Pevita Pearce
Beijing, China – China’s foreign policy in the coming years will be fundamentally guided by the overarching objectives of fostering a new form of international relations and constructing a community with a shared future for all of humanity, declared Foreign Minister Wang Yi. These pronouncements, delivered at a significant symposium in Beijing, signal a strategic recalibration and an assertive vision for China’s role on the global stage.
The symposium, themed "International Developments and China’s Diplomacy in 2017," convened a distinguished assembly of diplomats and researchers on Saturday. It served as a platform for Foreign Minister Wang Yi to articulate the nation’s diplomatic roadmap, drawing direct inspiration from the directives laid out at the 19th National Congress of the Communist Party of China (CPC). According to Wang, this pivotal Party congress has definitively charted the course for China’s external relations, underscoring the imperative for the nation to cultivate a more conducive external environment and harness stronger external impetus to achieve its domestic goal of building a moderately prosperous society in all respects.
A Vision for a New Era of Diplomacy
"For China’s diplomacy in the new era, we will take a longer and broader perspective and be even more open-minded and resourceful," Wang asserted, outlining a forward-looking approach characterized by strategic foresight and adaptability. This statement suggests a departure from more insular or reactive foreign policy postures, emphasizing proactive engagement and innovative solutions to complex global challenges. The emphasis on "open-mindedness and resourcefulness" hints at a willingness to explore diverse diplomatic tools and forge new partnerships.
The symposium, held in the latter part of 2017, provided a crucial juncture for assessing the global landscape and defining China’s diplomatic priorities. The attendees, including seasoned diplomats and academic experts, engaged in discussions that set the stage for China’s international engagement in the ensuing period. The timing of these pronouncements, following the significant 19th CPC National Congress, reinforces their importance as a definitive statement of national intent.
Addressing Global Hotspots: Peace and Diplomacy as Cornerstones
Foreign Minister Wang Yi also addressed several critical geopolitical issues, reiterating China’s unwavering commitment to peaceful resolutions and multilateral cooperation.
The Korean Peninsula Nuclear Issue: A Call for Dialogue Over Conflict
In a pointed address regarding the Korean Peninsula nuclear issue, Wang unequivocally stated, "war is by no means acceptable." He stressed that the possibility of negotiation remains a viable and preferred path forward. This stance reflects China’s long-held position prioritizing de-escalation and diplomatic engagement to resolve the complex situation.
Wang highlighted China’s significant contributions to addressing the issue, asserting, "China has put in more efforts and borne a greater cost than any other party in addressing the Korean Peninsula nuclear issue." He further underscored China’s adherence to international norms by noting its consistent implementation of United Nations Security Council resolutions. This assertion aims to underscore China’s responsible role within the international community and its commitment to upholding global security frameworks. The implication is that China’s efforts, often undertaken with considerable domestic sacrifice, warrant greater international recognition and a more collaborative approach from all stakeholders.
The Middle East: A Principled Stance on Palestinian Rights
Turning to the volatile Middle East, Wang reaffirmed China’s steadfast support for the Palestinian people’s pursuit of their legitimate rights. "We support the establishment of an independent Palestinian state that enjoys full sovereignty, with East Jerusalem as its capital and based on the 1967 border," he declared. This reiteration of China’s long-standing policy on the Israeli-Palestinian conflict emphasizes the principle of a two-state solution and the importance of Jerusalem’s status being determined through dialogue.
Wang emphasized that the final status of Jerusalem must be resolved through dialogue and negotiation, grounded in UN resolutions. This position underscores China’s commitment to international law and a multilateral approach to resolving territorial disputes. The clear articulation of support for a Palestinian state with East Jerusalem as its capital signifies China’s active engagement in promoting a just and lasting peace in the region.
Navigating Major Power Relations: Strategic Stability and Mutual Respect
China’s approach to its relationships with other major global powers was also a central theme of Wang’s address, emphasizing stability and mutual understanding.
China-US Relations: A Strategic Anchor in a Complex World
Wang highlighted the frequent and constructive interactions between Chinese President Xi Jinping and US President Donald Trump, noting their three meetings and numerous communications via letters and phone calls throughout the year. He characterized these exchanges as providing "a strategic anchor to what is the most complicated and consequential relationship in the world." This framing suggests that despite underlying tensions, direct communication channels between the leaders are crucial for maintaining stability in the vital Sino-American relationship.
"China is willing, on the basis of mutual respect, to live peacefully with the American superpower," Wang stated. He further elaborated on China’s expectations, saying, "The US needs to understand and accept a China that is following its own path of socialism with Chinese characteristics, one suited to its own conditions." This statement conveys a clear message of China’s desire for peaceful coexistence and its assertion of its right to pursue its own development model without external interference. The emphasis on "mutual respect" and acceptance of China’s unique path is central to Beijing’s diplomatic messaging to Washington.
China-Russia Partnership: A Pillar of Global Peace
The robust relationship between China and Russia was also lauded. Wang noted that President Xi Jinping and Russian President Vladimir Putin had met five times during the year, underscoring the depth and strategic importance of their partnership. He described the China-Russia relationship as having become "a major cornerstone for world peace and stability, fairness and justice, and win-win cooperation." This statement positions the Sino-Russian axis as a significant force for global equilibrium, advocating for a multipolar world order that prioritizes international fairness and mutually beneficial collaboration.
The Belt and Road Initiative: A Global Public Good
A significant portion of Wang’s address was dedicated to the China-proposed Belt and Road Initiative (BRI), which he described as having become "the most popular international public goods program." This assertion underscores the growing global recognition and adoption of the BRI. Supporting data indicates the initiative’s tangible impact: Chinese businesses have invested over $50 billion in participating countries, creating nearly 200,000 local jobs. This economic contribution highlights the practical benefits of the BRI and its role in fostering economic development across Eurasia and beyond.
Expert Analysis on the BRI’s Impact
Sun Zhuangzhi, secretary-general of the SCO Research Center affiliated with the Chinese Academy of Social Sciences, provided further context on the strategic significance of the BRI. He noted that the selection of Qingdao, Shandong province, as the host city for the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) Summit in June reflects China’s strong advocacy for the initiative. Sun explained that Qingdao’s strategic location, with both land connections to Europe via railways and maritime links to other nations, positions it as a vital hub for developing the BRI. This geographical advantage reinforces Qingdao’s importance in facilitating trade and connectivity under the BRI framework.
Zhou Shijian, a senior researcher on China-US trade relations at Tsinghua University in Beijing, echoed the sentiment regarding the BRI’s broader implications. He stated that the initiative is poised to promote global economic development and help balance the north-south economic gap, thereby contributing significantly to the building of a community of shared future for mankind. This perspective emphasizes the BRI’s potential to foster more equitable global development and reduce economic disparities.
Upcoming Diplomatic Milestones: Showcasing Global Engagement
Looking ahead, Wang announced key diplomatic events that will further shape China’s international engagement. China is preparing to host the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation Summit in Qingdao, Shandong province, in June. This summit will be a critical platform for regional cooperation and strategic discussions among SCO member states. Additionally, China will host the first China International Import Expo in November in Shanghai.
Zhou Shijian commented on the significance of the International Import Expo, calling it "a good move for the country’s diplomacy in 2018." He reasoned that expanding imports would not only promote China’s own economic development but also enhance its relations with other countries. This initiative signals China’s commitment to opening its market and fostering greater international trade, further integrating it into the global economy.
The selection of Qingdao for the SCO summit and the planned International Import Expo underscore China’s multifaceted diplomatic strategy. These events are designed to showcase its commitment to multilateralism, regional security, economic integration, and its vision for a global community built on shared prosperity and cooperation. The comprehensive foreign policy framework outlined by Foreign Minister Wang Yi points towards a more assertive and globally integrated China, actively shaping the international order in pursuit of its vision for a shared future.
Sagoh
