Beijing, December 18, 2024 – The Europe Today: Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi declared on Tuesday that China’s diplomacy in 2024 had fostered a robust external environment conducive to the country’s high-quality development and brought valuable stability to an increasingly volatile world.
Addressing a symposium on the international situation and China’s foreign relations in 2024, Wang, also a member of the Political Bureau of the Communist Party of China (CPC) Central Committee, emphasized that the country’s diplomatic endeavors had significantly advanced global peace, development, and win-win cooperation.
Head-of-State Diplomacy Leading the Way
Highlighting China’s head-of-state diplomacy, Wang noted that President Xi Jinping’s active engagement on the international stage has set a new tone for global collaboration. President Xi attended pivotal events such as the 70th Anniversary of the Five Principles of Peaceful Coexistence, the China-Arab States Cooperation Forum, and the Beijing Summit of the Forum on China-Africa Cooperation (FOCAC). Additionally, he embarked on four overseas trips and participated in multiple multilateral summits.
Wang stated that President Xi’s advocacy for peace, multilateralism, fairness, justice, and global cooperation has bolstered international solidarity in addressing pressing global challenges. Through direct dialogues, strategic communications, and public diplomacy efforts, President Xi has laid a strong foundation for sustainable state-to-state relations, Wang added.
Strengthening Strategic Partnerships
Wang highlighted significant achievements in China’s comprehensive diplomatic agenda:
- China-Russia Relations: Marked by three meetings between President Xi and Russian President Vladimir Putin, bilateral ties have deepened under strategic guidance, showcasing a model of cooperation between major powers.
- China-Europe Relations: Wang emphasized the importance of fostering a healthier and more stable relationship between China and Europe through dialogue, collaboration, and mutual support for multilateralism and free trade.
- Regional Relations: China’s ties with neighboring countries have grown stronger, with enhanced integration of interests and mutual trust. Regional cooperation initiatives, spearheaded by China, have gained significant momentum.
- China-U.S. Relations: Despite challenges, Wang noted that guided by head-of-state diplomacy, China has worked towards stability in its ties with the United States, focusing on implementing the “San Francisco Vision” while maintaining clear red lines on critical issues.
Promoting Global Development
China’s commitment to modernization and high-quality development has contributed to global prosperity, Wang said. Initiatives like the Belt and Road Initiative (BRI) have expanded significantly, with 155 countries now part of the cooperation framework.
China’s high-level opening-up policies, including reduced restrictions on foreign investment and alignment with global trade standards, have created opportunities for shared development worldwide. Wang highlighted China’s active role in supporting the Global South through inclusive cooperation and President Xi’s eight measures aimed at strengthening South-South collaboration.
The adoption of the Beijing Declaration and Beijing Action Plan at the FOCAC summit further underscores China’s dedication to modernization and partnership with African nations.
Commitment to Peace and Unity in 2025
Looking ahead, Wang emphasized the significance of 2025 as the 80th anniversary of the victory in the Chinese People’s War of Resistance Against Japanese Aggression and the World Anti-Fascist War, as well as the founding of the United Nations.
He reaffirmed China’s role as a champion of peace, openness, justice, and inclusivity, calling on the international community to work collectively toward global stability.
China plans to host key events, including the second China-Central Asia Summit, and actively support major international gatherings such as the BRICS Summit in Brazil and the 2025 G20 Summit in South Africa. Additionally, Wang pledged to uphold free trade, strengthen supply chains, and expand multilateral cooperation across various sectors.
As China deepens its diplomatic efforts, Wang called on nations, particularly the United States, to work with China in overcoming obstacles and advancing sustainable development in bilateral relations and beyond.
