Highlights of Chinese foreign minister's press conference (3)

A journalist with the People's Daily asks a question. (People's Daily Online/Hao Yong)

A more Assertive China?

Assertiveness has never been part of the Chinese tradition, and hegemony will never be our choice even when we become stronger.

China will surely become stronger, but will not be assertive. China values its independence, but will not go it alone. China will stand up for its rights, but will not seek hegemony.

China-DPRK Relations

China fully supports the DPRK in exploring a development path that suits itself and making continuous progress in socialist construction, in implementing a new national strategy and focusing more on economic growth and better livelihood, and in keeping to the goal of denuclearization of the Korean Peninsula and have having its legitimate concerns addressed in this process.

China-India Relations

Our friendship and cooperation will surge ahead like the Yangtze and the Ganges, giving strong and sustained impetus to our relationship.

As two ancient civilizations with a combined population of 2.7 billion, and two large developing countries and emerging markets, China and India should be each other’s partner in pursuing our respective dreams and each other’s important opportunity for growing our respective economies. Collectively, we must make our due contribution to Asia’s revitalization and prosperity.

Consular Protection

In 2019, the MFA will take new steps to benefit the Chinese people and improve their safety and convenience overseas. We will upgrade the 12308 smartphone app to make it a one-stop portal. Mobile payment will be phased in by our overseas missions to make more consular services accessible at fingertips.

Negotiation on a Code of Conduct in the South China Sea

The COC will be an upgrade of the DOC. It will be more suited to our region’s needs and more effective in regulating the conduct of the parties, and provide stronger safeguards for safety and freedom of navigation in the South China Sea.

The countries in the region should grasp in our own hands the key to peace and stability in the South China Sea. The COC should be developed and honored by countries in the region. We must live up to this responsibility.

China-Japan Relations

We are still in the early stage of improving our relations. Looking ahead, we must match our actions to our words, adopt an honest attitude toward history and an objective view of reality, work actively for a better future, and take more solid and determined steps in the right direction.

Facilitating Domestic Development

The MFA will do its best to meet the overriding goal of facilitating domestic development, help more provinces embrace the world, support Chinese cities in hosting flagship international events, protect the legitimate interests of Chinese businesses, and proactively share information.