Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi highlighted China's role as a source of stability in a turbulent world and contrasted China's approach to global affairs to that of the United States as he took questions from the press in Beijing on Friday.
Wang, also a member of the Political Bureau of the Communist Party of China Central Committee, answered 23 questions during a 90-minute press conference on the sidelines of the third session of the 14th National People's Congress in Beijing.
Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi attends a press conference on China's foreign policy and external relations on the sidelines of the third session of the 14th National People's Congress in Beijing, China, March 7, 2025. /Xinhua
The foreign minister highlighted the importance and success of head-of-state diplomacy, adding that President Xi Jinping will make a number of overseas visits in 2025, and took questions on issues from the Global South and relations with Africa to ties with the United States and the resolution of disputes around the world.
Here are four takeaways from the press conference.
1. China a 'stabilizing force’
Wang repeatedly emphasized China's role as a stabilizing and constructive force, and stressed the importance of trust, respect and following international rules.
The foreign minister said China provides certainty in an uncertain world, and described the country as a just and righteous force for global peace and stability. It will always be a staunch defender of national interests, and won't be undermined by maximum pressure, threats or blackmail, he added.
China will continue to uphold true multilateralism, promote global governance, observe the principles of UN Charter and share the opportunities of China's development with other countries, he said.
He also emphasized the importance of the China-Russia relationship as a "constant in a turbulent world, rather than a variable in geopolitical gains."
Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi attends a press conference on China's foreign policy and external relations on the sidelines of the third session of the 14th National People's Congress in Beijing, China, March 7, 2025. /Xinhua
The central role of global institutions, chiefly the UN, was also a key part of Wang's message. All countries should be treated as equal and international affairs must not be monopolized by a small number of countries, he said, adding that a more just and equitable global governance system is needed.
Unilateralism is on the rise and authoritarianism is rampant, he warned, so the more urgent the challenge, the more important it is to safeguard the authority of the UN.
The foreign minister also stressed China's role in Asia, saying the country is an anchor of stability, engine of economic development and pillar of regional security in the region. He noted that China has signed Belt and Road partnerships with 25 regional countries and is the largest trading partner for 18.
Commenting on the U.S. Indo-Pacific strategy, he said it had achieved little but stirring up trouble and causing disputes. Asia is not a field for big power rivalry, he added, and reiterated China's opposition to the U.S. deployment of medium-range missiles in the region.
2. China-U.S. ties
Wang spoke extensively about China's relationship with the United States, chiefly in response to a series of questions from overseas reporters, highlighting the potential for cooperation but contrasting the countries' approaches to various global issues.
In answer to what he called a "sharp" question from U.S. broadcaster CNN about bilateral ties, Wang said China stands firm on the side of international justice and in opposition to power politics and hegemony, and the "might is right" approach is not conducive to a stable world.
Wang said a big country should honor its international obligations, stand on side of international justice, and not wield power to bully the weak. A real winner, he said, is one who keeps in mind the interests of all, and the China-proposed community of shared future for all mankind will ensure everyone has a bright future.
Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi attends a press conference on China's foreign policy and external relations on the sidelines of the third session of the 14th National People's Congress in Beijing, China, March 7, 2025. /Xinhua
Asked by Reuters about the U.S. tariffs imposed on China, the foreign minister emphasized the importance of mutual respect as a prerequisite for a healthy relationship.
No country should imagine it can suppress China while maintaining good relations with it, he said, adding that China would take countermeasures against any arbitrary tariffs. "Two-faced acts" are not good for the stability of relations or building mutual trust, he said.
Wang also urged the U.S. to assess what its tariff-led policies had achieved, asking whether the trade deficit was up or down, inflation had risen or fallen, or whether people's lives were better or worse.
On fentanyl, an issue which the U.S. has cited in relation to the imposition of tariffs, he noted that China always takes resolute measures against drug-trafficking. The abuse of fentanyl in the U.S. is a problem which must be confronted and solved by the U.S. itself, he added.
Wang said there was broad space for cooperation between China and the U.S. and the countries shared many common interests, so they must seek peaceful coexistence.
3. Global South emerging as key force
The growing voice of the Global South was referenced frequently by Wang, who noted that it now accounts for 40 percent of the world economy and said historic changes were taking place.
The Global South is emerging as a key force for maintaining world peace, driving development and upholding global governance, he added, and holds the key to bringing stability to the world.
Journalists from around the world attend a press conference on China's foreign policy and external relations on the sidelines of the third session of the 14th National People's Congress in Beijing, China, March 7, 2025. /Xinhua
Wang urged the Global South to stand together in unity, speak in one voice to the world, steadily increase its representation and voice in global governance.
He added that China, like many other Global South countries, had fought colonialism and hegemonism and was committed to development, saying its heart will always be with the Global South and roots will grow deeper with the Global South.
China will continue to expand its global partnership of equality, openness and cooperation and to write a new chapter of solidarity and self-reliance with the Global South, the foreign minister added.
Wang also spoke of the strength of the China-Africa relationship, describing it as at its best in history. He added that there will be no global modernization without African modernization, and said the world must listen to Africa, heed its concerns, and support it in exploring a new development path of self-reliance and self-strengthening.
The foreign minister also noted that China is rapidly becoming a strong tech nation despite external suppression, and is willing to share the results of its innovations with other countries.
4. 'No loser in peace’
Wang reiterated China's position on the Ukraine crisis and the next steps for Gaza.
He said China's stance on the Russia-Ukraine conflict has always been objective and impartial, noting that it has called for peace talks since the outset of the crisis and published position papers advocating for a ceasefire through peaceful negotiations.
The foreign minster added that China aims to help create conditions for the resolution of the crisis, supports all efforts for peace, and has sent a special envoy to Europe and the Global South to promote peace talks.
While noting that the roots of the crisis were complex, he said, there is "no winner in conflict, and no loser in peace." He said the conflict could have been avoided, and emphasized that security should be mutual and equal, adding that no country should build security on the concerns of others.
Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi attends a press conference on China's foreign policy and external relations on the sidelines of the third session of the 14th National People's Congress in Beijing, China, March 7, 2025. /Xinhua
Asked about the U.S. proposals for the future of Gaza, Wang stressed that Gaza belongs to the Palestinian people and is an inseparable part of Palestinian territory.
If a major country truly cares about the people in Gaza, he said, it should be focused on peace, a sustainable ceasefire and reconstruction. He added that China supports the plan for restoring peace in Gaza initiated by Egypt and other Arab countries.
Without Middle East peace, the world will not be stable, he warned, adding that the repeated conflicts between Israel and Palestine were a consequence of the two-state solution being only half achieved, and calling on the international community to focus more on realizing an independent state for Palestine.
Wang also took questions on China's relations with Europe and Japan and issues related to the South China Sea and Taiwan region.
From: CGTN, March 7, 2025
