In his speech, Mr. Xi praised China as a rising “responsible” world power under the leadership of head-of-state diplomacy since taking power in 2012, and said that China has achieved “various “We have overcome many difficulties and challenges,” he said.
But he also warned of “high winds and waves” ahead as the world “enters a new period of turmoil and change.” This is a thinly veiled reference to Beijing’s feud with the United States and its allies over ideological and geopolitical differences.
“China has become a responsible great power with increased international influence, enhanced ability to lead new initiatives, and increased moral appeal,” he declared, according to a Xinhua article.
“We have demonstrated China’s unique characteristics, style and spirit in our foreign affairs, and established the image of a confident, self-reliant, open and inclusive great power with a global perspective.”
He said China has taken a “holistic approach to relations with all parties” and has “expanded its comprehensive strategic positioning and formed an extensive and high-quality global partnership network.”
“This further centralizes decision-making, highlights Xi’s contributions to China’s new-era diplomacy, and elevates Xi’s political status to the national level,” said Jikun Zhu, a professor of international relations at Bucknell University in Pennsylvania. “This is part of the Chinese Communist Party’s efforts to raise the bar.” Mao.”
He said it was clear that Mr. Xi had taken control of all important matters, and there were concerns about whether the party had completely withdrawn from collective leadership.
“It is unclear what Chinese diplomats can do to address serious external challenges. With the Party in complete control of foreign affairs, professional diplomats have little room for maneuver.” Mr. Zhu said.
President Xi calls legal support for foreign affairs an ‘urgent issue’ for China
President Xi calls legal support for foreign affairs an ‘urgent issue’ for China
Facing unprecedented challenges at home and abroad, Mr. Xi believed that China still faces “new strategic opportunities” and that China’s diplomacy “enters a new phase where even more can be achieved.” ” he said.
“We must unwaveringly uphold the ultimate authority of the Chinese Communist Party’s central leadership over foreign affairs,” he said, urging governments at all levels to “keep the big picture in mind” and “consider the Chinese government’s decisions.” He urged them to do so in both letter and spirit.
“We will focus on the core tasks of the Communist Party of China and the country, pursue progress while maintaining stability, explore new frontiers while adhering to fundamental principles, and firmly safeguard China’s sovereignty, security and development interests,” he said. We must protect it.”
“We will explore new frontiers in China’s diplomatic theory and practice, promote new dynamics in China’s relations with the world, and shape China’s international influence, appeal, and situation to a new level. We will create a more favorable international environment, build China into a great modern socialist country in all aspects, and advance the great rejuvenation of the Chinese nation in all aspects through China’s modernization path. “We will provide stronger strategic support for China,” Xi said. Say.
He said that the Chinese government will continue to “uphold the high standard of international morality and unite the world’s overwhelming majority,” “promote the fighting spirit,” reject “all forms of strongman politics and bullying,” and “improve our country’s institutional system.” “We will leverage our strengths,” he said. amidst external uncertainty.
“An egalitarian, orderly, multipolar world is one in which all nations are treated equally regardless of size, hegemony and authoritarian politics are rejected, and democracy is genuinely promoted in international relations.” Stated.
“Resolutely opposing attempts to roll back globalization and abusing the concept of security, opposing all forms of unilateralism and protectionism, resolutely promoting trade and investment liberalization and facilitation, It is important to overcome the structural problems that impede the healthy development of the world economy, and make economic globalization more open, inclusive, balanced and beneficial to all,” the Chinese President said. said.
“The world is changing, the times are changing, and changes of historical significance are unfolding like never before,” Xi said. “However, the overall direction of human development and progress remains the same, the overall dynamics of world history, which continues through its twists and turns, remain the same, and the overall direction of the international community toward a common future remains the same. Trends do not change either. We must have full confidence in these trends that influence history.”
Su Hao, a diplomacy expert at China Foreign Affairs University under the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, said the rise of China and other developing countries has changed the global balance of power.
“Since modern times, the world has been dominated by the West. However, it is clear that the role and status of Western countries is currently declining due to the rise of developing countries, and the trend of global multipolarization advocated by China is It is pushing the world toward a balance of power structure,” he said in an interview with Shenzhen Television.
03:02
Xi Jinping calls for ceasefire in Gaza, says two-state solution is the only option for lasting peace in the region
Xi Jinping calls for ceasefire in Gaza, says two-state solution is the only option for lasting peace in the region
As the world becomes increasingly unstable amidst the Russia-Ukraine war and the Israeli-Palestinian conflict, Mr. He said that he was facing a significant opportunity.
According to the state-run Beijing Youth Daily, the Central Diplomatic Work Conference was held three times in 2006, 2014, and 2018.
Similar meetings on diplomatic work are held approximately every five years, including one on peripheral diplomacy in 2013, said Yun Sun, co-director of the East Asia program and director of the China program at the Washington-based Stimson Center. said.
“In 2018, it was the Central Diplomatic Work Conference. The pattern seems to be that the diplomatic work conference is held the year after each party congress,” she said.
“The conference summarized the achievements of Xi Jinping’s diplomacy over the past decade and pointed out new priorities for China’s diplomacy for the future. The key is to actively shape China’s relations with the outside world. That seems to be the case. China’s confidence in its course and future is clear.”
Be wary of foreign infiltration, China’s corruption buster warns diplomats
Be wary of foreign infiltration, China’s corruption buster warns diplomats
Shi Yinghong, a professor of international affairs at Renmin University in Beijing, said the reading of the meeting largely reaffirmed what the party said in its political report at the 20th National Congress last year.
“The statement appears to be more general than a new policy, and we need to see more concrete diplomatic actions by China,” he said.
It is unclear whether the meeting signals a shift in China’s foreign policy direction ahead of what is expected to be a more tumultuous period leading up to presidential elections in the United States and Taiwan.
“[To discern possible changes in China’s foreign policy], it may be necessary to consider China’s major diplomatic acts, not just a single act but actions over a period of time. “Although the wording may be similar, foreign policy may include some new features over time,” he said.
Additional reporting by Sylvia Ma