience, open up the future, and promote the development of China-India relations along a healthy and stable track.
China News Service: Last year, China safely repatriated more than 10,000 compatriots from abroad. Recently, cross-border criminal activities such as online gambling and fraud have attracted great attention from the public. As more and more Chinese people go abroad, how will the Ministry of Foreign Affairs better protect the legitimate rights and interests of Chinese citizens overseas?
Wang Yi: The CPC Central Committee is highly concerned about our compatriots overseas. Their well-being and safety are always our concern. In 2024, we safely repatriated more than 10,000 Chinese citizens from high-risk areas such as Lebanon and Haiti, handled more than 50,000 consular protection cases, answered more than 500,000 calls to the 12308 consular protection hotline, and issued more than 5,000 overseas security alerts. Our goal is to make the motherland always there, even though we are far away.
Online gambling and fraud are a major concern for the people, and it is also a priority for us to seize. For some time, under the joint concern of leaders of China and neighboring countries, law enforcement and diplomatic departments have worked together to effectively carry out cross-border cooperation and rescue trapped Chinese citizens. The fraud parks in northern Myanmar near the border have been completely cleared, and China, Thailand, Myanmar and Laos are working together to crack down on fraud in the Thai-Myanmar border area. Our mission is to cut off the black hands reaching out to the people and remove the cancer of online fraud.
In 2025, we will build an overseas safe China system around the “three ones”: first, to build an international cooperation platform for overseas security, deepen security cooperation with all countries, especially the countries building the “Belt and Road” and Lancang-Mekong countries, and extend the “circle of friends” for mutual assistance. Second, make good use of an overseas consular protection hotline to provide all-weather, zero-time difference consultation and assistance. Third, improve a set of risk warning and emergency response linkage mechanisms to provide more efficient consular protection for overseas compatriots and give the people a “peace of mind”.