Wang Yi: Resist the Cold War Mentality and Defend True Democracy

On the evening of December 3, 2021, State Councilor and Foreign Minister Wang Yi further expounded on China's position on the so-called "Democracy Summit" to be held by the United States during his phone conversation with Pakistani Foreign Minister Shah Mahmood Qureshi.

Wang Yi said, what the United States aims for is not democracy but hegemony. It is seeking to defend its domination in the world in the name of democracy. It is trying to meddle in other countries' internal affairs under the banner of democracy. It is abusing the value of democracy to create division in the world. The United States itself has a ton of problems on democracy. If it still gives itself airs of a guardian of democracy, it is typically behaving with sanctimony. Many countries believe that the United States is already unqualified for setting tests and standards for others and that it has no right to ask others to follow its way of democracy only.

Wang Yi stressed, any discussion on democracy should be conducted on the platform of the United Nations in the spirit of mutual respect and on an equal footing. The international community might as well launch two tests. The first test is about countries' views on whether the United States is a role model of democracy in the world. I guess the results will be quite embarrassing. The second test is about the people of each country's satisfaction with their government. I think the results will put a certain country on the spot.

Wang Yi said, China is full of confidence in our democratic path and process. The socialist democracy with Chinese characteristics is the whole-process people's democracy, which is extensively championed and supported by the Chinese people. We are willing to exchange fully with other countries on democracy and human rights in an open and inclusive manner, so that all of us have a chance to learn from each other to make progress together and jointly promote the cause of democracy and human rights around the world. We are also willing to work with all parties to uphold justice, resist the Cold War mentality, defend and develop true democracy, and effectively safeguard the legitimate rights and interests of developing countries.