International relations Archives - Friends of Socialist China

China and Africa consolidate dynamic partnership

On June 11, 2025, the Ministerial Meeting of Coordinators on the Implementation of the Follow-up Actions of the Forum on China-Africa Cooperation (FOCAC) was held in Changsha, capital of China’s Hunan Province.

Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi attended the opening ceremony and read out the congratulatory letter from President Xi Jinping. Foreign Minister Jean-Claude Gakosso of the Republic of the Congo, the current African co-chair of the FOCAC, read out the congratulatory letter from President Denis Sassou Nguesso.

Xi Jinping pointed out that since its establishment 25 years ago, the FOCAC has strongly driven the flourishing development of China-Africa cooperation and become a model for solidarity and cooperation in the Global South. Through the entry into agreements on economic partnership for shared development, China implements zero-tariff measures of granting 53 African countries having diplomatic relations with China zero-tariff treatment for 100 percent of tariff lines, and facilitates greater access for exports from Africa’s least developed countries to China.

President Denis Sassou Nguesso pledged to make all-out efforts and work unwaveringly with President Xi Jinping to make greater progress in building an Africa-China community with a shared future and to enhance the well-being of the people on both sides. As the African co-chair of the FOCAC, the Republic of the Congo will work with China and other Global South countries to strengthen cooperation under the Belt and Road Initiative, jointly build a multipolar world free from unilateralism and protectionism, and usher in a new era of universally beneficial and inclusive globalisation.

Wang Yi said that since its establishment 25 years ago, the FOCAC has grown rapidly, driving China-Africa relations to achieve leapfrog development and ushering in their best period in history. The FOCAC Beijing Summit held in September last year marked the beginning of a new journey for jointly building a China-Africa community with a shared future. Guided by the consensus reached at the summit, China and Africa have actively implemented the ten partnership actions and achieved new, encouraging outcomes. Strategic mutual trust between China and Africa has become stronger, practical cooperation has been increasingly deepened, and multilateral coordination has become closer. Facts have proved that China-Africa cooperation has a solid foundation, extensive demands, and enormous potential, and is brimming with vigour and vitality. When China and Africa stand shoulder to shoulder, the development and revitalisation of the Global South will be more promising, and international fairness and justice will be more guaranteed.

The Chinese Foreign Minister emphasised that China and Africa, as the largest developing country and the continent home to the largest number of developing countries, together form the backbone of the Global South. The more complex and turbulent the international landscape becomes, the more imperative it is for China and Africa to uphold solidarity and self-reliance, stand firmly on the right side of history, actively steer the course of the times, and respond to uncertainties in the world with the stability and resilience of China-Africa relations.

China will continue to be a stabilising force for peace and progress

From May 13-14, the Chinese People’s Association for Peace and Disarmament (CPAPD), which works under the direction of the International Department of the Communist Party of China Central Committee (IDCPC) hosted the Fourth Wanshou Dialogue on Global Security, themed as “Universal Security in a Turbulent World: The Responsibility of Major Countries”. Liu Jianchao, Minister of the IDCPC, attended the event and delivered a keynote speech.

More than 50 international security experts from over 30 countries, including Pino Arlacchi, former Under-Secretary-General of the United Nations, Andrey Kortunov, former director general of the Russian International Affairs Council, Benny Octaviar, former head of the Indonesian Military Research Centre, Douglas Bandow, a special assistant to former US president Ronald Reagan and a senior research fellow at the Cato Institute, and Zizi Kodwa, a member of the National Executive Committee of the African National Congress (ANC) and former Minister of Sports, Arts and Culture of South Africa, attended the event.

The participants held in-depth discussions around four topics, namely Pressing Issues of Global Security, The Responsibility of Major Countries Amidst Once in a Century Transformations, Major Country Relations and Security in the Asia Pacific and Pathways to Universal Security.

Friends of Socialist China was invited to participate in the dialogue and we were ably represented by Dr. Jenny Clegg, a Member of our Advisory Group, who is the author of ‘China’s Global Strategy: Towards a Multipolar World’, a Vice President of the Society for Anglo-Chinese Understanding (SACU) and a leading member of the Campaign for Nuclear Disarmament (CND) and the Stop the War Coalition.

We reproduce below Jenny’s report of the event as well as the text of her speech, which was delivered to the panel session on Major Country Relations and Security in the Asia Pacific.

We also reprint the report of the opening session which was originally carried on the IDCPC website.

The CPAPD website carried a brief report on the event as well as a meeting with Peng Qinghua, Vice-Chairman of the Standing Committee of the National People’s Congress (NPC).

Labour Outlook also carried an article, based in part on Jenny’s speech.

Belarus President pays ‘family visit’ to China

Belarusian President Aleksandr Lukashenko paid his 15^th visit to China, June 2-4.

On the morning of June 4, President Xi Jinping met with Lukashenko at Zhongnanhai, the compound in central Beijing where the top Chinese leadership live and work.

Xi Jinping congratulated Aleksandr Lukashenko again on his reelection as President of Belarus. Xi pointed out that China and Belarus are true friends and good partners. The two countries have always treated each other with sincerity and engaged each other with trust. Noting that China and Belarus share enduring traditional friendship, unshakable political mutual trust and comprehensively advancing cooperation in all fields, Xi Jinping said China always views and develops its relations with Belarus from a strategic and long-term perspective. China is ready to work with Belarus to ensure the steady and sustained growth of bilateral relations and mutually beneficial cooperation. Both sides should further strengthen coordination and cooperation within multilateral frameworks such as the United Nations and the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation, jointly oppose hegemonic, domineering and bullying acts, and uphold international fairness and justice.

Aleksandr Lukashenko said that this is his 15th visit to China, and on each occasion, he has truly felt the profound friendship extended by the Chinese side. Belarus thanked China for its long-standing strong support and assistance and has high-degree trust in China. Belarus will remain committed to developing its relations with China and actively advancing cooperation with China. In international affairs, China has firmly upheld multilateralism, opposed unilateralism and sanctions and pressure, and set an example for the world. Belarus deeply admires this and is willing to work with China to jointly defend international fairness and justice.

The Belarusian Telegraph Agency (BelTA) reported that main event of Lukashenko’s visit was his meeting with Xi Jinping, which was held for the first time at the Chinese leader’s home – at the Zhongnanhai residence. This is a sign of special favour and friendship between the heads of state.

“My office is literally next door. This is the first time I receive you here,” Xi Jinping said during the meeting.

Aleksandr Lukashenko noted, in turn, that he greatly appreciates the friendly attitude of his Chinese counterpart: “Enough to say that you have invited me to your home. I am very grateful to you and, naturally, I invite you to my home.

“I am still surprised and amazed by the way you treat your guests, although this is my 15th time in China and I have been cooperating with your country for 30 years already. Believe me, this is a widely shared opinion. We discuss it with other presidents, especially leaders of the post-Soviet republics. We have the same opinion about it. And we don’t take it for granted; we appreciate it very much.” said Aleksandr Lukashenko.

According to BeLTA, Xi Jinping emphasized that neither Belarus nor China will ever bow to any international hegemony or yield to the policy of bullying. “Together, we defend international justice and equality.”

“You have very correctly identified the main trend of our time – the West’s unprecedented pressure on us, primarily on the People’s Republic of China. And today the eyes of many countries, including Belarus, are on you – Beijing,” the Belarusian leader emphasised.

Five years ago people would say: “If China holds out, the world will be balanced and will go on. Today they are already saying: ‘China has held out, China will not allow the world order to be broken’. Many nations strongly believe in this. I have heard this from the heads of state with whom I have met.”

Xi Jinping has also invited Lukashenko to attend the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation summit and a parade in Beijing that will take place in late August – early September this year, BelTA reports.

China strongly condemns Israeli aggression against Iran

China has strongly condemned the most recent acts of Israeli aggression against Iran.

Speaking at a United Nations Security Council briefing on June 13, Ambassador Fu Cong said:

“China condemns Israel’s actions that violate Iran’s sovereignty, security, and territorial integrity, opposes the intensification of tensions and the expansion of conflicts, and is deeply concerned about the potential grave consequences of the Israeli operations.”

He added: “We oppose the use of force and illegal unilateral sanctions and oppose armed attacks on peaceful nuclear facilities. As a State Party to the Treaty on the Non-Proliferation of Nuclear Weapons (NPT), Iran’s right to the peaceful uses of nuclear energy should be fully respected.”

Drawing the necessary connection to Israel’s genocidal war in Gaza, Fu Cong concluded:

“Gaza has been subjected to prolonged attacks and blockades, with over two million people trapped in an unprecedented humanitarian disaster. The international community should work together to promote a ceasefire in Gaza, deescalate the regional situation, and effectively curb the spread of conflict. The country with significant influence over Israel should effectively play a constructive role. The Security Council should make full use of all the means conferred on it by the Charter to ensure the implementation of its relevant resolutions and to play its due role in maintaining regional peace and security.”

The following day, Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi had a phone call with Iranian Foreign Minister Seyed Abbas Araghchi.

Araghchi thanked China for its consistent understanding and support of Iran’s position and expressed confidence that China will play an even more important role in promoting regional peace and stability.

Wang said that China condemns Israel’s violation of Iran’s sovereignty, security and territorial integrity, and firmly opposes the reckless attacks targeting Iranian officials and causing civilian casualties. China supports Iran in safeguarding its national sovereignty, defending its legitimate rights and interests, and ensuring the safety of its people, he said, adding that Israel’s actions seriously violate the principles of the UN Charter and the basic norms governing international relations. In particular, Israeli attacks on Iranian nuclear facilities have set a dangerous precedent with potentially catastrophic consequences.

The Xinhua News Agency also reported that Wang held a telephone conversation with Israeli Foreign Minister Gideon Sa’ar the same day, in which he stressed that China firmly opposes Israel’s use of force against Iran in violation of international law.

Slightly more detailed read outs of Wang Yi’s conversations with his Iranian and Israeli counterparts, released by the Chinese Foreign Ministry may be read here and here.

The following articles were originally published on the website of China’s Permanent Mission to the UN and by the Xinhua News Agency.

Remarks on the Situation in the Middle East by Ambassador Fu Cong at the UN Security Council Briefing

President,

Thank you for convening this emergency meeting. I thank Director General Rafael Mariano Grossi and Under-Secretary-General Rosemary DiCarlo for their briefings.

Early this morning, Israel launched large-scale attacks on multiple targets in Iran, causing damage to Iran’s nuclear facilities and casualties. The Israeli side said that its military operations would last as many days as it takes. China condemns Israel’s actions that violate Iran’s sovereignty, security, and territorial integrity, opposes the intensification of tensions and the expansion of conflicts, and is deeply concerned about the potential grave consequences of the Israeli operations. The abrupt heating-up of the region serves no one’s interests. We urge Israel to immediately cease all military adventurism and avoid further escalating tensions. We call on all relevant parties to abide by the UN Charter and international law, resolve disputes through political and diplomatic means, and jointly maintain regional peace and stability.

China and Africa issue powerful declaration on Global South solidarity and cooperation

The China-Africa Changsha Declaration – signed between the People’s Republic of China, 53 African countries and the African Union Commission on 11 June at the Ministerial Meeting of Coordinators on the Implementation of the Follow-up Actions of the Forum on China-Africa Cooperation in Changsha, Hunan – affirmed that:

All countries of the Global South should work together to safeguard multilateralism, promote multipolarity and oppose unilateralism and bullying.
The US’s tariffs, unilateralism, protectionism and economic bullying are severely damaging to Africa and must be opposed.
China will expand its zero-tariff treatment on 100 percent of tariff lines to all 53 African countries having diplomatic relations with China (that is, all African countries except for Eswatini).
China will continue actively contributing to Africa’s modernisation, including in green energy, AI, science and technology.
All countries should work together to build a community with a shared future for humanity, promote Belt and Road cooperation, and implement the Global Development Initiative, the Global Security Initiative and the Global Civilisation Initiative.

The declaration is a strong reaffirmation of the principles of solidarity, cooperation and mutual benefit that underpin China’s relations with Africa, and a powerful statement against the US’s attempts to divide the Global South.

It highlights the fact that, while the US is putting up tariff barriers, China is tearing them down; that while the US has slashed development aid, China is steadily increasing its support for African development. It clearly puts forward China’s strong support for Africa’s modernisation and sustainable development.

We are pleased to republish the full text of the statement below. The text was first published in English on the website of China’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs. We will be publishing further material on this important development in due course.

We, the representatives of the People’s Republic of China, 53 African countries and the African Union Commission, guided by the consensus reached by our leaders during the 2024 Beijing Summit of the Forum on China-Africa Cooperation (FOCAC), gathered in Changsha to advance the full implementation of the Beijing Declaration on Jointly Building an All-Weather China-Africa Community with a Shared Future for the New Era.

I. We agree that the rise and growth of the Global South represents the trend of the times and the future of development. China and Africa are both important members of and staunch forces in the Global South. We call on all countries, especially countries in the Global South, to work together to build a community with a shared future for mankind, promote high-quality Belt and Road cooperation, and implement the Global Development Initiative, the Global Security Initiative and the Global Civilization Initiative. We commend the initiative of jointly building an all-weather China-Africa community with a shared future for the new era for its positive significance in safeguarding solidarity and cooperation of the Global South and defending multilateralism.

Wang Yi meets counterparts from Asia, Africa and Europe

During his visit to Hong Kong, to attend the founding ceremony of the International Organisation for Mediation (IOMed), Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi held a number of meetings on May 30 with his counterparts from Asian, African and European countries, who were attending the same event.

Meeting with Lao Deputy Prime Minister Saleumxay Kommasith, Wang Yi noted their joint attendance at the signing ceremony of the Convention on the Establishment of the IOMed in the morning. Laos has actively participated in the establishment of the IOMed and is among the first to sign the Convention, making significant contributions, which China appreciates.

Wang Yi said that China and Laos, sharing common ideals and standing together through thick and thin, always treat each other with sincerity and offer mutual support. Under the strategic guidance of General Secretary and President Xi Jinping and General Secretary and President Thongloun Sisoulith, the building of the China-Laos community with a shared future has steadily advanced, demonstrating the broad prospects of the development of relations between the two Parties and two countries. China is ready to work with Laos, focusing on implementing the important common understandings reached by the top leaders of the two Parties and two countries, to deepen strategic cooperation, foster new drivers of cooperation, enhance coordination and collaboration at both bilateral and multilateral levels, jointly resist unilateralism and bullying acts, uphold multilateralism and international fairness and justice, and advance the China-Laos community with a shared future to a higher level.

The Lao side expressed appreciation for China’s long-standing and firm support, and expressed the willingness to implement the important common understandings reached by the top leaders of the two Parties and two countries, strengthen exchanges at all levels, advance cooperation projects such as the Laos-China-Thailand Railway, and work for more outcomes in building the Laos-China community with a shared future.

Meeting with Zimbabwean Foreign Minister Amon Murwira, Wang Yi noted that Zimbabwe has actively participated in the establishment of the IOMed, and today it was among the first to sign the Convention and became a founding member. China congratulates Zimbabwe on this. The IOMed is an important public good in the field of the rule of law that embodies the purposes of the United Nations Charter. It was jointly initiated by countries of the Global South and reflects the common aspirations of developing countries, especially small and medium-sized nations.

In September last year, President Xi Jinping and President Emmerson Mnangagwa provided new strategic guidance for the development of bilateral relations. This year marks the 45th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between China and Zimbabwe. Since the establishment of diplomatic relations, China-Zimbabwe friendship has withstood the test of the evolving international landscape and remained rock-solid. China has always viewed the development of China-Zimbabwe relations from a strategic and long-term perspective, supports Zimbabwe in safeguarding its own interests and opposes external interference. China is ready to work with Zimbabwe to maintain high-level strategic mutual trust, continue firmly supporting each other on issues concerning their respective core interests, strengthen exchanges of governance experience, advance cooperation in various fields in a coordinated manner, and guide China-Zimbabwe relations toward steady and sustained development.

Amon Murwira said that Zimbabwe is willing to play an active role in promoting the settlement of disputes through peaceful and mutually respectful means. The friendship between Zimbabwe and China is profound. The Zimbabwean side will never forget the firm support given by China during Zimbabwe’s efforts to strive for national independence, safeguard national sovereignty and oppose Western sanctions. Zimbabwe is grateful for the valuable support China has provided for its economic and social development. Zimbabwe firmly abides by the one-China principle, supports the Belt and Road Initiative, the series of global initiatives and the Forum on China-Africa Cooperation proposed by China, and stands ready to continue to firmly support each other and work closely with China to build a closer Zimbabwe-China community with a shared future.

Meeting with Mauritanian Foreign Minister Mohamed Salem Ould Merzoug, Wang Yi said, this year marks the 60th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between China and Mauritania. Over the past 60 years, the two sides have always treated each other with mutual respect and equality, setting an example of mutual support, mutual benefit and win-win results between developing countries. During the Beijing Summit of the Forum on China-Africa Cooperation in September last year, President Xi Jinping and President Mohamed Ould Cheikh Ghazouani jointly announced the establishment of a strategic partnership, charting the course for the development of bilateral relations. China is ready to work with Mauritania to fully deliver on the important common understandings reached between the two heads of state, carry forward the traditional friendship, consolidate unity and cooperation, jointly maintain peace and stability in the Sahel region, and constantly create new prospects for the development of the China-Mauritania strategic partnership.

Mohamed Salem Ould Merzoug said that the friendly relations between Mauritania and China are solid. China is a true strategic partner of Mauritania. Mauritania is ready to work with China to jointly celebrate the 60th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations, enhance exchanges at all levels, deepen mutually beneficial cooperation and promote the continuous development of bilateral relations.

Meeting with Beninese Foreign Minister Shegun Adjadi Bakari, Wang Yi said, Benin is China’s strategic partner in Africa. The important common understandings reached between President Xi Jinping and President Patrice Athanase Guillaume Talon as well as the various measures proposed at the Beijing Summit of the Forum on China-Africa Cooperation are being steadily implemented. The political mutual trust between the two countries has deepened continuously, and cooperation in various fields has yielded fruitful results. China is ready to work with Benin to deliver on the ten partnership actions for China and Africa to jointly advance modernisation, accelerate the process of common development, and continuously promote greater development of China-Benin strategic partnership.

Shegun Adjadi Bakari said, Benin is honoured to be one of the first signatories of the IOMed, which stems from the strategic partnership between Benin and China. Both sides share similar philosophies, uphold multilateralism, and advocate for dialogue and consultation to resolve conflicts and disputes. Benin will accelerate the ratification of the Convention and strive for the prompt operation of the IOMed to bring more stability to the world, which is of great significance to the African continent. China is a great friend and a reliable and important partner of Benin.

Meeting with Cameroonian Minister of External Relations Lejeune Mbella Mbella, Wang Yi said that China and Cameroon enjoy a traditional friendship, and the bilateral relations have stood the test of time. China appreciates Cameroon’s consistent and firm support on issues concerning China’s core interests and is willing to strengthen exchanges at all levels between the two sides, deepen practical cooperation, and help Cameroon achieve better development.

Lejeune Mbella Mbella said that Cameroon cherishes its traditional friendship and partnership with China and appreciates China’s effective cooperation with Cameroon in fields such as energy, health, and infrastructure, which has made significant contributions to Cameroon’s national development. Regardless of changes in the international situation, Cameroon will remain committed to the one-China principle.

Meeting with Pakistani Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Mohammad Ishaq Dar, Wang Yi said that China is ready to work with Pakistan and like-minded countries to promote the unique advantages of the IOMed, so as to provide countries with a new, voluntary and efficient option for dispute resolution, and offer a new platform for Global South nations to safeguard peace, stability, fairness and justice.

Mohammad Ishaq Dar said that China’s initiative to establish the IOMed is timely and represents an important contribution to strengthening the multilateral system. The informal trilateral meeting of foreign ministers of Pakistan, China and Afghanistan was recently held successfully in Beijing. Pakistan has decided to accept China’s mediation proposal and upgrade its diplomatic relations with Afghanistan to the ambassadorial level. Pakistan fully supports China in hosting the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation Summit in Tianjin and will further deepen all-round cooperation between the two sides.

Wang Yi stated that Pakistan’s upgrading of diplomatic relations with Afghanistan will help improve Pakistan-Afghanistan relations, enhance mutual trust, and strengthen cooperation. China is ready to work with Pakistan to deepen the all-weather strategic cooperative partnership, support Pakistan in safeguarding its national sovereignty and territorial integrity, and support Pakistan’s assumption of the rotating presidency of the United Nations Security Council in July and its contribution to international peace and security.

Meeting with Nepali Foreign Minister Arzu Rana Deuba, Wang Yi said that China appreciates Foreign Minister Arzu Rana Deuba’s special trip to Hong Kong to attend the ceremony and looks forward to Nepal’s early accession to the IOMed, making joint contribution to the improvement of global governance.

He added that China and Nepal are traditionally friendly neighbours. China has always placed Nepal in an important position in its neighbourhood diplomacy. In December last year, Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli successfully paid an official visit to China. This year marks the 70th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between China and Nepal, and the strategic partnership of cooperation featuring ever-lasting friendship for development and prosperity between the two countries faces new opportunities for growth. China is ready to summarise successful experiences with Nepal, advance high-quality Belt and Road cooperation, and jointly create a better and more glorious China-Nepal relationship for the next 70 years.

Arzu Rana Deuba congratulated China on the successful signing ceremony of the Convention on the Establishment of the IOMed and said that it is an ideal choice to have the IOMed headquarters in Hong Kong. Nepal-China relations are based on friendship, equality, and respect. She expressed gratitude for the valuable assistance provided by the Chinese side to Nepal’s national development and the improvement of people’s livelihoods over the years. Nepal firmly abides by the one-China principle, supports the policy of “One Country, Two Systems”, and will never allow any force to use Nepal’s territory to engage in activities that harm China’s interests. Nepal is willing to enhance high-level exchanges with China, deepen practical cooperation, and promote better development of Nepal-China relations.

Meeting with Swiss Federal Councillor and Foreign Minister Ignazio Cassis, Wang Yi said that the Foreign Minister’s special trip to Hong Kong to attend the event demonstrated both his personal and Switzerland’s support for the establishment of the IOMed. It also reflected Switzerland’s positive attitude as a neutral country in practicing multilateralism and supporting the resolution of differences through dialogue and consultation. The Chinese side commends Switzerland for leveraging its role as a “bridge-builder” in international affairs and looks forward to working with the Swiss side to enhance communication, collaboration and experience sharing in areas such as dispute resolution through the new platform of the IOMed.

He added that the successful practice of “One Country, Two Systems” in Hong Kong has effectively promoted social stability and economic development in the region. Wang expressed the hope that Switzerland will deepen exchanges and cooperation with Hong Kong across various fields to achieve mutual benefits and win-win outcomes. He also introduced the recent high-level meeting on economic and trade affairs between China and the United States in Geneva and expressed appreciation for the facilitation provided by Switzerland.

Wang Yi meets his South Pacific counterparts

On May 28-29, Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi held bilateral meetings with his counterparts from South Pacific island nations on the sidelines of the Third China-Pacific Island Countries Foreign Ministers’ Meeting, held in the city of Xiamen in China’s Fujian province.

Meeting with President and Foreign Minister of Kiribati Taneti Maamau on May 28, Wang Yi said that since the resumption of diplomatic relations between China and Kiribati more than five years ago, bilateral relations have developed rapidly, with continuously deepening political mutual trust and fruitful results in exchanges and cooperation across various fields. Facts have proved that the decision made by President Taneti Maamau and the people of Kiribati to resume diplomatic relations with China is on the right side of history and is fully in line with the fundamental and long-term interests of the two peoples.

Wang Yi added that since the resumption of diplomatic relations between China and Kiribati, exchanges and cooperation in such fields as education, health, police affairs, culture, sports, and youth and at sub-national levels have gained thriving development. The Chinese Embassy was the first among foreign diplomatic missions in Kiribati to offer visa services, and Chinese medical teams have effectively addressed local medical service shortages. Under the framework of the Blue Partnership, the two sides can strengthen cooperation in the protection, development and utilisation of marine resources. China fully understands the special difficulties and legitimate concerns of Pacific Island countries (PICs) in addressing the climate change issue. China is willing to unite and cooperate with developing countries, including Kiribati, to jointly urge developed countries to face squarely their historical responsibilities, fulfil their commitments as soon as possible, and increase support for developing countries in terms of funds, technology and capacity building. China will continue to provide assistance to Kiribati in enhancing its capacity to address climate change within the framework of South-South cooperation.

Taneti Maamau thanked China for its strong support for Kiribati’s economic and social development. The resumption of diplomatic relations between Kiribati and China is a historic moment. Over the past five years, Kiribati has firmly pursued the one-China policy, and the practical cooperation between the two countries has yielded fruitful results, significantly improving the livelihood of the Kiribati people.

Meeting with Prime Minister and Foreign Minister of Niue Dalton Tagelagi, Wang Yi stated that China upholds equality among all countries regardless of size, which is a tradition, belief, and principle of China’s diplomacy, and also distinguishes it from other major countries. China has always taken pride in this. [Niue’s current population is just 1,821 people.] Since the establishment of diplomatic relations between China and Niue, bilateral relations have made significant progress, and in 2018, a comprehensive strategic partnership featuring mutual respect and common development was established, serving as a model for equality and common development between countries of different sizes. In providing assistance to PICs, China never attaches any political strings, never imposes its will on others, and never makes empty promises. China’s development of friendly and cooperative relations with Niue is open and transparent and is not targeted at any third party. China deeply empathises with the special concerns of small island countries on the climate change issue, and is willing to work with Niue to uphold the principle of common but differentiated responsibilities and jointly build a fair and equitable global climate governance system for win-win cooperation.

Dalton Tagelagi said that Niue is ready to seize the development opportunities brought by China to continue strengthening cooperation in infrastructure, marine conservation, people-to-people and cultural exchanges, tourism, telecommunications and other fields, so as to promote each other’s modernisation process.

Meeting with Crown Prince and Minister for Foreign Affairs of Tonga Tupouto’a ‘Ulukalala, Wang Yi said that since the establishment of diplomatic relations between China and Tonga 27 years ago, bilateral relations have experienced sustained and rapid development. Whether in responding to natural disasters or in working together to fight the COVID-19 pandemic, China and Tonga have always supported and helped each other in times of difficulty, acting on the vision of building a community with a shared future for humanity with concrete actions.

China establishes International Organisation for Mediation in Hong Kong

A major step in China’s multilateral diplomacy was taken on May 30, 2025, with the signing ceremony of the Convention on the Establishment of the International Organisation for Mediation (IOMed) in Hong Kong. Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi attended the event and delivered a speech. Around 400 high-level representatives from 85 countries across Asia, Africa, Latin America, and Europe, as well as nearly 20 international organisations, attended the event. Among them, 33 countries signed the Convention on site, becoming the founding members.

Wang Yi said that the UN Charter, in its preamble, states a clear purpose of different countries living together in peace and maintaining international peace and security. China always advocates addressing disagreements in a spirit of mutual understanding and accommodation, building consensus through dialogue and consultation, promoting development through win-win cooperation, and solving issues with a future-oriented perspective. China has been actively exploring ways of hotspot issue settlement that carry the Chinese touch. Three years ago, China and like-minded countries jointly initiated the establishment of the IOMed. Through diligent efforts, they have finally concluded the Convention and received extensive support and positive responses from the international community. An innovative step in international rule of law, the IOMed has great significance in the history of international relations.

The establishment of the IOMed is an example of a civilisational belief in harmony. It can help transcend the “you-lose-I-win” zero-sum mentality, promote the amicable resolution of international disputes, and foster more harmonious international relations.

Wang Yi stated that China looks forward to signatories’ early ratification of the Convention and welcomes the active participation of more countries. He called on signatories to uphold fairness, justice and equity, stress the true spirit of the rule of law, ensure both procedural justice and outcome justice, enhance the participation of developing countries, and improve the representation and say of the Global South in international governance.

He said that as decided through consultation among countries participating in the negotiation of the Convention, the IOMed will be headquartered in Hong Kong, whose handover is itself a success story of peaceful settlement of international disputes. What’s more, the city enjoys exceptional advantages in international mediation, for example, its affinity to the motherland and connection to the world, and its strength in both common law and civil law.

Pakistani Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Mohammad Ishaq Dar, Zimbabwean Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Trade Amon Murwira, Attorney General of Nicaragua Wendy Carolina Morales Urbina, Serbian Minister of Justice Nenad Vujić, Swiss Foreign Minister Ignazio Cassis, and Under-Secretary-General of the United Nations Li Junhua also spoke.

Chief Executive of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKSAR) John Lee delivered a speech to welcome the establishment of the world’s first intergovernmental international organisation dedicated to mediation in Hong Kong. Hong Kong will leverage the institutional strengths of “One Country, Two Systems” and fully support the work of the IOMed.

Following the signing ceremony, the Global Forum on International Mediation was convened.

China and Pacific Island countries join together to address the challenge of climate change

In a striking practical demonstration of China’s principled stand on the equality of nations, be they big or small, Foreign Minister Wang Yi hosted the Third China-Pacific Island Countries Foreign Ministers’ Meeting in Xiamen (Fujian province) on May 28-29. Wang co-chaired the meeting with President and Foreign Minister of Kiribati Taneti Maamau and it was attended by those Pacific Island countries having diplomatic relations with China – Niue, Tonga, Federated States of Micronesia, Solomon Islands, Vanuatu, Papua New Guinea, the Cook Islands, Nauru, Fiji and Samoa.

Wang Yi said that this year marks the 50th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between China and Pacific Island countries (PICs). The everlasting friendship between the two sides has transcended mountains and seas. Regardless of changes in the international landscape, China has always regarded PICs as good friends, good partners, and good brothers. The development of the bilateral ties vividly demonstrates that friendship, whenever it happens, is cherishable; cooperation, whatever its size, is valuable. The “four full respects” principle put forward by President Xi Jinping, that is, China fully respects the sovereignty and independence of PICs, fully respects their will, fully respects their cultural traditions and fully respects their effort to seek strength through unity, constitutes the fundamental guideline for China’s relations with PICs.

He added that China’s cooperation with PICs follows the trend of history, responds to the call of the times, and has yielded fruitful outcomes that benefit the people of PICs. It has not only helped each other succeed but also promoted regional peace, stability and prosperity, setting a model for peaceful coexistence between countries of different sizes and serving as an example for seeking development through unity among the Global South.

Wang Yi put forward a six-point suggestion on building a community with a shared future between China and PICs:

Uphold mutual respect. China will firmly defend the basic norm in international relations of non-interference in other countries’ internal affairs, and resolutely support PICs in safeguarding their sovereignty, security, and development interests. China believes that PICs will continue to abide by the one-China principle and support China’s just position on the question of Taiwan.

Prioritise development. Efforts will be made to accelerate negotiations on bilateral free trade agreements, strengthen cooperation in agricultural and fishery technology demonstration and training, and expand cooperation on tourism.

Adopt a people-centred approach. China is ready to strengthen experience sharing with PICs in poverty alleviation and primary-level governance. Seven groups of 56 medical personnel, as well as additional Traditional Chinese Medicine doctors, will be dispatched to further contribute to the well-being of the people in PICs.

Promote exchange and mutual learning. Both sides should enhance people-to-people exchanges in areas such as media, youth, women, and sports, and maintain close and frequent interactions like relatives. China is ready to carry out joint archaeology and research on the Austronesian language family.

Safeguard fairness and justice. China is ready to work with PICs to firmly safeguard the international system with the United Nations at its core and the international order based on international law.

Maintain solidarity in challenging times. China is ready to enhance coordination and cooperation with PICs in global climate governance, promote the full and effective implementation of the Paris Agreement, uphold the principle of common but differentiated responsibilities and respective capabilities, and urge developed countries to provide funding, technology, and capacity-building support to developing countries. China stays committed to assisting PICs in strengthening climate resilience within the framework of South-South cooperation.

The Chinese Foreign Minister stressed that the world today is far from tranquil, with resurfacing hegemonism and power politics as well as resurging unilateralism and protectionism. In the face of changes of the times and history, China firmly believes that peace, development, cooperation, and win-win outcomes remain the only right choice. China is committed to safeguarding world peace, contributing to global development, and upholding international order. China steadfastly stands on the side of international fairness and justice, the right side of history, and the side of the vast number of developing countries and consistently acts as a trustworthy and reliable partner for Global South countries. The vastness of the Pacific Ocean lies in its capacity to embrace all rivers without rejecting small streams, and the progress of human civilisation depends on pooling strength to overcome difficulties together. China is ready to join hands with all parties to write a new chapter in building a community with a shared future between China and PICs.

China also announced a six-point Initiative on Deepening Cooperation with Pacific Island Countries on Combating Climate Change:

China will work with PICs to build a global climate governance system featuring fairness, equity and win-win cooperation. Reaffirming that the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change and its Paris Agreement are the main channel and basic legal framework for international cooperation on climate change, China stays committed to their goals, principles and rules and guided by the principles of equity, common but differentiated responsibilities and respective capabilities established in the Convention.

China will enhance coordination and cooperation with PICs in the multilateral climate response process. China will encourage the international community to fully understand the special situation and concerns of developing countries, especially PICs, on the issue of climate change. China will urge developed countries to earnestly fulfil their obligations and commitments, and provide adequate funding, technology and capacity-building support to developing countries.

China will firmly support PICs in addressing climate change through sustainable development.

China will speed up the implementation of cooperation programs on climate change response. Efforts will be made to promote the establishment of low-carbon demonstration zones, carry out capacity-building training programs to support PICs in cultivating professional personnel, and strengthen the leading role of South-South cooperation projects in enhancing PICs’ capacity to address climate change. China welcomes more PICs to join the International Zero-Carbon Island Cooperation Initiative.

China will deepen cooperation with PICs on disaster prevention, mitigation and response and provide disaster monitoring and early warning technology and services, post-disaster emergency supplies assistance, emergency humanitarian assistance and disaster assessment support.

China fully understands the importance of marine environment to PICs. China will support PICs in protecting the marine ecological environment, improving the infrastructure and capacity to respond to sea level rising, coastal erosion and marine disasters, and carrying out studies and exchanges on the impact of sea level rising on islands.

In the joint statement adopted by the meeting, China reiterated its policy on developing relations with Pacific Island Countries put forth by President Xi Jinping: fully respecting the sovereignty and independence of Pacific Island Countries, fully respecting the will of Pacific Island Countries, fully respecting the ethnic and cultural traditions of Pacific Island Countries, and fully respecting Pacific Island Countries’ efforts to seek strength through unity. China stressed that there are no political strings attached to China’s assistance, no imposing one’s will onto others, and no empty promises.

Chinese Premier meets Malaysian, Vietnamese, Cambodian and Kuwaiti counterparts

During his visit to Malaysia to participate in the first ASEAN (the Association of South East Asian Nations)-GCC (the Gulf Cooperation Council)-China Summit, May 26-28, held in the capital Kuala Lumpur, Chinese Premier Li Qiang also met on the sidelines with his host, Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim, as well as with his counterparts from Vietnam and Cambodia and the Crown Prince of Kuwait.

Meeting with Anwar Ibrahim, Li said that China is ready to work with Malaysia to deepen exchanges and collaboration across various fields, and jointly usher in a new “Golden 50 Years” for bilateral ties guided by the principles of mutual respect and trust, equality and mutual benefit for win-win outcomes.

Recalling that Chinese President Xi Jinping paid a state visit to Malaysia last month, Li said that both sides agreed to build a high-level strategic China-Malaysia community with a shared future and mapped out the strategic direction for the development of bilateral relations. China is willing to work with Malaysia to implement the important outcomes of this historic visit. He urged the two sides to continue expanding trade and investment cooperation with a focus on cutting-edge areas, including the digital economy, the green economy and artificial intelligence, promote the integrated development of industrial and supply chains and value chains, and steadily advance major projects such as the “Two Countries, Twin Parks” and the East Coast Rail Link, so as to strengthen the economic growth engine of the China-Malaysia community with a shared future.

Noting that Malaysia is both the rotating chair of ASEAN and the host of the trilateral summit, Li said that China is ready to work closely with Malaysia to take the event as an opportunity to push for closer economic cooperation among the three sides, build a model of global cooperation and development, jointly safeguard free trade and the multilateral trading system and address global challenges together, so as to contribute greater stability, certainty and positive energy to a turbulent world.

Meeting with Vietnamese Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh, Li said that not long ago, General Secretary of the Communist Party of China Central Committee and Chinese President Xi Jinping paid a successful state visit to Vietnam, where the two sides agreed to accelerate the building of a China-Vietnam community with a shared future that carries strategic significance. China stands ready to work with Vietnam to implement the outcomes of the visit, maintain high-level exchanges, deepen mutual political trust and enhance mutually beneficial cooperation in various fields.

For his part, Pham Minh Chinh noted that Xi paid a successful state visit to Vietnam last month. He said Vietnam will join hands with China to actively implement the important consensus reached by the top leaders of the two parties and the two countries, intensify high-level exchanges and deepen mutually beneficial cooperation in various fields. The Vietnamese side congratulates on the success of the first ASEAN-China-GCC Summit, he said, voicing his country’s willingness to work with China to pursue more practical achievements in tripartite cooperation.

Meeting Cambodian Prime Minister Hun Manet, Li said that Chinese President Xi Jinping has lately paid a historic visit to Cambodia, during which both sides jointly announced the building of an all-weather China-Cambodia community with a shared future in the new era.

China-Cambodia relations have once again taken the lead in building a community with a shared future for humanity, and the ironclad friendship between the two countries has been further deepened, he added.

China stands ready to work with Cambodia to follow through on the outcomes of Xi’s visit, strengthen high-level exchanges, deepen political mutual trust, make good use of the China-Cambodia Intergovernmental Coordination Committee, and steadily advance practical cooperation across various fields. Encouraging more Chinese enterprises to invest in Cambodia, China is willing to strengthen cooperation with Cambodia in such areas as infrastructure, digital economy, advanced manufacturing and clean energy. China is willing to work with Cambodia and other countries in the region to strengthen solidarity and cooperation, jointly oppose unilateralism and power politics, safeguard international fairness and justice, uphold the multilateral trading system and maintain the stable and smooth flow of industrial and supply chains, so as to inject more positive energy into world peace, stability, prosperity and development.

Hun Manet said the Cambodian side stands ready to work with China to follow through on the outcomes of Xi’s visit, maintain high-level exchanges, give full play to the role of various dialogue mechanisms, boost practical cooperation, enhance cultural and people-to-people exchanges, and jointly combat cross-border crimes.

Noting that Cambodia supports the three global initiatives proposed by Xi, Hun Manet said that Cambodia looks forward to working with China to further strengthen multilateral coordination, uphold multilateralism, oppose protectionism, maintain regional security and stability, and promote global common development.

ASEAN, GCC and China forge the new golden triangle of South-South Cooperation

Following his visit to Indonesia, Chinese Premier Li Qiang visited Malaysia for the first ASEAN (the Association of Southeast Asian Nations)-GCC (the Gulf Cooperation Council)-China Summit, held in the capital Kuala Lumpur, May 26-28.

This meeting, bringing together three key economic centres in the Global South, is being seen as a landmark development in international geopolitics and geoeconomics.

A commentary published by the Xinhua News Agency on the eve of the gathering described it as a new inter-regional cooperation model in Asia that will boost Global South unity:

“As leaders of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) prepare for their 46th summit, an inaugural ASEAN-GCC (the Gulf Cooperation Council)-China Summit is also on the agenda, with expectations to expand inter-regional cooperation in Asia and shore up the common development of Global South countries.

“The gatherings, bringing together leaders of the three sides that have their unique strengths, will innovate cooperation models, boost growth momentum for Asia and beyond, and set a good example for Global South countries to unite and consolidate their collective development rights.

“The new endeavour is of special significance at a time when the world is haunted by the menace of protectionism and unilateralism, and international institutions are confronted with the challenge of fragmentation.

“ASEAN countries are beaming with economic vitality and development potential, while the GCC is a bloc rich in energy resources and investment capital. China, the world’s second-largest economy, also has much to offer in creating new cooperation opportunities through its vast consumer market and complete industrial system.

“China, the region’s economic powerhouse and an ardent promoter of cooperation, enjoys strong ties with both ASEAN and GCC countries.

“Trade, people-to-people exchanges, cooperation in energy, connectivity projects, finance and investment, innovation and green development have all witnessed steadfast growth among the three sides.

“As neighbours, China and ASEAN had by 2024 been each other’s largest trading partner for five consecutive years. Bilateral trade value soared from less than 8 billion US dollars in 1991 to nearly 1 trillion dollars in 2024.

“In the latest development, China and 10 ASEAN countries have fully completed negotiations on the Version 3.0 China-ASEAN Free Trade Area, a milestone in bilateral trade cooperation that will inject greater momentum and stability into the world economy.

“With the GCC, China established contact upon the bloc’s inception in 1981. Forty-plus years on, the two sides have written together a splendid chapter of solidarity, mutual assistance and win-win cooperation.

“In 2024, trade between China and GCC countries reached over 288 billion dollars. Cooperation in investment, energy and green transformation is on the rise, thanks to the growing mutual trust and the high degree of complementarity in their respective economies.

“As the trilateral model of ASEAN-GCC-China cooperation continues to take shape, more growth momentum can be expected. Moreover, the three sides can coordinate better on regional and international affairs.

“With expanded and strengthened cooperation, the new model, together with mechanisms like the BRICS, can help create more solidarity and common prosperity for Global South countries.”

Xinhua also published a guest column by Julia Roknifard, a senior lecturer at the School of Law and Governance at Malaysia’s Taylor’s University, entitled “ASEAN-GCC-China cooperation a new ‘golden triangle’ in global affairs”.

According to Roknifard, “A remarkable mechanism of multilateral cooperation is emerging as the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN), China and the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) are to hold an inaugural joint summit.

“The three parties now have more incentive than ever to coordinate in the current geopolitical climate, as some major countries are pursuing confrontation and protectionism, making the list of divergent interests only growing longer.

“China has already had a transformative impact on ASEAN and the broader Middle East economically, including the GCC states, through major infrastructure, trade and development efforts – particularly the Belt and Road Initiative and the Global Development Initiative. But the relationship runs deeper, with growing cooperation in technology, industrial development, tourism, cultural exchange and longstanding people-to-people ties.”

She adds: “China’s diplomatic and stabilising role on crucial issues has also boosted its standing in the region. Its calls for a peaceful and just resolution to the Palestinian conflict resonate with many in ASEAN, while its success in bringing together key Middle East powers, especially Iran and Saudi Arabia, has further elevated its profile and generated goodwill across the region.

“Despite efforts to draw ASEAN and the GCC members into bloc confrontation, the West is unable to pressure these countries as it previously could with its military and economic power, signaling a steady erosion of the leverage it once had. Amid ongoing conflicts and shifting economic realities, countries are increasingly prioritising partnerships that best serve their development goals, rather than accepting policies that hinder their progress.

“Bringing together all three parties creates a new platform for cooperation. Barring interference from outside parties, this emerging ‘Golden Triangle’ of resources, manufacturing, and consumers is poised to drive the global economy forward. It could also accelerate the spread of cutting-edge technologies pioneered by China – particularly in renewable energy vehicles and artificial intelligence tools like DeepSeek, which is developed at a fraction of the cost of Western counterparts.”

By way of contrast she notes: “As major European economies are close to recession and de-industrialisation, and the United States itself has lost its edge in shipbuilding tonnage and continues to lapse in other sectors, China continues to move forward as it is able to recognize this simple fact that ASEAN, the GCC and other regional groupings across Africa and Latin America are looking forward to a new era of peace and stable international relations.”

Addressing the summit, Premier Li Qiang said: “China, ASEAN and GCC countries have a long history of friendly interactions, with exchanges and cooperation between us spanning thousands of years from the ancient Silk Road to the Belt and Road Initiative. Today, against a volatile international landscape and sluggish global growth, the establishment of the ASEAN-China-GCC Summit creates a platform for exchanges and a mechanism for cooperation. It is a groundbreaking initiative in regional economic cooperation that has carried forward the legacy of history, and more importantly, answered the call of the times.

“Together, China, ASEAN and the GCC account for roughly a quarter of the world’s population and economic output. Our markets, if fully connected, will generate even greater space for development and more substantial economies of scale… China is ready to, on the basis of mutual respect and equality, work with ASEAN and the GCC to strengthen the alignment of development strategies, increase macro policy coordination, and deepen collaboration on industrial specialisation. We should make efforts to turn our respective strengths into collective strengths and help each other tackle development challenges.

“Countries of the three sides have diverse civilisations. At the same time, we all belong to the same Asian family and share the same Asian values of peace, cooperation, openness and inclusiveness. We should deepen people-to-people exchanges to further consolidate the foundation for mutual trust. We should effectively manage differences in the spirit of mutual understanding, advance win-win cooperation through the exchange of ideas, and explore a new way for promoting the inclusiveness and common progress of different civilisations. China actively supports [Malaysian] Prime Minister Anwar’s initiative on Islam-Confucianism dialogue.

“We should enhance synergy and connectivity in infrastructure, market rules and payment systems, actively consider establishing a regional business council, deepen economic integration, and make development more resilient and efficient. While expanding cooperation in traditional areas such as energy and agriculture, we also need to step up cooperation in emerging areas such as AI, the digital economy, and green and low-carbon development to foster and cultivate new growth drivers.

“At the global level, we should always stand on the right side of history and add more positive energy to world peace and development. We should pursue equal, mutually beneficial, open, inclusive, practical and efficient cooperation, and, through our example, encourage the international community to uphold multilateralism and free trade and reject unilateralism and protectionism. China will work with ASEAN and GCC countries to step up communication and coordination in multilateral mechanisms including the United Nations, vigorously defend the common interests of developing countries, categorically oppose hegemonism and power politics, and make global governance more just and equitable.”

China and Indonesia invoke the Bandung Spirit

Chinese Premier Li Qiang paid an official visit to Indonesia from May 24 to 26 at the invitation of Indonesian President Prabowo Subianto. Following this, Li attended the ASEAN (the Association of Southeast Asian Nations)-GCC (the Gulf Cooperation Council)-China Summit in Kuala Lumpur from May 26 to 28 at the invitation of Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim of Malaysia, ASEAN’s rotating chair.

Announcing the visits at a May 22 Beijing press conference, Foreign Ministry spokesperson Mao Ning said that last year, the heads of state of China and Indonesia reached important consensus on building a China-Indonesia community with a shared future with regional and global influence, elevating bilateral relations to a new level. She said China hopes to carry forward the traditional friendship with Indonesia, deepen solidarity and cooperation, continuously consolidate cooperation in the “five pillars” of politics, economy, people-to-people and cultural exchanges, maritime affairs and security, adding that it is hoped that the two countries, along their respective modernisation paths, will constantly enrich the connotation of the China-Indonesia community with a shared future, and make greater contributions to peace, stability, development and prosperity in the region and beyond.

On May 25, the Xinhua News Agency reported that during Premier Li’s visit, the two countries highlighted the contemporary value of the Bandung Spirit and pledged for closer bilateral cooperation as well as better strategic coordination. “China stands ready to work with Indonesia and other developing countries to jointly uphold the Five Principles of Peaceful Coexistence and the Bandung Spirit,” Li said in talks with President Prabowo Subianto.

Xinhua noted: “In April 1955, a landmark conference in Indonesia’s city of Bandung gathered 29 Asian and African nations under the flag of solidarity, friendship and cooperation, marking the awakening of the part of the world known now as the Global South.”

Li added that today unilateralism and protectionism are on the rise, and acts of bullying are increasing, stressing that against this backdrop, the contemporary value of the Bandung Spirit has become more prominent.

He said that China stands ready to work with Indonesia and other developing countries to jointly uphold the Five Principles of Peaceful Coexistence and the Bandung Spirit, and implement the three major global initiatives proposed by President Xi Jinping.

He called for steadfastly upholding multilateralism and free trade, promoting an equal and orderly multipolar world and a universally beneficial and inclusive economic globalisation, resolutely safeguarding common interests, and jointly advancing peace, stability and development in the region and the world at large.

Noting that 2025 marks the 75th anniversary of diplomatic relations between the two countries and the 70th anniversary of the Bandung Conference, President Prabowo said that Indonesia will take this opportunity to deepen the comprehensive strategic partnership with China and jointly promote peace and development in Asia and the world.

He said Indonesia is ready to expand cooperation with China in agriculture, finance, infrastructure, green economy, AI and education, and upgrade industrial collaboration. Prabowo also expressed the hope that more Chinese enterprises will invest and do business in Indonesia.

CPC strengthens ties with Afghanistan, Uruguay, Nepal, Cuba and other countries

We previously reported on the May visit to China by Afghanistan’s Acting Foreign Minister Mawlawi Amir Khan Muttaqi, during which he met his Chinese counterpart Wang Yi as well as joining an informal trilateral meeting in which Pakistan Foreign Minister (and also Deputy Prime Minister) Mohammad Ishaq Dar also participated.

Following these meetings, the website of the International Department of the Communist Party of China (CPC) Central Committee (IDCPC) reported that, on May 23, IDCPC Minister Liu Jianchao, also met with Muttaqi.

Liu said, China and Afghanistan have similar historical experiences, and the Chinese people have a natural friendly feeling towards the Afghan people. China respects the development path independently chosen by the Afghan people and adheres to the principle of non-interference in Afghanistan’s internal affairs. China is willing to work with Afghanistan to take the 70th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between the two countries as an opportunity to strengthen political dialogue on the basis of equality and mutual respect, exchange and learn from each other’s experiences in state governance and administration, enhance mutual understanding and trust, continue to firmly support each other on issues concerning each other’s core interests and major concerns, and promote cooperation in all fields.

Muttaqi said that he is confident about the future of Afghanistan-China relations. Afghanistan and China have a thousand-year history of friendly exchanges and share similar historical experiences, understanding and sympathising with each other. Afghanistan will not allow any force to use its territory to engage in activities that harm China’s interests and is willing to strengthen cooperation with China in economy, trade, investment, infrastructure connectivity, security and other fields to further promote the development of bilateral relations. The CPC is committed to serving the people and has led the Chinese people to score great achievements in economic and social development, especially in poverty alleviation. This sets an example for us. Afghanistan is willing to strengthen exchanges with the CPC and learn from China’s successful experience.

Some other recent highlights in the work of the IDCPC include:

On May 28, Liu Jianchao met with a delegation of the Broad Front of Uruguay led by its President Fernando Pereira Kosec.

Liu said, not long ago, the Fourth Ministerial Meeting of the China-CELAC [Community of Latin American and Caribbean States] Forum was successfully held. President Xi Jinping announced the launch of five programs, namely Solidarity Program, Development Program, Civilisation Program, Peace Program and People-to-People Connectivity Program, charting the course for the future development of China-Latin America relations. Uruguay will hold the rotating presidency of CELAC next year. China is willing to strengthen unity and coordination with Uruguay and other Latin American and Caribbean countries to jointly address global challenges. Since the establishment of relations between the CPC and the Broad Front, he added, the two Parties have maintained friendly exchanges. Under the new circumstances, the CPC is willing to strengthen political dialogue with the Broad Front, deepen exchanges and mutual learning in areas such as poverty alleviation and party building, and promote practical cooperation in various fields.

Pereira said, the Broad Front of Uruguay values the long-term friendly relations with the CPC and is willing to further strengthen exchanges between the two Parties, expand cooperation in areas such as cadre training, learn from China’s experience in poverty alleviation, long-term planning and party building, promote cooperation in economy, trade and other fields, and further enhance the connection between the two countries in politics, economy, society and culture, and carry forward the traditional friendship between the two countries.

Africa Day celebrated in Beijing

On Monday 26 May, Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi held a meeting with African diplomats in Beijing to celebrate Africa Day. He was joined by ambassadors or chargés d’affaires from more than 50 African countries, as well as representatives of the African Union.

In his speech, Wang Yi said that China and Africa are good brothers who fight side by side and share a common future; that China’s relations with Africa are now at their best in history; that China will unswervingly prioritise strengthening solidarity and cooperation with African countries; that China will strive to deliver more tangible benefits to the African people; and that China will remain the most sincere friend and the most reliable partner of African countries.

Noting that Xi Jinping has made five visits to Africa since becoming president, Wang pointed out that, over the years, “the Chinese and African peoples have supported each other in the struggle for independence and liberation and in the endeavour to defend national sovereignty, and have helped each other in exploring development paths and achieving national rejuvenation, forging a deep friendship marked by a shared future and close bonds, and writing many cherished stories of friendship that continue to be told”.

We republish below a report from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs website. The report concludes simply:

Long live Africa Day! Long live Africa-China friendship!

On May 26, 2025, Member of the Political Bureau of the CPC Central Committee and Foreign Minister Wang Yi had a group meeting with diplomatic envoys of African countries to China in Beijing and jointly celebrated Africa Day. Ambassadors or Chargés d’affaires of more than 50 African countries to China, as well as representatives of the African Union to China, among others, were present.

Wang Yi, on behalf of the Chinese government, extended festival greetings to the African diplomatic envoys, saying that China and Africa are good brothers who fight side by side and share a common future. Over the years, the Chinese and African peoples have supported each other in the struggle for independence and liberation and in the endeavor to defend national sovereignty, and have helped each other in exploring development paths and achieving national rejuvenation, forging a deep friendship marked by a shared future and close bonds, and writing many cherished stories of friendship that continue to be told. Since entering the new era, President Xi Jinping has visited Africa five times and put forward the principle of sincerity, real results, amity and good faith for China’s Africa policy, and the principle of pursuing the greater good and shared interests, as well as the spirit of China-Africa friendship and cooperation, elevating China’s bilateral relations with all African countries to the level of strategic relations. The overall positioning of China-Africa relations has also been upgraded to an all-weather China-Africa community with a shared future for the new era, and China’s relations with Africa are now at their best in history. Looking back, the key to the enduring strength and continued vitality of China-Africa friendship lies in the commitment to treating each other as equals, pursuing mutual benefit and win-win results, and upholding fairness and justice. Looking ahead, China will unswervingly prioritize strengthening solidarity and cooperation with African countries in its diplomacy, continue to support each other on issues related to core interests and major concerns, strive to deliver more tangible benefits to the African people, and remain the most sincere friend and the most reliable partner of African countries.

Wang Yi said that this year marks the 25th anniversary of the launch of the Forum on China-Africa Cooperation (FOCAC). China-Africa relations have achieved leapfrog development, and China-Africa cooperation continues to advance to higher levels, greater depth, and wider fields. In September last year, President Xi Jinping put forward that China and Africa should jointly advance modernization characterized by six features and the ten partnership actions at the Beijing Summit of the FOCAC, outlining a new blueprint for and injecting fresh impetus into the high-quality development of China-Africa cooperation. China-Africa cooperation has enormous potential and broad prospects. China is ready to take the upcoming Coordinators’ Meeting on the Implementation of the Follow-up Actions of the Ministerial Conference of FOCAC as an opportunity to add more momentum and strength to the implementation of the common understandings reached by the leaders of both sides, set a benchmark for high-quality Belt and Road cooperation, build a model for delivering on the Global Development Initiative, continuously enhance the sense of gain, happiness, and security of the African people, and accelerate the advancement of modernization shared by China and Africa.

Wang Yi stated that at present, the countercurrents of Cold War mentality, hegemonism, and bullying practices are surging, with multiple risks and challenges overlapping, and the deficits in peace, development, security, and governance are increasingly widening. China and Africa are respectively the largest developing country and the continent with the highest concentration of developing countries in the world. The more turbulent the international situation is, the more China and Africa need to strengthen solidarity and cooperation, jointly oppose power politics, advocate for multilateralism, uphold the international system with the United Nations (UN) at its core, and promote the liberalization and facilitation of trade and investment. The Communist Party of China maintains a global vision and is dedicated to human progress and world harmony. It will remain true to the original aspiration and founding mission, and will, as always, firmly support the just positions of African countries, take concrete steps to redress historical injustices suffered by Africa, and steadfastly support Africa in playing a greater role on the international stage.

African diplomatic envoys renewed friendship and planned for future cooperation centering on the theme of ”China-Africa Solidarity for a Shared Future”. They noted that the brotherly ties between Africa and China have withstood the test of changing international dynamics. Similar historical experiences, shared values, and joint pursuit of development have tightly united the African and Chinese peoples. The African side expressed heartfelt appreciation to China for its longstanding, selfless assistance in Africa’s efforts to redress historical injustices, defend national dignity, and seek independent development. Particularly, since the establishment of FOCAC, the fruitful and pragmatic cooperation between China and Africa has made significant contributions to improving the well-being of the African people, played a leading role in promoting international cooperation with Africa, and set a model for international relations. African countries are greatly encouraged by the series of global initiatives and key Africa-related policies including the ten partnership actions put forth by President Xi Jinping. African countries are full of confidence in Africa-China cooperation and are willing to work together to advance the building of an all-weather China-Africa community with a shared future for the new era. The African side reaffirmed its firm commitment to the one-China principle and expressed resolute support for all efforts made by China to safeguard its sovereignty and achieve national reunification, while firmly opposing interference in China’s internal affairs. Africa is ready to jointly uphold the purposes and principles of the UN Charter and safeguard the common interests of Global South countries. Long live Africa Day! Long live Africa-China friendship!

Wang Yi meets with foreign ministers of Pakistan and Afghanistan

Pakistan Foreign Minister Mohammad Ishaq Dar and Afghanistan’s Acting Foreign Minister Mawlawi Amir Khan Muttaqi both visited China recently.

On May 20, Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi met with Dar, who also serves as his country’s Deputy Prime Minister.

Wang Yi said that as ironclad friends, China will, as always, firmly support Pakistan in safeguarding its national sovereignty and territorial integrity, exploring a development path suited to its national conditions, resolutely combating terrorism, and playing a greater role in international and regional affairs. Both sides should work together to create an upgraded version of the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) and promote cooperation in industry, agriculture, energy and minerals, human resource development, counter-terrorism and security, and other fields.

Mohammad Ishaq Dar said that Pakistan admires China’s new development achievements, especially in innovation and scientific and technological progress, and looks forward to strengthening all-round cooperation with China. He expressed the hope for continuous and strong support from China in overcoming current difficulties and promoting national development, security and stability.

Dar also briefed on the latest situation following the ceasefire reached between Pakistan and India, as well as Pakistan’s considerations in that regard. He thanked China for upholding justice and making unremitting efforts and significant contributions to promoting a ceasefire for peace, saying that Pakistan will resolutely safeguard its national sovereignty and territorial integrity, and is willing to maintain dialogue with India to ease the situation.

Wang Yi stated that China welcomes and supports Pakistan and India in properly handling their differences through dialogue, achieving a comprehensive and lasting ceasefire, and seeking fundamental solutions to the issues between them.

The next day, Wang Yi met with Acting Foreign Minister of Afghanistan Mawlawi Amir Khan Muttaqi.

Wang Yi welcomed Muttaqi’s visit to China on the occasion of the 70th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between the two countries. He stated that China and Afghanistan are traditionally friendly neighbours, and both sides have always understood and supported each other and continuously advanced bilateral relations. China respects Afghanistan’s independence, sovereignty and territorial integrity, the independent choices made by the Afghan people, as well as Afghanistan’s religious beliefs and ethnic culture. China has supported the Afghan people’s just struggle against aggression, never interfered in Afghanistan’s internal affairs, never sought selfish interests by instigating conflicts in Afghanistan, and never pursued so-called spheres of influence in Afghanistan. Since the establishment of the current Afghan government, China was the first to exchange new ambassadors with the country, demonstrating China’s friendship with the Afghan people. China will, as always, support the Afghan government in exercising governance in a moderate and prudent way, focusing on development, firmly combating terrorism, and pursuing good-neighbourliness and friendship, to achieve lasting peace and stability at an early date. China is ready to work with Afghanistan to expand cooperation in areas such as economy and trade, agriculture, energy and minerals, poverty reduction, disaster prevention and mitigation, talent cultivation, medical care and health, law enforcement, and security.

Liu Jianchao meets with a delegation of the Congress of Deputies of Spain

On May 12, Minister Liu Jianchao of the International Department of the Communist Party of China (CPC) Central Committee (IDCPC), met in Beijing with a delegation of the Congress of Deputies of Spain led by Juan Carlos Ruiz Boix, Chairman of its Foreign Affairs Committee.

Liu said that China is ready to work with Spain to implement the important consensus reached by President Xi Jinping and Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez, well implement the Action Plan for Strengthening the Comprehensive Strategic Partnership, enhance the alignment of development strategies, promote practical cooperation in various fields, and facilitate exchanges in culture, sports and other areas to achieve greater progress in bilateral relations. The CPC is willing to enhance political dialogue with Spanish political parties, increase mutual understanding and trust, and further consolidate the foundation for the development of China-Spain relations.

Ruiz said that Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez has visited China many times, and the most recent visit was very successful, reaching important consensus with Chinese leaders. Spain is willing to deepen cooperation with China in areas such as renewable energy, artificial intelligence, people-to-people and cultural exchanges, and tourism, and jointly address global challenges such as climate change. China has achieved great accomplishments in poverty alleviation and epidemic response and plays an important role in resolving global hot issues. Both Spain and China are committed to developing the economy and ensuring that all people share the fruits of development. There are many similar positions between the two sides. “We appreciate the major initiatives put forward by President Xi Jinping, such as the Global Civilisation Initiative.” Spanish political parties are willing to engage in candid and in-depth dialogue with the CPC to promote exchanges and cooperation in various fields between the two countries. The current international situation is turbulent, both Spain and China are committed to peaceful development and should join hands to keep the world away from war.

According to the IDCPC website, the delegation included members of the Congress of Deputies of Spain from the Spanish Socialist Workers’ Party, Sumar, Republican Left of Catalonia, Together for Catalonia, Basque Solidarity and others.

Sumar is an electoral alliance of left and progressive parties. It presently has 24 members of whom the most significant are the Communist Party of Spain (PCE) and United Left (IU – Izquierda Unida.) Of the 135 seats in the Catalan Parliament, Republican Left presently holds 20 and supports the government of the Socialists’ Party of Catalonia. Together for Catalonia holds 35 seats and is the main opposition party. Both parties support Catalan independence. Basque Solidarity (EA – Eusko Alkartasuna), founded in 1986, is one of three member parties of EH Bildu (Euskal Herria Bildu – Basque Country Unite), which groups the pro-independence left. One significant point about this delegation is that it is likely the first time that the IDCPC notes exchanges with pro-independence parties from Catalonia and the Basque Country.

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

Beijing, May 12 (IDCPC) — Liu Jianchao, Minister of the International Department of the CPC Central Committee, met here today with a delegation of the Congress of Deputies of Spain led by Juan Carlos Ruiz Boix, Chairman of the Foreign Affairs Committee of the Congress of Deputies of Spain.

China and Russia will always remember the just feats of the two peoples in maintaining world peace

During President Xi Jinping’s May 7-10 state visit to Russia, during which he participated in the celebrations of the 80^th anniversary of the Soviet Union’s victory over Nazi Germany in the Great Patriotic War, besides concluding with his Russian counterpart Vladimir Putin the Joint Declaration on Further Strengthening Cooperation to Uphold the Authority of International Law and that on Global Strategic Stability, the two heads of state also signed a Joint Statement of the People’s Republic of China and the Russian Federation on Further Deepening the China-Russia Comprehensive Strategic Partnership of Coordination in the New Era on the Occasion of Commemorating the 80th Anniversary of the Victory of the Chinese People’s War of Resistance Against Japanese Aggression, the Soviet Union’s Great Patriotic War and the Founding of the United Nations.

This 8,500-word statement not only details a wide range of issues connected to these anniversaries and surveys the broad spectrum of bilateral relations between China and Russia. It also sets out the two countries’ identity of views on a great number of contemporary regional and global issues. As with the other joint statements, it goes into granular detail, demonstrating the unprecedentedly high level not only of agreement but of active and practical coordination between Beijing and Moscow. It is therefore not hyperbole to observe that these documents are of considerable historical significance, contributing to and demonstrating President Xi’s oft stated observation that the world is currently experiencing changes unseen in a century. Therefore anyone with a serious interest in international relations should study them closely.

The statement begins by noting that, “This year marks the 80th anniversary of the victory of the Chinese People’s War of Resistance Against Japanese Aggression, the World Anti-Fascist War, and the Soviet Union’s Great Patriotic War. The Second World War was an unprecedented catastrophe in human history. China and the Soviet Union, as the main battlefields in Asia and Europe respectively, stood at the forefront of resisting the attacks of Japanese militarism and Nazi Germany and its vassal states, and were the two backbone forces in the fight against militarism and fascism. The Chinese and Soviet peoples suffered great hardships brought by foreign aggression and the baptism of extremely harsh wars. They fought shoulder to shoulder in arduous struggles, gave each other selfless assistance, made great sacrifices, and achieved great victories, making great historical contributions to defending human dignity and rebuilding world peace.”

In today’s world, China and Russia shoulder the common responsibility and mission of maintaining a correct view of World War II history. China and Russia will always remember the just feats of the two peoples in maintaining world peace, cherish the memory of the tens of millions of heroes and innocent civilians who sacrificed their lives for the freedom and independence of future generations, and pay high tribute to the old soldiers and heroic rear-line workers who made combat exploits during the war years. Both sides will continue to attach importance to educating the younger generation to take the predecessors as role models, adhere to the indelible spirit of patriotism, cultivate the responsibility for the motherland and the people, and promote the fearless spirit of sacrifice for the realisation of national peace and prosperity.

Among many areas of bilateral relations, it states that: “The two sides reiterated that the close relationship between the Chinese and Russian militaries is of special significance, which will help the two countries to more effectively defend their sovereignty and national interests and effectively respond to traditional and non-traditional threats and challenges. The two sides will continue to strengthen military and military-technical cooperation to benefit the people of China and Russia and safeguard global and regional security. The two sides will further deepen military mutual trust and cooperation, expand the scale and scope of joint military exercises, regularly organise joint maritime and air patrols, strengthen exchanges and cooperation under bilateral and multilateral frameworks, and promote China-Russia military cooperation to a higher level.”

Other highlights of the statement include:

China-Latin American/Caribbean cooperation has broad prospects

Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi held a number of meetings with his counterparts immediately before and after the Fourth Ministerial Meeting of the China-CELAC [Community of Latin American and Caribbean States] Forum.

On May 12, he met with his counterparts from Caribbean countries having diplomatic relations with China, and from Cuba, Venezuela, Nicaragua, Brazil, Colombia, Guyana and Peru.

During a group meeting with the foreign ministers and representatives of the Caribbean countries having diplomatic relations with China, including Antigua and Barbuda, the Bahamas, Barbados, Dominica, Grenada, Guyana, Jamaica, Suriname, and Trinidad and Tobago, Wang Yi said that this year marks the 10th anniversary of the establishment of the China-CELAC Forum, which is of great significance in building on past achievements and opening up new prospects. Over the past decade, the China-Caribbean comprehensive cooperative partnership has entered a fast track, yielding remarkable outcomes across various fields. Leaders of all Caribbean countries having diplomatic relations with China have made visits to China, and eight Caribbean nations have joined the big family of the Belt and Road Initiative. A large number of key cooperation projects between China and the Caribbean have been put into use or are well underway. Six Caribbean countries have signed comprehensive mutual visa exemption agreements with China. People-to-people and cultural exchanges between both sides have grown increasingly active. All Caribbean countries having diplomatic relations with China have established Confucius Institutes or Confucius Classrooms, and the number of sister-city partnerships continues to grow. During the pandemic, the two sides stood together through thick and thin, writing a new chapter in China-Caribbean friendship.

He stated that Caribbean countries are an indispensable part of the China-CELAC Forum, and China-Caribbean cooperation has broad prospects. Looking ahead, both sides should work together to deepen and strengthen the China-Caribbean comprehensive cooperative partnership. It is important to deepen political mutual trust and continue mutual support on issues concerning each other’s core interests. Both sides should step up practical cooperation and advance high-quality Belt and Road cooperation to help Caribbean countries accelerate self-driven development. The two sides should enhance people-to-people and cultural exchanges, strengthen cooperation in education, culture, news, sports and other fields, and bring people’s hearts closer. China will offer more government scholarships and training opportunities. China will also continue to assist Caribbean countries in addressing climate change and support Caribbean countries in seeking strength through unity and playing a greater role in international affairs.

Foreign ministers and representatives of Caribbean countries expressed the view that the Caribbean nations and China show mutual trust and mutual respect. They expressed gratitude to China for its long-standing and strong support in key areas such as infrastructure, green development, post-disaster reconstruction, agriculture, healthcare, and education in Caribbean countries. This has helped Caribbean countries improve people’s well-being, enhance economic resilience and accelerate sustainable development, and set an example for South-South cooperation. The one-China principle remains the cornerstone of relations between the Caribbean and China, and Caribbean countries will continue to firmly uphold it.

Xi Jinping meets with presidents of Colombia and Chile

Chinese President Xi Jinping met separately with Colombian President Gustavo Petro and Chilean President Gabriel Boric on the morning of May 14. Both leaders were in China to attend the Fourth Ministerial Meeting of the China-CELAC [Community of Latin American and Caribbean States] Forum.

During his visit President Petro announced that Colombia would formally join the Belt and Road Initiative (BRI). In their meeting, President Xi said that this year marks the 45th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between China and Colombia. Standing at a new historical starting point, China is ready to work with Colombia to promote greater development of the strategic partnership between the two countries and bring more benefits to the people of both countries. The two sides should take Colombia officially joining the big family of high-quality Belt and Road cooperation as an opportunity to promote the quality improvement and upgrade of cooperation between the two countries. China is ready to import more high-quality products from Colombia, support Chinese enterprises in investing and doing business in Colombia, and participate in infrastructure development. The two sides can further expand cooperation in emerging fields such as wind energy, new energy vehicles, the digital economy and artificial intelligence, and jointly achieve green and low-carbon transformation.

The Chinese leader stressed that China-LAC [Latin America and the Caribbean] cooperation is an important part of South-South cooperation. It conforms to the general trend of world development and historical trends and is in line with the common interests of China and LAC countries. The Fourth Ministerial Meeting of the China-CELAC Forum sent a positive signal to the world of seeking common development and revitalisation. As the rotating president CELAC, Colombia has made significant contributions to the successful holding of the meeting.

Gustavo Petro said, the friendly relations between Colombia and China have a long history. The two sides should deepen political mutual trust, enhance mutual support, advance Belt and Road cooperation, expand cooperation in areas such as trade, infrastructure, new energy and artificial intelligence, and improve people’s livelihood. Amid the current complex and volatile international landscape, the self-serving practices of certain countries are not beneficial to the world. All countries should unite to respond. Colombia is willing to cooperate closely with China to safeguard international fairness and justice and protect the common interests of developing countries.

Petro also met with Wang Huning, Chairman of the National Committee of the Chinese People’s Political Consultative Conference (CPPCC).

Meeting Chilean President Boric, Xi Jinping pointed out that this year marks the 55th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between China and Chile. Fifty-five years ago, the visionary elder leaders of both countries broke through the shadow of the Cold War and pioneered the establishment of diplomatic relations between the People’s Republic of China and South American countries. [Xi Jinping refers here to Salvador Allende, Mao Zedong and Zhou Enlai. Chile established diplomatic relations with China on December 15, 1970, the first country on the South American mainland to do so, just over three months after Allende led his Popular Unity coalition to victory and assumed office.]

China and Brazil work together to uphold multipolarity and oppose hegemony

In addition to attending the opening ceremony of the Fourth Ministerial Meeting of the China-CELAC [Community of Latin American and Caribbean States], Brazilian President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva paid a state visit to China. On the afternoon of May 13, he held talks with President Xi Jinping and other senior Chinese leaders.

Xi Jinping noted that on the occasion of the 50th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between China and Brazil last year, the two sides jointly announced the elevation of their bilateral relationship to a China-Brazil community with a shared future for a more just world and a more sustainable planet. This strategic decision has drawn a grand blueprint for the next “golden 50 years” of China-Brazil relations. Amid the changing and turbulent international landscape, China and Brazil should remain committed to the original aspiration of contributing to human progress and global development, deepen the building of a China-Brazil community with a shared future, continuously seek greater synergy between development strategies, and work together to promote greater solidarity and coordination among Global South countries.

The two sides should deepen the effective synergy between the Belt and Road Initiative and Brazil’s development strategies, give full play to the role of various cooperation mechanisms between the two countries, strengthen cooperation in traditional areas such as infrastructure, agriculture and energy, and expand new frontiers of cooperation in energy transition, aerospace, the digital economy and artificial intelligence, so as to create more highlights in practical cooperation between the two countries.

Taking the opportunity of the China-Brazil Years of Culture to be held next year, the two sides should enhance cooperation in culture, education, tourism, media, and at the sub-national level, and provide more convenience for people-to-people exchanges between the two countries. And they should maintain multilateral cooperation to enrich the China-Brazil community with a shared future. As two major developing countries in the eastern and western hemispheres, China and Brazil should enhance coordination and collaboration within multilateral mechanisms such as the United Nations, BRICS, and the China-CELAC Forum, jointly uphold multilateralism, improve global governance, and safeguard the international economic and trade order. The two sides should take a clear-cut stand against unilateralism, protectionism, and bullying acts.

President Lula said, Brazil and China uphold mutual respect and share a common future. The bilateral relationship remains solid and unbreakable and brooks no disruption or undermining by any external factors. Unlike other major countries, China has consistently offered sincere support and assistance to Latin American countries, including Brazil, in their pursuit of economic and social development. Brazil is willing to deepen strategic cooperation with China, advance the building of a Brazil-China community with a shared future, work together to build a more just, peaceful and prosperous world, and set an example for other countries. Brazil is ready to synergise its development strategies with the Belt and Road Initiative and deepen cooperation with China in such areas as economy and trade, infrastructure, aerospace, and finance. Brazil seeks to expand youth and cultural exchanges to enhance interactions and friendship between the two peoples. China’s achievements in poverty alleviation are admirable, and Brazil is willing to learn from China’s experience to lift more people out of poverty and hunger. Under the current circumstances, it is essential to firmly defend multilateralism. Protectionism and the abuse of tariffs will not bring development and prosperity but only lead to chaos. China’s firm stance in addressing global challenges gives strength and confidence to all countries. Brazil is willing to strengthen strategic coordination with China in international affairs, jointly safeguard the common interests of the Global South, and uphold international fairness and justice.

The two heads of state also had an exchange of views on the Ukraine crisis, agreeing that as peace-loving forces for progress, China and Brazil should strengthen communication and coordination, give play to the role of the Group of Friends for Peace, support Russia and Ukraine in initiating direct dialogue, and work with other Global South countries to continue playing a constructive role in resolving the crisis.

After the talks, the two heads of state jointly witnessed the signing of 20 cooperation documents covering areas such as the synergy of development strategies, science and technology, agriculture, the digital economy, finance, inspection and quarantine, and media.

The two sides issued the Joint Statement between the People’s Republic of China and the Federative Republic of Brazil on Strengthening the Building of a China-Brazil Community with a Shared Future for a More Just World and a More Sustainable Planet and on Jointly Upholding Multilateralism, as well as the China-Brazil Joint Statement on the Ukraine Crisis.

In their meeting, Chinese Premier Li Qiang stated that since the establishment of diplomatic relations between China and Brazil over 50 years ago, the two countries have always respected and supported each other, becoming good friends and partners who share weal and woe and pursue common development. Currently, under the strategic guidance of the two heads of state, China-Brazil relations have entered a golden period of growth. China is ready to work with Brazil to maintain high-level exchanges, deepen political mutual trust, constantly expand the strategic dimension of bilateral relations, comprehensively intensify mutually beneficial cooperation between the two sides, and move forward side by side and achieve mutual success on the path to modernisation.