We are breaking new ground in major country diplomacy with Chinese characteristics: Chinese Foreign Minister

Chinese State Councilor and Foreign Minister Wang Yi recently sat for an exclusive interview with People's Daily Online.

Q: 2018 has seen the start of the comprehensive implementation of the spirit of the 19th Communist Party of China (CPC) National Congress, and Xi Jinping’s Thought on Diplomacy was established as an overarching guideline by the Central Conference on Work Relating to Foreign Affairs. Could you please introduce the great significance of Xi’s diplomatic thinking, especially concerning the concept of building a community with a shared future for humankind?

Wang Yi: Xi Jinping’s Thought on Diplomacy is a complete theoretical system. The ten major aspects of Xi Jinping's diplomacy thought specify the target, fundamental principle, major tasks and unique style of China’s diplomacy in the new era, marking a significant leap forward in the construction of China’s diplomatic theories. The building of a community with a shared future for humankind is the core and essence of Xi Jinping’s diplomatic thinking. It carries what Chinese people have always believed in that the world is a common wealth, and conforms to the progress of human society, becoming a symbol of China’s diplomacy in the new era. Going beyond the differences among social systems and developmental phases, and viewing international relations from the overall interests of the people, the theory showcases global vision and serves as a lofty goal that Chinese diplomacy in the new era pursues. This concept, proposed by general secretary of the Central Committee of the Communist Party of China Xi Jinping, has been incorporated into the documents of prominent international and regional organizations including the UN, receiving broad recognition from countries all over the world. It will have a profound impact on the future direction of international relations as well as the future of humankind.

Q: This year, the US started and escalated trade frictions with China, bringing uncertainties and instability to China-US relations. What’s your opinion on current China-US ties?

Wang Yi: 2019 marks the 40th anniversary of China-US diplomatic relations. The ancient Chinese philosopher Confucius said, “When reaching forty, one should no longer have any doubts.” The experience and lessons over the past 40 years are enough to prove that for China and the US, cooperation will deliver win-win results, whereas confrontation will end with a loss for both sides. In today’s world, where the interests of China and the US are interwoven in the era of in-depth development of economic globalization, both countries should eliminate all barriers, to implement the valuable consensus and be free from doubt. The one who adopts Cold War mentality will only isolate itself, and the one who uses zero-sum games will never be able to retreat without hurting itself. China will unswervingly follow the path of socialism with Chinese characteristics, stay committed to peaceful development, and conduct win-win cooperation with countries. We hope the US can be positive about China’s progress. There is no need to create rivals, and still less, to effectuate a self-fulfilling prophecy.

Q: When compared with China-US ties, the China-Russia relationship is highly stable, and has been running on a high level in recent years. What do you think of China-Russia ties? 

Wang Yi: China and Russia regard each other as comprehensive strategic partners. Thanks to the high-level mutual trust and strategic guidance of the two heads of state, bilateral ties have always been as firm and stable as a rock or mountain, and are becoming a strategic force in maintaining world peace and stability. The stable China-Russia relations, which are grounded on continuously expanding common interests, never target a third party, and are never affected by third-party factors.

Q: There was an important turnover on the Korean Peninsula in 2018. What role did China play in this?

Wang Yi: China always stays firmly committed to the denuclearization of the Korean Peninsula, and adheres to establishing a peace mechanism and solving issues through dialogue. We’ve taken efforts toward this for more than 20 years. This year, some positive changes have taken place on the peninsula.

In the face of the hard-earned opportunity for peace, we encourage parties on the peninsula to conquer difficulties and further improve relations, until the situation on the peninsula is truly stabilized.

We encourage the US and the DPRK to meet each other halfway and implement their commitments made in the joint statement inked in the Singapore meeting as soon as possible. At the same time, we are happy to see the situation of "double suspension" continue, and expect to promote parallel progress in the denuclearization of the peninsula and the establishment of a peace mechanism, which will take care of the concerns of all parties. It is the fundamental policy to promote long-term peace and stability of the peninsula.

Q: This year marks the 40th anniversary of reform and opening up. In terms of diplomacy, what is the significance and global influence of China’s reform and opening up?

Wang Yi: Forty years ago, reform and opening-up changed China fundamentally, opening a door for the country’s communication with the rest of the world.

China’s reform and opening-up has witnessed the most remarkable achievements during the six years since the 18th National Congress of the Communist Party of China. The CPC Central Committee, with Comrade Xi as its core, has launched a series of important measures, making a number of historical achievements.

I believe that following China’s continuing reform and opening-up, the country will surely inject even greater vitality into the world over the next 40 years, bringing endurable peace, as well as providing the world with more positivity.