International relations Archives - Friends of Socialist China

Lao foreign minister: Laos and China are socialist comrades and brothers

Foreign Minister of the Lao People’s Democratic Republic (LPDR) Thongsavanh Phomvihane met in Beijing on March 13 with his Chinese counterpart Wang Yi, becoming the first foreign minister to visit China since the country’s recent parliamentary ‘two sessions’.

Wang Yi noted that China’s ‘two sessions’ have just concluded successfully, setting an economic growth target of around five percent for 2025. This reflects a scientific attitude of seeking truth from facts, an enterprising spirit of striving hard to deliver, and the resolve to meet difficulties head-on. As a comrade and brother, China welcomes Laos to seize the new opportunities of China’s development and join hands to march toward modernisation. China is ready to deepen and expand practical cooperation, advance the development of the China-Laos Economic Corridor, expand and strengthen the China-Laos Railway, accelerate comprehensive development along the route, and expand cooperation in energy, artificial intelligence, digital economy and other fields.

Thongsavanh Phomvihane extended congratulations on the successful convening of China’s ‘two sessions’ and the important outcomes and commended China’s leapfrog development in spite of a complex external environment. Laos and China are socialist comrades and brothers who share weal and woe and move forward shoulder to shoulder. Laos firmly pursues the one-China policy and supports the Belt and Road Initiative and the three major global initiatives put forward by President Xi Jinping. Laos is willing to work with China to deliver on the new action plan on building the Laos-China community with a shared future, promote the Laos-China Railway to exert a greater economic effect, make it into a “golden route” and a “road of friendship” between Laos and China, and further promote the vision of interconnected development of Laos, China and Thailand.

The following day, Thongsavanh Phomvihane met with Vice Premier Ding Xuexiang, who is also a member of the Standing Committee of the Political Bureau of the Communist Party of China (CPC) Central Committee.

Ding said that, as socialist comrades and brothers, China and Laos should earnestly implement the important consensus reached between the top leaders of the two parties and countries, intensify high-level exchange, deepen political mutual trust, and work together to safeguard security and development interests. He also called on both countries to expand cooperation in the fields of artificial intelligence and the digital economy.

Thongsavanh congratulated China on its successful convening of the ‘two sessions’, noting that Laos firmly supports China in safeguarding its core interests. Laos is willing to deepen its comprehensive, practical cooperation with China and push the construction of a Laos-China community with a shared future to a new level.

The following articles were originally published on the website of the Chinese Foreign Ministry and by the Xinhua News Agency.

Wang Yi Holds Talks with Lao Foreign Minister Thongsavanh Phomvihane

March 13 (MFA) — On March 13, 2025, Member of the Political Bureau of the CPC Central Committee and Foreign Minister Wang Yi held talks with Lao Foreign Minister Thongsavanh Phomvihane in Beijing.

Wang Yi said, since the establishment of diplomatic relations 64 years ago, the two parties and the two countries have always stood together through thick and thin and helped each other, and the comprehensive strategic cooperative relationship between the two sides has become ever more robust and resilient. General Secretary Xi Jinping had a successful meeting with General Secretary Thongloun Sisoulith on the sidelines of the BRICS Summit in Kazan last year, injecting strong impetus to deepening the building of a China-Laos community with a shared future in the new era. As changes unseen in a century are unfolding at a faster pace, China has always viewed and advanced China-Laos relations from the strategic perspective of a priority in its neighborhood diplomacy and the future of socialism. Wang Yi extended congratulations to the Lao People’s Revolutionary Party on its 70th anniversary and the 50th anniversary of the founding of the Lao People’s Democratic Republic. He said that China firmly supports the Lao side in strengthening Party leadership, advancing reform and opening up, and elevating its international standing. China is ready to enhance strategic mutual trust with Laos, strengthen solidarity and coordination, and accelerate the building of a China-Laos community with a shared future.

China, Russia and Iran condemn unlawful unilateral sanctions

Against a background of US President Donald Trump’s heightened threats to Iran, unmistakably contained in his recent letter to Iranian Supreme Leader Ayatollah Khamenei, ostensibly offering dialogue, and the aggravated threat of a general and all out war in West Asia, an important meeting, at Deputy Foreign Minister level, between China, Russia and Iran, was held in Beijing on March 14.

It was chaired by Deputy Foreign Minister Ma Zhaoxu of the People’s Republic of China, with participation of Deputy Foreign Minister Ryabkov Sergey Alexeevich of the Russian Federation and Deputy Foreign Minister Kazem Gharibabadi of the Islamic Republic of Iran.

The three countries engaged in in-depth discussions on the latest state of play with regard to the Iranian nuclear issue and the question of sanctions lifting and issued a joint statement.

The statement emphasised the necessity of terminating all unlawful unilateral sanctions and reiterated that political and diplomatic engagement and dialogue based on the principle of mutual respect remain the only viable and practical option. Relevant parties, they noted, should be committed to addressing the root cause of the current situation and abandoning sanction, pressure, or threat of force.

They also reiterated the importance of upholding the Treaty on the Non-proliferation of Nuclear Weapons (NPT) as the cornerstone of the international non-proliferation regime. China and Russia welcomed Iran’s reiteration that its nuclear programme is exclusively for peaceful purposes and not for development of nuclear weapons.

Iran and Russia commended China for its constructive role and for hosting the Beijing meeting. The three countries agreed to continue their close consultation and cooperation in the future. They also exchanged views on regional and international issues of common interest and agreed to maintain and strengthen their coordination in international organisations and multilateral arrangements such as BRICS and Shanghai Cooperation Organisation.

Also on March 14, Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi met with the Deputy Foreign Ministers of Russia and Iran.

Wang Yi said that over the past year or so, tensions in the Middle East have continued to escalate, with the regional security situation deteriorating significantly and hotspot issues emerging one after another. He added that there are enough issues in the Middle East, and all parties should focus on addressing the Israeli-Palestinian conflict, an unresolved historical injustice lingering since World War II, rather than creating new tensions or even crises.

The Chinese Foreign Minister put forward a five-point proposal on the Iranian nuclear issue, the first of which is to stay committed to peaceful settlement of disputes through political and diplomatic means and to oppose the use of force and illegal sanctions.

Meanwhile, in the days immediately before the meeting, China, Russia and Iran held joint naval drills in the Gulf of Oman. It was the fifth year for the three countries to hold such joint drills, which begun near the Iranian port of Chabahar.

The Chinese newspaper Global Times reported that the exercises featured three phases – an assembly and preparation phase, a maritime drill phase and a harbour summary phase.

The maritime drill phase featured such training courses as maritime target strikes, VBSS (visit, board, search and seizure), damage control, as well as joint search and rescue operations. Exercises included live-fire shooting of heavy machine guns against maritime targets, night live-fire shooting practices, light communication practices, rescuing simulated hijacked commercial ships and a fleet review.

Zhang Junshe, a Chinese military affairs expert, told Global Times that the exercises had boosted the three navies’ maritime combat capabilities through maritime strike and damage control trainings. Routine joint exercises among the three sides continuously enhance their navies’ interoperability, he added, and the three sides’ joint command and control as well as joint strike capabilities were displayed through the drill courses.

Qatar based Al Jazeera noted that the exercises had got underway at a time when Iran accused the US of bullying. It noted that the Russian Ministry of Defence reported that “the ships’ crews conducted daytime and nighttime fire from large-calibre machine guns and small arms at targets simulating unmanned boats and unmanned aerial vehicles of a mock enemy.”

Al Jazeera further noted that Iran’s Press TV reported that naval groups from Azerbaijan, South Africa, Oman, Kazakhstan, Pakistan, Qatar, Iraq, the United Arab Emirates and Sri Lanka also observed the drills.

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

Joint Statement of the Beijing Meeting between China, Russia and Iran

March 14 (MFA) — The Beijing Meeting between China, Russia and Iran was successfully held on March 14, 2025. The Beijing Meeting was chaired by Deputy Foreign Minister Ma Zhaoxu of the People’s Republic of China, with participation of Deputy Foreign Minister Ryabkov Sergey Alexeevich of the Russian Federation and Deputy Foreign Minister Kazem Gharibabadi of the Islamic Republic of Iran.

China, Russia and Iran engaged in in-depth discussions on the latest state of play with regard to nuclear issue and sanctions lifting. The three countries emphasized on the necessity of terminating all unlawful unilateral sanctions.

Friendship between China and Ireland rooted in history and culture

The following is a brief commentary written by our co-editor Keith Bennett following the recent visit to Ireland by Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi, in which he draws attention to the long history of friendly relations between the peoples of Ireland and China, rooted in shared experiences of struggling for national liberation, economic ties, culture and sports.

Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi recently reaffirmed his country’s strong commitment to friendship with Ireland, saying that Beijing is committed to enhancing mutually beneficial cooperation with Dublin so as to achieve shared development and prosperity.

Wang made these remarks at a February 17 meeting with Irish Taoiseach (Prime Minister) Michael Martin. Although Ireland is a small country, it evidently enjoys an important place in Chinese diplomacy. Wang’s visit came just 13 months after that by Premier Li Qiang, which marked 45 years of bilateral diplomatic relations.

With its welcoming attitude to foreign investment, a number of Chinese companies have chosen Ireland for their European headquarters. They include TikTok, Huawei, Temu and Shein. As Wang observed, relations with Ireland have developed in tandem with China’s reform and opening up. In 1980, late President Jiang Zemin, then holding vice-ministerial rank, took part in a three-week training program in the Shannon free trade zone. China’s first special economic zone, in Shenzhen, was established that same year.

However, the friendship between the Chinese and Irish peoples is also underpinned by their common history of struggling against foreign aggression and occupation and to achieve national liberation and reunification.

During his stay in Europe, of the fifty-seven articles that China’s future Premier Zhou Enlai wrote between 1921-22 for the progressive newspaper Yi Shibao, a number were on the brutality of British attempts to suppress the Irish war of independence.

From Japan, Guo Moruo, subsequently famous for his poetic dialogue with Mao Zedong, had followed the 1920 hunger strike of the Sinn Féin Lord Mayor of Cork Terence MacSwiney in south London’s Brixton prison with four poems, later included in his ‘Selected Poems from The Goddesses’.

Indeed, culture has played a significant part in the people-to-people friendship between China and Ireland.

In 1890, the Irish poet and playwright Oscar Wilde, whose own works were first translated into Chinese in 1909, wrote a review of the first complete translation into English of Zhuangzi (Zhuang Zhou), the Daoist scholar from the Warring States period (4^th century BCE). In Zhuangzi, Wilde is said to have discovered a kindred spirit, one whose ideas resonate in his own only explicitly political essay, ‘The Soul of Man under Socialism’.

During his December 2014 state visit to China, Irish President Michael D. Higgins, in a speech delivered at the former Shanghai residence of Sun Yat Sen, the leader of China’s 1911 democratic revolution, and his wife Song Qingling, later the Honorary President of the People’s Republic of China, recalled the 1933 visit to the same house of the great Irish playwright George Bernard Shaw:

“Today’s gathering… is not just an opportunity to recall the seminal role played by these three figures in the history of Ireland and China. Commemorating Shaw’s encounter with Song Qingling and several other Chinese writers and intellectuals [who included Lu Xun] also provides a valuable occasion to celebrate and assert, together, the value and abiding importance of international exchanges of ideas.”

Describing Shaw as “an essayist and polemicist, a free-thinker and a stout defender of the rights of the working classes and the marginalised,” President Higgins added that his “visit to Shanghai coincided with an era of great turbulence globally – a period when foreign powers were pushing rival claims onto China, as the Chinese people struggled to assert national sovereignty and define both an appropriate form of government and a new model of society for themselves.

“As a Fabian, Shaw was undoubtedly alive to the possibilities of a wider socialist awakening in China. As an Irishman, he would have been sensitive to the Chinese calls for national sovereignty. At the same time, he was mindful not to be prescriptive in his conversation with his Chinese counterparts… In the message he addressed to the Chinese people on the occasion of his visit, Shaw thus wrote:

“‘It is not for me, belonging as I do to a quarter of the globe which is mismanaging its affairs in a ruinous fashion to pretend to advise an ancient people striving to set its house in order.’”

Words which surely have lost none of their contemporary resonance.

The following day, speaking at Fudan University, Higgins noted that Marco Polo’s chronicles of his adventures in China had been translated into the Irish language within a century and around 150 years before an English translation. And although diplomatic relations were not established until 1979: “Ireland was one of a small number of Western countries who, between 1957 and 1971, was anxious to support the process which led to the representation of the People’s Republic of China at the United Nations… In 1971, Ireland therefore supported the People’s Republic of China’s recognition and admission to the UN.”

The build up to the establishment of diplomatic relations saw an intensification of people-to-people ties in which sport also played a significant part.

At his reception to celebrate the 75th anniversary of the founding of the People’s Republic, then Chinese Ambassador to Ireland He Xiangdong gave a special welcome to Kevin Carey, Patrick Dwyer, John McGrath, Norman Plunkett, Brian Purcell and Martin Moran, describing them as among the earliest Irish ” envoys” to the new China. In 1976, three years before the establishment of diplomatic relations, together with their teammates of the University College Dublin (UCD) football team, they had paid a three-week visit to six cities in China and had “shared their experiences in Irish newspapers, opening a window for the Irish people at that time to know something about China.”

On his February 2012 visit to Ireland, Xi Jinping, then Vice-President of China, displayed his skills at both Gaelic football and hurling at Dublin’s Croke Park. The home to Ireland’s Gaelic Athletic Association (GAA), Croke Park is also a hallowed place in the Irish people’s struggle for independence, being the scene of the November 21, 1920 ‘Bloody Sunday’ massacre of 13 spectators and one player by paramilitary police.

Xi Jinping’s passion for sport, and particularly his respect for Ireland’s indigenous games, made a tremendous impression on people in Ireland (although in the British media it was generally misreported as soccer), and years later keen observers of his New Year message noted the photo of his kicking off displayed in his office. It remains a powerful and touching symbol of the deep-rooted friendship and mutual respect between the peoples of China and Ireland – one that has the potential to make their bilateral relationship a model for those between countries of different sizes and with different social systems.

Wang Yi: China is a progressive force for international fairness and justice

As part of the events around this year’s meeting of the National People’s Congress (NPC), China’s highest legislative body, Foreign Minister Wang Yi met the Chinese and international media on March 7 and answered their questions on key topics related to China’s foreign policy and external relations for 90 minutes.

Among the highlights of the press conference were:

Responding to China Central Television:

The three monumental events that China hosted last year, i.e., the conference marking the 70th anniversary of the Five Principles of Peaceful Coexistence, the Beijing Summit of the Forum on China-Africa Cooperation (FOCAC), and the China-Arab States Cooperation Forum, set a new benchmark of the Global South joining hands for common progress… President Xi Jinping, as the leader of a major country and a big political party, has shown a global vision and shouldered the responsibility of our times, and led China’s diplomacy in upholding fundamental principles, breaking new ground, and making steady progress… the success of the Chinese path to modernisation and the inspiration it offers are increasingly recognised and emulated by more and more countries.

Last month, President Xi attended the opening ceremony of the Asian Winter Games, marking the beginning of the diplomatic events that China will host this year. We will solemnly commemorate the 80th anniversary of the victory in the Chinese People’s War of Resistance Against Japanese Aggression and the World Anti-Fascist War and hold a series of major events including the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) summit.

Responding to ITAR-TASS:

Based on deep reflections on historical experience, China and Russia have decided to forge everlasting good-neighbourliness and friendship, conduct comprehensive strategic coordination, and pursue mutual benefit, cooperation and win-win, because this best serves the fundamental interests of the two peoples and conforms to the trend of our times… A mature, resilient and stable China-Russia relationship will not be swayed by any turn of events, let alone be subject to interference by any third party. It is a constant in a turbulent world rather than a variable in geopolitical games.

This year will be the 80th anniversary of the victory in WWII. Back then, China and Russia fought valiantly in the main theatres of Asia and Europe respectively. The two nations made immense sacrifice for and major, historic contributions to the victory of the World Anti-Fascist War. The two sides will take the opportunity of joint commemoration of this important historical milestone to advocate the correct historical view of WWII, defend its victorious outcomes, uphold the UN-centred international system, and promote a more just and equitable international order.

Responding to the Xinhua News Agency:

We will be a just and righteous force for world peace and stability. We will continue to expand our global partnerships featuring equality, openness and cooperation, actively use the Chinese approach in resolving hot-spot issues, and write a new chapter of the Global South seeking strength through unity… We will be a progressive force for international fairness and justice. We will uphold true multilateralism, and bear in mind the future of humanity and the well-being of the people.

Responding to CNN:

There are more than 190 countries in the world. Should everyone stress “my country first” and obsess over a position of strength, the law of the jungle would reign the world again. Smaller and weaker countries would bear the brunt first, and international norms and order would take a body blow… New China stands firm on the side of international justice and resolutely opposes power politics and hegemony. History should move forward, not backward. A big country should honour its international obligations and fulfill its due responsibilities. It should not put selfish interests before principles, still less wield its power to bully the weak. A saying in the West goes, “There are no eternal friends, only permanent interests.” But we in China believe that friends should be permanent, and we should pursue common interests…

President Xi Jinping has proposed building a community with a shared future for humanity and called on all countries to transcend disagreements and differences, jointly protect our only planet, and develop together the global village as our common home. This great vision reflects not only the fine tradition of Chinese civilisation that the world belongs to all, but also the internationalist commitment of Chinese Communists. It enables us to see the well-being of the entire humanity, just like having a bird’s-eye view of all the mountains that would look small when we stand on a peak, as described in an ancient Chinese poem.

Responding to Radio Republik Indonesia:

Céad Míle Fáilte [100,000 Welcomes] for New Chinese Ambassador to Ireland

In the following article, Gearóid Ó Machail, a member of the National Executive Committee of the Communist Party of Ireland (CPI), as well as of the Friends of Socialist China Advisory Group, reports on the welcome extended to the new Chinese Ambassador to his country against a backdrop of high-level bilateral exchanges and an increasingly fraught international situation.

The Chinese Embassy in Ireland hosted a grand reception on February 17 to welcome newly appointed Ambassador Zhao Xiyu an and Madame Li Yi and to celebrate the Chinese New Year with a vibrant Spring Festival Gala. The event brought together more than 400 dignitaries, government officials, political and community representatives to mark the occasion in a spirit of friendship and cooperation.

2025 sees the 46th anniversary of diplomatic ties between China and Ireland, with Chinese Premier Li Qiang’s visit in January 2024 injecting new momentum into their strategic partnership for mutually beneficial cooperation based on mutual trust, respect and support. Ireland was the only EU stop for China’s No 2 official on a trip that also took in a speaking slot at the World Economic Forum in Davos, Switzerland.

The Reception and Gala at The Helix in Dublin City University followed Ambassador Zhao Xinyuan’s presentation of his credentials to President Michael D. Higgins at Áras an Uachtaráin [The Presidential Residence] in Phoenix Park, Dublin. Following the ceremony, he inspected the Irish Defence Forces Guard of Honour. The event was attended by Secretary General to the President Orla O’Hanrahan, Minister of State Emer Higgins, and Minister Counsellor Yang Tong of the Chinese Embassy.

Ambassador Zhao conveyed Chinese President Xi Jinping’s warm greetings and best wishes to President Higgins and the Irish people. He noted that, under the strategic guidance of both countries’ leaders, China-Ireland relations have steadily advanced in recent years, yielding fruitful cooperation. He emphasised China’s commitment to national rejuvenation through Chinese-style modernisation and reaffirmed Ireland’s role as an important partner, expressing hope for stronger bilateral ties.

President Higgins asked Ambassador Zhao to extend his sincere greetings to President Xi Jinping and the Chinese people. He fondly recalled hosting President Xi during his visit to Ireland in 2012 [as China’s Vice President] and his own state visit to China in 2014. President Higgins reiterated Ireland’s commitment to deepening cooperation with China, upholding multilateralism, and fostering the continued growth of Ireland-China relations.

The evening reception for Ambassador Zhao Xiyuan and Madame Li Yi showcased a stunning variety of musicians, dancers, singers and performers who had travelled from the People’s Republic of China to welcome the arrival of Spring and the Chinese New Year of the Snake in Ireland. It took place on the same day that Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi had been in Dublin to meet his Irish counterpart Simon Harris TD and Taoiseach (Prime Minister) Micheál Martin.

In his address, Ambassador Zhao reflected on China’s remarkable achievements in economic growth, scientific innovation, and modernisation over the past year. He emphasised his country’s commitment to advancing the great rejuvenation of the Chinese nation through a Chinese path to modernisation, which will generate new opportunities for global partners, including Ireland. Highlighting Foreign Minister Wang Yi’s visit to Ireland that day, he reaffirmed China’s dedication to strengthening high-level mutual trust, expanding cooperation, and fostering deeper, more practical, and mutually beneficial relations between the two nations.

The reception and gala were attended by Ceann Comhairle Verona Murphy TD (Chairperson of Dáil Éireann, the lower house of the Irish parliament), former Taoiseach Bertie Ahern, representatives of major political parties, including Micheál Mac Donncha of Sinn Féin, and other distinguished guests from the Irish government, the Communist Party of Ireland (CPI), county and city councils, the diplomatic corps, and various local communities. Along with the Chinese artists, attendees also enjoyed captivating performances from their Irish counterparts,, collectively making for a vivid celebration of the rich cultural ties between the two nations. In a warm and friendly atmosphere, guests engaged in meaningful discussions about China’s development and the promising future of China-Ireland relations.

Donald Trump’s Reverse Kissinger strategy

In the following article, Vijay Prashad analyses what is being referred to as Donald Trump’s ‘Reverse Kissinger Strategy’, namely an apparent attempt to end the conflict in Ukraine and improve relations with Russia to a certain extent, with a view to concentrating US firepower on China.

Vijay first outlines Trump’s moves regarding Ukraine and NATO and towards the arms industry at home and continues:

There is a fundamental misreading of these moves by the Trump administration. They are sometimes seen as the idiosyncratic flailing of a far-right president who is committed to putting ‘America First’ and so is unwilling to pursue expensive wars that are not in its interest. But this is a short-sighted and erroneous assessment of Trump’s phone call with Putin on Ukraine and approach to the US military. Rather than see this as an isolationist manoeuvre, it is important to understand that Trump is attempting to pursue a ‘Reverse Kissinger Strategy’, namely, to befriend Russia to isolate China.

According to Vijay, Trump understands that Russia is not an existential threat to the United States. “However, China’s rapid development of technology and science as well as of the new productive forces genuinely poses a threat to US domination of the key sectors of the global economy. It is the US perceived ‘threat’ from China that motivates Trump’s approach to alliances and enemies.”

He notes that both US President Richard Nixon and his Secretary of State Henry Kissinger closely followed the steadily worsening split between the Soviet Union and China: “When Nixon became president, the USSR-PRC border dispute around Zhenbao Island almost escalated with a potential Soviet nuclear strike against Beijing.” It was this tragic division that provided the opening for the United States. “Nixon’s epochal visit to China was entirely driven by US interests to divide Russia and China so that the US could establish its power around the Asian continent.”

Vijay concludes that what the United States is now doing is to attempt to break the relation established between China and Russia since 2007, but:

It is worth remembering Kissinger’s assessment of the Chinese leadership in 1971: ‘Their interest is 100 percent political… Remember, these are men of ideological purity. Zhou Enlai joined the Communist Party in France in 1920… before there was a Chinese Communist Party. This generation didn’t fight for 50 years and go on the Long March for trade’. This view captures not only Zhou Enlai and Mao Zedong, but also Vladimir Putin and Xi Jinping. They too have been steeled in a struggle against the United States over the course of the past decade. It is unlikely that a few baubles will attract Putin to adopt Trump’s ‘Reverse Kissinger Strategy’.

The article was originally published by No Cold War.

US President Donald Trump called Russia’s President Vladimir Putin and told him that his government is committed to a peace process in Ukraine. As part of the deal, Trump’s administration made it clear that sections of eastern Ukraine and the Crimea would remain in Russian hands. Speaking at the headquarters of the North Atlantic Treaty Organisation (NATO), Trump’s Defence Secretary Pete Hegseth said that it was ‘unrealistic’ to assume that Ukraine would return to its pre-2014 borders, which means that Crimea would not be part of any negotiations with Russia. NATO membership for Ukraine, he said, was not going to be possible as far as the United States was concerned. The United States, Hegseth told NATO, was not ‘primarily focused’ on European security, but on putting its own national interests first and foremost. The best that the European leaders at NATO could do was to demand that Ukraine have a seat at the talks, but there was very little said against the US pressure that Russia be given concessions to come to the table. Ukraine and Europe can have their say, Hegseth said, but Trump would set the agenda. ‘What he decides to allow and not allow is at the purview of the leader of the free world, of President Trump’, Hegseth said with characteristic midwestern swagger. The cowboys, he said with his body language, are back in charge.

While Hegseth was in Brussels, Trump was in Washington, DC with his close ally Elon Musk. Both are on a rampage to cut government spending. Over the past five decades, the US government has already shrunk, particularly when it comes to social welfare provision. What remains are areas that have been jealously guarded by the large corporations, such as the arms industry. It had always seemed as if this industry was inviolate and that cuts in military spending in the United States would be impossible to sustain. But the arms industry can rest easy (except Lockheed Martin, which might lose its subsidy for the F-35 fighter jet); Musk and his team are not going to cut military contracts but go after the military and civilian employees. During his confirmation hearing, Hegseth told the Senators that during World War II the United States had seven four-star generals and now it has forty-four of them. ‘There is an inverse relationship between the size of staffs and victory on the battlefield. We do not need more bureaucracy at the top. We need more war fighters empowered at the bottom’. He said that the ‘fat can be cut, so [the US military] can go toward lethality’.

Xi’s special envoy attends inauguration of Uruguay’s new president

On March 1^st, Yamandú Orsi was inaugurated as the new President of Uruguay in the national capital Montevideo. Orsi was elected President in a second, run off round of voting on November 24, 2024, as the candidate of the Broad Front (Frente Amplio). The Broad Front is a coalition of 12 left-wing political parties, foremost among them the Communist Party and the Socialist Party. The front returns to the political leadership of the country after five years in opposition, strengthening the left wing and progressive forces in Latin America.

China’s Minister of Agriculture and Rural Affairs Han Jun attended the inauguration as the Special Envoy of President Xi Jinping. Among other prominent political figures in attendance were the presidents of Brazil, Colombia and Chile.

Meeting with President Orsi on March 2^nd, Han conveyed the greetings and best wishes of Xi Jinping and said that China attaches great importance to the development of China-Uruguay relations and is willing to work hand in hand with Uruguay to lift bilateral relations to higher levels so as to better benefit the two peoples, inject more stability and certainty into Latin America and the international community, and promote the building of a community with a shared future for humanity.

Orsi said that successive governments of Uruguay have attached great importance to developing relations with China, and there is broad consensus on this across all sectors of society. The new Uruguayan government is willing to work with China to continuously deepen the comprehensive strategic partnership between the two countries, steadily strengthen practical cooperation in various fields, and make joint efforts to defend multilateralism and free trade and cope with global challenges.

The Communist Party of China (CPC) has long maintained close friendly relations with the Broad Front. In August 2024, during his visit to Uruguay, Liu Jianchao, Minister of the International Department of the CPC Central Committee (IDCPC), met with a number of its leaders, including Orsi, then the prospective presidential candidate.

Liu said that political parties play an important role in the political life of a country. The CPC attaches importance to its relations with the Broad Front and is willing to further strengthen exchanges between the two Parties at all levels, carry out various forms of exchanges and cooperation, deepen pragmatic cooperation through the channel of political party relations, promote sub-national exchanges, and push the continuous development of China-Uruguay relations.

The Uruguayan side welcomed the CPC delegation, which visited the headquarters of the Broad Front. They said that not long ago, a delegation of the Broad Front cadres visited China at the invitation of the CPC, enhancing their understanding of China and the CPC.

During his visit, Liu also met with Ana Olivera, President of the House of Representatives of Uruguay, who is also a leading member of the Communist Party of Uruguay. She fondly recalled her visit to China and appreciated China’s commitment to comprehensive reform and its great achievements in poverty alleviation and other fields. She said, since the establishment of diplomatic relations between Uruguay and China, successive Uruguayan administrations have advocated friendship with China, with new progress having been made in bilateral relations.

The above-mentioned Broad Front delegation had visited China the previous month, July 2024, and was led by its general coordinator Jorge Gotta.

Meeting the delegation, Minister Liu noted that the CPC and the Broad Front of Uruguay are partners who share the same goals. The two sides should strengthen friendly exchanges, deepen exchanges and mutual learning of experience in state governance and administration, promote practical cooperation in various fields through inter-party channels, and promote the development of China-Uruguay relations and the friendship between the two peoples.

Putin: developing relations with China is a strategic choice made by Russia with a view to the long term

Chinese President Xi Jinping took a phone call from his Russian counterpart Vladimir Putin on February 24. It is the second time that the two men have been known to speak this year and follows the recent dramatic changes in the United States’ position on the Ukraine crisis and the resultant diplomatic contacts between Russia and the US.

President Xi said that both history and reality tell us that China and Russia are destined to be good neighbours, and the two countries are true friends that share weal and woe, support each other and pursue common development. The bilateral relationship has a strong internal driving force and unique strategic value. It is neither targeted at any third party nor affected by any third party. Both countries have long-term development strategies and foreign policies. No matter how the international landscape changes, the relationship shall move forward at its own pace, contribute to both countries’ respective development and revitalisation, and inject stability and positivity into international relations.

For his part, President Putin said that developing relations with China is a strategic choice made by Russia with a view to the long term; it is not an act of expediency, not affected by any temporary incidents, and not subject to interference by external factors. Under the current situation, close communication between Russia and China is in keeping with the two countries’ comprehensive strategic partnership of coordination for the new era and will send a positive message that Russia and China play a stabilising role in international affairs. He further provided an update on the latest interactions between Russia and the United States, and on Russia’s principled position on the Ukraine crisis. He said that Russia is committed to removing the root causes of the conflict and arriving at a sustainable and long-term peace plan.

The following article was originally published on the website of the Chinese Foreign Ministry. Useful background analysis may be found here.

In the afternoon of February 24, President Xi Jinping took a phone call from Russian President Vladimir Putin.

President Xi recalled that during the virtual meeting with President Putin before the Spring Festival, we provided guidance for the growth of China-Russia relations in 2025 and coordinated position on many major international and regional issues. Our two countries’ competent authorities have acted on our common understandings to steadily advance cooperation in various fields, including commemorating the 80th anniversary of victory in the Chinese people’s war of resistance against Japanese aggression and the world’s anti-fascist war. Both history and reality tell us that China and Russia are destined to be good neighbors, and our two countries are true friends that share weal and woe, support each other and pursue common development. Our bilateral relationship has a strong internal driving force and unique strategic value. It is neither targeted at any third party nor affected by any third party. Both countries have long-term development strategies and foreign policies. No matter how the international landscape changes, our relationship shall move forward at its own pace, contribute to our countries’ respective development and revitalization, and inject stability and positivity into international relations.

President Putin said that Russia attaches great importance to its relations with China. In the year ahead, the Russian side looks forward to maintaining high-level exchanges with China, deepening practical cooperation, jointly commemorating the 80th anniversary of victory in the world’s anti-fascist war and in the Chinese people’s war of resistance against Japanese aggression. Developing relations with China is a strategic choice made by Russia with a view to the long term; it is not an act of expediency, not affected by any temporary incidents, and not subject to interference by external factors. Under the current situation, close communication between Russia and China is in keeping with the two countries’ comprehensive strategic partnership of coordination for the new era, and will send a positive message that Russia and China play a stabilizing role in international affairs.

President Putin provided an update on the latest interactions between Russia and the United States, and on Russia’s principled position on the Ukraine crisis. He said that Russia is committed to removing the root causes of the conflict and reaching a sustainable and long-term peace plan.

President Xi noted that soon after the full escalation of the Ukraine crisis, I had outlined China’s basic position, including four points about what must be done to address the crisis. Last September, China and Brazil, together with other Global South countries, launched the group of Friends for Peace to foster the atmosphere and condition for the political settlement of the crisis. China welcomes positive efforts made by Russia and relevant parties to resolve the crisis.

The two sides agreed to maintain communication and coordination in various ways.

Wang Yi: China will always be a trustworthy and reliable friend and partner of South Africa

Whilst attending the G20 Foreign Ministers meeting in Johannesburg, South Africa, Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi held meetings on the sidelines with South African President Cyril Ramaphosa, Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala, Director-General of the World Trade Organisation (WTO), along with his counterparts from a number of countries.

Wang met with President Ramaphosa on February 20.

Cyril Ramaphosa asked Wang Yi to convey his sincere greetings to President Xi Jinping and expressed his heartfelt thanks to China for its firm support for South Africa’s struggle for national independence and its valuable help in accelerating national development. South Africa cherishes the high-level mutual trust between the two countries, regards China as a reliable friend, and will continue to firmly pursue the one-China policy.

Wang Yi conveyed the cordial greetings from President Xi Jinping, saying that China and South Africa have always understood and supported each other and carried out close exchanges, communication and coordination, which demonstrates the high level of bilateral relations. In the process of South Africa’s development and revitalisation, China will always be a trustworthy and reliable friend and partner of South Africa and is willing to continue to provide assistance within its capacity.

The next day he met with his South African counterpart Ronald Lamola.

Wang said, by assuming the G20 presidency, South Africa represents Africa in making a strong voice on the global stage, which demonstrates the historic shifts in international political and economic landscapes and holds great symbolic significance. As multilateralism faces threats amid the rise of unilateral bullying and protectionism, the foreign ministers’ meeting under the theme ‘Solidarity, Equality, Sustainability’ has reflected the common aspirations of most countries, especially those from the Global South.

Ronald Lamola thanked China for its strong support for South Africa’s G20 presidency. In the face of a volatile international situation, South Africa remains committed to strengthening close coordination and cooperation with China to safeguard the common interests of the Global South countries.

In her meeting with Wang, World Trade Organisation Director-General Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala said that amid the chaos in the world, China has moved in the right direction, achieved the UN poverty reduction target ahead of schedule, advanced industrialisation rapidly and made remarkable achievements in education. China’s success has set an example and provided references for other developing countries.

One of Wang’s first meetings on arriving in South Africa was with Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov, who had come direct from talks on the Ukraine issue with US Secretary of State Marco Rubio, held in Saudi Arabia.

Wang Yi said that the China-Russia comprehensive strategic partnership of coordination for a new era is advancing to a higher level and broader dimensions. The two sides have maintained steady progress in mutually beneficial cooperation and engaged in close and effective strategic coordination, playing a crucial role in safeguarding the common interests of both countries and their peoples and advancing the multipolarity in the world.

This year, he continued, marks the 80th anniversary of the victory of the World Anti-Fascist War and the founding of the United Nations, which is of great historic significance. During that arduous struggle, the peoples of China and Russia fought valiantly on both the Eastern and Western fronts, enduring tremendous national sacrifices and making significant historical contributions in the effort to save their nations from the brink of destruction and strive for world peace. China and Russia, as major victorious nations of World War II and permanent members of the United Nations Security Council, jointly bear the crucial responsibility of safeguarding the victorious results of World War II and maintaining the post-war international order. No matter how the situation evolves, the foundation of China-Russia friendship remains unshakable. Both sides should take the opportunity of jointly commemorating the 80th anniversary to deepen China-Russia strategic coordination, actively promote the correct view on World War II, firmly defend the international system with the United Nations at its core and safeguard the legitimate rights and interests of Global South countries.

Sergei Lavrov said, President Vladimir Putin and President Xi Jinping charted the course for Russia-China relations and strategic coordination. Russia is also willing to work with China to hold a series of events to commemorate the 80th anniversary of the victory of World War II. Russia also highly recognises the global initiatives put forward by China, highly values the high-level mutual trust between the two countries and is willing to continue to strengthen communication and coordination with China within the BRICS mechanism, the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation, the United Nations, the G20, and other frameworks.

Sergei Lavrov also introduced the latest developments in the Ukraine crisis and Russia’s considerations, saying that his country focuses on solving the root causes of the crisis and is committed to seeking a fair and sustainable plan for peace in line with the UN Charter. Russia attaches importance to China’s objective and just position, and the ‘Friends for Peace’ group China initiated with Brazil and other countries, and is willing to maintain communication with China and strengthen cooperation with the countries of the South.

Wang Yi met with Turkish Minister of Foreign Affairs Hakan Fidan at the latter’s request.

China: ‘Palestinians governing Palestine’ is an important principle that must be upheld

Following his visit to New York, where he chaired the high-level United Nations Security Council meeting on ‘Practicing Multilateralism, Reforming and Improving Global Governance’, Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi flew to South Africa to attend the Johannesburg meeting of G20 foreign ministers, the first such gathering to be held on African soil.

In a deeply racist and hegemonic move, the meeting was boycotted by the United States Secretary of State Marco Rubio, with the US citing South Africa’s tentative moves in land reform aimed to redress the iniquities of the erstwhile racist apartheid system and the legacy of colonial rule as well as the host country highlighting the issues of diversity, equality and tackling climate change, all of which are in the crosshairs of the Trump administration. Trump is also determined to punish South Africa for its courageous and principled leading role in unmasking and opposing Israeli genocide against the Palestinian people. It should further be noted that plutocratic capitalists with intimate ties to Trump, such as Elon Musk and Peter Thiel, have deep ties to the old racist system in South Africa. The US retreat into unilateralism, and attempts at bullying, only served to highlight the unique role of China as the major power putting forward constructive strategies and proposals in the common interest of the vast majority of humanity.

In his speech delivered on February 20, the first day of the conference, Wang Yi said that China would work with all other parties in the following areas:

Acting as the guardians of world peace. Countries should respect each other’s sovereignty and territorial integrity and respect the development paths and social systems independently chosen by each other. Countries should persevere with dialogue and negotiation and seek peaceful settlements to differences and political solutions to international and regional hotspot issues. The Five Principles of Peaceful Coexistence, initiated by China and some other Global South countries 70 years ago, remain as relevant as ever under current circumstances.

Acting as the builders of universal security. Humanity is a community with a shared future. It is also an indivisible community of shared security. A country must not pursue its own security at the expense of the security of other countries, and the legitimate security concerns of all countries should be taken seriously.

Acting as the defenders of multilateralism. This year marks the 80th anniversary of the United Nations. It is also the 80th anniversary of the victory of the World Anti-Fascist War.

Noting that previous speakers had all spoken about the Ukraine crisis, Wang Yi said: “Although the parties have different positions and it is hard to find simple solutions to complex issues, dialogue is always better than confrontation and peace talks better than fighting… Acting on the wishes of the relevant parties and keeping in mind the concerns of the international community, especially those of the Global South, China will continue playing a constructive role in the political settlement of the crisis.”

And turning to the question of Palestine, he remarked: “The conflict in Gaza has caused an unprecedented humanitarian disaster. The flames of war must not be reignited, and the ceasefire agreement must be implemented in a continuous and effective manner. Gaza and the West Bank are the homeland of the Palestinian people. ‘The Palestinians governing Palestine’ is an important principle that must be upheld in the post-conflict governance of Gaza… The historical injustice on the Palestinian question has remained unaddressed for over seven decades. The issue should not be marginalised once again.”

Wang Yi noted that: “This year represents an ‘African moment’ at the G20. After welcoming the African Union as a full member, the G20 is going to have a summit on the African continent for the first time. We must listen to what Africa has to say, take Africa’s concerns seriously, support Africa’s actions, and work for peace and development in Africa, so as to leave a distinct African mark on the Johannesburg Summit. China firmly supports the African people in independently resolving African problems and opposes external interference in the internal affairs of African countries.”

And in concluding he invoked the words of Nelson Mandela: “It is so easy to break down and destroy. The heroes are those who make peace and build.”

Wang Yi made a further speech the next day, saying, “China is ready to join all sides in embracing the theme of ‘Solidarity, Equality, Sustainability’ proposed by South Africa, ushering in a new chapter of G20 cooperation, and working together for a just world of common development” in the following ways:

Through Solidarity we will cement the foundation of G20 cooperation. President Ramaphosa noted that, cooperation has been one of the key markers of human development, which is what the G20 was established for. We should seek common ground, set aside and overcome differences whenever possible, avoid division and discord, and reject bloc confrontation. Major countries should play a leading role in advancing reform of the global economic governance system and improving the representation and voice of the Global South.

Through Equality we will empower the G20 on the way forward. In today’s world, technological revolution is progressing apace, presenting us with both opportunities and risks. China supports South Africa’s establishment of an Artificial Intelligence (AI) task force and supports the Global AI Summit on Africa. China also welcomes you all to attend the 2025 World Artificial Intelligence Conference. Together with Brazil, South Africa and the African Union, we have jointly launched an Initiative on International Cooperation in Open Science, and we look forward to more countries and international organisations coming aboard.

Through Sustainability we will open up new prospects for the G20. China will take an active part in the two newly established task forces on “Inclusive Economic Growth” and “Food Security” set up by South Africa, and support cooperation in priority areas such as disaster relief, debt sustainability, fair energy transition and key minerals.

He further noted that: “Africa is experiencing a new awakening. The G20 should make the most of South Africa’s Presidency, mobilise more development resources, promote synergy in global development actions, and partner with Africa in industrialisation, infrastructure, green minerals and other areas, to accelerate the continent’s advance toward modernisation.”

The following articles were originally published on the website of the Chinese Foreign Ministry. Additionally, the welcoming speech to the conference by South African President Cyril Ramaphosa may be read here.

Wang Yi meets with António Guterres and foreign ministers of Bolivia, Pakistan, Somalia, Uganda, Hungary, Spain and Austria

While in New York to attend the high-level United Nations Security Council meeting on the theme, ‘Practicing Multilateralism, Reforming and Improving Global Governance’, on February 18, Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi met on the sidelines with United Nations Secretary-General António Guterres and foreign ministers of a number of countries also attending the meeting.

António Guterres said that the United Nations highly appreciates China’s adherence to multilateralism and its support for the work of the UN, and positively evaluates China’s proposal for holding this meeting, which injects impetus into reforming global governance and enhancing the voice of developing countries.

Meeting with the Bolivian Foreign Minister Celinda Sosa Lunda, Wang Yi said that last November, President Xi Jinping held a fruitful meeting with President Luis Arce, which enhanced mutual trust and charted the course for the development of bilateral relations. This year marks the 40th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between China and Bolivia and the 200th anniversary of Bolivia’s independence. Standing at a new historical starting point, China is ready to make joint efforts with Bolivia to deepen mutually beneficial cooperation and take China-Bolivia strategic partnership to new heights. China supports Chinese enterprises to invest and do business in Bolivia to help the country accelerate development and improve people’s livelihood. He congratulated Bolivia on becoming a BRICS partner country and said that China supports Bolivia in playing a greater role in international and regional affairs.

Clearly alluding in particular to the recent brazen threats of US President Donald Trump and his Secretary of State Marco Rubio, Wang added that Latin America is the homeland of the Latin American people, not the backyard of any country. China supports Latin American countries in safeguarding sovereignty, independence and national dignity, and supports Bolivia in safeguarding its legitimate rights and interests. China will always be a reliable friend and partner of Latin America.

Sosa said, Bolivia and China are good brothers and good partners. Bolivia-China cooperation enjoys huge potential and the Bolivian side welcomes China to increase investment in Bolivia to achieve mutual benefit and win-win results. She thanked China for its strong support in enhancing Bolivia’s capacity for independent development and boosting its international influence. Both Bolivia and China are steadfast members of the Global South, and Bolivia looks forward to deepening and expanding cooperation with China under the China-CELAC [Community of Latin American and Caribbean States] Forum (which this year celebrates its 10^th anniversary) and BRICS mechanisms.

Meeting with Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister of Pakistan Mohammad Ishaq Dar, Wang Yi stated that China and Pakistan are all-weather strategic cooperative partners, and the two sides have always trusted and supported each other. Not long ago, President Xi Jinping and President Asif Ali Zardari held a successful meeting, injecting fresh impetus into the ironclad friendship between China and Pakistan. China prioritises relations with Pakistan in its neighborhood diplomacy and will continue to uphold justice and speak up for Pakistan on international occasions. China will seek greater synergy of development strategies with Pakistan, and in particular, deepen cooperation on agricultural modernisation and industrialisation, and help Pakistan enhance its capacity for independent development.

Dar said that President Asif Ali Zardari’s visit to China was a great success, taking the all-weather strategic cooperative partnership between Pakistan and China to a new height, with cooperation in various fields advancing efficiently. Pakistan admires China’s remarkable progress in the development of modernisation and looks forward to strengthening high-level exchanges with China and seeking greater synergy of development strategies.

Meeting with Somali Foreign Minister Ahmed Moalim Fiqi, Wang Yi said that since the establishment of diplomatic relations between China and Somalia 65 years ago, the two countries have always respected and supported each other and treated each other as equals. Last year, President Xi Jinping and President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud held a meeting on the sidelines of the Beijing Summit of the Forum on China-Africa Cooperation (FOCAC) and decided to upgrade bilateral relations to a strategic partnership, which has drawn a new blueprint for bilateral cooperation. The Chinese side is ready to work with the Somali side to implement the outcomes of the Beijing Summit in Somalia and help Somalia achieve stability and development. Somalia is welcome to actively participate in the ten partnership actions for China and Africa to jointly advance modernisation and effectively use China’s zero-tariff policy for the least-developed African countries.

Ahmed Moalim Fiqi said the friendship between Somalia and China has a solid foundation. He thanked China for upholding justice for Somalia in the international arena and said that Somalia firmly abides by the one-China principle and opposes all words and deeds that undermine China’s sovereignty and territorial integrity.

Meeting with Ugandan Foreign Minister Odongo Jeje Abubakher, Wang Yi said that to promote multilateralism, the voice of Africa should not be absent; to improve global governance, the participation of Africa should not be overlooked. China is ready to work with African partners to build a just and equitable global governance system and make joint efforts for world peace, stability, development and prosperity. China appreciates Uganda’s active role as the rotating chair of the Non-Aligned Movement, congratulates Uganda on becoming a BRICS partner country, and stands ready to work together to promote solidarity and cooperation in the Global South and safeguard international fairness and justice.

Odongo Jeje Abubakher said that in Uganda’s struggle for national independence, China stood with Uganda through thick and thin; in Uganda’s pursuit of independent development, China has provided Uganda with invaluable support. Uganda regards China as a trustworthy and reliable partner, admires the achievements of the Communist Party of China in state governance, and hopes to learn from China’s modernization development path.

Meeting with Hungarian Foreign Minister Péter Szijjártó, Wang Yi said, in a clear reference to Hungary’s relatively balanced and objective position on the Ukraine situation in particular, that China appreciates Hungary’s rational and objective stance on hotspot conflict issues and believes that Hungary will continue to contribute to peace and stability in Europe, and play an important and unique role in this regard. He also commended Hungary for consistently regarding China as an opportunity for development, emphasising that regardless of changes in the international landscape, China will always be a trustworthy partner for Hungary.

Wang Yi also held numerous sideline meetings during his earlier participation in the Munich Security Conference. We report here on two such meetings, which reflect China’s consistent position of striving to find common ground with middle-level European powers which seek to uphold a degree of independence in their policies and actions.

On February 14, Wang Yi met with his Spanish counterpart Jose Manuel Albares Bueno.

Wang said that the development of China-Spain relations has seen many highlights, with close interactions between their leaders, important progress in major new energy cooperation projects, and fresh opportunities emerging in economic, trade, and investment cooperation, adding that China and Spain have maintained sound communication and coordination in international affairs.

With the current international situation in transformation and turbulence and the world facing the risk of a return to ‘the law of the jungle’, China and Spain should jointly practice multilateralism, promote the democratisation of international relations, build broad international consensus, and work together toward equal and orderly multipolarity.

Albares, for his part, said Spain is willing to work with China to strengthen high-level exchanges, expand mutually beneficial cooperation, and continuously elevate bilateral ties. He noted that China, as a global power with significant influence, plays an indispensable leadership role in key international agendas, such as maintaining world peace and addressing climate change.

The next day, Wang Yi met with Austrian interim Chancellor and Foreign Minister Alexander Schallenberg and said that China is ready to work with Austria to jointly voice support for upholding multilateralism, maintaining the authority of the United Nations, defending the international rule of law and rejecting unilateral bullying. He noted that Austria, as a permanently neutral country [a status adopted on October 26, 1955, the day foreign troops withdrew from the country and its full sovereignty was restored post-World War II], has long played the role of a bridge-builder and mediator in international affairs.

Schallenberg, for his part, said that Austria and China respect each other and have conducted close cooperation on bilateral and multilateral issues. Decoupling and the severing of industrial and supply chains do not conform to the common interests of all parties; instead, open cooperation is key to achieving development and prosperity. Austria appreciates China’s adherence to multilateralism and is willing to work with China to uphold the purposes and principles of the UN Charter and defend the post-World War II international order, he noted, adding that Austria highly values China’s influence as a major country and hopes China will apply Eastern wisdom so as to play an important role in promoting peace.

The following articles were originally published on the website of the Chinese Foreign Ministry and the Xinhua News Agency.

Wang Yi Meets with U.N. Secretary-General António Guterres

Feb. 19 (MFA) — On February 18, 2025 local time, Member of the Political Bureau of the CPC Central Committee and Minister of Foreign Affairs Wang Yi met with Secretary-General of the United Nations (U.N.) António Guterres on the sidelines of the U.N. Security Council high-level meeting which he chaired in New York.

Wang Yi conveyed President Xi Jinping’s cordial greetings to António Guterres, and said that the current international situation is characterized by changes and turbulence as well as intensifying geopolitical games. The more volatile the world is, the more important it is to safeguard the authority and role of the United Nations. This year marks the 80th anniversary of the founding of the United Nations, which is of great significance in building on the past and ushering in the future. As the rotating President of the Security Council for February, China proposed to hold a high-level meeting on “Practicing Multilateralism, Reforming and Improving Global Governance”, which received positive responses from all parties and kicked off the Security Council’s activities to commemorate the 80th anniversary. All parties reached a high degree of consensus during the discussions and sent a strong call for supporting multilateral cooperation and improving global governance. China unswervingly supports the central role of the United Nations and the work of the Secretary-General and the Secretariat. China is willing to continue to work closely with the United Nations to build greater consensus, pool more resources, jointly practice true multilateralism, and advance the cause of world peace and development.

António Guterres asked Wang Yi to convey his sincere greetings to President Xi Jinping, saying that the United Nations highly appreciates China’s adherence to multilateralism and its support for the work of the United Nations, and positively evaluates China’s proposal for holding this meeting, which injects impetus into reforming global governance and enhancing the voice of developing countries. He said that the United Nations attaches great importance to China’s role and fully agrees with and actively supports the three global initiatives put forth by President Xi Jinping. In the face of the current complex challenges, the United Nations will adhere to its established ideals, implement the purposes and principles of its Charter, and call on all countries to strengthen cooperation, jointly uphold international rule of law, and promote peace and sustainable development.

The two sides also had an exchange of views on the Ukraine crisis, the Middle East issue, and the security situation in Africa.

Wang Yi: The Global South should remain at the forefront of improving the global governance system

Following his visit to Ireland, Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi proceeded to New York, where, on February 18, on the initiative of China, which holds the rotating Chair of the United Nations Security Council (UNSC) for February, the UNSC held a high-level meeting on the theme, ‘Practicing Multilateralism, Reforming and Improving Global Governance’. The meeting was chaired by Wang Yi and representatives from over 100 countries participated.

In his address to the meeting Wang Yi noted:

The year 2025 marks the 80th anniversary of the founding of the United Nations. Eighty years ago, our forefathers, with strenuous struggle and tremendous sacrifice, won the great victory of the Anti-Fascist war; the international community drew painful lessons from the scourge of two world wars; and the United Nations was founded. Multilateralism gradually became the main trend of the times…

The past 80 years is a period of accelerated advancement in world multipolarity and economic globalisation, a period that has witnessed people across the world forging ahead and meeting challenges together, and also a period during which the Global South has been rising and growing in strength. Meanwhile, although human society has emerged from the shadows of the Cold War and moved beyond the bipolar standoff, comprehensive peace and shared prosperity remain elusive. In the third decade of the 21st century, peace and development remains a long-term, arduous task… In the face of the profoundly changing international landscape, the Global South should not only achieve the historic feat of moving toward modernisation together but also remain at the forefront of improving the global governance system.

To this end, he made four proposals:

Upholding sovereign equality. All countries are equal, regardless of size or strength. This is the foremost principle in the UN Charter. In advancing global governance, all countries have the right to participate as equals, make decisions as equals, and benefit as equals. We must respect the development paths chosen independently by people of all countries, uphold the principle of non-interference in internal affairs, and not impose one’s will upon others.

Upholding fairness and justice. Since the end of World War II, a large number of countries in the Global South have emerged on the world stage, which has revealed growing incompatibility and irrationality in the global governance structure. Under the new circumstances, international affairs should no longer be monopolised by a small number of countries. Countries in the Global South have the right to speak up for and defend their legitimate rights and interests. The fruits of development should no longer be taken by just a few countries. People of all countries have the right to a happy life.

Upholding solidarity and coordination. The Security Council must rise above narrow-minded geopolitical considerations, champion the spirit of solidarity and cooperation, fulfil its duties conferred by the UN Charter, and effectually play its role for the maintenance of international peace and security.

Upholding an action-oriented approach. In the face of protracted wars, loss of innocent lives, and challenges brought by new technologies, UN agencies should seek solutions rather than chant slogans. Gaza and the West Bank are the homeland of the Palestinian people, not a bargaining chip in political trade-offs. The Palestinians governing Palestine is an important principle that must be followed in the post-conflict governance of Gaza.

Following the meeting, Wang Yi answered questions from the media. On the issue of Gaza, he said that it is important to recognise that the world is facing more than just the Ukraine crisis. Other hotspots, including the Gaza conflict, also require the international community’s attention and should not be marginalised.

Behind the Gaza conflict lies the unresolved Palestinian question. More than 70 years have passed since the UN adopted the resolution to establish two States, Palestine and Israel, but the two-state solution has only been partially implemented. The State of Israel was established long ago, but the Palestinian people still do not have their own country. Many are displaced, becoming refugees. The Palestinian question remains at the core of the Middle East issue. Palestinian factions should truly implement the Beijing Declaration and achieve unity and self-strength. All parties in the Middle East should transcend their differences and support Palestine’s statehood. The United Nations should take action to admit Palestine as a full member.

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

Remarks by H.E. Wang Yi at the United Nations Security Council High-Level Meeting “Practicing Multilateralism, Reforming and Improving Global Governance”

Feb. 19 (MFA) — Your Excellency Secretary General António Guterres,
Colleagues,

I would like to thank Secretary General Guterres for attending this meeting and for his briefing.

The year 2025 marks the 80th anniversary of the founding of the United Nations. Eighty years ago, our forefathers, with strenuous struggle and tremendous sacrifice, won the great victory of the Anti-Fascist war; the international community drew painful lessons from the scourge of two world wars; and the United Nations was founded. Multilateralism gradually became the main trend of the times. New historical chapters were opened in global governance.

The past 80 years is a period of accelerated advancement in world multipolarity and economic globalization, a period that has witnessed people across the world forging ahead and meeting challenges together, and also a period during which the Global South has been rising and growing in strength. Meanwhile, although human society has emerged from the shadows of the Cold War and moved beyond the bipolar standoff, comprehensive peace and shared prosperity remain elusive. In the third decade of the 21st century, peace and development remains a long-term, arduous task.

The 80 years of history is enlightenment enough: In the face of the turbulent and changing international landscape, the U.N.-centered international system provides important safeguards for the cause of human progress, and the vision of multilateralism with coordination and cooperation as its cornerstone is the best solution to global issues. In the face of the historical trend of shared future, no country can prosper alone; mutually beneficial cooperation is the right choice. In the face of the profoundly changing international landscape, the Global South should not only achieve the historic feat of moving toward modernization together, but also remain at the forefront of improving the global governance system.

Mr. Secretary General,
Colleagues,

To chart our course for the future, we should not forget why we started out in the beginning. Today, transformation not seen in a century is accelerating across the world, geopolitical conflicts keep escalating, multiple crises are emerging, and instability and uncertainty are increasingly prominent. In a time of intensifying turbulence and transformation, we need, more than ever, to remind ourselves of the founding mission of the U.N., reinvigorate true multilateralism, and speed up the efforts to build a more just and equitable global governance system. In this connection, China proposes the following:

First, upholding sovereign equality. All countries are equal, regardless of size or strength. This is the foremost principle in the U.N. Charter. In advancing global governance, all countries have the right to participate as equals, make decisions as equals, and benefit as equals. We must respect the development paths chosen independently by people of all countries, uphold the principle of non-interference in internal affairs, and not impose one’s will upon others. We must practice international rule of law, ensure the effective implementation of international law, and reject double standards and selective application. Resolutions of the Security Council are binding, and should be observed by all countries. The Security Council is entrusted with authority, and such authority should be upheld by all countries. Any act of bullying, trickery or extortion is a flagrant violation of the basic norms of international relations. Any unilateral sanction that circumvents Security Council authorization lacks legal basis, defies justification and contradicts common sense.

Second, upholding fairness and justice. A critical part of global governance is to ensure that justice prevails. Since the end of World War II, a large number of countries in the Global South have emerged on the world stage, which has revealed growing incompatibility and irrationality in the global governance structure. Under the new circumstances, international affairs should no longer be monopolized by a small number of countries. Countries in the Global South have the right to speak up for and defend their legitimate rights and interests. The fruits of development should no longer be taken by just a few countries. People of all countries have the right to a happy life. The reform of the Security Council should continue to emphasize democratic consultation, increase the representation and say of developing countries, especially African countries, and effectively redress historical injustice.

Third, upholding solidarity and coordination. Promoting international cooperation is an important purpose of the U.N. Charter, and a sure path toward improving global governance. Countries should commit to the principle of extensive consultation and joint contribution for shared benefit, replace confrontation with coordination, prevent lose-lose through win-win cooperation, and break down small circles with greater solidarity. Members cannot just sit by and watch multilateral institutions become dysfunctional and ineffective due to their own failure to cooperate. The Security Council must rise above narrow-minded geopolitical considerations, champion the spirit of solidarity and cooperation, fulfill its duties conferred by the U.N. Charter, and effectually play its role for the maintenance of international peace and security.

China, Ireland pledge closer ties, deeper cooperation

Following his participation in the Munich Security Conference, Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi visited Ireland on February 17.

In his meeting with Taoiseach (Prime Minister) Micheal Martin, he said that China is ready to work with Ireland to enhance their mutually beneficial cooperation, making it bigger, stronger, deeper and more concrete, in order to achieve shared development and prosperity.

China appreciates Ireland’s positive, pragmatic, and friendly policy towards China and stands ready to work with Ireland to implement the consensus reached by leaders of the two countries, consolidate high-level mutual trust, and expand high-level cooperation. And China seeks to strengthen dialogue, enhance mutual trust, and properly manage differences with Ireland, Wang said, adding that both sides can serve as a constructive force in the process of global multipolarisation, making joint efforts to safeguard global peace, stability, and development.

Martin, for his part, stated that Ireland and China enjoy a long-standing tradition of friendship, mutual respect and trust, and strong bilateral relations. He noted that Chinese Premier Li Qiang paid a successful visit to Ireland last year. China’s modernisation and accelerated green transformation have brought significant opportunities to the world, he said, adding that Ireland attaches great importance to and cherishes its relations with China, and is willing to develop a closer partnership while continuing to adhere to the one-China policy.

In his meeting with Tanaiste (Deputy Prime Minister) and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade Simon Harris, Wang said that amid growing global uncertainties and instabilities, China’s call for building an equal and orderly multipolar world represents the broadest consensus of the international community. China and the EU, he continued, are key forces in a multipolar world and reiterated China’s readiness to collaborate with all parties, including the EU, to uphold the authority of the United Nations, adhere to fundamental norms governing international relations, oppose unilateralism, and reject the resurgence of ‘the law of the jungle’.

Harris said that Ireland values its relationship with China, adheres to the one-China policy, and is committed to strengthening a positive and constructive partnership. He welcomed China’s visa-free policy for Irish citizens and expressed support for launching more direct flights to facilitate people-to-people exchanges. He added that Ireland upholds multilateralism and free trade, opposes ‘decoupling’, and supports deeper cooperation between China and the EU in addressing global challenges.

The two sides also discussed the Ukraine crisis, with Harris sharing his perspective on rebuilding peace in Europe. Wang reaffirmed China’s support for all efforts toward achieving peace and support for a fair, lasting, and binding peace formula acceptable to all parties. He also stressed China’s support for Europe’s role in the peace process, particularly in shaping a new security framework for the region.

Both sides also exchanged views on the situation in Gaza and advancing efforts for a return to the ‘two-state solution’.

Following his visit to Ireland, Wang Yi proceeded to New York, where he chaired the United Nations Security Council High-Level Meeting on “Practicing Multilateralism, Reforming and Improving Global Governance”.

The following articles were originally published by the Xinhua News Agency.

China ready to enhance cooperation with Ireland: FM

DUBLIN, Feb. 17 (Xinhua) — China is ready to work with Ireland to enhance their mutually beneficial cooperation, making it bigger, stronger, deeper and more concrete, in order to achieve shared development and prosperity, Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi said here on Monday.

Wang, also a member of the Political Bureau of the Communist Party of China Central Committee, made the remarks during a meeting with Irish Taoiseach Micheal Martin.

He said China-Ireland relations have continuously developed alongside China’s reform and opening-up process. The development of the Shannon Free Zone has served as a valuable reference for China, while China’s development has also, in return, brought benefits to Ireland, he stressed.

The minister said the facts have proved that the mutually beneficial strategic partnership between China and Ireland serves both countries’ interests and brings benefits to their people.

Vietnamese Party chief welcomes Party Secretary of China’s Guangxi

Chen Gang, Secretary of the Communist Party of China (CPC) Committee of the Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region and Chairman of the Regional People’s Congress Standing Committee, visited Vietnam to attend a New Year meeting for the secretaries of the Party committees of Vietnam’s Quang Ninh, Lang Son, Cao Bang and Ha Giang provinces and China’s Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region, as well as the 16th session of their Joint Working Committee, held in Ha Long city of Quang Ninh from February 19-22. The four Vietnamese provinces all share a border with the Chinese autonomous region.

This was Chen’s first overseas trip since he newly assumed his current position, which reflects the Chinese region’s strong commitment to fostering cooperation with Vietnam. For its part, the Vietnamese side showed the high premium and great importance it attaches to friendship and cooperation with China, with February 18 meetings between Chen and both General Secretary of the Communist Party of Vietnam (CPV) Central Committee To Lam and Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh, a reception which goes considerably beyond the normal requirements of protocol.

In his meeting, To Lam affirmed that Vietnam consistently regards the development of its relations with China as an objective requirement, a strategic choice, and a top priority in its foreign policy of independence, self-reliance, multilateralism and diversification of external relations. He appreciated the pioneering role and position of Guangxi in promoting the friendship and practical cooperation with Vietnam. He applauded Guangxi and the Vietnamese localities’ effective implementation of the New Year meeting and supported both sides’ idea to invite Vietnam’s Hai Phong city to participate in this annual mechanism.

Both sides should effectively implement mutually beneficial cooperation in various fields, particularly economics and trade, infrastructure, science and technology, innovation, and artificial intelligence (AI); and accelerate the building a pilot model of smart border gates to facilitate customs clearance, especially for Vietnam’s agricultural products entering the Chinese market; as well as cooperate in land border management.

Chen said Vietnam is a close neighbour and a leading partner of Guangxi, affirming that the Party organisation and administration of the Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region, as well as himself personally, attach great importance to the friendship and cooperation with Vietnamese localities. Guangxi will continue to take the lead in thoroughly and fruitfully implementing the shared perceptions of the top leaders of both Parties and countries regarding the further enhancement of the Comprehensive Strategic Cooperative Partnership and the building of the Vietnam-China community with a shared future that carries strategic significance.

Welcoming Chen, Prime Minister Chinh highlighted the significance of Guangxi’s Party leaders visiting Vietnam for three consecutive years, which shows Guangxi’s commitment to deepening friendship and cooperation with Vietnamese localities.

He expressed appreciation for Guangxi’s historical ties with Vietnam, noting that it holds many significant landmarks related to President Ho Chi Minh’s revolutionary activities. He also recognised its role as China’s leading province in fostering exchanges and cooperation with Vietnam, serving as a gateway between China and ASEAN (the Association of South-East Asian Nations).

Chen expressed his pleasure at visiting Vietnam for the first time, praising the country’s development and reaffirming Guangxi’s strong focus on reinforcing ties with Vietnamese localities, especially the four provinces bordering Guangxi. He pledged that the Chinese side is determined to effectively implement the high-level common perceptions to practically contribute to relations between the two Parties and countries. He outlined a plan to establish a China-ASEAN artificial intelligence cooperation centre in Guangxi’s capital Nanning to promote collaboration in this area with Vietnam and other member states of ASEAN.

The following articles were originally published by Nhân Dân.

Vietnamese Party chief welcomes Party Secretary of China’s Guangxi

Feb. 18 (Nhân Dân) — General Secretary of the Communist Party of Vietnam (CPV) Central Committee To Lam on February 18 received Chen Gang, member of the Communist Party of China (CPC) Central Committee, Secretary of the CPC Committee of the Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region and Chairman of the Regional People’s Congress Standing Committee.

Chen is visiting Vietnam to attend a New Year meeting for the secretaries of the Party committees of Vietnam’s Quang Ninh, Lang Son, Cao Bang and Ha Giang provinces and China’s Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region, as well as the 16th session of their Joint Working Committee, which will be held in Ha Long city of Quang Ninh from February 19–22.

Lam affirmed that Vietnam consistently regards the development of its relations with China as an objective requirement, a strategic choice, and a top priority in its foreign policy of independence, self-reliance, multilateralism and diversification of external relations.

Strengthening, developing friendship with China consistent position of DPRK

It is a consistent position of the Democratic People’s Republic of Korea (DPRK) to follow the lofty wills of the top leaders of the two parties and countries and continuously strengthen and develop friendly relations between the DPRK and China, according to the DPRK’s Vice Minister of Foreign Affairs Pak Myong Ho. He was speaking at a February 18 meeting with Chinese Ambassador to the DPRK Wang Yajun.

Wishing further success to the socialist construction in the two countries, Pak added that this year marks the 80th anniversary of the founding of the Workers’ Party of Korea (WPK) and the last year to implement the five-year plan put forward by the WPK’s 8th Congress, and it is also the final year of China’s 14th Five-Year Plan.

For his part, Wang said that the Chinese party, government and people have always cherished the friendship between China and the DPRK forged by previous generations of leaders of the two countries, adding that it has always been China’s unswerving policy to maintain, consolidate and develop China-DPRK traditional friendly and cooperative relations.

The following article was originally published by the Xinhua News Agency.

BEIJING, Feb. 19 (Xinhua) — It is a consistent position of the Democratic People’s Republic of Korea (DPRK) to follow the lofty wills of the top leaders of the two parties and countries and continuously strengthen and develop friendly relations between the DPRK and China, the DPRK’s Vice Minister of Foreign Affairs Pak Myong Ho has said.

This year marks the 80th anniversary of the founding of the Workers’ Party of Korea (WPK) and the last year to implement the five-year plan put forward by the WPK’s 8th Congress, and it is also the final year of China’s 14th Five-Year Plan, Pak said while meeting with Chinese Ambassador to the DPRK Wang Yajun at the Chinese embassy on Tuesday.

Pak hoped that the two countries will continue to make new and greater achievements in socialist construction, and the two sides will strengthen exchanges and cooperation to promote DPRK-China relations to a higher level.

For his part, Wang said that over the past year, China-DPRK relations have made new progress under the personal care and strategic guidance of the top leaders of the two parties and countries.

The Chinese party, government and people have always cherished the friendship between China and the DPRK forged by previous generations of leaders of the two countries, Wang said, adding that it has always been China’s unswerving policy to maintain, consolidate and develop China-DPRK traditional friendly and cooperative relations.

In the new year, China is ready to work with the DPRK to implement the important consensus reached by the top leaders of the two parties and countries, follow the trend of the times and the wills of the two peoples, strengthen strategic communication, deepen practical cooperation, and push for new and greater development of China-DPRK relations, so as to better benefit the two peoples and make greater contributions to regional and world peace and stability, the Chinese ambassador said.

China advocates equality among all countries regardless of size

Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi has outlined his country’s view of multipolarisation in his address, delivered on February 14, to the 61^st Munich Security Conference.

In four succinct points, without mentioning any country by name, but clearly drawing firm and definite lines of demarcation with the bullying and hegemonic practices of the United States in particular, Wang sets out China’s building blocks for an equal and orderly multipolar world:

It is important to advocate equal treatment. Rivalry between big powers had brought disaster to humanity, as evidenced by the lessons of the two world wars in the not-so-distant past. Whether it is the colonial system or the core-periphery structure, unequal orders are bound to meet their demise. Independence and autonomy are sought across the world, and greater democracy in international relations is unstoppable. It is in this principle that China advocates equality among all countries regardless of size and calls for increasing the representation and say of developing countries in the international system.

It is important to respect international rule of law. The world today is witnessing incessant chaos and confusion, and one important reason is that some countries believe might makes right and have opened a Pandora’s box marked the law of the jungle. In reality, all countries, regardless of size or strength, are stakeholders in international rule of law. Without norms and standards, one may be at the table yesterday but end up on the menu tomorrow. Major countries must take the lead in honouring their words and upholding rule of law, and must not say one thing but do another, or engage in zero-sum game.

It is important to practice multilateralism. In the face of emerging global challenges, no country can stay unaffected, and the “we first” approach in international relations only leads to a lose-lose result.

It is important to pursue openness and mutual benefit. The multipolar world should be one where all countries develop together. Protectionism offers no way out, and arbitrary tariffs produce no winners. Decoupling deprives one of opportunities, and a “small yard with high fences” only ends up constraining oneself.

We reprint the full text of the speech below. It was originally published on the website of the Chinese Foreign Ministry.

Keynote Speech by H.E. Wang Yi
At the 61st Munich Security Conference
Conversation with China

Munich, February 14, 2025

Your Excellency Chairman Christoph Heusgen,
Dear Friends,
Colleagues,

The world we live in is an increasing mix of turbulence and transformation. Many people are asking the same question: Where is it headed? If I may borrow the theme of this year’s Munich Security Report, it is headed toward multipolarization. When the United Nations was founded 80 years ago, it had only 51 member states; today, 193 countries ride in the same big boat. A multipolar world is not only a historical inevitability; it is also becoming a reality.

Will multipolarity bring chaos, conflict and confrontation? Does it mean domination by major countries and the strong bullying the weak? China’s answer is, we should work for an equal and orderly multipolar world. This is another major proposition put forward by President Xi Jinping, and it represents our sincere expectation for a multipolar world. China will surely be a factor of certainty in this multipolar system, and strive to be a steadfast constructive force in a changing world.

Here, I want to make four points.

First, it is important to advocate equal treatment. Rivalry between big powers had brought disaster to humanity, as evidenced by the lessons of the two world wars in the not-so-distant past. Whether it is the colonial system or the core-periphery structure, unequal orders are bound to meet their demise. Independence and autonomy is sought across the world, and greater democracy in international relations is unstoppable. Equal rights, equal opportunities and equal rules should become the basic principles of a multipolar world.

China open to good ties with Czech Republic provided core interests respected

Liu Jianchao, Minister of the International Department of the Communist Party of China (CPC) Central Committee (IDCPC), met on February 17 with a delegation led by Kateřina Konečná, Chairwoman of the Communist Party of Bohemia and Moravia and Member of the European Parliament.

Liu said the Czech Republic was one of the first countries to establish diplomatic relations with the People’s Republic of China. The Chinese side attaches importance to China-Czech relations and maintains a stable policy towards the Czech Republic. It is willing to, together with the Czech side, adhere to win-win cooperation, respect each other’s core interests, transcend ideological differences, and push the relationship between the two countries back to a healthy and stable development track at an early date.

The background to this remark is that in recent years, China-Czech relations, which had been very friendly, have significantly deteriorated, with the pro-western government and some other leading politicians adopting hostile and provocative positions on such core issues for China as Taiwan and Xizang (Tibet).

Liu went on to say that the CPC regards the Communist Party of Bohemia and Moravia as a comrade and friend, appreciates its long-term support for the development of Czech-China and Europe-China relations, and is willing to strengthen exchanges and cooperation in various fields with the party.

Konečná said, at present, Czech-China relations are facing some difficulties, but this is not the mainstream of the relationship between the two countries. The friendship between the Czech and the Chinese people remains unchanged. The Communist Party of Bohemia and Moravia cherishes its friendly relations with the CPC and is willing to strengthen bilateral exchanges and promote the improvement and development of relations between the two countries.

Two days previously, on February 15, Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi, held a meeting with his Czech counterpart Jan Lipavsky on the sidelines of the annual Munich Security Conference in Germany.

Wang said that China is willing to enhance mutually beneficial cooperation with the Czech Republic provided that the Czech side respects China’s core interests. The Czech Republic was among the first countries to establish diplomatic ties with the People’s Republic of China and the two peoples have maintained good feelings toward each other. Bilateral relations, however, have experienced a downturn in recent years, a situation that China does not wish to see.

He expressed the hope that the Czech side would engage in earnest self-reflection, develop the right perspective about China, and take concrete actions to rebuild trust with China. The key is to respect China’s core interests, particularly adherence to the one-China principle, and to safeguard the political foundation of China-Czech relations, so as to bring bilateral ties back to a healthy and stable track as soon as possible. Only on this basis would China be willing to strengthen mutually beneficial cooperation in various fields with the Czech side.

Lipavsky acknowledged that, in the context of looming trade wars, maintaining dialogue and cooperation between the Czech Republic and China, as well as between the EU and China, is of great importance. The Czech government, he insisted, pursues a one-China policy and does not support “Taiwan independence.” The Czech Republic is willing to work with China to develop sound political relations and advance bilateral cooperation for better results.

The following articles were originally published on the website of the IDCPC and by the Xinhua News Agency.

Liu Jianchao Meets with a Delegation of the Communist Party of Bohemia and Moravia

Feb. 19 (IDCPC) — Liu Jianchao, Minister of the International Department of the CPC Central Committee (IDCPC), met here today with a delegation led by Kateřina Konečná, Chairwoman of the Communist Party of Bohemia and Moravia and Member of the European Parliament.

Wang Yi: China, Britain need to strengthen dialogue, communication

In a further sign of the relative normalisation of relations between China and Britain, since last year’s UK general election, Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi visited London on February 13.

Meeting with Prime Minister Keir Starmer, Wang said that China is willing to collaborate with Britain to consolidate the positive momentum towards stabilising and improving bilateral relations. The successful meeting between President Xi Jinping and Starmer at the end of last year has launched the process of improving and developing China-Britain relations. The recent China-UK Economic and Financial Dialogue has produced fruitful results and exchanges at all levels have been resumed.

This demonstrates the huge potential of practical cooperation between the two countries, and also fully proves that the Labour government’s rational and pragmatic policy towards China is in line with the interests of the country and people and conforms to the trend of the times, Wang said. He added that China stands ready to work with Britain to implement the important consensus reached by the leaders of the two countries, so as to deepen and expand cooperation in infrastructure, trade and investment, clean energy and other fields, bringing more benefits to the people of both countries.

He noted that the world is becoming volatile and changes unseen in a century are unfolding at a faster pace. As permanent members of the United Nations Security Council, China and Britain should strengthen strategic communication, enhance mutual understanding and trust, demonstrate their responsibilities as major countries, and deepen cooperation in key areas concerning the future of humanity, including climate change, artificial intelligence, and green development, thereby contributing to greater certainty and stability in the world.

Wang also met with Jonathan Powell, the British prime minister’s national security adviser and secretary to the National Security Council, and Foreign Secretary David Lammy, with whom he co-chaired the 10th China-UK Strategic Dialogue.

The Chinese Foreign Minister said that the two sides have resumed exchanges in various fields and reestablished mechanisms of communication, with positive outcomes. This has boosted the confidence of the two societies and has sent a positive message to the world. It has been proven that strengthening dialogue and cooperation between China and Britain is the right choice, serves the interests of both sides, and aligns with the global trend. It is only natural that there are differences and disagreements between China and Britain, as the two countries have different political systems, history and culture. What is important is to have an objective and rational perspective and strengthen dialogue and communication in the spirit of mutual respect.

He added that this year marks the 80th anniversary of the victory of the Chinese People’s War of Resistance against Japanese Aggression and the World Anti-Fascist War, as well as the 80th anniversary of the founding of the United Nations. Under the current circumstances, as permanent members of the UN Security Council, China and Britain should demonstrate their responsibility as major powers, practice multilateralism, support free trade, promote the political settlement of hot-spot issues, and jointly promote world peace and stability.

The two sides agreed to strengthen exchanges at various levels, deepen cultural and people-to-people exchanges, enhance mutual understanding, and continue to promote the comprehensive and effective implementation of the Paris Agreement on climate change and enable each other’s green transition.

In a detailed discussion of the Ukraine crisis, Wang stressed that China has always called for “no expansion of the battlefields, no escalation of hostilities and no fanning flames.” The developments on the ground have proved the rationality and constructiveness of China’s position, he said.

The website of the Chinese Foreign Ministry identified six outcomes of the Strategic Dialogue:

The UK Secretary of State for Energy Security and Net Zero Emissions (Ed Miliband) will visit China for the China-UK Energy Dialogue.
The UK Secretary of State for Science, Innovation and Technology (Peter Kyle) will visit China for a meeting of the China-UK Joint Committee on Science, Technology and Innovation Cooperation.
The UK’s Secretary of State for Education (Bridget Phillipson) will visit China for ministerial consultations.
Preparations will be accelerated for holding the China-UK Economic and Trade Joint Committee, as well as dialogues on health, industrial cooperation, and other mechanisms.
Achievements in cooperation in financial services, clean energy, and AI will be highlighted.
Cooperation will be deepened in global governance, development partnerships, climate change response, and cyber security.

Following his departure from London, Wang Yi attended the 2025 annual meeting of the Munich Security Conference.

The following articles were originally published by the Xinhua News Agency.

China ready to work with Britain to consolidate bilateral ties: FM

LONDON, Feb. 13 (Xinhua) — Visiting Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi said here on Thursday that China is willing to collaborate with Britain to consolidate the positive momentum towards stabilizing and improving bilateral relations.

Wang, also a member of the Political Bureau of the Communist Party of China Central Committee, said this during a meeting with British Prime Minister Keir Starmer.

Wang first conveyed the cordial greetings from Chinese President Xi Jinping to Starmer, saying the successful meeting between Xi and Starmer at the end of last year has launched the process of improving and developing China-Britain relations.

Under the strategic guidance of the leaders of the two countries, the recent China-UK Economic and Financial Dialogue has produced fruitful results and exchanges at all levels have been resumed, Wang said.

Xi exchanges congratulations with Colombian president over 45th anniversary of ties

China and Colombia have underlined the dynamic nature of their friendship and cooperation at a time when the progressive South American government is facing crude interference and brutal threats from the Trump administration in the United States.

On February 7, Chinese President Xi Jinping and Colombian President Gustavo Francisco Petro Urrego exchanged messages greeting the 45^th anniversary of the establishment of their bilateral diplomatic relations.

Xi said that since then, both sides have been pushing for the steady development of bilateral ties based on the principles of equality and mutual respect. He further noted that in October 2023, Petro paid a successful state visit to China, during which the two heads of state had a fruitful meeting and jointly announced the establishment of a strategic partnership between the two countries, guiding China-Colombia relations into a new era.

Colombia is an important country in Latin America and will assume the rotating presidency of the Community of Latin American and Caribbean States (CELAC) this year, he added, and said that he attaches great importance to developing China-Colombia relations, and is willing to work with Petro to deepen the strategic partnership between the two countries in efforts to jointly build a China-Latin America and the Caribbean community with a shared future.

President Petro noted that he paid a state visit to China after taking office, and bilateral ties have been steadily strengthened with the continuous increase of trade and investment. Colombia is willing to work with China to jointly advance the global agenda of mutual concern, including world peace, energy transition and tackling climate change.

Earlier, on January 28, Hong Kong’s South China Morning Post reported that China’s Ambassador to Colombia, Zhu Jingyang told the El Tiempo newspaper that relations between China and Colombia were “at the best moment” since they established diplomatic ties. He added that Colombia and China “are global cultural powers” and that the differences between the two countries “far from creating obstacles, bring us closer and enrich us.”

Coincidentally the Ambassador’s comments were published at the same time as a public row broke out between President Petro and Trump. Colombia denied permission for two US military aircraft, each carrying some 80 Colombian migrant workers, victims of Trump’s racist pogroms that currently threaten millions of workers and their families in the US. With the type of performative cruelty that is among his trademarks, Trump has taken to deporting workers bound and shackled aboard military aircraft.

Petro said he would accept deported migrants again once the US established protocols for their dignified treatment. Trump said on his Truth Social account that by refusing to accept the flights, the “socialist president of Colombia” had put US “national security and public safety” at risk. He announced 25 per cent tariffs on all Colombian imports, including coffee; Colombia is among the leading exporters of the bean to the US.

After a furious riposte from Petro on the social media platform X, the United States acceded to Colombia’s demand for the humane treatment of deportees.

The following article was originally published by the Xinhua News Agency.

BEIJING, Feb. 7 (Xinhua) — Chinese President Xi Jinping on Friday exchanged congratulations with Colombian President Gustavo Francisco Petro Urrego over the 45th anniversary of bilateral diplomatic ties.

Since China and Colombia established diplomatic relations 45 years ago, both sides have been pushing for the steady development of bilateral ties based on the principles of equality and mutual respect, said Xi.

Xi noted that in October 2023, Petro paid a successful state visit to China, during which the two heads of state had a fruitful meeting, and jointly announced the establishment of a strategic partnership between the two countries, guiding China-Colombia relations into a new era.

Colombia is an important country in Latin America and will assume the rotating presidency of the Community of Latin American and Caribbean States this year, said Xi.

Xi also said he attaches great importance to developing China-Colombia relations, and is willing to work with Petro to deepen the strategic partnership between the two countries in efforts to jointly build a China-Latin America and the Caribbean community with a shared future.

In his message, Petro said the development of bilateral relations has witnessed fruitful results since the two sides established diplomatic ties, delivering benefits to the two peoples.

Frequent high-level visits have strongly boosted bilateral cooperation in various fields, and fostered a deeper bond between the two peoples, he said.

The Colombian president also noted that he paid a state visit to China after taking office, and bilateral ties have been steadily strengthened with the continuous increase of trade and investment.

Colombia is willing to work with China to jointly advance the global agenda of mutual concern, including world peace, energy transition and tackling climate change, he added.

Xi Jinping holds talks with Pakistani President Asif Ali Zardari

President of Pakistan Asif Ali Zardari paid a state visit to China from February 4-8, 2025, at the invitation of President Xi Jinping. During his stay in China, he also attended the Opening Ceremony of the Ninth Asian Winter Games in Harbin.

Presidents Xi and Zardari held talks on the afternoon of February 5.

Xi Jinping pointed out that China and Pakistan are ironclad friends and all-weather strategic cooperative partners. The enduring traditional friendship between China and Pakistan, forged by the elder generation of leaders of the two countries, is the invaluable treasure of the two countries and two peoples. In recent years, the two countries have provided firm political support for each other, maintained close high-level exchanges, and deeply advanced the development of the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) and cooperation in various fields, setting a good example of state-to-state relations. China is ready to work hand in hand with Pakistan on each other’s path to modernization and to speed up efforts to build an even closer China-Pakistan community with a shared future in the new era, bring more benefits to the two peoples, and make greater contributions to regional peace, stability and prosperity.

Xi Jinping stressed that China always views its relations with Pakistan from a strategic perspective, maintains a high degree of stability and continuity in its friendly policy toward Pakistan, and is committed to a friendly policy toward all Pakistani people. China will, as always, firmly support Pakistan in safeguarding its sovereignty, independence and territorial integrity, countering terrorism, and following a development path suited to its national conditions.

Noting that next year marks the 75th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between China and Pakistan, the Chinese leader called on the two sides to deepen exchange and cooperation on culture, education and the media, so as to pass on the China-Pakistan friendship from generation to generation. China appreciates Pakistan’s active support for the three global initiatives and its participation in relevant cooperation, and is ready to work with Pakistan to uphold the Five Principles of Peaceful Coexistence, resist unilateralism and hegemonic practices, strengthen multilateral coordination, and safeguard the common interests of developing countries.

Asif Ali Zardari said that Pakistan and China are close neighbours and all-weather good friends and partners. The friendship between Pakistan and China has weathered changing circumstances, and the hearts of the two peoples have always remained closely connected. Pakistan will stand steadfastly with China no matter how the situation changes. The Pakistani side appreciates China’s selfless assistance for Pakistan’s economic and social development. Pakistan is willing to learn from China’s successful experience and advance the high-quality development of the CPEC and cooperation in various fields, so as to help the country realise its industrialisation and modernisation. Under the wise leadership of President Xi Jinping, China has played an ever-growing leadership role in international affairs and has become an increasingly important force for safeguarding world peace, stability and prosperity. Pakistan is willing to work closely with China to uphold multilateralism, safeguard free trade, and promote the common interests of the two countries and the vast number of developing countries.

On February 6, Zardari met with Chinese Premier Li Qiang.

Li said that China stands ready to work with Pakistan to implement the important consensus reached by the two heads of state, maintain close high-level exchanges, continue to carry forward the traditional friendship, firmly support each other on issues concerning core interests and major concerns, push forward the all-weather strategic cooperative partnership between China and Pakistan, and make the building of a China-Pakistan community with a shared future more beneficial to the two peoples.

He also noted that China is ready to forge synergy between the development strategies of the two countries, jointly promote high-quality Belt and Road cooperation, advance the construction of the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor, push forward construction of major projects concerning roads, railways and ports in an orderly manner, deepen cooperation in terms of agriculture, mining, new energy information technology and artificial intelligence, expand sub-national cooperation and people-to-people exchanges, and better promote the common development of the two countries.

Zardari said that Pakistan and China have always supported and helped each other in the changing international situation, adding that mutual trust and friendship between the two countries have been passed down from generation to generation. Pakistan cherishes the bilateral friendship with China and is ready to join hands to further deepen exchanges and cooperation in trade, investment and other fields, and to achieve common prosperity.

Zaradari also met with Zhao Leji, Chairman of the National People’s Congress (NPC) Standing Committee, on February 5.

China and Pakistan issued a comprehensive 24-point joint statement on the occasion of Zardari’s state visit.

The two sides agreed that the China-Pakistan All-Weather Strategic Cooperative Partnership is a choice by history and by the people and enjoys broad support from all walks of life in both countries. Having withstood the test of changing international circumstances, the enduring partnership and iron-clad friendship between China and Pakistan transcends geopolitical interests and is an important positive factor for regional peace, stability and development.

The two sides noted that while the transformation not seen in a century is accelerating, the China-Pakistan relationship remains of strategic significance, and any attempt to disrupt or undermine it is bound to fail. The Chinese side reiterated that the China-Pakistan relationship is a priority in its foreign relations and of special significance in China’s foreign policy. The Pakistani side underscored that the Pakistan-China relationship is the cornerstone of its foreign policy.

The Pakistani side spoke highly of the great development achievements made by Chinese people under the guidance of the Communist Party of China and expressed firm support for the Chinese side in advancing the great cause of building a great modern socialist country in all respects and realising the rejuvenation of the Chinese nation through Chinese modernisation.

The two sides reiterated their commitment to combating terrorism in all its forms and manifestations with a zero-tolerance attitude and agreed to further strengthen bilateral and multilateral cooperation on counter-terrorism. The Pakistani side will continue to make all efforts to investigate into the terrorist attacks involving Chinese personnel and bring the perpetrators to justice.

The two sides welcomed the official inauguration of the new Gwadar International Airport, reaffirmed their commitment to promoting the comprehensive development and operation of the Gwadar Port to further leverage its role as a multimodal logistics hub to boost local economic growth through industrial development. Recognising the significance of the Gwadar Port, both sides agreed to optimally utilise its potential as a key hub of connectivity and trade.

The two sides emphasised that the China-Pakistan cooperation opens to all regions in Pakistan and aims to benefit all Pakistani people. They agreed to continue to carry out cooperation on people’s livelihood in areas such as healthcare, agriculture, education, climate response, and disaster prevention and alleviation, and to deliver more ‘small and beautiful’ projects beneficial for the people.