Category: Asia

Chinese scholars question Japanese sovereignty over Ryukyu islands

Academic circles in China are paying increasing attention to Ryukyu studies, specifically the history of the island group, often referred to as Okinawa, and the legitimacy or otherwise of Japan’s claim to sovereignty over the ancient kingdom.

On November 18, the Global Times newspaper reported that an academic conference marking the 30th anniversary of the China Ryukyu Research Institute, and advancing the development of Ryukyu studies, had been held at Fujian Normal University.

Global Times spoke with Professor Xie Bizhen, academic head of the institute, who emphasised that Japan’s annexation of Ryukyu and subsequent assimilation policies, including the forced change of surnames, place names, and even rebranding the “Ryukyu Islands” as the “Southwestern Islands,” were aimed at erasing historical memory. “As a result, many Okinawans today are unfamiliar with this part of their own past,” he said. “This is why our research matters: to restore historical truth, preserve collective memory.”

On November 23, CGTN published an opinion piece by Tang Yongliang, a researcher at the Institute of Japanese Studies of the Chinese Academy of Social Sciences, outlining what he described as the “undetermined status of Ryukyu.”

Stating that “the sovereignty over the Ryukyu Islands remains disputed,” Tang added that this could be understood in both a broad and a narrow way.

“In the broad sense, the ‘undetermined status of Ryukyu’ refers to the situation since modern times, where Ryukyu was illegally occupied by Japan without widespread recognition by the international community. To this day, the sovereignty issue remains unresolved.

“In the narrow sense, it refers specifically to the end of World War II, when the Cairo Declaration and the Potsdam Proclamation – documents concerning the post-war disposition of fascist Japan – explicitly delimited Japan’s territorial scope, separated Ryukyu from Japan, placed it as a ‘potential trusteeship territory’ and left its sovereignty legally unsettled to this day.”

Further in the broad sense: “Historically, Ryukyu was an independent kingdom. Japan’s modern annexation of Ryukyu was a unilateral act of violent seizure: no treaty regarding state sovereignty was concluded, no consent was obtained from China, the suzerain power, and the annexation contravened international legal norms on the acquisition of territorial sovereignty in the 19th century.”

Further in the narrow sense: “From November 22 to 26, 1943, the leaders of China, the United States, and the United Kingdom convened the Cairo Conference in Egypt, during which they discussed the post-war disposition of Ryukyu. Although the issue was not ultimately written into the Cairo Declaration, the declaration’s provision that ‘Japan will also be expelled from all other territories which she has taken by violence and greed’ undoubtedly applied to Ryukyu.

“On July 26, 1945, the three nations issued the Potsdam Proclamation, urging Japan’s unconditional surrender. It clearly stated that ‘the terms of the Cairo Declaration shall be carried out’ and that ‘the Japanese sovereignty shall be limited to the islands of Honshu, Hokkaido, Kyushu, Shikoku and such minor islands as we determine,’ thereby explicitly separating Ryukyu from Japanese territory.”

What happened later was that: “With the deepening of the Cold War, the US-Japan alliance became increasingly intertwined; the United States gradually relaxed its restrictions on Japanese influence within the Ryukyu Islands, and in 1953 and 1968 unilaterally transferred administrative rights over the Amami Islands and the Nanpo Islands to Japan.

“In 1971, under pressure from the Vietnam War and the Ryukyuan anti-US movement, the Nixon administration concluded the ‘Agreement Between Japan and the United States of America Concerning the Ryukyu Islands and the Daito Islands,’ again unilaterally transferring administrative rights to Japan on the condition that Japan allow continued US military presence in the islands.

Continue reading Chinese scholars question Japanese sovereignty over Ryukyu islands

Lao and Chinese communists discuss theory

The Communist Party of China (CPC) and the Lao People’s Revolutionary Party (LPRP) held their 13th Theoretical Seminar, November 10-11, in the Lao province of Champassak. The Chinese delegation was headed by Li Shulei, Member of the Political Bureau, Secretary of the Secretariat, and Head of the CPC Central Committee’s Publicity Department.

Thongloun Sisoulith, LPRP General Secretary and President of the Lao People’s Democratic Republic, met with Li on November 11, on the conclusion of the seminar.

President Thongloun warmly welcomed the delegation, noting that the visit represented a meaningful contribution to strengthening the traditional friendship and comprehensive strategic partnership between the two Parties and nations. He emphasised that the visit exemplified the “Four Good” principles of Laos-China relations – good neighbours, good friends, good comrades, and good partners.

The President underscored the importance of the 13th Theoretical Seminar as a significant platform for sharing experiences in Party building, state governance, and national administration. He highlighted that the seminar’s theme was particularly relevant as both Parties are preparing their new five-year socio-economic development plans aimed at advancing socialist development in each country.

For his part, Li Shulei expressed his gratitude for the warm reception and extended congratulations to Laos on the forthcoming 50th anniversary of the founding of the Lao People’s Democratic Republic. He also conveyed his best wishes for the success of the 12th National Congress of the Lao People’s Revolutionary Party, scheduled for early 2026. He further commended the recent meeting between President Thongloun and President Xi Jinping in Beijing in September 2025, describing it as substantive and forward-looking.

Following his visit to Laos, Li Shulei continued to Vietnam, where he attended the 20th theory seminar between the CPC and the Communist Party of Vietnam.

The following article was originally published by the KPL Lao News Agency. A report was also carried by the Xinhua News Agency.

State President and Party General Secretary Thongloun Sisoulith received a senior delegation from the Communist Party of China (CPC) led by Mr. Li Shulei, Member of the Political Bureau, Secretary of the Secretariat, and Head of the CPC Central Committee’s Publicity Department.

The meeting took place on 11 November 2025 at the Lao People’s Revolutionary Party (LPRP) Central Office in Vientiane. The Chinese delegation visited Laos to attend the 13th Lao–Chinese Theoretical Seminar, held from 10 to 11 November in Champassak Province.

President Thongloun warmly welcomed the delegation, noting that the visit represented a meaningful contribution to strengthening the traditional friendship and comprehensive strategic partnership between the two Parties and nations. He emphasized that the visit exemplified the “Four Good” principles of Laos–China relations — good neighbours, good friends, good comrades, and good partners.

He also commended the close cooperation between the Central Publicity and Training Boards of the two Parties and encouraged both sides to continue enhancing collaboration and information exchange.

The President underscored the importance of the 13th Theoretical Seminar as a significant platform for sharing experiences in Party building, state governance, and national administration. He highlighted that the seminar’s theme was particularly relevant as both Parties are preparing their new five-year socio-economic development plans aimed at advancing socialist development in each country.

For his part, Mr. Li Shulei expressed his gratitude for the warm reception and extended congratulations to Laos on the forthcoming 50th anniversary of the founding of the Lao People’s Democratic Republic. He also conveyed his best wishes for the success of the 12th National Congress of the Lao People’s Revolutionary Party, scheduled for early 2026.

Mr. Li commended the recent meeting between President Thongloun and President Xi Jinping in Beijing in September 2025, describing it as substantive and forward-looking. He noted that the outcomes of the meeting would provide further guidance for strengthening cooperation between the two Parties and countries.

He expressed confidence that, under the leadership of both Parties, China–Laos relations will continue to deepen, becoming more effective and comprehensive in the years to come.

Xi Jinping: Hegemonism causes only war and disaster; fairness and justice ensure global peace and development

Chinese President Xi Jinping visited the Republic of Korea (ROK) from October 30-November 1 to attend the 32nd APEC (Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation) Economic Leaders’ Meeting and to then pay a state visit to the ROK.

On October 31, he delivered a written address to the APEC CEO Summit, entitled, ‘Putting the Asia Pacific at the Forefront of the Joint Endeavor for World Development and Prosperity.’

Xi Jinping noted that: “The world has come to a new crossroads – solidarity, cooperation and mutual benefit or return of hegemonism and the law of the jungle; multilateralism, openness and inclusiveness or unilateralism and protectionism. What we choose will profoundly affect the future of the world. We must have vision, step up to our responsibility, and choose what meets the expectation of the people in the Asia Pacific and stands the test of history.

“As the saying goes, ‘He who knows the past understands the present.’ Since the great victory of the World Anti-Fascist War 80 years ago, the international system with the United Nations at its core has been put in place gradually, and multilateral systems in economic, trade, financial and other areas have been established. A new chapter was opened for humanity’s pursuit of peace and development.

“History attests that humanity shares a common destiny. While hegemonism causes only war and disaster, fairness and justice ensure global peace and development. While confrontation and antagonism breed only estrangement and turbulence, win-win cooperation proves to be the right way forward. While unilateralism precipitates division and regression, multilateralism is the viable option for tackling global challenges.”

In the current situation he noted: “We embrace peaceful development and reject the assertion that a strong country will inevitably seek hegemony. We champion win-win cooperation and denounce winner-takes-all practices. We advocate mutual learning among civilisations, and do not believe in clash of civilisations. We promote fairness and justice and oppose power politics. China has successively put forward the Belt and Road Initiative as well as the Global Development Initiative, the Global Security Initiative, the Global Civilisation Initiative, and the Global Governance Initiative. They are China’s solutions to the salient issues across the world, based on Chinese wisdom. We look forward to working with all parties to promote common prosperity and a win-win future for all and building a community with a shared future for humanity.”

He then advanced four proposals as follows:

  • We should take the lead in safeguarding peace and stability. We must always ensure the equal right of all countries to participate in international affairs regardless of their size, strength, or wealth.
  • We should take the lead in enhancing openness and connectivity. We should firmly safeguard the WTO-centred, rules-based multilateral trading system, strengthen solidarity and collaboration, oppose protectionism, reject unilateralism and bullying, and prevent the world from reverting to the law of the jungle. We must have the courage to remove barriers, keep global industrial and supply chains stable and unimpeded, advance regional economic integration, push forward the Free Trade Area of the Asia Pacific, and play the Asia Pacific part in global economic growth.
  • We should take the lead in promoting win-win cooperation. We should stay true to the vision of harmony without uniformity, fully leverage the diversity of Asia Pacific economies, draw on each other’s strengths, and jointly make the pie of Asia Pacific cooperation bigger.
  • We should take the lead in pursuing benefits for all and inclusiveness. We should put the people first and fully implement the UN 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development. We should create greater synergy between our development strategies and step up support for developing economies. We should bridge development gaps, increase people’s well-being, and deliver prosperity to all the people in the Asia Pacific.

Next year, he added, China will host APEC for the third time. “This demonstrates our full commitment to Asia Pacific cooperation and our willingness to fulfill our responsibilities.”

Introducing China’s current domestic situation, he explained:

“China has been a major engine of world economic growth for many years. China’s 14th Five-Year Plan period ends this year. In the past five years, despite increasing external shocks, the Chinese economy has registered an annual growth rate of around 5.5 percent on average, contributing around 30 percent of global growth. A few days ago, the 20th Central Committee of the Communist Party of China adopted the Recommendations for Formulating the 15th Five-Year Plan at its fourth plenary session.”

In this regard:

  • China can provide more growth opportunities for the global business community. It is now the world’s second largest market of consumption and import, and the only developing country that hosts a national-level international import expo and continually opens its market to the world. The China market is huge and promising.
  • China can provide a good business environment for the global business community. China is universally recognised as one of the safest countries in the world and grants either unilateral visa exemption or full mutual visa-free entry to 76 countries.
  • China can provide enabling conditions of green growth for the global business community. China is making coordinated advances in decarbonising, mitigating pollution, expanding green transition and promoting growth. It has the largest renewable energy system and the biggest, most complete new energy industrial chain in the world. The increased area of afforestation in China accounts for a quarter of the world total. We are committed to meeting our carbon peaking and carbon neutrality targets. We are actively advancing cooperation in launching green energy projects. We support the free flow of quality green technologies and products and do our best to provide assistance to developing countries.

In his address to the second session of the leaders’ meeting on November 1, President Xi said that:

“At present, the new wave of scientific and technological revolution and industrial transformation is deepening. In particular, the rapid advance of frontier technologies such as artificial intelligence is opening new horizons for humanity. On the other hand, the world faces lackluster economic growth and a widening gap in global development. Challenges such as climate change, food security and energy security are intensifying. Asia Pacific economies must enhance mutually beneficial cooperation, make good use of new opportunities, stand up to new challenges, and forge a sustainable and brighter future together.”

In this regard, he advanced three proposals:

  • We should further unleash the potential of digital and smart development to give the Asia Pacific region a fresh edge in innovation-driven development. We should fully harness new technologies to empower and propel us forward, seize the opportunities of digital, smart and green development, and move faster to nurture and promote new quality productive forces. AI is very important for shaping the future and should contribute to the well-being of people of all countries and regions. We should bear in mind the well-being of the entire humanity and promote the sound and orderly development of AI while ensuring that it is beneficial, safe and fair.
  • We should stay committed to green and low-carbon development to build a new paradigm for sustainable development in the Asia Pacific region. Clear waters and green mountains are just as valuable as gold and silver. We should keep in mind our responsibility to our future generations, enhance synergy between green development strategies of all economies, promote free flows of quality green technologies and products, accelerate the green and low-carbon transition, and vigorously tackle climate change. We should ensure the true fulfillment of common but differentiated responsibilities, and urge developed economies to continuously provide necessary support for developing economies in financing, technology, capacity building and other areas.
  • We should build an inclusive and universally beneficial future to foster a new dynamism in the inclusive growth of the Asia Pacific. We should always put the people first, and strengthen policy communication, experience sharing and results-oriented cooperation to fully implement the United Nations 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development, eliminate poverty together, and promote shared prosperity for all the people in the Asia Pacific.

Also, on the morning of November 1, President Xi attended the handover ceremony of the 32nd APEC Economic Leaders’ Meeting and announced that China would host the 33rd APEC Economic Leaders’ Meeting in Shenzhen, Guangdong Province.

Continue reading Xi Jinping: Hegemonism causes only war and disaster; fairness and justice ensure global peace and development

Li Qiang advances proposals for East Asian cooperation at regional meetings

From October 25-26, Chinese Premier Li Qiang paid an official visit to Singapore at the invitation of Prime Minister Lawrence Wong.

Then, from October 27-28, at the invitation of Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim of Malaysia, the current rotating chair of the Association of South East Asian Nations (ASEAN), he attended the 28th China-ASEAN Summit, the 28th ASEAN Plus Three Summit, the 20th East Asia Summit and the fifth Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership (RCEP) Leaders’ Meeting in the Malaysian capital Kuala Lumpur.

Prior to the China-ASEAN Summit, Li and Anwar witnessed the signing of the CAFTA [China ASEAN Free Trade Agreement] 3.0 Upgrade Protocol.

Beyond tariff cuts and smoother trade, the upgraded document expands cooperation into nine areas, namely digital economy, green economy, supply chain connectivity, standards and technical regulations with conformity assessment procedures, sanitary and phytosanitary measures, customs procedures and trade facilitation, competition and consumer protection, small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), and economic and technical cooperation.

Following the signing of the protocol, both sides will carry out their respective domestic ratification procedures to facilitate the protocol’s early entry into force and implementation.

The original agreement, signed in 2002, was fully implemented in 2010, and upgraded to CAFTA 2.0 in 2015. The newly upgraded CAFTA 3.0 shows China’s and ASEAN’s solemn commitment to multilateralism and free trade, as well as their firm resolve to jointly build an open, inclusive, and rules-based regional integrated market and a resilient regional industrial and supply chain system that delivers mutual benefits, the Chinese Ministry of Commerce said.

The upgrade also gives SMEs wider and smoother access to the grand Chinese and ASEAN markets. “Local SMEs can now connect directly with regional markets through digital platforms – true ‘local creation, regional expansion,'” said Tan Kar Hing, deputy chairman of Malaysia’s Centre of Regional Strategic Studies.

Industries such as food, agricultural products, tourism, logistics, and digital e-commerce will be among the first to benefit from the upgrade, said Suwat Techawatanawana, executive vice president of the leading Thai bank Kasikornbank.

Speaking at the 20th East Asia Summit, Premier Li said: “Twenty years ago, the EAS was inaugurated in Kuala Lumpur. Upon reading the declaration of the first summit, we can easily discern the EAS purpose: strengthening cooperation in the spirit of equality and partnership, observing the UN Charter and other norms of international law, ensuring the effective functioning of multilateral systems, and improving people’s well-being. The constructive role of the EAS on the whole in promoting the steady and rapid development of our region over the past two decades is mainly attributable to the implementation of this founding mission.”

He added: “We should continuously build extensive consensus. Absent common understanding on some very basics, countries would hardly make good progress in their communication, consultations or business exchanges. History tells us that some common values that humanity has fostered over millennia, such as mutual respect, equality, fairness and justice, underpin both people-to-people and state-to-state interactions. To address the global transformation unseen in a century, we need to have a clearheaded and sensible judgment about the trajectory of the future. Among many others, the trend toward economic globalisation and multipolarity is irreversible, and the world must not slip back to the law of the jungle where the strong prey on the weak. Only when we embrace these basic understandings that are consistent with the common values of humanity and the trend of history, can we make the right decision at this critical juncture and move ahead in the right direction.

“Our region is home to a large number of developing countries. Growing the economy and improving people’s lives is a priority for us, and overcoming the impact of protectionism and strengthening internal growth momentum is a pressing issue we face… The more volatile the world becomes, the more imperative it is for us to uphold the authority of international law. We should all observe rules. In particular, we should jointly safeguard the UN-centred international system, support ASEAN centrality in the regional architecture, and promote cooperation in our region. At the same time, we should also actively promote reform and build a more just and equitable global governance system so as to better safeguard the interests of all.

“As a saying goes, when you are clear about the direction to go, you can surely reach your destination, no matter how far away it is. China is ready to work in concert and pursue practical cooperation with all parties to promote peace, development and prosperity both in our region and across the world.”

Speaking at the 28th ASEAN Plus Three [China, Republic of Korea {ROK} and Japan] Summit, Li said:

“I want to thank Prime Minister Anwar and our host Malaysia for the thoughtful arrangements made for this Summit. I also congratulate Timor-Leste for officially joining the ASEAN family.

Continue reading Li Qiang advances proposals for East Asian cooperation at regional meetings

JVP delegation visits China

A delegation of senior cadres from the Janatha Vimukthi Peramuna (JVP – People’s Liberation Front of Sri Lanka) recently visited China. The JVP is Sri Lanka’s largest Marxist party and currently the core party in its governing coalition. The delegation was led by Bimal Rathnayake, Member of the Political Bureau of the JVP and Minister of Transport, Highways, Ports and Civil Aviation of Sri Lanka.

The Sri Lankan visitors met with Liu Haixing, Minister of the International Department of the Communist Party of China (CPC) Central Committee (IDCPC), on October 17.

Liu said, in January this year, President Xi Jinping held talks with visiting President Anura Kumara Dissanayake and reached important consensus on building a China-Sri Lanka community with a shared future and deepening exchanges of governance experience between the two countries’ ruling parties, charting the course for the development of the relations between the two countries and the two Parties. The CPC is willing to continue to strengthen high-level exchanges with the JVP and assist practical cooperation between the two countries and promote people-to-people bonds through the inter-party channel.

Rathnayake said, the JVP values the friendly exchanges with the CPC and thanks China for its valuable support for Sri Lanka’s economic and social development. Under the leadership of General Secretary Xi Jinping, China has achieved remarkable accomplishments in economic development, anti-corruption and other areas. The successful practice of the CPC has convinced Sri Lanka that strong party leadership is the key to a country’s development and progress. The JVP is committed to maintaining close high-level exchanges with the CPC, learning from its experience and practices in strengthening party building and promoting national development, and conducting in-depth exchanges and cooperation in areas such as cadre training, smart city construction, poverty reduction, and promoting ethnic unity, in order to enhance the JVP’s own governance capacities and work hand in hand with China to advance the modernisation process of the two countries.

The following article was first published on the website of the IDCPC.

Beijing, October 17th (IDCPC) – Liu Haixing, Minister of the International Department of the CPC Central Committee (IDCPC), met here today with a delegation of senior cadres of the Janatha Vimukthi Peramuna (JVP) from Sri Lanka led by Bimal Rathnayake, Member of the Political Bureau of the JVP and Minister of Transport, Highways, Ports and Civil Aviation of Sri Lanka.

Liu said, in January this year, President Xi Jinping held talks with visiting President Anura Kumara Dissanayake, and reached important consensus on building a China-Sri Lanka community with a shared future and deepening exchanges of governance experience between the two countries’ ruling parties, charting the course for the development of the relations between the two countries and the two Parties. The CPC is willing to continue to strengthen high-level exchanges with the JVP, and assist practical cooperation between the two countries and promote people-to-people bonds through the inter-party channel. Liu shared the great process and successful experience of the CPC in leading the advancement of Chinese modernization, and introduced the main agenda of the fourth plenary session of the 20th CPC Central Committee. He said, formulating and implementing national development plans is an important piece of governance experience of the CPC. The political parties of China and Sri Lanka can have in-depth exchanges on formulating medium-and long-term development plans and promoting national modernization, so as to promote better alignment of the two countries’ strategies and plans. 

Rathnayake said, the JVP values the friendly exchanges with the CPC and thanks China for its valuable support for Sri Lanka’s economic and social development. Under the leadership of General Secretary Xi Jinping, China has achieved remarkable accomplishments in economic development, anti-corruption and other areas. The successful practice of the CPC has convinced Sri Lanka that strong party leadership is the key to a country’s development and progress. The JVP is committed to maintaining close high-level exchanges with the CPC, learning from its experience and practices in strengthening party building and promoting national development, and conducting in-depth exchanges and cooperation in areas such as cadre training, smart city construction, poverty reduction, and promoting ethnic unity, in order to enhance JVP’s own governance capacities and work hand in hand with China to advance the modernization process of the two countries. 

Sun Haiyan, Vice-minister of the IDCPC, was present. 

China, Russia, Pakistan and Iran reject US return to Afghanistan

On September 25, 2025, Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov chaired the fourth Informal Meeting on Afghanistan Between Foreign Ministers of China, Russia, Pakistan and Iran on the sidelines of the 80th session of the United Nations General Assembly in New York. China was represented by Special Envoy on Afghan Affairs of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs Yue Xiaoyong.

The meeting adopted a joint statement that stresses the principle that the sovereignty, independence and territorial integrity of Afghanistan must be respected. It also expresses unambiguous opposition to any attempt to reestablish foreign military bases in or around Afghanistan, especially by those who bear direct responsibility for the country’s current predicament.

China Daily noted: “At a time when certain voices in Washington have openly hinted at ‘reclaiming’ Bagram Air Base in Afghanistan, the four countries’ collective position is both timely and significant.”

The “certain voices” refer specifically to remarks made by US President Donald Trump at a September 18 press conference with UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer during the fawning and obsequious state visit arranged by the British ruling class.

The interim Afghan government issued a statement on September 21 saying it firmly rejects recent US calls to reclaim the air base and reaffirming its unwavering commitment to national sovereignty. It urged Washington to honour its pledge in the 2020 Doha Agreement that there would be no military interference.

The following articles were originally published on the website of the Chinese Foreign Ministry and China Daily.

Special Envoy on Afghan Affairs of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs Yue Xiaoyong Represents China at the Fourth Informal Meeting on Afghanistan Between Foreign Ministers of China, Russia, Pakistan and Iran

September 26 (MFA) – On September 25, 2025, Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov chaired the fourth Informal Meeting on Afghanistan Between Foreign Ministers of China, Russia, Pakistan and Iran during the 80th session of the United Nations General Assembly in New York. Special Envoy on Afghan Affairs of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs Yue Xiaoyong attended the meeting on behalf of China. The meeting discussed issues of common interest, such as the current situation in Afghanistan, and issued a Joint Statement.

Joint statement on Afghanistan shows regional resolve for peace

September 29 (China Daily) – On the sidelines of the 80th session of the United Nations General Assembly in New York, the foreign ministers of China, Russia, Pakistan and Iran held a meeting on Afghanistan and released a joint statement on Thursday. At a time when certain voices in Washington have openly hinted at “reclaiming” Bagram Air Base in Afghanistan, the four countries’ collective position is both timely and significant.

The joint statement stresses the principle that the sovereignty, independence and territorial integrity of Afghanistan must be respected. Equally important, it conveys unambiguous opposition to any attempt to reestablish foreign military bases in or around Afghanistan, especially by those who bear direct responsibility for the country’s current predicament. Such actions, the statement rightly warns, would not only be inconsistent with the aspirations of the Afghan people but also harmful to regional peace and stability.

The Afghan government issued a statement on Sept 21 saying it firmly rejects recent US calls to reclaim the air base and reaffirming its unwavering commitment to national sovereignty. It urged Washington to honor its pledge in the 2020 Doha Agreement that there would be no military interference.
Deputy spokesman of the Afghan administration Hamdullah Fitrat posted the statement on his X account, which highlighted that Afghanistan’s independence and territorial integrity remain paramount in all bilateral engagements, particularly with the US.

For over two decades, Afghanistan endured the heavy costs of military intervention. Instead of bringing peace or development, the prolonged presence of foreign forces deepened internal divisions, disrupted social cohesion and left the country with massive security and humanitarian challenges. It should be an international consensus that Afghanistan needs stability, reconstruction and genuine respect for its sovereignty — not a return of external military deployments.

The joint statement by the four regional stakeholders therefore reflects the voice of both justice and reason. It shows that the four countries are determined to support Afghanistan in pursuing an Afghan-led and Afghan-owned path to peace and development. It also demonstrates their consensus that the international community’s responsibility lies in providing humanitarian and reconstruction assistance rather than reviving old patterns of intervention.

When asked about the joint statement at a regular news conference on Friday in Beijing, Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Guo Jiakun reiterated China’s firm position. As he pointed out, the statement fully illustrates the respect that Afghanistan’s neighboring countries have for its sovereignty, independence and national dignity. It also reveals the shared will of the peace-loving countries to help Afghanistan rebuild and remain stable.

As Guo stressed, as a close neighbor and a responsible major country, China is ready to work with the international community to continue extending assistance to Afghanistan and to play a constructive role in promoting its peace and reconstruction. China’s commitment to Afghanistan is rooted in principles, not in geopolitical calculations.

The joint statement makes clear that reintroducing military infrastructure into Afghanistan would serve no purpose other than to open old wounds, sow new divisions and destabilize the entire region. What the Afghan people need most today is relief from poverty, assistance in rebooting their economy and assurances of lasting peace — not the shadow of yet another round of military entanglement.

The quadripartite meeting in New York and its outcome also demonstrate the growing role of regional diplomacy in addressing global challenges. China, Russia, Pakistan and Iran have made their collective voice heard on the world stage. Their stance highlights that countries directly affected by Afghanistan’s instability are both willing and able to assume the responsibility for guiding regional peace and security.

The situation in Afghanistan remains complex, but the way forward should be clear. The international community must focus on helping the Afghan people overcome humanitarian difficulties, rebuild their economy and restore social stability and vitality.

The joint statement thus stands as a timely reminder that regional peace cannot be secured through military means, but through respect, assistance and cooperation. China and its partners have shown both resolve and vision in charting that path. The world should take note — and follow suit.

China-Vietnam relations of comrades and brothers underlined in three high-level meetings

The special relations of comrades as well as brothers between China and Vietnam, as Vietnamese communist leader Ho Chi Minh once described it in a poem, were highlighted by three recent overlapping top level exchanges between the two socialist neighbours.

From August 31-September 2, Zhao Leji, Member of the Standing Committee of the Political Bureau of the Communist Party of China (CPC) Central Committee and Chairman of the Standing Committee of the National People’s Congress (NPC), visited Vietnam at the invitation of the Communist Party of Vietnam (CPV) Central Committee and Chairman of the National Assembly of Vietnam Tran Thanh Man, leading a party and state delegation to events marking the 80th anniversary of the August Revolution and the National Day of the Socialist Republic of Vietnam.

When meeting with General Secretary of the CPV Central Committee To Lam, Zhao Leji conveyed General Secretary Xi Jinping’s cordial greetings and extended warm congratulations on the historic achievements made in the cause of the CPV and the country over the past 80 years. Zhao Leji stated that under the new circumstances, China is ready to work with Vietnam to fully implement the important common understandings reached between the top leaders of the two Parties and  jointly advance the socialist modernisation endeavours in their respective countries, and accelerate the building of a China-Vietnam community with a shared future that carries strategic significance.

To Lam asked Zhao Leji to convey his sincere greetings to General Secretary Xi Jinping and expressed his gratitude for the tremendous assistance provided by China during various periods of Vietnam’s revolution and development. He said that under the leadership of the CPC Central Committee with Comrade Xi Jinping at its core, China has achieved remarkable accomplishments in development and has become a main driving force of global economic growth.

When meeting with Vietnamese President Luong Cuong, Zhao Leji conveyed President Xi Jinping’s best wishes to him, noting that China and Vietnam should respond to external uncertainties with the strengths of the socialist system, uphold and strengthen the leadership of the Communist Party, firmly support each other’s reform and development endeavours, leverage the exemplary role of mutually beneficial and win-win cooperation between China and Vietnam, jointly resist the countercurrents of unilateralism and protectionism, and defend international fairness and justice as well as the common interests of developing countries.

Zhao Leji attended the ceremony held at the Ba Dinh Square in Hanoi marking the 80th anniversary of the August Revolution and the National Day of the Socialist Republic of Vietnam, and watched the military parade, mass pageantry and grand cultural performances. The Guard of Honour of the Chinese People’s Liberation Army was invited to participate in the military parade. The full text of General Secretary To Lam’s speech on the occasion may be read here.

Zhao Leji also paid respects at the Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum and visited Ho Chi Minh’s Stilt House.

Around 400 military personnel from the armed forces of China, Russia, Laos, and Cambodia took part in the military parade. Receiving them on August 29, Deputy Minister of National Defence Sen. Lt. Gen. Hoang Xuan Chien extended a warm welcome and expressed gratitude to the foreign troops for their participation. He commended their determination and training efforts, noting their swift integration into rehearsals alongside the Vietnamese forces. Since their arrival, the delegations had received warm attention from both local leaders and the public, he noted.

From August 31-September 1, Vietnamese Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh visited Tianjin to attend the meetings of the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO).

Continue reading China-Vietnam relations of comrades and brothers underlined in three high-level meetings

Xi meets Lao president

On September 4, Xi Jinping, General Secretary of the Communist Party of China (CPC) Central Committee and Chinese President, met with Thongloun Sisoulith, General Secretary of the Lao People’s Revolutionary Party (LPRP) Central Committee and Lao President, in Beijing.

Thongloun was in China for the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) Summit, where his country was admitted as a SCO Partner, and for the commemorations marking the 80th anniversary of the victory in the Chinese People’s War of Resistance against Japanese Aggression and the World Anti-Fascist War, as well as for a working visit.

Xi stressed that given the complex and profound changes in the international and regional landscape, the two sides need to view and approach China-Laos relations from a long-term and strategic perspective and firmly support each other on issues concerning their respective core interests and major concerns. They need to focus on the operation of the China-Laos Railway and development along the route to upgrade key projects, Xi said, adding that they should also deepen cooperation in defence, law enforcement and security, and other fields.

Thongloun said that the Laos-China relationship is now at its best in history, and Laos is ready to continue working with China to implement the new five-year action plan on building a Laos-China community with a shared future.

Between his participation in the SCO meetings, August 31-September 1, and the commemoration of the war victory, September 3, Thongloun visited Hanoi to participate in the grand ceremony marking the 80th anniversary of the August Revolution (August 19, 1945 – 2025) and the National Day of the Socialist Republic of Viet Nam (September 2, 1945 – 2025), which was held at the historic Ba Dinh Square in the Vietnamese capital on the morning of September 2.

The Vietnamese newspaper Nhân Dân reported that To Lam, General Secretary of the Communist Party of Vietnam, welcomed the visit of the Lao leader describing it as a testament to the rare, loyal, and special solidarity between the two parties and nations. He noted that the participation of Lao People’s Army soldiers in the National Day parade was a great encouragement to Viet Nam.

The Vietnamese party leader stressed that every victory in Vietnam’s revolutionary cause has been closely tied to the heartfelt support of the Lao party, state, and people. He affirmed that Vietnam deeply treasures this valuable assistance, from the years of resistance in the past to the cause of national construction and defence at present, and that Vietnam will do its utmost, together with Laos, to preserve and further strengthen their special relationship.

For his part, the Lao leader offered congratulations to Vietnam, noting that the success of the August Revolution and the establishment of the Democratic Republic of Vietnam in 1945 greatly inspired Laos’s national liberation and energised revolutionary and peace movements among the oppressed peoples worldwide.

Reporting the grand ceremony, Nhân Dân, noted that international guests included:

  • Thongloun Sisoulith, General Secretary of the Lao People’s Revolutionary Party and President of Laos
  • Samdech Techo Hun Sen, President of the Cambodian People’s Party and President of the Senate of Cambodia
  • Miguel Díaz-Canel Bermúdez, First Secretary of the Communist Party of Cuba and President of Cuba
  •  Zhao Leji, member of the Standing Committee of the Political Bureau of the Communist Party of China Central Committee and Chairman of the Standing Committee of the National People’s Congress
  • Igor Sergeenko, Speaker of the House of Representatives of Belarus;
  • And Vladimir Vladimirovich Yakushev, Secretary of the General Council of the United Russia Party and First Vice Chairman of the Federation Council of the Russian Federal Assembly.
  • Also present were leaders of political parties including the General Secretary of the United Left Movement Party of the Dominican Republic and the General Secretary of the Communist Party of Britain.

And in a related development, Cuban President and First Secretary of the Central Committee of the Communist Party of Cuba, Miguel Díaz-Canel Bermúdez paid a state visit to Laos, September 6-7, following his own visits to Vietnam and China.

The Lao News Agency KPL reported that President Thongloun warmly welcomed the Cuban delegation and highly valued the visit, noting that it marked the third time Comrade Miguel Díaz-Canel Bermúdez had visited the Lao PDR. The two leaders expressed satisfaction that relations between the parties, states, and peoples of Laos and Cuba have continued to strengthen as strategic partners bound by common ideals.

On behalf of the Lao party, government, and people, Comrade Thongloun expressed sincere gratitude for the invaluable support extended by Cuba during the Lao people’s national liberation struggle and throughout the subsequent period of national development. He also invited Comrade Miguel Díaz-Canel Bermúdez to participate in the celebration of the 50th anniversary of the establishment of the Lao PDR at the end of 2025.

Miguel Díaz-Canel Bermúdez reaffirmed Cuba’s commitment to further expanding the traditional friendship and cooperation established by President Kaysone Phomvihane and President Fidel Castro and thanked the Lao PDR for its continued encouragement and support for Cuba in overcoming challenges.

The following article was originally published on the website of China’s State Council Information Office.

Xi Jinping, general secretary of the Communist Party of China Central Committee and Chinese president, met with Thongloun Sisoulith, general secretary of the Lao People’s Revolutionary Party Central Committee and Lao president, in Beijing on Thursday.

Thongloun is in China for the Shanghai Cooperation Organization Summit 2025, commemorations marking the 80th anniversary of the victory in the Chinese People’s War of Resistance against Japanese Aggression and the World Anti-Fascist War, and a working visit.

Xi stressed that given the complex and profound changes in the international and regional landscape, the two sides need to view and approach China-Laos relations from a long-term and strategic perspective, and firmly support each other on issues concerning their respective core interests and major concerns.

China is ready to deepen exchanges with Laos on experience in party and state governance, Xi said.

The two sides need to focus on the operation of the China-Laos Railway and development along the route to upgrade key projects, Xi said, adding that they should also deepen cooperation in defense, law enforcement and security, and other fields.

Thongloun said that the Laos-China relationship is now at its best in history, and Laos is ready to continue working with China to implement the new five-year action plan on building a Laos-China community with a shared future.

Laos fully supports the Global Governance Initiative proposed by General Secretary Xi Jinping and stands ready to strengthen coordination and cooperation with China on the international stage, Thongloun said.

China, Russia and Mongolia strengthen three-way friendship in Beijing

Chinese President Xi Jinping held important meetings with Russian President Vladimir Putin and Mongolian President Khurelsukh Ukhnaa on the morning of September 2. Both men were in China to attend the meetings of the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) along with the commemoration of the 80th anniversary of the Chinese people’s victory in the war to resist Japanese aggression and the world anti-fascist war.

President Xi Jinping noted that the China-Russia relationship, having stood the test of changes in the world, has become a prime example of relations between two major countries featuring everlasting good-neighbourliness and friendship, comprehensive strategic coordination, and mutual benefit, cooperation and win-win. Staying committed to their abiding aspirations and maintaining resolve, the two sides have produced fruitful outcomes in their cooperation across the board. The Chinese side will work with the Russian side to maintain close high-level exchanges, support each other’s development and rejuvenation, coordinate positions on matters pertaining to each other’s core interests and major concerns in a timely manner, and achieve greater progress in China-Russia relations. The two sides should guide their cooperation through large and especially more flagship projects and promote convergence of interests at a deeper level.

Xi Jinping observed that the Chinese and Russian presidents attending the commemorations of the victory of the World Anti-Fascist War held in each other’s countries fully demonstrates the sense of responsibility of major countries as the key victorious nations of World War II and permanent members of the United Nations Security Council and speaks to their firm determination to safeguard the fruits of the victory in World War II and uphold a correct historical perspective on the War. Both China and Russia emphasise sovereign equality, international rule of law, and multilateralism. The two sides should continue to step up coordination and cooperation at the UN, the SCO, the BRICS, the G20 and other multilateral platforms, and join hands in building a community with a shared future for humanity.

President Putin noted that guided by President Xi and himself, the bilateral relationship has been highly strategic and reached a historic high. President Xi paid a state visit to Russia and attended the celebrations marking the 80th anniversary of the victory of the Soviet Union’s Great Patriotic War last May. President Putin said that he will attend the commemoration of the 80th anniversary of the victory of the Chinese People’s War of Resistance Against Japanese Aggression tomorrow. By doing so, the two countries underscore to the world that they helped each other and fought side by side in the World Anti-Fascist War and played critical roles in its victory in both main European and Eastern theatres, and they are firmly committed to jointly upholding the truth of history and safeguarding the fruits of the victory in World War II. The solidarity and cooperation between Russia and China in the World Anti-Fascist War has laid a solid foundation for the development of their relations in the new era.

The Russian President’s website further quoted him as saying: “Our ancestors, fathers and grandfathers paid an enormous price for peace and freedom. We do not forget this – we remember. It is the foundation, the bedrock of our achievements today and in the future.”

In his meeting with Mongolian President Khurelsukh Ukhnaa, President Xi noted that China and Mongolia, as friendly neighbours connected by mountains and rivers, are enjoying ever deepening exchanges and cooperation across various fields, with multiple key projects making positive progress. The two sides should be guided by the vision of building a China-Mongolia community with a shared future, consolidate strategic mutual trust, deepen development integration, and bring the two peoples closer, so as to inject sustained momentum into their comprehensive strategic partnership. He stressed that no matter how the international landscape may evolve, China will remain a trustworthy and reliable partner for Mongolia

President Khurelsukh said that it is a priority of Mongolia’s foreign policy to maintain permanent good-neighbourly friendship and pursue sustainable, mutually beneficial cooperation with China. Mongolia highly commends China’s commitment to the principle of amity, sincerity, mutual benefit and inclusiveness in pursuing its neighbourhood diplomacy. The Global Governance Initiative (GGI) proposed by President Xi Jinping advocates for a UN-centred international governance system that ensures equal participation of all developing countries. Mongolia warmly applauds this initiative and is ready to work with China to provide mutual support and pursue close cooperation on the global stage to safeguard the common interests of developing countries.

Continue reading China, Russia and Mongolia strengthen three-way friendship in Beijing

Xi Jinping meets leaders from Uzbekistan, Pakistan, Turkmenistan, Iran, Malaysia and Tajikistan

On September 2, Chinese President Xi Jinping met in Beijing with the leaders of a number of friendly countries who were visiting China to attend the summit meetings of the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) and to participate in the commemoration of the 80th anniversary of victory in the Chinese People’s War of Resistance Against Japanese Aggression and the World Anti-Fascist War.

Meeting with Uzbek President Shavkat Mirziyoyev in the morning, President Xi pointed out that China and Uzbekistan are friendly neighbors and all-weather comprehensive strategic partners for a new era. China supports Uzbekistan in safeguarding its sovereignty, security and development interests, and stands ready to work together to accelerate the alignment of development strategies, steadily advance the construction of the China-Kyrgyzstan-Uzbekistan railway project, step up cooperation in such areas as joint scientific research, green energy, medical and health care, emergency management, artificial intelligence and poverty reduction, and expand exchanges on culture, education, tourism and at the sub-national level. President Xi emphasised that amid complex and volatile changes in the current international situation, a solid and stronger SCO will help countries safeguard their shared interests and boost their respective development.

President Mirziyoyev noted that China made significant contributions to the victory of the World Anti-Fascist War, and hosting the commemoration of the 80th anniversary of the victory of the Chinese People’s War of Resistance highlights China’s courage and resolve to uphold lasting world peace. Uzbekistan attaches great importance to its relations with China and is grateful for China’s long-term and valuable support for its economic and social development and the improvement of people’s livelihood. Uzbekistan congratulates China on hosting a successful SCO Tianjin Summit and believes that China’s productive presidency has effectively elevated the international influence of the Organisation. Uzbekistan fully supports the Global Governance Initiative (GGI) proposed by President Xi Jinping, as it addresses the needs of global governance and demonstrates profound strategic vision. Uzbekistan will work with China to implement this initiative and promote a more just and equitable international order. 

In his meeting with Pakistani Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, President Xi noted that China and Pakistan share a resilient bond, a brotherly bond, and also a bond built on trust and common values – an ironclad friendship that was forged through historical twists and turns and has grown ever stronger over time. As the once-in-a-century transformations are unfolding faster across the world, a robust China-Pakistan relationship is vital for regional peace and development. President Xi stressed that China supports Pakistan in maintaining unity, focusing on development, and enhancing national strength. China is ready to work with Pakistan to build the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor 2.0 and upgrade the China-Pakistan Free Trade Agreement, and step up cooperation in industries, agriculture, and mining, with the aim of boosting Pakistan’s home-grown capacity for development.

Prime Minister Shehbaz congratulated China on the 80th anniversary of the victory of the Chinese People’s War of Resistance Against Japanese Aggression and noted that the Communist Party of China’s pivotal role in the global struggle against fascism changed the course of history of both China and the world. The ironclad Pakistan-China friendship has taken root in the hearts of the over 200 million Pakistani people, and every generation will remember China’s selfless support. No force can shake this unbreakable bond. Under President Xi’s great leadership, China has achieved remarkable economic and social progress, lifted the Chinese people out of poverty, and improved the people’s well-being. At the same time, China also shares opportunities with fellow developing countries through Belt and Road cooperation, earning global acclaim and winning people’s hearts and minds. The Global Governance Initiative proposed by President Xi is of great significance for global peace, development, and stability. Pakistan fully supports and will actively promote this initiative.

Continue reading Xi Jinping meets leaders from Uzbekistan, Pakistan, Turkmenistan, Iran, Malaysia and Tajikistan

Special friendship with Cambodia reflected in high-level visits

The special friendship between China and Cambodia has again been reaffirmed with two overlapping visits by Cambodia’s top leaders.

On August 23, Cambodian King Norodom Sihamoni and Queen Mother Norodom Monineath Sihanouk arrived in Beijing to attend the commemoration of the 80th anniversary of victory in the Chinese People’s War of Resistance Against Japanese Aggression and the World Anti-Fascist War, far ahead of others.

President Xi Jinping and his wife Peng Liyuan met with the King and the Queen Mother at Zhongnanhai, where the senior Chinese leadership live and work, on August 26.

President Xi Jinping expressed his warm welcome to King Norodom Sihamoni and Queen Mother Norodom Monineath Sihanouk for visiting China again and welcomed King Norodom Sihamoni’s attendance at the Commemoration of the 80th Anniversary of the Victory of the Chinese People’s War of Resistance Against Japanese Aggression and the World Anti-Fascist War. President Xi noted that during his state visit to Cambodia in April this year, he was accorded a warm and friendly reception by the King and the Cambodian people, of which he still has fond memories. The China-Cambodia relations have withstood the test of the shifting international landscape, and the two countries have forged an ironclad friendship featuring mutual assistance in trying times.

King Norodom Sihamoni and Queen Mother Norodom Monineath Sihanouk expressed their great pleasure to visit China again and attend upon invitation the Commemoration of the 80th Anniversary of the Victory of the Chinese People’s War of Resistance Against Japanese Aggression and the World Anti-Fascist War. The Chinese people made significant contributions to safeguarding world peace, which should always be remembered. Cambodia always views its relations with China from a strategic perspective and is ready to carry forward the long-standing friendly relations between the two countries and work with China to build an all-weather Cambodia-China community with a shared future in the new era.

Meanwhile, on August 30, President Xi Jinping met in Tianjin with Cambodian Prime Minister Hun Manet, who was in China for the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) Summit.

President Xi underscored that the China-Cambodia friendship, having stood the test of time, is rock-solid and the shared asset of the two peoples. Amidst an ever-changing international landscape, China and Cambodia, as ironclad friends, should keep the big picture in mind, adopt a long-term perspective, and steadfastly follow the path of friendship opened by the older generation of Chinese and Cambodian leaders. The two sides should maintain unwavering solidarity, enable each other’s success, promote the well-being of their people, and contribute to peace, stability, and prosperity of the region.

Prime Minister Hun Manet noted that this year marks the 80th anniversary of the victory of the Chinese People’s War of Resistance Against Japanese Aggression and the World Anti-Fascist War. The Chinese people forged peace with courage and unity, which is truly admirable. The traditional friendship between Cambodia and China has grown ever stronger over time. Cambodia appreciates China’s long-standing, valuable support and assistance. President Xi’s historic state visit to Cambodia last April yielded fruitful outcomes. Cambodia looks forward to working with China to implement the important consensus reached during the visit, deepen the ironclad friendship between the two countries, lend each other support on issues involving their core interests and major concerns, expand cooperation in trade, investment and infrastructure, combat online gambling and telecom fraud, and further advance the two countries’ all-weather community with a shared future.

The following articles were originally published on the website of the Chinese Foreign Ministry.

Continue reading Special friendship with Cambodia reflected in high-level visits

Xi Jinping meets leaders from Armenia, Belarus, Maldives, Azerbaijan, Kyrgyzstan, India and Türkiye

Chinese President Xi Jinping had a full day of bilateral meetings in Tianjin on August 31, with his counterparts who had come to attend the meetings of the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) and in many instances to also attend the commemoration of the 80th anniversary of victory in the Chinese People’s War of Resistance Against Japanese Aggression and the World Anti-Fascist War days later.

In the morning, meeting with Armenian Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan, Xi underscored that China and Armenia enjoy a time-honoured friendship, which has grown ever stronger over time. Since the establishment of diplomatic relations 33 years ago, the two countries have respected and trusted each other, and benefited and learned from each other, leading to the sustained, sound, and steady development of bilateral relations. China supports Armenia in joining the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation and stands ready to work with Armenia to practice true multilateralism and build a community with a shared future for humanity.

Prime Minister Pashinyan noted that under the leadership of President Xi, China has made remarkable development achievements. Armenia hopes to learn from China’s experience to boost its own economic and social development.

The two sides issued the Joint Statement Between the People’s Republic of China and the Republic of Armenia on Establishing the Strategic Partnership and signed multiple bilateral cooperation documents in such areas as market regulation, metrology, and media.

Meeting with Belarusian President Aleksandr Lukashenko, President Xi Jinping pointed out that the peoples of China and Belarus, fighting side by side in the past, made important contributions to defeating militarism and fascism, and forged a profound friendship. At present, century-defining transformation is accelerating across the world, and humanity once again stands at a crossroads. China is willing to work with the Belarusian side to shoulder the responsibilities of the times, practice true multilateralism, and jointly advance peace, development, and win-win cooperation in the world.

President Lukashenko noted that every time he came to China, he would always be deeply impressed by the country’s vibrant development and progress. Under the strong leadership of President Xi Jinping, China is committed to pursuing a path of development that suits its national conditions. Having achieved great success in development, China now faces an even brighter prospect, and no force can stop China’s development and revitalisation. In international and regional affairs, China keeps a just position, upholds multilateralism, and defends fairness and justice. Belarus is an all-weather partner to China and a friend that can always be relied upon. Belarus is ready to work with China to increase exchanges on governance experience, deepen practical cooperation across the board, and bring bilateral relations to new heights.

Continue reading Xi Jinping meets leaders from Armenia, Belarus, Maldives, Azerbaijan, Kyrgyzstan, India and Türkiye

Xi Jinping meets UN Secretary General and leaders from Egypt, Myanmar and Kazakhstan

With the largest ever gathering of the quarter century old Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) in Tianjin (August 31-September 1) and the commemoration of the 80th anniversary of the victory in the Chinese People’s War of Resistance Against Japanese Aggression and the World Anti-Fascist War in Beijing (September 3), China’s high-level diplomacy has recently experienced a particularly busy period.

President Xi Jinping began a round of bilateral meetings in Tianjin on August 30, the eve of the SCO Summit, meeting with United Nations Secretary General António Guterres, Egyptian Prime Minister Mostafa Madbouly and Myanmar’s Acting President Min Aung Hlaing in the afternoon and with Kazakhstan President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev in the evening.

Meeting with António Guterres, President Xi noted that the founding of the United Nations was the most important decision made by the international community at the end of the Second World War. This year marks the 80th anniversary of the victory of the World Anti-Fascist War and the founding of the United Nations. History teaches that multilateralism, solidarity and cooperation are the right way to address global challenges.

Guterres expressed his gratitude for China’s strong and solid support to the UN. He noted that at a time when multilateralism, international law and the authority of the United Nations are being challenged, and the international governance architecture is in urgent need of reform, it is all the more important to recall the founding mission and values that led to the creation of the UN 80 years ago. China has made significant contributions to safeguarding international law and ensuring international rule of law and has been a cornerstone of multilateralism. The UN will strengthen cooperation with China to uphold the purposes and principles of the UN Charter, defend the basic norms of international relations, advance a multipolar world, enhance the representation of developing countries, and enable the UN to play a greater role in international affairs.

Meeting with Egyptian Prime Minister Mostafa Madbouly, President Xi noted that Egypt was the first Arab and African country to establish diplomatic relations with the People’s Republic of China. Next year marks the 70th anniversary of China-Egypt diplomatic ties. The two sides should take it as an opportunity to steer the bilateral relationship toward the goal of building a China-Egypt community with a shared future in the new era, add new impetus to China-Arab and China-Africa relations, and make greater contributions to upholding world peace and stability and promoting global development and prosperity. The two countries should be good friends that closely collaborate in multilateral affairs, shoulder historical and major-country responsibilities as important members of the Global South, safeguard the victorious outcomes of World War II, jointly oppose unilateralism and bullying practices, and defend the international system with the United Nations at its core and the international order underpinned by international law.

Prime Minister Madbouly said China is a true partner and friend of Egypt, and the two sides have always trusted and supported each other. Egypt places high importance on its relations with China and is firmly committed to the one-China principle. Egypt stands ready to take next year’s 70th anniversary of diplomatic ties with China as an opportunity to increase high-level exchanges, expand trade and investment, and deepen cooperation in such areas as new energy, electric vehicles, finance and seawater desalination, in a bid to achieve greater progress in bilateral relations.

Meeting with Myanmar’s Acting President Min Aung Hlaing, President Xi noted that Myanmar was part of the Eastern battlefield of the World Anti-Fascist War and it is an important dialogue partner of the SCO. The China-Myanmar pauk-phaw (brotherly) friendship, rooted in the hearts of the two peoples, is as strong and relevant as ever. The two sides should seize the opportunity of the 75th anniversary of their diplomatic relations to deepen strategic cooperation, accelerate the building of their community with a shared future, and bring greater benefits to people in both countries.

The two sides should advance key projects of the China-Myanmar Economic Corridor and promote economic and trade cooperation. Joint efforts should be made to combat cross-border crimes, maintain peace and tranquility in the China-Myanmar border region, and ensure the safety and security of Chinese personnel, institutions, and projects in Myanmar.

Acting President Min Aung Hlaing said that Myanmar and China share a deep pauk-phaw friendship and a common pursuit of peace and stability, and both countries made significant contributions to the victory of the World Anti-Fascist War. China has always been a good neighbour and a good friend to Myanmar, providing long-term assistance to Myanmar’s economic and social development, supporting its post-disaster rehabilitation efforts, and playing a constructive role in facilitating peace and stability in northern Myanmar.

Continue reading Xi Jinping meets UN Secretary General and leaders from Egypt, Myanmar and Kazakhstan

Friendship with Pakistan is cornerstone of China’s regional diplomacy

Following his visits to India and Afghanistan, Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi concluded his regional tour of South Asian countries, with a series of important meetings in the Pakistani capital Islamabad on August 21.

Co-chairing the Sixth Round of China-Pakistan Foreign Ministers’ Strategic Dialogue with Pakistani Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Mohammad Ishaq Dar, Wang Yi said that China and Pakistan are devoted friends tested by adversity and are also trustworthy and reliable ironclad friends. China will continue to prioritise Pakistan in its neighbourhood diplomacy, and will, as always, firmly support Pakistan in safeguarding its national independence, sovereignty and territorial integrity, countering terrorism, achieving unity and stability, accelerating development and revitalisation, and playing a greater role in international and regional affairs. Wang Yi congratulated Pakistan on assuming the rotating presidency of the United Nations Security Council for July, upholding justice for developing countries and enhancing Pakistan’s international standing and influence.

He added that China is working with neighbouring countries to promote the building of a neighbourhood community with a shared future. China is ready to make joint efforts with Pakistan to fully implement the important common understandings reached between President Xi Jinping and Pakistani leaders, make good preparations for high-level exchanges in the second half of the year, ensure that the building of a China-Pakistan community with a shared future continues to take the lead in the building of a neighbourhood community with a shared future, better benefit the people of both countries, and play a demonstrative role in safeguarding regional peace, stability, development and prosperity. China is ready to work with Pakistan to create an upgraded Version 2.0 of the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC), strive to build a growth corridor, a livelihood-enhancing corridor, an innovation corridor, a green corridor and an open corridor, focus on the three key sectors of industry, agriculture, and mining, build and operate the Gwadar Port well, ensure the smooth passage of the Karakoram Highway, and promote the CPEC into a new stage of high-quality development. China is ready to deepen cooperation with Pakistan in areas such as information technology, cybersecurity, and people-to-people and cultural exchanges.

Mohammad Ishaq Dar thanked China for its steadfast support to Pakistan over the years, saying that as the international situation is undergoing profound changes, the strategic dialogue between the foreign ministers of Pakistan and China is timely and a concrete embodiment of the ironclad friendship between the two countries. Pakistan and China have strong political mutual trust, and bilateral relations have reached new heights, becoming a model for state-to-state relations. Friendship with China is the cornerstone of Pakistan’s foreign policy and a consensus shared throughout the nation. Pakistan upholds the one-China principle and firmly supports China without hesitation on all issues concerning China’s core interests.

Following their dialogue, the two Foreign Ministers jointly met the press.

Wang Yi said that South Asian countries have a long history, splendid civilisation, large population, and huge development potential. They are China’s close neighbours linked by mountains and rivers, and also an important direction for China to build a community with a shared future in its neighbourhood. Stressing that he felt the immense development potential and resilience of South Asia following this visit to India, Afghanistan and Pakistan, Wang Yi said the 21st century should be an era of accelerated development and revitalisation for Asia, especially South Asia.

He added that although India, Afghanistan and Pakistan have different national conditions, they all recognise that development is the top priority and the broadest consensus among them, as well as among all countries in the region. A peaceful, stable and prosperous South Asia serves the common interests of all parties and meets the aspirations of the people of all countries. In the face of pressure from unilateral and bullying acts, the three countries all believe that they should adhere to multilateralism, safeguard their legitimate rights and interests, and strive to promote an equal and orderly multipolar world and universally beneficial and inclusive economic globalisation.

Wang Yi emphasised that China pursues a policy to foster an amicable, secure and prosperous neighbourhood, adheres to the principle of amity, sincerity, mutual benefit and inclusiveness, and upholds the vision of a shared future. China has always been committed to fostering mutual respect, mutual understanding, and mutual trust with South Asian countries, and helping each other succeed. China and South Asian countries are natural partners, with broad space for cooperation. Despite ups and downs, China-India relations have a long history and increasingly demonstrate a clear historical logic. The China-Pakistan friendship has withstood the test of time, become as strong as steel, and gained stronger internal impetus. The relationships between China and Pakistan, China and India, as well as China and other neighbouring countries, are not directed against any third party and are not subject to any third-party influence. The building of a China-Pakistan community with a shared future is at the forefront of China’s building a community with a shared future with neighbouring countries, setting an important example. The building of the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor will not only benefit the people of the two countries but also extend to Afghanistan and other countries.

Continue reading Friendship with Pakistan is cornerstone of China’s regional diplomacy

China extends a hand of friendship to Afghanistan

Following his successful visit to India, Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi flew to Kabul, Afghanistan, for a series of meetings on August 20.

Wang Yi participated in the Sixth China-Afghanistan-Pakistan Trilateral Foreign Ministers’ Dialogue together with Afghan Foreign Minister Mawlawi Amir Khan Muttaqi and Pakistani Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Mohammad Ishaq Dar.

Wang Yi said that since the trilateral foreign ministers’ dialogue mechanism was resumed in Tunxi, Anhui Province in 2022, the three sides, based on the principles of mutual respect, equal-footed consultation and mutual benefit, have continuously advanced cooperation in the fields of politics, development and security, safeguarded regional peace and tranquility, and responded to various risks and challenges. He added that China is ready to work with Afghanistan and Pakistan to deepen good-neighbourliness and mutual trust, render mutual understanding and support on issues concerning each other’s core interests, and firmly oppose interference by any external forces in the region, as well as any organisation or individual engaging in acts within their countries that undermine the national sovereignty, security and territorial integrity of the other sides.

He noted that China and Pakistan have been at the forefront of the international community and regional neighbours in helping Afghanistan restabilise and rebuild the country and expand its foreign exchanges. China will continue to uphold justice for Afghanistan on multilateral occasions, encourage the international community to engage with Afghanistan in a constructive manner, and support Afghanistan in advancing the normalisation of its diplomatic relations. The three sides should expand development cooperation, increase trade and investment exchanges, strengthen the building of connectivity networks, and enhance people-to-people bonds. And they should improve the security dialogue mechanism, deepen law enforcement and security cooperation, intensify efforts to combat transnational terrorist activities, and eradicate the breeding ground of terrorism by addressing both symptoms and root causes on the basis of consensus. It is important to uphold the principle of indivisible security, respect each other’s legitimate security concerns, and blaze a path of cooperative and common security.

 Mawlawi Amir Khan Muttaqi welcomed the attendance of the Chinese and Pakistani foreign ministers at the dialogue and thanked China and Pakistan for their steadfast support for Afghanistan on the international stage. He said that given the profound changes in the current international and regional situation, Afghanistan hopes to take this meeting as an opportunity to deepen friendly relations, strengthen coordination and collaboration, and work for greater development of trilateral cooperation.

Mohammad Ishaq Dar said that Pakistan, China and Afghanistan share close historical, cultural and economic ties, and that trilateral cooperation enjoys great potential. The three sides should jointly advance their partnership, and enhance cooperation in trade, the Belt and Road Initiative, connectivity, counter-terrorism and other areas to achieve common development. As a neighbouring country of Afghanistan, Pakistan is willing to make greater contributions to the peace process in Afghanistan and to improving the livelihood of the Afghan people. Pakistan also called for the unfreezing of Afghanistan’s overseas assets.

Meeting with Wang Yi, Afghan Prime Minister Mullah Mohammad Hassan Akhund asked him to convey his cordial greetings to Chinese leaders. He said that the Chinese government and people have always held a friendly and positive attitude towards Afghanistan, and thanked China for speaking up for Afghanistan on the international stage. China is a force for justice in the world and is consistently committed to friendly cooperation with Afghanistan and other countries for common development and progress. History has shown that those countries attempting to interfere in other nations’ affairs will only suffer the consequences, while those pursuing friendly policies will achieve success. This is China’s unique strength. Afghanistan does not wish to and will not create trouble for other countries. Afghanistan looks forward to strengthening cooperation with China to advance a positive and sustainable friendly relationship. Afghanistan will never allow any force to use its territory to threaten China and will always stand firmly with China.

Wang Yi conveyed the kind greetings of the Chinese leaders and said that China-Afghanistan exchanges have spanned thousands of years, and the two countries have always maintained friendly relations. He noted that throughout history, imperialists, colonialists and hegemonists have all attempted to invade Afghanistan but all have failed, and such schemes will not succeed in the future. The world should not be one where the rich get richer and the poor get poorer. Every country, including Afghanistan, has the right to achieve development and revitalisation.

Continue reading China extends a hand of friendship to Afghanistan

Myanmar peace and reconciliation discussed in four-party talks

During the tenth Lancang-Mekong Cooperation (LMC) Foreign Ministers’ Meeting, which was held in Anning, in China’s southwestern Yunnan province, on August 15 Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi also held an important quadrilateral meeting on the sidelines, together with Lao Foreign Minister Thongsavanh Phomvihane, Myanmar Foreign Minister Than Swe, and Thai Foreign Minister Maris Sangiampongsa, which was focused on the situation in Myanmar and its implications for the country’s immediate neighbours.

Wang Yi said that China, Laos, and Thailand, as friendly neighbours of Myanmar, have a better understanding of Myanmar’s unique national conditions and are more eager to see Myanmar restore stability, achieve national reconciliation, hold an open and fair general election, and pursue a development path suited to its national conditions and supported by its people. Since the first quadrilateral meeting last year, the situation in Myanmar has generally stabilised, and efforts are underway to advance post-earthquake reconstruction and safeguard its sovereignty, independence and national stability. He called for adhering to a “Myanmar-led, Myanmar-owned” approach, supporting the choices of the Myanmar people, and resolving differences through dialogue. The Chinese Foreign Minister also stressed the importance of mediation by ASEAN (the Association of South East Asian Nations) and assistance from neighbouring countries, with ASEAN serving as the main channel, while also giving full play to mechanisms like the Informal Discussion between the Foreign Ministers of China, Laos, Myanmar and Thailand and the Foreign Ministers’ Meeting among the Neighbouring Countries of Myanmar. He further urged prioritising people’s livelihoods and development, supporting Myanmar in improving people’s well-being and post-earthquake reconstruction, and promoting cooperation in various fields for people’s benefit, while warning against improper interference by external forces that could undermine regional stability.

The Myanmar side expressed gratitude for the support and assistance provided by China, Laos and Thailand, as friendly neighbouring countries, in addressing challenges. It reiterated its commitment to advancing the domestic peace and reconciliation process through political dialogue and stated that it is actively preparing for an open and transparent general election at the end of the year to return power to the people.

The Lao side expressed its support for a “Myanmar-led, Myanmar-owned” political process and for Myanmar’s general election to achieve peace, stability and national reconciliation.

The Thai side stated that the Myanmar issue is an internal affair of the country, and the international community should respect the choices of the Myanmar people.

The following article was originally published on the website of the Chinese Foreign Ministry.

On August 15, 2025, China, Laos, Myanmar and Thailand held an informal discussion between foreign ministers in Anning, Yunnan. Member of the Political Bureau of the CPC Central Committee and Foreign Minister Wang Yi, Lao Foreign Minister Thongsavanh Phomvihane, Foreign Minister of Myanmar Than Swe, and Thai Foreign Minister Maris Sangiampongsa were present.

Wang Yi said that China, Laos, and Thailand, as friendly neighbors of Myanmar, have a better understanding of Myanmar’s unique national conditions and are more eager to see Myanmar restore stability, achieve national reconciliation, hold an open and fair general election, and pursue a development path suited to its national conditions and supported by its people. Since the first quadrilateral meeting last year, the situation in Myanmar has generally stabilized, and efforts are underway to advance post-earthquake reconstruction and safeguard its sovereignty, independence and national stability. Wang Yi called for adhering to a “Myanmar-led, Myanmar-owned” approach, supporting the choices of the Myanmar people, and resolving differences through dialogue. Wang Yi stressed the importance of mediation by ASEAN and assistance from neighboring countries, with ASEAN serving as the main channel, while also giving full play to mechanisms like the Informal Discussion between the Foreign Ministers of China, Laos, Myanmar and Thailand and the Foreign Ministers’ Meeting among the Neighboring Countries of Myanmar. He also urged prioritizing people’s livelihoods and development, supporting Myanmar in improving people’s well-being and post-earthquake reconstruction, and promoting cooperation in various fields for people’s benefit, while warning against improper interference by external forces that could undermine regional stability.

The Myanmar side briefed on the domestic situation and preparations for the upcoming general election, stating that since the last meeting, the domestic situation in Myanmar has generally deescalated and stabilized. The Myanmar side expressed gratitude for the support and assistance provided by China, Laos and Thailand, as friendly neighboring countries, in addressing challenges. The Myanmar side reiterated its commitment to advancing domestic peace and reconciliation process through political dialogue, and stated that it is actively preparing for an open and transparent general election at the end of the year to return power to the people.

The Lao side expressed its support for a “Myanmar-led, Myanmar-owned” political process and for Myanmar’s general election to achieve peace, stability and national reconciliation.

The Thai side stated that the Myanmar issue is an internal affair of the country, and the international community should respect the choices of the Myanmar people. The general election is an important step in Myanmar’s political transition. Thailand is willing to work with other ASEAN countries to provide support and assistance for the smooth progress of Myanmar’s general election based on the principle of non-interference in internal affairs.

The four foreign ministers exchanged views on joint efforts to combat cross-border crimes. Wang Yi pointed out that combating cross-border crimes bears on the well-being and safety of the people, represents a common concern of the four countries, and requires coordinated action. Since the last meeting, the four parties have closely cooperated, strengthened border control, and achieved notable results in jointly combating cross-border crimes. However, the regional security situation is still not optimistic, requiring continued coordinated efforts. First, strengthen conceptual guidance and institutional building to implement the Global Security Initiative. Second, strengthen joint operations and border control to block any attempt by lawbreakers to commit cross-border crimes. Third, strengthen capacity building and judicial coordination, and enhance publicity, education, and law enforcement training. Fourth, strengthen transformation development and social governance, coordinate security and development, continuously improve local socioeconomic conditions, and eradicate the breeding ground for illicit and gray industries.

The four parties agreed to continue to strengthen law enforcement and security cooperation, step up efforts to combat cross-border crimes, including online gambling, telecom fraud, drug and weapon trafficking, and human trafficking, and jointly safeguard regional peace and stability.

Mekong Foreign Ministers meet in China’s city of peace and harmony

On August 15, 2025, the tenth Lancang-Mekong Cooperation (LMC) Foreign Ministers’ Meeting was held in Anning, in China’s southwestern Yunnan province.

The LMC is a cooperation mechanism, founded a decade ago, that groups China with five of its close southeast Asian neighbours who all share the Mekong River.

Following the meeting, Chinese Foreign Wang Yi and his Thai counterpart, Maris Sangiampongsa, as co-chairs of the gathering, jointly met the press to brief on its outcome.

Wang Yi said that over the past decade, the building of the Lancang-Mekong Cooperation Economic Development Belt has made a smooth start. Trade between China and the five Mekong countries has reached 437 billion US dollars, an increase of 125 percent. Both hard and soft connectivity of regional infrastructure have been strengthened, industrial and supply chain cooperation has deepened, and the Innovation Corridor has become a new highlight of development.

He added that the six Lancang-Mekong countries, as a natural community with a shared future, have gained invaluable experience from a decade of cooperation. In the face of multiple international and regional challenges, the key to the robust growth of the LMC lies in adherence to four principles: first, uphold good-neighbourliness, friendship and a shared future; second, focus on development and pragmatic cooperation; third, ensure benefits for the people and remain open and inclusive; fourth, pursue innovation as the driving force and implement pilot projects.

As the day also marked the 80th anniversary of Japan’s unconditional surrender in World War Two, Wang Yi further said that he would like to state clearly China’s position on this very day. Eighty years ago today, Japan was defeated, accepted the Potsdam Proclamation and announced its unconditional surrender. The war of aggression waged by Japanese militarists at that time inflicted catastrophes not only on the people of China and other Asian countries, but also on the people of Japan. A series of international documents, including the Cairo Declaration and the Potsdam Proclamation, clearly defined Japan’s responsibility for the war and required that Japan return all the territories it had stolen from China, including Taiwan. This is an indisputable outcome of the victory in the World Anti-Fascist War and constitutes an important part of the post-war international order. Yet to this day, certain forces in Japan are still trying to whitewash or deny the aggression, distort or falsify history, and even honour the war criminals and justify their crimes. Such despicable and disgraceful actions bring shame upon themselves, and challenge the United Nations Charter, the post-war international order, human conscience, and all the people of the victorious countries. Only by facing up to history can respect be earned; only by drawing lessons from history can a future be forged; only by remembering the past can straying onto the wrong path again be avoided.

The previous day, Wang Yi had held a trilateral gathering as well as bilateral exchanges with all five of his counterparts.

He held a ‘tea chat’ with Cambodian Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation Prak Sokhonn and Thai Foreign Minister Maris Sangiampongsa, providing an opportunity to discuss the current Thai-Cambodian border dispute in a friendly and candid way.

‘Tea chats’ are playing an increasing role as an arm of Chinese diplomacy as ‘tea culture’ is deeply embedded not only in Chinese society but also in many other countries in east and southeast Asia.

Wang Yi stated that neither Cambodia nor Thailand wants the border conflict to continue, and both are willing to resume dialogue and improve relations. The Lancang-Mekong Cooperation Foreign Ministers’ Meeting held in Anning has provided an opportunity for this. The name “Anning” signifies peace, harmony, and amity, which is also the way neighbours should get along.

The Chinese side is ready, in line with the wishes of Cambodia and Thailand, to provide support and assistance for the clearing of mines and other activities in the border areas of the two countries. As an old Chinese saying goes, “Brothers may quarrel within the family, but they stand together against outside threats.”

The Chinese Foreign Ministry reported five outcomes from the chat, including that:

  • Cambodia and Thailand have expressed their commitment to strengthening engagement and communication, resuming normal exchanges at the earliest time, and rebuilding and enhancing mutual trust. 
  • Cambodia and Thailand are encouraged to build up conditions for returning to normality in the border areas, so as to live up to the expectations of the people living there.
  • Based on the wishes of Cambodia and Thailand, China stands ready to continue its constructive role, including providing support and assistance for de-mining in the border areas agreed by both Cambodia and Thailand.

Meeting with Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister of Vietnam Bui Thanh Son, Wang Yi stated that this year marks the 80th anniversary of the victory of the Chinese People’s War of Resistance Against Japanese Aggression and the founding of the United Nations, as well as the 80th anniversary of the founding of Vietnam and the 50th anniversary of the liberation of the South. During the years of pursuing national independence and liberation, China and Vietnam treated each other with sincerity and stood together to provide mutual assistance, forging a deep friendship featuring the spirit of being both “comrades and brothers”. In the course of China’s reform and opening up, as well as Viet Nam’s Doi Moi reforms, the two countries have supported each other and moved forward hand in hand, blazing socialist paths towards modernisation suited to their respective national conditions. Facing profound changes unseen in a century, China is ready to work with Vietnam to carry forward traditional friendship, strengthen strategic mutual trust, implement the outcomes of General Secretary and President Xi Jinping’s state visit to Vietnam, jointly build a China-Vietnam community with a shared future that carries strategic significance, ensure that China-Vietnam mutually beneficial cooperation brings greater benefits to the peoples of both countries, and make due contributions to regional peace and stability.

Continue reading Mekong Foreign Ministers meet in China’s city of peace and harmony

China calls for peace between Cambodia and Thailand

China has called for peace and an end to the fighting between Thailand and Cambodia, saying that the root cause of this problem lies in the historical legacy left by Western colonisers, which now needs to be calmly faced and properly handled.

The call came when Foreign Minister Wang Yi met with Secretary-General of ASEAN (the Association of South East Asian Nations) Kao Kim Hourn in Beijing on July 25.

Wang Yi said that China consistently prioritises ASEAN in its neighbourhood diplomacy and supports it in playing a greater role in international and regional affairs. China will work with ASEAN countries to foster a peaceful, safe and secure, prosperous, beautiful, and amicable home, and build an even closer China-ASEAN community with a shared future.

Under the current circumstances, Wang said, China and ASEAN should focus on cooperation in three key areas:

  • The two sides should work together to uphold free trade and the multilateral trading system. The abuse of tariffs undermines WTO (World Trade Organisation) rules, affects the stability of global industrial and supply chains, and harms other countries’ development and legitimate rights. As major forces in the Global South, China and ASEAN should strengthen solidarity and cooperation to reject unilateralism.
  • They should fully implement the Declaration on the Conduct of Parties in the South China Sea (DOC), complete negotiations on the Code of Conduct in the South China Sea (COC) on schedule, and continue to properly handle South China Sea issues based on the “dual-track approach” to jointly foster a new narrative of peace, friendship, and cooperation.
  • The two sides should work together to maintain regional peace and stability. Looking around the world, conflicts and confrontations are still raging in some places, and the international situation is complex and volatile. The peace and stability in East Asia are hard-won and should be cherished. Recent clashes on the border between Cambodia and Thailand, which caused casualties, are deeply saddening and concerning. The root cause of this problem lies in the historical legacy left by Western colonisers, which now needs to be calmly faced and properly handled. As a common friendly neighbour of Cambodia and Thailand, China is ready to uphold an impartial position and continue playing a constructive role in de-escalating tensions and easing the situation.

Following July 28 talks in the Malaysian capital Kuala Lumpur, chaired by Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim, in his capacity as the rotating chair of ASEAN, the two countries agreed to an “immediate and unconditional” ceasefire. “This is a vital first step towards de-escalation and the restoration of peace and security,” Anwar said.

The foreign and defence ministers of Malaysia, Cambodia and Thailand have been instructed to “develop a detailed mechanism” to implement and monitor the ceasefire to ensure sustained peace, he added. The Ambassadors of China and the United States also attended the talks.

The following article was originally published on the website of the Chinese Foreign Ministry. An article, produced by Globetrotter, and published on Peoples Dispatch, provides some useful background to and analysis of the dispute.

On July 25, 2025, Member of the Political Bureau of the CPC Central Committee and Foreign Minister Wang Yi met with Secretary-General of ASEAN Kao Kim Hourn in Beijing.

Wang Yi stated that China and ASEAN are friendly neighbors, and their all-round cooperation has increasingly deepened. China consistently prioritizes ASEAN as a priority in its neighborhood diplomacy and supports ASEAN in playing a greater role in international and regional affairs. Guided by the spirit of the Central Conference on Work Related to Neighboring Countries, its commitment to fostering an amicable, secure and prosperous neighborhood, the principle of amity, sincerity, mutual benefit and inclusiveness, and a vision for a shared future, China will work with ASEAN countries to foster a peaceful, safe and secure, prosperous, beautiful, and amicable home, and build an even closer China-ASEAN community with a shared future.

Wang Yi said that under the current circumstances, China and ASEAN should focus on cooperation in three key areas. First, the two sides should work together to uphold free trade and the multilateral trading system. The abuse of tariffs undermines WTO rules, affects the stability of global industrial and supply chains, and harms other countries’ development and legitimate rights. The world must not return to the law of the jungle. As major forces in the Global South, China and ASEAN should strengthen solidarity and cooperation to reject unilateralism, safeguard WTO rules, and ensure the authority and integrity of the China-ASEAN Free Trade Area and the Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership (RCEP). Second, the two sides should fully implement the Declaration on the Conduct of Parties in the South China Sea (DOC), complete negotiations on the Code of Conduct in the South China Sea (COC) on schedule, promote synergies between the two platforms, and continue to properly handle South China Sea issues based on the “dual-track approach” to jointly foster a new narrative of peace, friendship, and cooperation in the South China Sea. Third, the two sides should work together to maintain regional peace and stability. Looking around the world, conflicts and confrontations are still raging in some places, and the international situation is complex and volatile. The peace and stability in East Asia are hard-won and should be cherished. Recent clashes on the border between Cambodia and Thailand, which caused casualties, are deeply saddening and concerning. The root cause of this problem lies in the historical legacy left by Western colonizers, which now needs to be calmly faced and properly handled. China appreciates and supports ASEAN’s active mediation efforts to promote dialogue, consultation, and political settlement in the “ASEAN way”. As a common friendly neighbor of Cambodia and Thailand, China is ready to uphold an impartial position and continue playing a constructive role in de-escalating tensions and easing the situation.

Kao Kim Hourn gave a positive evaluation of ASEAN-China relations and the achievements of bilateral practical cooperation, and thanked China for firmly supporting ASEAN centrality in regional cooperation and the building of ASEAN community. ASEAN looks forward to taking the 5th anniversary of the establishment of the ASEAN-China comprehensive strategic partnership in 2026 as an opportunity to seek greater strategic synergy with China and deepen practical cooperation across various fields. He said that ASEAN supports accelerating negotiations on the COC and is willing to work with China to jointly maintain regional peace and stability and uphold the multilateral trading system. On the recent border tensions between Cambodia and Thailand, he expressed confidence that the leaders of the countries involved have the political wisdom to resolve this issue. The “ASEAN way” is feasible, and the ASEAN rotating chair is actively engaged in mediation in accordance with the ASEAN Charter. He thanked China for its active efforts to promote talks for peace.

Wang Yi meets Kazakh, Iranian, Pakistani, Uzbek and Tajik counterparts in Tianjin

Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi held a number of bilateral meetings on the sidelines of the foreign ministers’ meeting of the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO), which was held in Tianjin on July 15.

Meeting on July 15 with Kazakh Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs Murat Nurtleu, Wang Yi noted that Kazakhstan successfully hosted the second China-Central Asia Summit last month, during which President Xi Jinping and President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev had in-depth and friendly strategic communication, writing a new chapter of good relations. China and Kazakhstan are good neighbours with a high degree of mutual trust, good friends with mutual assistance in trying times, and good partners for mutual benefit and win-win outcomes. China has always placed Kazakhstan in an important position in its neighbourhood diplomacy and is willing to work with Kazakhstan to firmly support each other, consolidate political mutual trust, create more new highlights of cooperation, and open up new prospects for bilateral relations.

Noting that Kazakhstan is a founding member of the SCO, Wang Yi stated that China looks forward to making joint efforts with Kazakhstan and other member states to ensure the complete success of the Tianjin summit and make plans for the future development of the SCO.

Murat Nurtleu said that China is a friendly neighbour, close friend, and trustworthy partner of Kazakhstan. Under the guidance of the two heads of state, the Kazakhstan-China permanent comprehensive strategic partnership has been elevated to a new level and reached new heights.

On July 16, Wang Yi met with Iranian Foreign Minister Seyed Abbas Araghchi.

Wang said that as a comprehensive strategic partner, China will continue to support Iran in safeguarding its state sovereignty and national dignity, resisting power politics and bullying acts, defending its legitimate rights and interests through political negotiations, and adhering to the principle of good-neighbourliness and friendship to continuously improve and develop relations with its neighbouring countries.

Seyed Abbas Araghchi expressed gratitude for China’s valuable support to Iran and said that Iran is more steadfast than ever in its resolve to develop relations with China. The Iran-China comprehensive strategic partnership enjoys tremendous potential and broad prospects. He reiterated that Iran has explicitly stated that it will not develop nuclear weapons but will not give up its legitimate right to the peaceful use of nuclear energy. Iran is willing to engage in negotiations and consultations as soon as possible with all parties on the premise of equality and respect, to seek a political solution to the Iranian nuclear issue.

Wang Yi said that China consistently opposes the use or threat of force and advocates for resolving differences through dialogue and consultation. China values Iran’s commitment to not developing nuclear weapons, respects Iran’s right to the peaceful use of nuclear energy and appreciates Iran’s efforts to strive for peace through diplomatic means.

Meeting with Pakistani Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Mohammad Ishaq Dar, Wang Yi said that China supports Pakistan in focusing on handling its own affairs, achieving independent and sustainable development, and continuously enhancing its comprehensive national strength, adding that China is willing to enhance strategic dialogue with Pakistan, jointly build the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) to a high level, and deepen cooperation on agriculture, industry, and mining. He added that China also stands ready to jointly plan the celebration activities for the 75th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between the two countries next year.

Continue reading Wang Yi meets Kazakh, Iranian, Pakistani, Uzbek and Tajik counterparts in Tianjin

Liu Jianchao meets old friends from Indonesia and Namibia

Liu Jianchao, Minister of the International Department of the Communist Party of China Central Committee (IDCPC), met with visiting former heads of state from Indonesia and Namibia on July 9 and 11 respectively.

On July 9, he met with Megawati Sukarnoputri, Head of the Indonesian Democratic Party of Struggle (PDI-P) and former Indonesian President, who is also a daughter of Indonesia’s founding president Sukarno.

Liu said, this year marks the 75th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between China and Indonesia. “Your father, President Sukarno, and the older generation of Chinese leaders were the founders of the friendly relations between China and Indonesia. You are also a witness and promoter of the deep friendship between China and Indonesia. We are here today to warmly welcome you and express our respect for the historic contributions made by you and President Sukarno to the development of China-Indonesia relations. The Bandung Conference successfully held under the promotion of the older generation of leaders of the two countries opened a new chapter of unity and cooperation among China, Indonesia and other developing countries.”

He added that the CPC and the PDI-P share similar development concepts and common goals. In today’s world fraught with turmoil and changes, profound changes unseen in a century are accelerating. The CPC is willing to establish a political dialogue mechanism with the PDI-P, deepen exchanges of experience in party building and state governance, explore ways to promote the development of their respective countries and improve global governance, jointly maintain peace and stability in Asia, promote regional development and prosperity, and expand the international voice of developing countries.

Megawati fondly recalled the friendly exchanges between her father, President Sukarno, and China, as well as her own friendly exchanges with the country, saying that every time she comes to China, it feels like coming to a “second home”. This year marks the 70th anniversary of the Bandung Conference. Indonesia is willing to work with China to vigorously carry forward the Bandung Spirit, promote unity and cooperation among developing countries, and jointly address global risks and challenges such as financial stability, climate change, and food security. General Secretary Xi Jinping’s “two centenary goals” led China to the historic achievement of eradicating absolute poverty, effectively safeguarding and improving people’s livelihoods. The PDI-P values the deep friendship with the CPC and is willing to deepen exchanges between the two parties, learn from the CPC’s experiences in medium- and long-term national planning, rural revitalisation, youth development, and addressing population aging, and promote practical cooperation in relevant fields between the two countries to better benefit the two peoples.

On July 11, Liu met with Nangolo Mbumba, former President of Namibia.

Liu highly spoke of Mbumba’s long-term contributions to the development of China-Namibia and China-Africa relations. China-Africa unity represents the strengthening of the Global South and the forces of justice. China is willing to work with Namibia and other Global South countries to further strengthen mutually beneficial cooperation, promote people-to-people friendship, advance mutual learning among civilisations, enhance multilateral coordination, firmly uphold the international system with the United Nations at its core, safeguard each other’s legitimate rights and interests, and inject more positive energy into building a community with a shared future for humanity. The CPC and the SWAPO party of Namibia share similar political ideas and similar struggles, and both have contributed to the cause of human peace and development through their own practices.

Continue reading Liu Jianchao meets old friends from Indonesia and Namibia