Category: International relations

China establishes International Organisation for Mediation in Hong Kong

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

  • Uphold mutual respect. China will firmly defend the basic norm in international relations of non-interference in other countries’ internal affairs, and resolutely support PICs in safeguarding their sovereignty, security, and development interests. China believes that PICs will continue to abide by the one-China principle and support China’s just position on the question of Taiwan.
  • Prioritise development. Efforts will be made to accelerate negotiations on bilateral free trade agreements, strengthen cooperation in agricultural and fishery technology demonstration and training, and expand cooperation on tourism.
  • Adopt a people-centred approach. China is ready to strengthen experience sharing with PICs in poverty alleviation and primary-level governance. Seven groups of 56 medical personnel, as well as additional Traditional Chinese Medicine doctors, will be dispatched to further contribute to the well-being of the people in PICs.
  • Promote exchange and mutual learning. Both sides should enhance people-to-people exchanges in areas such as media, youth, women, and sports, and maintain close and frequent interactions like relatives. China is ready to carry out joint archaeology and research on the Austronesian language family.
  • Safeguard fairness and justice. China is ready to work with PICs to firmly safeguard the international system with the United Nations at its core and the international order based on international law.
  • Maintain solidarity in challenging times. China is ready to enhance coordination and cooperation with PICs in global climate governance, promote the full and effective implementation of the Paris Agreement, uphold the principle of common but differentiated responsibilities and respective capabilities, and urge developed countries to provide funding, technology, and capacity-building support to developing countries. China stays committed to assisting PICs in strengthening climate resilience within the framework of South-South cooperation.

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

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

  • China will work with PICs to build a global climate governance system featuring fairness, equity and win-win cooperation. Reaffirming that the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change and its Paris Agreement are the main channel and basic legal framework for international cooperation on climate change, China stays committed to their goals, principles and rules and guided by the principles of equity, common but differentiated responsibilities and respective capabilities established in the Convention.
  • China will enhance coordination and cooperation with PICs in the multilateral climate response process. China will encourage the international community to fully understand the special situation and concerns of developing countries, especially PICs, on the issue of climate change. China will urge developed countries to earnestly fulfil their obligations and commitments, and provide adequate funding, technology and capacity-building support to developing countries.
  • China will firmly support PICs in addressing climate change through sustainable development.
  • China will speed up the implementation of cooperation programs on climate change response. Efforts will be made to promote the establishment of low-carbon demonstration zones, carry out capacity-building training programs to support PICs in cultivating professional personnel, and strengthen the leading role of South-South cooperation projects in enhancing PICs’ capacity to address climate change. China welcomes more PICs to join the International Zero-Carbon Island Cooperation Initiative.
  • China will deepen cooperation with PICs on disaster prevention, mitigation and response and provide disaster monitoring and early warning technology and services, post-disaster emergency supplies assistance, emergency humanitarian assistance and disaster assessment support.
  • China fully understands the importance of marine environment to PICs. China will support PICs in protecting the marine ecological environment, improving the infrastructure and capacity to respond to sea level rising, coastal erosion and marine disasters, and carrying out studies and exchanges on the impact of sea level rising on islands.

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

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Chinese Premier meets Malaysian, Vietnamese, Cambodian and Kuwaiti counterparts

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Continue reading Chinese Premier meets Malaysian, Vietnamese, Cambodian and Kuwaiti counterparts

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

China and Indonesia invoke the Bandung Spirit

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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Africa Day celebrated in Beijing

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Wang Yi meets with foreign ministers of Pakistan and Afghanistan

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Continue reading Wang Yi meets with foreign ministers of Pakistan and Afghanistan

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Other highlights of the statement include:

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China-Latin American/Caribbean cooperation has broad prospects

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

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

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

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

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

Continue reading China-Latin American/Caribbean cooperation has broad prospects

Xi Jinping meets with presidents of Colombia and Chile

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

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

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

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

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

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

Continue reading Xi Jinping meets with presidents of Colombia and Chile

China and Brazil work together to uphold multipolarity and oppose hegemony

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Continue reading China and Brazil work together to uphold multipolarity and oppose hegemony

Lula: Latin America, the Caribbean and China show it is possible to fight climate change without sacrificing growth and justice

The Fourth Ministerial Meeting of the China-CELAC [Community of Latin American and Caribbean States] Forum, which was held in Beijing on May 13, 2025, saw Chinese President Xi Jinping joined by  Colombian President and current CELAC president Gustavo Petro, Brazilian President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva, Chilean President Gabriel Boric, and President of the New Development Bank and former Brazilian President Dilma Rousseff in addressing the opening ceremony.

In his speech, President Lula da Silva said: “Over the past decade, ties between Latin America and the Caribbean and China have grown stronger. China is now CELAC’s second-largest trading partner and one of the region’s most important sources of foreign direct investment. Funds from Chinese financial institutions surpass the loans offered by the World Bank or the Inter-American Development Bank. Partnership with China has become a dynamic force in the regional economy.”

He added: “Chinese demand was one of the driving forces behind the growth we experienced at the beginning of the century. We made significant advances in reducing poverty and inequality. It was during this time that we finally looked around us and united to create UNASUR [Union of South American Nations] and CELAC.

 “During the COVID-19 pandemic, Chinese vaccines and medical supplies helped us protect our populations. Only through greater coordination among ourselves can we fully harness the potential of Sino–Latin American and Caribbean cooperation.

“This is especially evident in infrastructure. Chinese support is decisive for moving forward with highways, railways, ports, and transmission lines. But the economic viability of these projects depends on our ability to coordinate as a region and give these initiatives regional scale.”

He noted that, “For centuries, resources extracted from Latin America and the Caribbean enriched other parts of the world. We now have a chance to do things differently”, and particularly emphasised: “Latin America, the Caribbean, and China can show the world that it is possible to fight climate change without sacrificing economic growth and social justice. COP30, to be held in Belém, in the state of Pará, at the heart of the Amazon, aspires to be a turning point in the implementation of climate commitments and in building trust in collective solutions.”

In concluding, he said that he wanted to, “issue a call to all comrades of Latin America: There is no way out for any country on its own. We have 500 years of history that prove this. Either we unite among ourselves and seek partners willing to build a shared world with us, or Latin America will remain a region synonymous with poverty in today’s world.”

In his address, Colombian President Gustavo Petro called for a rethinking of humanity’s path through a new international cooperation paradigm that transcends the nation-state model and embraces a “dialogue of civilisations” as a political, historical and anthropological foundation for the global future.

He noted that: “A dialogue among civilisations cannot be imposed. It is a guiding principle for the relationship between CELAC and China. It is a possibility that China wants, and we want as well.” Challenging the ‘Clash of Civilisations’ theory propounded by the late US political scientist Samuel Huntington, the Colombian president instead advocated for an integrative vision as promoted by China – one in which cultural differences are not sources of conflict, but of collective human development as a political subject.

“How could there be fruitful dialogue if we don’t talk about clean energy, for example? If we don’t talk about decarbonisation? If we don’t speak as equals about how to achieve, through support for decarbonisation in North America, the possibility of prosperity in the South, and therefore, the possibility of mutual cooperation?

Continue reading Lula: Latin America, the Caribbean and China show it is possible to fight climate change without sacrificing growth and justice

China and LAC countries bound by a shared commitment to justice and a common pursuit of modernisation

On May 13, 2025, the Fourth Ministerial Meeting of the China-CELAC [Community of Latin American and Caribbean States] Forum was held in Beijing, presided over by Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi and attended by foreign ministers and representatives of CELAC member states as well as heads of regional organisations.

President Xi Jinping attended the opening ceremony and delivered a keynote address.

In the subsequent ministerial meeting, Wang Yi said that this year marks the tenth anniversary of the official launch of the China-CELAC Forum. Ten years ago, President Xi Jinping and Leaders of Latin American and Caribbean (LAC) countries jointly announced the establishment of the China-CELAC Forum and advocated for building a China-LAC community with a shared future. After a decade of dedicated efforts, the Forum has developed into a mature mechanism and an important platform for equal dialogue and mutually beneficial cooperation between China and LAC countries, adding new dimensions to the China-LAC comprehensive cooperative partnership and injecting fresh momentum into the building of a China-LAC community with a shared future.

He added that China and LAC countries are separated by a vast ocean. What binds the two sides together? Not a geopolitical chessboard, nor a game of big power rivalry, but a shared commitment to fairness and justice and a common pursuit of modernisation. China-LAC cooperation rejects bloc confrontation and advocates for openness and win-win results. It has set a new example for building a new type of international relations and injected new impetus into cooperation among the Global South. History and reality have shown that in the face of unilateralism and hegemony, compromise and appeasement offer no way out, and only by standing united can respect be earned. As developing countries and members of the Global South, China and LAC countries should work together to safeguard their legitimate rights and interests.

The meeting adopted the Beijing Declaration of the Fourth Ministerial Meeting of the China-CELAC Forum and the China-CELAC Joint Action Plan for Cooperation in Key Areas (2025-2027).

Just prior to the meeting, Wang Yi released an article, entitled ‘Planning Together for Development and Revitalisation, Building Together a China-LAC Community with a Shared Future’.

He wrote that in the 10 years since the forum was established, Panama, the Dominican Republic, El Salvador, Nicaragua and Honduras established or resumed diplomatic relations with China. The one-China principle has increasingly become the consensus of regional countries. To date, China has established different types of partnerships with 16 countries in the region, including the China-Cuba community with a shared future and the China-Brazil community with a shared future for a more just world and a more sustainable planet.

The Global Development Initiative has gained wide support of regional countries, and more than 20 countries have synergised development strategies with China under the Belt and Road cooperation framework. The trade volume between China and LAC countries doubled in the past decade, reaching a historic milestone of US$518.4 billion in 2024.

More than 200 infrastructure projects and multiple industrial capacity cooperation projects built by China have generated more than one million jobs for local people.

China has so far provided LAC countries with 17,000 government scholarships and around 13,000 training opportunities in China, signed 26 cooperation documents on education with 19 regional countries, and opened 68 Confucius Institutes or Classrooms in 26 regional countries.

China-LAC cooperation is a natural choice in line with the prevailing trend of the world. The collective rise of the Global South is a distinctive hallmark of the great transformation in the world. China and LAC countries are important members of the Global South. Increased cooperation between the two sides sends a strong message of the Global South seeking strength through unity and aligns with the dominant trend toward a multipolar world. This not only injects new substance into China-LAC relations but also makes new contributions to a more fair and equitable international order.

China-LAC cooperation is a natural choice to pursue a shared future. China and LAC countries have supported each other in their respective struggles against imperialism and colonialism and in our fight for national liberation. They have also supported each other in exploring development paths befitting their respective national conditions. Deeper cooperation between them has created growth drivers for both sides. During the COVID-19 pandemic, China and LAC countries went all-out supporting each other. History and reality have consistently demonstrated that building a China-LAC community with a shared future is a common endeavour of the willing that is underpinned by concrete actions.

Continue reading China and LAC countries bound by a shared commitment to justice and a common pursuit of modernisation

Xi Jinping: Writing a new chapter in building a China-LAC Community with a Shared Future

The Fourth Ministerial Meeting of the China-CELAC [Community of Latin American and Caribbean States] Forum was held in Beijing on May 13, 2025.

Of the 33 member states of CELAC, 28 attended, along with six regional organisations. Besides the 26 countries in the region with diplomatic relations with China, two of those still maintaining so-called ‘diplomatic relations’ with the Taiwan authorities, namely Saint Lucia and Haiti, also attended.

Reporting on the message of greetings sent by President Xi Jinping to the ninth summit meeting of CELAC Heads of State and Government, held in the Honduran capital Tegucigalpa on April 9, we drew attention to the significance of his clear statement that all member states would be welcome to attend the Beijing meeting.

Xi Jinping attended the opening ceremony of the Beijing meeting and delivered a keynote address.

He noted that: “Although China and the LAC [Latin America and Caribbean] region are geographically distant, the bonds of our friendship stretch back through centuries… From the 1960s onward, as New China established diplomatic ties with some LAC countries, exchanges and cooperation between the two sides became closer and closer. Since the turn of the century and in particular in recent years, China and LAC countries have ushered in a historic era of building a shared future.”

He went on to say that: “We stand shoulder to shoulder and support each other… In the 1960s, mass rallies and demonstrations took place across China in support of the Panamanian people’s rightful claim to sovereignty over the Panama Canal. In the 1970s, during the Latin American campaign for 200-nautical-mile maritime rights, China voiced its resolute and unequivocal support for the legitimate demands of developing countries. For 32 consecutive times since 1992, China has consistently voted for the United Nations General Assembly resolutions calling for an end to the US embargo against Cuba.

“We unite in tough times to conquer challenges through mutual support. China and LAC countries have collaborated on disaster prevention, mitigation and relief and on joint response to hurricanes, earthquakes and other natural disasters. Since 1993, China has dispatched 38 medical teams to the Caribbean. When the pandemic of the century struck, China was among the first to offer assistance to LAC countries, providing over 300 million doses of vaccines and nearly 40 million units of medical supplies and equipment, and sending multiple teams of medical experts. All this helped protect the lives of hundreds of millions across the region.

“We uphold solidarity and coordination and rise to global challenges with resolve. Together, China and LAC countries champion true multilateralism, uphold international fairness and justice, advance global governance reform, and promote multipolarisation of the world and greater democracy in international relations. We have worked together to address global challenges like climate change, and advance progress in global biodiversity governance. China and Brazil jointly issued a six-point common understanding on the political settlement of the Ukraine crisis, which has been endorsed by more than 110 countries, contributing our wisdom and strength to resolving international hotspot issues.”

Regarding the current situation, Xi said: “The century-defining transformation is accelerating across the globe, with multiple risks compounding one another. Such developments make unity and cooperation among nations indispensable for safeguarding global peace and stability and for promoting global development and prosperity. There are no winners in tariff wars or trade wars. Bullying or hegemonism only leads to self-isolation. China and LAC countries are important members of the Global South. Independence and autonomy are our glorious tradition. Development and revitalisation are our inherent right. And fairness and justice are our common pursuit. In the face of seething undercurrents of geopolitical and bloc confrontation and the surging tide of unilateralism and protectionism, China stands ready to join hands with our LAC partners to launch five programs that advance our shared development and revitalisation and contribute to a China-LAC community with a shared future.”

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Xi Jinping meets with leaders of Cuba, Venezuela, Slovakia, Serbia, Myanmar and Vietnam in Moscow

On May 9, during his state visit to Russia and participation in the commemoration of the 80th anniversary of the victory of the Soviet Union in the Great Patriotic War, Chinese President Xi Jinping held bilateral meetings with a number of his counterparts.

Meeting with President of Cuba Miguel Díaz-Canel Bermúdez, Xi Jinping pointed out that in recent years, he has held multiple meetings with Comrade President Miguel Díaz-Canel Bermúdez and jointly led China-Cuba relations into a new stage featuring deeper political mutual trust, closer strategic coordination and stronger public support. This year marks the 65th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between China and Cuba. China is ready to work with Cuba to further strengthen their ironclad friendship, build a closer China-Cuba community with a shared future, and set an example of solidarity and cooperation between socialist countries and sincere interaction between developing countries. China firmly supports Cuba in upholding its national sovereignty, opposing external interference and blockade, and advancing its economic and social development. As important members of the Global South, the two sides should strengthen coordination and cooperation within such frameworks as BRICS and the China-CELAC [Community of Caribbean and Latin American States] Forum, jointly oppose power politics, unilateralism and bullying, and uphold international fairness and justice.

Miguel Díaz-Canel Bermúdez said that Cuba and China are close friends and brothers. Cuba appreciates China’s long-standing and strong support for Cuba’s economic and social development. Cuba firmly adheres to the one-China principle and is willing to strengthen mutually beneficial cooperation with China, enhance people-to-people friendly exchanges, strengthen coordination and collaboration in international and regional affairs, and advance the building of a community with a shared future, so as to promote greater development of bilateral relations.

Meeting with Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro Moros, Xi Jinping said, China and Venezuela are good partners of mutual trust and common development. The two sides have forged an ironclad friendship amid the evolving international landscape. Since the two countries elevated bilateral relations to an all-weather strategic partnership in 2023, exchanges across various fields and at all levels have been vigorous, with continuous growth in bilateral trade and new progress in investment cooperation and people-to-people exchanges. The China-Venezuela friendship has become more deeply rooted in the hearts of the people. China has always viewed and developed relations with Venezuela from a strategic and long-term perspective. It will, as always, firmly support Venezuela in safeguarding state sovereignty, national dignity and social stability. China is ready to work with Venezuela to enhance the exchange of governance experiences, continue to deepen practical cooperation in various areas and take bilateral relations to new heights, so as to deliver more benefits to the two peoples.

Nicolás Maduro Moros said, China is a great friend of Venezuela, expressing his gratitude for China’s longstanding and selfless support in safeguarding Venezuela’s national sovereignty and advancing its economic and social development. Venezuela is looking forward to strengthening its all-weather strategic partnership with China and deepening cooperation in trade, energy, agriculture, science and technology, education and other fields for more tangible results, so as to deliver more benefits to the two peoples.

Meeting with Prime Minister of Slovakia Robert Fico, Xi Jinping noted that promoting the all-round, in-depth, and high-level development of China-Slovakia relations serves the fundamental interests of both peoples and accords with the historical trend of openness, cooperation, and mutual benefit. Xi Jinping said that the important common understandings they reached during Robert Fico’s visit to China last November are being actively implemented, and the China-Slovakia strategic partnership has moved into a “fast lane”. Both sides should continue to deepen traditional friendship, expand exchanges and cooperation in various fields, pursue high-quality Belt and Road cooperation, and promote the steady and sustained development of China-Slovakia relations and China-Europe relations. China welcomes Slovakia’s participation as the guest of honor at the 4th China-CEEC [Central and East European Countries] Expo, which will help boost exports of high-quality Slovak products to China.

Robert Fico said that deepening the Slovakia-China strategic partnership is among the top priorities of Slovakia’s foreign policy. Noting that a sound and stable EU-China relationship serves the common interests of both sides, he added that Slovakia is committed to promoting the development of EU-China relations. Slovakia supports major initiatives proposed by China, such as building a community with a shared future for mankind and appreciates China’s positions on and constructive role in issues related to Ukraine and the Middle East. The Slovak side is willing to join hands with China to uphold multilateralism, safeguard free trade rules, and maintain the stability of global industrial and supply chains.

Meeting with Serbian President Aleksandar Vučić, Xi Jinping pointed out that over the past year, the building of a China-Serbia community with a shared future in the new era has got off to a good start with notable achievements. As profound changes unseen in a century unfold at an accelerated pace across the world amid multiple overlapping risks and challenges, China and Serbia should maintain strategic resolve, concentrate on managing their own affairs well, carry forward the ironclad friendship, deepen and expand mutually beneficial cooperation, and promote the building of a China-Serbia community with a shared future with high quality.

Xi Jinping stressed that 80 years ago, the peoples of China and Serbia made important contributions to the victory on the Asian and European battlefields in the World Anti-Fascist War, respectively. China is ready to work with all countries in the world, including Serbia, to unite and cooperate to meet challenges, jointly safeguard world peace and international fairness and justice, safeguard the achievements of economic globalisation, and promote the building of a community with a shared future for mankind.

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Putin: It is Russia’s strategic choice to unswervingly advance relations with China

Chinese President Xi Jinping visited Russia from May 7-10 to pay a state visit as well as to attend the celebrations marking the 80th anniversary of the Victory in the Great Patriotic War of the Soviet Union at the invitation of his Russian counterpart Vladimir Putin.

On arriving at Vnukovo International Airport in Moscow on the evening of the 7th, Xi delivered a written statement in which he noted that China and Russia are good neighbours always being there for each other, true friends sharing weal and woe, and good partners helping each other succeed. The independent, mature and resilient China-Russia relationship not only brings great benefits to the people of the two countries but also makes important contributions to maintaining global strategic stability and promoting an equal and orderly multipolar world. This year marks the 80th anniversary of the victory of the World Anti-Fascist War and the founding of the United Nations. As major countries in the world and permanent members of the United Nations Security Council, China and Russia will join hands to defend the outcomes of the victory of World War II, resolutely oppose hegemonism and power politics, practice true multilateralism, and work for a more just and equitable global governance system.

President Xi Jinping added that he looks forward to having in-depth communication with President Vladimir Putin on bilateral relations, practical cooperation and international and regional issues of common interest and concern, which will inject strong impetus into promoting the development of the China-Russia comprehensive strategic partnership of coordination for the new era. He also looks forward to joining the leaders of many countries and the Russian people in cherishing the memory of those who dedicated their lives to the victory of the World Anti-Fascist War and jointly sending a strong message of safeguarding international fairness and justice.

On the morning of May 8, the two Presidents held talks in the Kremlin.

President Xi stressed that 80 years ago, the Chinese and Russian peoples made immense sacrifice and secured a great victory. Their pivotal contribution to world peace and human progress is a shining chapter in the annals of history. Today, in the face of unilateralist countercurrents, bullying and acts of power politics, China is working with Russia to shoulder the special responsibilities of major countries and permanent members of the UN Security Council with courage and conviction, uphold the correct historical perspective on WWII, safeguard the authority and standing of the UN, firmly defend the victorious outcome of WWII, resolutely defend the rights and interests of China, Russia and all other developing countries, and jointly promote an equal and orderly multipolar world and a universally beneficial and inclusive economic globalisation.

He added that China and Russia should keep to the overall direction of cooperation, steer clear of external interference, and provide a more solid foundation and more robust momentum for cooperation. The two sides should leverage their complementary resource endowments and industrial systems to expand high-quality, mutually beneficial cooperation in areas such as trade, energy, agriculture, aviation and aerospace, and artificial intelligence. They should build a high-standard framework for connectivity by synergising Belt and Road cooperation and the Eurasian Economic Union. The potential of the China-Russia Years of Culture should be fully unleashed, with greater cooperation in education, film, tourism, sports, and subnational exchanges to foster closer people-to-people bonds. China and Russia should engage in closer coordination and cooperation on multilateral platforms such as the UN, the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO), and BRICS to maintain Global South solidarity, uphold true multilateralism, and spearhead global governance reforms in the right direction.

President Putin expressed a warm welcome to President Xi for his state visit to Russia and participation in the celebrations marking the 80th anniversary of the victory of the Soviet Union’s Great Patriotic War. This visit is of great significance, as it will not only inject strong momentum into the development of Russia-China relations but also help safeguard the victorious outcome of WWII.

Putin went on to say that the Russia-China relationship is built on equality and mutual respect. It is neither directed against any third party nor swayed by any transient matters. It is Russia’s strategic choice to unswervingly advance relations and expand mutually beneficial cooperation with China.

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Lula: China’s resolute and strong countermeasures against “reciprocal tariffs” are admirable

During his recent visit to Brazil to attend three important meetings of the BRICS cooperation mechanism, Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi also held a series of bilateral meetings.

On April 30, 2025, Brazilian President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva met with Wang Yi in Brasilia.

Lula asked Wang to convey his sincere greetings to President Xi Jinping, stating that Brazil and China have established solid mutual trust, with frequent exchanges at all levels and increasingly deepening cooperation in various fields, which fully proves that keeping friendly relations with China is the right choice and brings a demonstration effect to South-South cooperation. He looked forward to maintaining close high-level exchanges with China, further strengthening economic and trade ties, and expanding mutually beneficial cooperation in finance, energy, and other areas. The Brazilian President further expressed his view that China’s resolute and strong countermeasures against “reciprocal tariffs” are admirable. China’s righteous actions have received widespread support, and the irresponsible unilateral acts of a certain country should be collectively resisted.

Wang Yi conveyed President Xi Jinping’s cordial greetings to President Lula, stating that the two heads of state jointly announced the building of a China-Brazil community with a shared future for a more just world and a more sustainable planet, which has charted the course and drawn the blueprint for the development of China-Brazil relations. President Lula’s political decision to deepen the comprehensive strategic partnership between China and Brazil demonstrates strategic foresight and fully aligns with the long-term and fundamental interests of the Brazilian people.

Wang Yi added that China’s resolute counteraction to unilateral bullying is not only to safeguard its own legitimate rights and interests but also to protect the common interests of developing countries and to defend international fairness and justice. Standing at a critical juncture in history and facing impending storms, China will stay its course and strengthen its foundations, enhance cooperation with BRICS and Global South countries, uphold multilateralism, safeguard international rules, sow new hope for the world, and bring new opportunities for peace.

On April 28, Wang Yi met with the Foreign Ministers of Russia, Thailand and Ethiopia.

Meeting Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov, Wang Yi said that there have been many new changes in the international situation recently. Change is the norm of this era, but what remains unchanged is the mutual trust and support between China and Russia. The strategic leadership of President Xi Jinping and President Vladimir Putin has always been the fundamental guarantee for maintaining high-level operation of China-Russia relations.

Wang Yi stated that the current rivalry between unilateralism and multilateralism is intensifying, and the contest between maintaining hegemony and opposing hegemony is unfolding around the world. The unity and cooperation of BRICS countries are demonstrating increasingly significant strategic value.

Sergei Lavrov said that in the face of a rapidly changing world, it is essential for Russia and China to maintain close interactions. Russia is willing to work with China to prepare for the next phase of important exchanges between the two heads of state, support each other in hosting commemorative events for the 80th anniversary of the victories of the Soviet Union’s Great Patriotic War and the Chinese People’s War of Resistance Against Japanese Aggression, and deepen practical cooperation in various fields. Both sides should jointly support Brazil in fulfilling its responsibilities as the chair of the BRICS mechanism and work for more positive outcomes in BRICS cooperation.

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Wang Yi: The BRICS family stands at the forefront of the Global South

Following his visit to Kazakhstan, where he attended the Foreign Ministers meeting of China and Central Asian countries, Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi travelled on to Brazil to attend meetings of the BRICS cooperation mechanism preparatory to its summit meeting later this year. Brazil is this year’s revolving Chair of BRICS.

On April 28, Wang Yi attended Session I of the Meeting of BRICS Ministers of Foreign Affairs in Rio de Janeiro. Brazilian Foreign Minister Mauro Vieira chaired the event.

Wang Yi said that this year marks the 80th anniversary of the founding of the United Nations. The founding of the United Nations opened a brand-new chapter for all countries to jointly build peace and seek development and has promoted remarkable progress in human civilisation. Today, 80 years later, the international landscape has undergone profound changes, the world has entered a period of turbulence and transformation, and the cause of peace and development is facing new and severe challenges. The basic concepts of international cooperation have been eroded, the foundation for the development of international relations has been continuously challenged, and the international environment for peace and development is under assault. At a critical juncture in history, whether countries can make the right choices is crucial to the future of humanity. As positive constructive forces for good on the international stage, BRICS countries should take the lead in being the mainstay of the cause of peace and development.

To this end, Wang Yi made four calls:

  • To pursue universal security.
  • To actively promote peace talks.
  • To consolidate the foundation for development.
  • To strengthen practical cooperation.

All parties welcomed Indonesia’s first attendance as a full member at the Meeting of BRICS Ministers of Foreign Affairs and stressed that efforts should be made to safeguard the legitimate rights and interests of BRICS countries and the common interests of the Global South, to promote the establishment of a more just and equitable international order, and to facilitate open, inclusive and sustainable development.

On April 29, the session for Ministers of Foreign Affairs / International Relations from BRICS members and partner countries was held in Rio de Janeiro. The session was chaired by Brazilian Foreign Minister Mauro Vieira. Foreign ministers and senior representatives from 19 countries discussed ways to strengthen cooperation in the Global South and uphold multilateralism.

Addressing the meeting, Wang Yi said that, today, the BRICS family, with a total population of over half of the world’s population and an economic output accounting for nearly 30 percent of the global total, stands at the forefront of the Global South.

He stressed that faced with hegemonism, BRICS countries must uphold principles and serve as the main force in defending fairness and justice. In the face of unilateralism, BRICS countries must stand at the forefront and be the backbone in promoting solidarity and cooperation.

He made three calls in this regard:

  • To defend the core position of the United Nations.
  • To promote the peaceful settlement of disputes.
  • To foster an open and cooperative international environment.

Wang Yi stated that BRICS members should keep their doors wide open and embrace partner countries to help them deeply integrate into BRICS and fully participate in cooperation, so as to ensure the vibrant development of the mechanism. Continuous efforts should be made to expand the “BRICS Plus” model and bring together more like-minded countries to pool forces for peace and development.

He added that the solution to the world’s problems lies in upholding and practicing multilateralism. The expanded Greater BRICS should continue to advocate for extensive consultation, joint contribution and shared benefits, uphold the basic principles of international relations, defend the multilateral trading system, and build a more just and equitable global governance system.

Wang Yi said that in the face of the United States wielding the tariff stick globally, all countries must make the choices: Should the world return to the law of the jungle where the strong prey on the weak? Can the selfish interests of one country override the common interests of all nations? Should international rules be ignored or even abandoned? Do compromise and retreat ensure that one stays out of trouble? The ultimate question is whether to accept a unipolar hegemony dominated by one country or embrace an equal and orderly multipolar world.

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