Member of the Political Bureau of the CPC Central Committee, Foreign Minister Wang Yi Answers Questions from Chinese and Foreign Journalists on China's Foreign Policy and International Relations

The Fourth Session of the 14th National People's Congress held a press conference at the Media Center, where Wang Yi, Member of the Political Bureau of the CPC Central Committee and Foreign Minister, answered questions from Chinese and foreign journalists on China's foreign policy and international relations.

Wang Yi: Good morning, friends from the press! I am very pleased to meet you again. Today is International Women's Day, and first of all, I would like to extend my sincere wishes to all women. I would also like to take this opportunity to express my sincere thanks to our media friends and personalities from various circles for your attention and support for Chinese diplomacy.

Today's world is witnessing rapid developments of unprecedented changes in a century, with transformations and turbulences intertwined, and wars and conflicts continuously succeeding each other. Meanwhile, China is experiencing a rapid pace of building a strong nation, an irresistible momentum of national rejuvenation, and international influence growing day by day. Under the strong leadership of the CPC Central Committee with Comrade Xi Jinping as its core, Chinese diplomacy revolves around the central task of the Party and the nation, follows the scientific guidance of Xi Jinping Thought on Diplomacy, firmly defends the country's sovereignty, security, and development interests, firmly upholds the rule of law in the world, fairness and justice, firmly opposes all unilateral actions, power politics, and bullying, firmly adheres to and fulfills required international commitments, and firmly stands on the right side of history's progress. We are full of confidence in the future of humanity as the most important force for peace, stability, and justice in the world, and we are ready to work with all like-minded and ambitious countries to continue writing a contemporary chapter characterized by peace, development, cooperation, and win-win outcomes towards the lofty goal of building a community of shared future for mankind.

Therefore, I am ready to answer your questions.

CCTV: The year 2025 is a very special year for Chinese diplomacy. Could you highlight the achievements of summit diplomacy in the past year? And what are the new notable points for this year?

Wang Yi: Summit diplomacy is an anchor for Chinese diplomacy. In the past year, President Xi Jinping engaged in fruitful summit diplomatic practices, in the face of strong winds and turbulent waves in the international situation, creating a series of important historical moments.

Over the past year, President Xi Jinping held important meetings with leaders of major countries in the world and conducted strategic communication with them, creating a new experience of dialogue and coordination among major powers; he visited Southeast Asia, Russia, Central Asia, and the Republic of Korea, establishing a new landscape of good neighborliness with neighboring countries; he presided over the Tianjin Summit of the Shanghai Cooperation Organization and the China-CELAC (Community of Latin American and Caribbean States) Forum, mobilizing new impetus for the solidarity of the Global South; and he attended a series of events commemorating the 80th anniversary of the victory of the Chinese People's War of Resistance Against Japanese Aggression and the victory of the World Anti-Fascist War, issuing a strong new voice for defending peace and justice.

Over the past year, the international community has come to know China, approached it, and placed greater trust and expectations on it through summit diplomacy. An increasing number of countries have realized that Chinese diplomacy, personally planned and led by President Xi Jinping, has provided factors of stability and certainty, which are the most precious things in a turbulent world, and it has become an irreplaceable backbone amidst the world's turbulences. Especially, the important initiatives and concepts put forward by President Xi Jinping embody his distinguished strategic insight and broad global vision, and they have set the correct direction for the development of unprecedented changes in a century.

This year, President Xi Jinping will welcome world guests to China, preside over the informal APEC leaders' meeting, the Second China-Arab States Summit, and other major events hosted by China, and make several important visits. This will undoubtedly promote the development of relations between China and countries around the world in a more positive direction, undoubtedly open up new prospects for building a community of shared future for mankind, and undoubtedly enable the Chinese nation to make new contributions to the cause of world peace and development.

Sputnik: In the complex international situation, how do China and Russia, as two major countries, confront attempts to reshape international law and global trade rules?

Wang Yi: This year marks the 30th anniversary of the establishment of the China-Russia strategic partnership of coordination, and the 25th anniversary of the signing of the "Treaty of Good-Neighborliness, Friendship and Cooperation between China and Russia." China-Russia relations have always "stood firm as a mountain amidst storms" in the intertwined changes and turbulences of the international situation.

Why have these relations reached this level? I believe the main reason is that the China-Russia strategic partnership of coordination has been established from the outset on the basis of equality, respect, and mutual benefit, reflecting the content of a new type of international relations and representing the direction of development of a new type of relations between major countries.

China and Russia are strategically independent. We always respect each other's core interests, do not forcibly impose our will and agenda on each other, and adhere to non-alliance, non-confrontation, and non-targeting of a third party.

China and Russia have a high degree of mutual political trust. Standing shoulder to shoulder is a fundamental characteristic of China-Russia relations, which possess enormous strategic resilience regardless of any attempts to sow discord or exert external pressure.

China and Russia have extensive practical cooperation. China and Russia have the most strategic consensus and closest strategic cooperation on important international and regional affairs, including the issue you mentioned of defending international rules and the international order.

The international order established after World War II is once again at a critical juncture after enduring 80 years of challenges and difficulties. Last year, the Chinese and Russian presidents attended commemorative events for the victory of the Anti-Fascist War held on the other side, where both sides issued three weighty joint statements on deepening comprehensive strategic cooperation, consolidating global strategic stability, and defending the authority of international law. This sent a clear message to the world about the necessity of upholding the correct understanding of the history of World War II, defending the outcomes of the victory of World War II, and rejecting unilateral actions and bullying with unwavering determination. 80 years ago, we made a "Sino-Russian contribution" to establishing the post-war order, and today, 80 years later, we will inject "Sino-Russian energy" to welcome a multipolar world.

Phoenix TV: The United States and Israel have once again launched military strikes on Iran, and the conflict is currently extending to the entire Middle East region. What are China's views on resolving the Iranian issue?

Wang Yi: This is a matter of concern to all parties, and also a focal point of the current international situation. The Chinese side adheres to an objective and just position, and has repeatedly clarified its principled stance, which can be summarized in one sentence: cease fire and prevent war. Ancient Chinese say, "War is a dangerous tool, one must be cautious in resorting to it." In the face of the Middle East engulfed in the flames of war, I would like to emphasize that this war should not have broken out in the first place, and no party wins in it. The history of the Middle East repeatedly reminds people that resorting to force is not a solution to problems, and war only leads to more hatred, and only generates more crises. The Chinese side once again calls for an immediate cessation of military operations, preventing the continuous escalation of the situation, and avoiding the expansion of the war's scope.

The Chinese side believes that finding correct and appropriate solutions to the relevant problems in Iran and the Middle East requires adherence to the following basic principles:

First, respect for state sovereignty. Sovereignty is the cornerstone of the existing international order. We call for the necessity of respecting the sovereignty, security, and territorial integrity of Iran and all countries in the Gulf region, without prejudice.

Second, refraining from arbitrary use of force. The power of the fist does not equal the power of right, and the world should not return to an era governed by the law of the jungle. Those who use force arbitrarily do not prove themselves strong, and the peoples should not be innocent victims of war.

Third, adherence to non-interference in internal affairs. The peoples of the Middle East are the true masters of this region, and the countries of the Middle East should decide their affairs by their independent will. Planning colored revolutions and carrying out regime change is unacceptable to the peoples.

Fourth, politically resolving hot issues. China always advocates for prioritizing peace, and all parties should return to the negotiating table as soon as possible, settle differences through equal dialogue, and make efforts to achieve common security.

Fifth, major countries should play a constructive role and use their power in good faith. Another ancient Chinese proverb says, "Without justice, the scales tip from victory to defeat." Major countries should adhere to justice and follow a straight path, and provide more positive energy for peace and development in the Middle East.

As a sincere friend and strategic partner of the Middle Eastern countries, China is ready to work with them to implement the Global Security Initiative, thereby restoring order to the Middle East, restoring security to its peoples, and restoring peace to the world.

CNN: Since President Donald Trump's return to the White House, China-US relations have seen fluctuations. His visit to China at the end of this month is highly anticipated. How will the US and Israeli military strikes on Iran affect this visit? And what are China's expectations for the outcomes of Trump's visit to China and the developments in bilateral relations in the coming period?

Wang Yi: China-US relations concern everyone and affect the world. Cutting off communication between the two countries will only lead to misunderstanding and misjudgment, and the two countries heading towards wrestling and confrontation will harm the world. China and the United States are two major countries, and neither can change the other, but they can change the way they deal with each other, which is to adhere to a position of mutual respect, defend peaceful coexistence as a red line, and pursue a horizon of cooperation and win-win outcomes. This approach is consistent with the interests of the two peoples and the aspirations of the international community.

What is heartening is that the two heads of state have made personal efforts and maintain good communication at the highest level, which has provided an important strategic guarantee for improving and developing China-US relations, and contributed to the overall stability of these relations after going through twists and turns. This year is a busy year for China-US relations, as the agenda for high-level communication between the two countries has been placed on our table. Now, it is required of both sides to make full preparations, create favorable conditions, control existing risks, and remove trivial disturbances. The Chinese side's position has always been positive and open, and it is important for the American side to move in the same direction as well. I am confident that as long as both sides deal with each other with sincerity and faithfulness, we can continuously extend the list of cooperation and shorten the list of problems, and under the strategic leadership of the two heads of state, we can achieve satisfactory results for both peoples, reach consensuses welcomed by the entire international community, and make 2026 a pivotal year for China-US relations to move towards a sound, stable, and sustainable development path.

China Daily: What is your assessment of the leading role played by the countries of the Global South in the reform process of the global governance system? Since this year, the international situation has witnessed significant changes, with protectionism and power politics escalating. How can the Global South achieve the solidarity and self-strengthening that the Chinese side always advocates?

Wang Yi: The collective rise of the Global South is a remarkable sign of major changes in the world. The share of the Global South in the global economy has risen from 24% to over 40% in the past four decades, making it a pivotal driving force for global multipolarity.

Currently, hegemony and power politics are rampant, posing a serious shock to the existing international order. Therefore, the Global South should enhance communication and coordination, and make joint efforts to safeguard its legitimate rights and interests and expand the space for its independent development.

The Global South is an emerging, active, and benevolent positive force in the international arena. The more intense the transformations and turbulences in the world, the greater the need to consolidate confidence, strengthen solidarity and cooperation, and jointly raise the banner of peace, development, cooperation, and win-win outcomes. It should also activate the role of BRICS, the Shanghai Cooperation Organization, the "Group of 77 and China," and other important platforms, in order to voice peace and drive development.

Multilateralism is the "safe haven" for countries of the South. The Global South should push the international community to implement true multilateralism, and maintain healthy growth of the international system centered on the United Nations and the international order based on international law. It should adhere to dealing with world affairs through consultation among all countries, and setting international rules with the participation of all countries.

The development of the Global South needs an international environment characterized by openness and cooperation. Therefore, we must advocate for economic globalization characterized by inclusiveness and benefit for all, push for the building of an open world economy, and firmly maintain the multilateral trading system, so that we can share opportunities and achieve win-win outcomes through openness.

China has always cared for the Global South and integrated into its fabric, ready to work hand in hand with other countries of the South on the path of modernization, and push for the building of a community of shared future for mankind.

CGTN: Amidst the ongoing Israeli-Palestinian conflict and the fragile ceasefire in Gaza, the United States proposed establishing a "Peace Council" to resolve the Gaza issue and arrange for the post-war period. How does the Chinese side truly push for a solution to the Palestinian issue?

Wang Yi: The situation in Gaza concerns the preservation of the minimum international morality. The international community's efforts to achieve a ceasefire in Gaza are welcome, but continuous efforts are still needed to consolidate the ceasefire, push for reconstruction, and then find a comprehensive and lasting solution to the Palestinian issue.

There is only one reasonable and universally recognized solution to the Palestinian issue, which is the "two-state solution." Any other arrangement or new mechanism must support the "two-state solution" rather than undermine it. The international community will not accept marginalizing the Palestinian issue again. The United Nations, in particular, should bear the responsibility of playing a leading role in this process.

Living under the burden of turmoil and wars is not the written destiny of the Palestinian people, who have the same legitimate right as peoples in other regions of the world to achieve peaceful development away from the flames of war. As a responsible major country, China will, as usual, support the just cause of Palestine to restore its legitimate national rights, and push the international community to restore justice to the Palestinian people.

NBC: Does the Chinese side accept the framework of "governance by China and the United States" to address global challenges? If not, what is China's alternative solution to avoid confrontation between China and the United States, and to make the world trust that China does not intend to overturn the current international order after its rise?

Wang Yi: There is no doubt that China and the United States have significant influence on the world. But we must not forget that there are more than 190 countries on this planet, and they jointly write the history of the world, and their peoples jointly create the future of humanity. Coexistence in diversity is the original face of human society, and the presence of multiple poles is the desired appearance of the international equation.

If we review history, we will find that every time major powers fought for hegemony and confrontation between blocs brought disasters and suffering to humanity. Therefore, China will never follow the old path of the inevitability of hegemony for a major country, nor does it agree with the logic of "joint governance by major countries." The Chinese Constitution clearly states the necessity of adhering to an independent foreign policy and adhering to the path of peaceful development. Chinese leaders have repeatedly emphasized in international forums that China will never seek hegemony or expansion, no matter how the international situation changes, and no matter how much China develops.

As for how the international equation develops, the Chinese solution calls for building a global multipolarity characterized by equality and order. Equality means equal membership for all countries in the international community, whether large or small, strong or weak, and they can find their own place in the multipolar equation and play their required role. Order means that all countries must adhere to universally recognized international rules, namely the purposes and principles of the UN Charter and the basic principles of international relations.

Building a global multipolarity characterized by equality and order must be a shared responsibility of all countries. Since major countries have greater resources and capabilities, they must bear more responsibility with a broader mind, and be a model for adhering to rules, fulfilling promises, and upholding the rule of law. China is keen to be a constructive force in a world undergoing transformations, and welcomes a multipolar world with all countries.

Brazil de Fato: The "National Security Strategy" issued by the United States last year indicates that the US priority is to interfere in relations between China and Latin American countries by pressuring Latin American countries. How does the Chinese side deal with this?

Wang Yi: The old play of the 19th century should not be staged again in the international theater of the 21st century. The resources in Latin America belong to its peoples, and they choose their countries' paths and choose their friends by their independent will.

Cooperation between China and Latin America is mutual assistance and mutual support between countries of the Global South. If we review what has happened over more than half a century, we will find that the key to the rapid development of relations between China and Latin America lies in China's constant respect for the peoples of Latin America, and China's adherence to dealing with Latin American countries on an equal footing and on the basis of mutual benefit and win-win outcomes. We have not made geopolitical calculations, nor have we interfered in the internal affairs of other countries, nor have we asked other countries to take sides. We jointly launched the five initiatives of solidarity, development, civilization, peace, and people-to-people communication at the ministerial meeting of the China-CELAC Forum, which outlined the broad strokes for China and Latin America to move together towards modernization.

China-Latin America cooperation is not aimed at a third party, and should not be disturbed by a third party. We are full of confidence in the future of China-Latin America relations. China is keen to work together with Latin American countries to steadily advance the building of a China-Latin America community of shared future, no matter how the situation changes, so that the comprehensive cooperative partnership between China and Latin America can better serve the peoples of both sides.

China Review News Agency: Recently, the Lai Ching-te (Lai Qingde) authorities have repeatedly claimed that Taiwan is a "sovereign independent state," and that the Taiwan issue is not China's internal affair. The Taiwan issue and the situation in the Taiwan Strait are continuously escalating, how do you assess this?

Wang Yi: Taiwan has been Chinese territory since ancient times, and it was never in the past, nor is it in the present or future, a so-called "state" at all. The return of Taiwan to China is the result of the victory of the Chinese People's War of Resistance Against Japanese Aggression, and also a fruit of the victory of World War II. Taiwan's status has been definitively settled by a series of international legal documents such as the "Cairo Declaration," the "Potsdam Proclamation," the "Instrument of Surrender of Japan," and UN General Assembly Resolution 2758. Any attempt to create so-called "two Chinas" or "one China, one Taiwan" on the international stage is doomed to failure.

The Democratic Progressive Party authorities, who stubbornly adhere to the separatist stance of "Taiwan independence," are the source of the turmoil that undermines peace and stability in the Taiwan Strait. Facts have repeatedly proven that the clearer the international community's stance in rejecting "Taiwan independence" separatist forces, and the firmer its stance in adhering to the One-China principle, the greater the guarantee for peace and stability in the Taiwan Strait.

The Taiwan issue is China's internal affair, and it is the most important core of China's core interests. This red line must not be crossed or trampled upon. We will never allow anyone or any force to separate Taiwan, which was recovered from Japanese occupation more than 80 years ago, from China again. An overwhelming consensus has formed in the international community on adhering to the One-China principle. An increasing number of countries are standing with China, reaffirming their adherence to the One-China principle and recognizing that Taiwan is part of Chinese territory, and even explicitly rejecting all "Taiwan independence" separatist activities and supporting China's reunification cause. This clearly proves that rejecting "Taiwan independence" and supporting China's reunification is in line with the general trend of the times and also consistent with the aspirations of the international community.

The resolution of the Taiwan issue and the complete reunification of the motherland is an irresistible historical process. Those who follow it prosper, and those who oppose it perish.

Global Times: In the current situation, conflicts and disputes in the world are increasingly intensifying, and the pace of competition and confrontation is escalating. Why does Chinese diplomacy set building a community of shared future for mankind as its goal?

Wang Yi: Indeed, as you said, humanity is currently living in an era full of challenges. When we review history, we find that there are always pioneers who tirelessly pursue ideals and light, no matter the difficulties the world faces. President Xi Jinping proposed building a community of shared future for mankind, which embodied his profound vision, far-sightedness, and broad mind as a leader of a major country, and answered the contemporary question "where is humanity heading?" He told the world that humanity's enemy is not within itself, but rather war, poverty, hunger, and injustice. These challenges cannot be overcome individually, and it is impossible to distance oneself from them; solidarity, cooperation, mutual support, and collaboration are essential throughout the world. Isolation cuts off assistance, and solidarity generates strength. The peoples of the world are increasingly realizing the contemporary value and power of truth of the concept of a community of shared future for mankind, which serves as a beacon illuminating humanity's path forward.

The concept of a community of shared future for mankind also embodies China's responsibility as a major country and its historical mission towards the world. Chinese people have always been characterized by a broad vision to create a world shared by all and characterized by greater harmony. The path of the great rejuvenation of the Chinese nation and the rise of a major country with a population of 1.4 billion will not be a reproduction of the old path taken by traditional major powers of practicing hegemony and expansion. Instead, we will follow the path of peaceful development with unwavering determination, and encourage all countries to follow the path of peaceful development and work together to build a clean and beautiful world characterized by lasting peace, global security, common prosperity, openness, and inclusiveness.

We have seen with great satisfaction that the concept of building a community of shared future for mankind has been taking root in people's hearts day by day in recent years, and has received support from more than 100 countries and international organizations, and endorsement from about 80% of international public opinion. More than 40 countries and regional organizations have participated in cooperation in building a community of shared future, which once again proves that "those who stand with justice receive greater help," and the just cause will be supported by all countries and will mobilize the strength of the peoples.

The future of humanity is bright, but it will not be realized automatically. Building a community of shared future for mankind is a beautiful prospect, and it is also a historical process that requires continuous struggle and joint efforts generation after generation. China will work hand in hand with all parties with firm conviction and practical actions to continuously transform the community of shared future for mankind from vision to reality.