Highlights of NPC press conference on China's diplomacy

Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi, also a member of the Political Bureau of the Communist Party of China Central Committee, attends a press conference on China's foreign policy and external relations on the sidelines of the fourth session of the 14th National People's Congress in Beijing on Sunday. [Photo by Wang Jing/chinadaily.com.cn]

Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi, also a member of the Political Bureau of the Communist Party of China Central Committee, held a press conference on Sunday on the sidelines of the fourth session of the 14th National People's Congress.

Wang answered questions of journalists from home and abroad on China's foreign policy and external relations.

Here are some highlights from the press conference.

On heads-of-state diplomacy

Heads-of-state diplomacy is the anchor of Chinese diplomacy. China's diplomacy provides the most-needed stability and certainty to a world in turmoil and serves as an irreplaceable mainstay amid global turbulence. 

On China-Russia ties

China and Russia, bound by strong political mutual trust, do not fear any external attempts to sow discord or impose coercion. The two major countries have always upheld strategic autonomy, respected each other's core interests, and refrained from imposing their own will or agenda on each other. 

On APEC

China is committed to translating the goal of building an Asia-Pacific community into concrete action and turning the blueprint into reality as it hosts the Asia-Pacific Economic Leaders' Meeting in Shenzhen, Guangdong province, this year. 

Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi, also a member of the Political Bureau of the Communist Party of China Central Committee, attends a press conference on China's foreign policy and external relations on the sidelines of the fourth session of the 14th National People's Congress in Beijing on Sunday. [Photo by Wang Jing/chinadaily.com.cn]

On the Iran situation

"This is a war that should not have happened—a war that does no one any good," he said, calling for an immediate halt to military operations and urging efforts to prevent the situation from escalating further, and avoid the conflict spilling over and spreading. 

On global governance

China has called on more countries to participate in and support the Global Governance Initiative, and to work together to revitalize, defend and strengthen the United Nations. 

On China-US ties

Foreign Minister Wang Yi said China and the United States need to make thorough preparations for their high-level exchanges, foster the right conditions, manage differences and remove unnecessary disruptions.

A news conference for the fourth session of the 14th National People's Congress on China's diplomacy is held in Beijing on Sunday. [Photo by Wang Jing/chinadaily.com.cn]

On neighborhood diplomacy

China always places neighboring countries as a priority in its diplomatic agenda, and is always an anchor for regional peace, an engine for regional development and prosperity, and a champion of the shared values of Asian countries. 

On protecting Chinese nationals and institutions overseas

Over the past year, China's diplomatic missions have handled more than 100 major emergencies involving Chinese nationals and institutions, dealt with more than 79,000 consular protection and assistance cases, and received more than 600 thousand calls for help through the 12308 consular protection hotline. 

On Global South

Global South should strengthen communication and coordination, jointly safeguard its legitimate rights and interests, and expand the space for independent development amid the rise of hegemonism and power politics. 

On China-Europe ties

For China-Europe relations to stay steady and sound, "it is crucial for Europe to have a correct perception of China". The minister noted that, since last year, relations between China and European countries have improved.

Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi, also a member of the Political Bureau of the Communist Party of China Central Committee, attends a press conference on China's foreign policy and external relations on the sidelines of the fourth session of the 14th National People's Congress in Beijing on Sunday. [Photo by Wang Jing/chinadaily.com.cn]

On Palestine-Israel conflict

China will facilitate international efforts to restore justice to the Palestinian people, while stressing that the two-state solution is the only equitable and widely-recognized solution to the Palestinian question. 

On multipolar world

Major countries with more resources and capabilities should be more generous, shoulder more responsibilities, and set an example of observing rules, honoring commitments, and upholding international law. 

On China-Latin America ties

Cooperation between China and Latin American and Caribbean countries does not target any third party and should not be subject to interference from any third party. 

On high-standard opening-up

China will continue to enable high-standard opening-up, expand the fast track for people-to-people exchanges, and open new windows of connectivity. 

Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi, also a member of the Political Bureau of the Communist Party of China Central Committee, attends a press conference on China's foreign policy and external relations on the sidelines of the fourth session of the 14th National People's Congress in Beijing on Sunday. [Photo by Wang Jing/chinadaily.com.cn]

On China-Africa ties

China-Africa relations are expected to make new progress this year, as the two sides mark the 70th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic ties. 

On globalization

China will not only act as "the world's factory" but also "the world's market", highlighting the key role of a universally beneficial and inclusive economic globalization. 

On China-Japan ties

Wang Yi said that the future of China-Japan relations hinges on Japan's behavior, urging the country to reflect on history and avoid repeating the disastrous mistakes of the past. "A strong China with 1.4 billion people will never allow anyone to justify colonialism or overturn history's verdict on aggression," he said. 

On South China Sea

China and the Association of Southeast Asian Nations are looking forward to completing the consultation on a Code of Conduct in the South China Sea this year. The consultation "has reached crunch time", Wang said. 

A news conference for the fourth session of the 14th National People's Congress on China's diplomacy is held in Beijing on Sunday. [Photo by Wang Jing/chinadaily.com.cn]

On China-India relations

China and India must maintain the correct strategic perception, uphold good-neighborliness and friendship, and focus on development to make BRICS cooperation more substantial and bring new hope to the Global South. 

On Taiwan question

The more the international community opposes "Taiwan independence" and upholds the one-China principle, the more assured peace and stability will be across the Taiwan Strait, said Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi. 

On community with shared future for mankind

China's vision of building a community with a shared future for humanity is intended to show that humanity's true enemies are not each other, but war, poverty, hunger, and injustice.