Category: International relations

Ambassador Zheng Zeguang meets with First Minister of Scotland John Swinney

China’s Ambassador to the UK Zheng Zeguang visited Scotland in the first week of August, first visiting the country’s ‘energy capital’ of Aberdeen prior to the national capital, Edinburgh.

On August 6, Ambassador Zheng met with First Minister of Scotland John Swinney and had an in-depth exchange of views on strengthening exchanges and cooperation between China and Scotland in various fields.

Ambassador Zheng said that Scotland has a unique history and cultural tradition, strong capacity in science, technology and education, and outstanding economic advantages. Over the years, Scotland has maintained close exchanges and cooperation with China, bringing huge benefits to both peoples.  China supports its provinces and cities to expand friendly exchanges with Scotland, broaden mutually beneficial cooperation, and create more highlights of cooperation, to better serve both peoples.

First Minister Swinney, who is also the leader of the Scottish National Party (SNP), welcomed Ambassador Zheng to Scotland. He said that Scotland attaches great importance to long-term friendly cooperation with China. China’s achievements are well recognised worldwide. China is the largest source of imports and an important export market of Scotland. The Scottish side is willing to enhance mutually beneficial cooperation with Chinese provinces and cities in economy, trade, education, culture, tourism, new energy, medical care and infrastructure development, and welcomes more Chinese entrepreneurs, students and tourists to Scotland.

The previous day, Ambassador Zheng had met with city leaders of Edinburgh and congratulated the city on its successful hosting of the world-famous Edinburgh International Festival, commending the fruitful results it has achieved in exchanges and cooperation with Chinese cities. He noted that there is significant potential for collaboration between Chinese cities and Edinburgh in areas such as economy, trade, education, culture, science and technology, tourism, healthcare and new energy, and expressed hope that the two sides will strengthen dialogue and communication, expand exchanges and cooperation, and bring greater benefits to the people. 

Lord Provost of Edinburgh Robert Aldridge and others said that China’s rapid development has garnered worldwide attention. Edinburgh has long maintained close cooperation with Chinese cities like Shenzhen and Xi’an. Edinburgh hopes to continue its collaboration with China in education, science and technology, culture and tourism, and expand cooperation in new energy, advanced manufacturing and infrastructure, among other areas. The Chinese community in Edinburgh has made significant contributions to the city’s economic and social development. Edinburgh welcomes more Chinese investors, students, and tourists to the city.

On August 2, the Ambassador had met with the civic leaders of Aberdeen and said that in the first half of this year, China’s GDP grew by 5%, continuing to make steady progress. We are fully confident, he added, in achieving our annual economic and social development goals. China’s further deepening of comprehensive reform to advance Chinese modernisation will bring new opportunities to countries around the world.

Zheng praised the fruitful results of Aberdeen’s cooperation with China, noting the broad prospects for collaboration in areas such as energy transition, green and low-carbon development, economy, trade, education, and tourism. China welcomes closer exchanges and wider cooperation between Aberdeen and its Chinese counterparts, which will help leverage the advantages of both sides to complement each other and deliver their respective economic and social development goals.

His hosts said that Aberdeen highly values its exchanges and cooperation with China and hopes to further expand areas of collaboration and promote greater people-to-people exchanges. With Aberdeen’s rich resources in energy, education, and tourism, they look forward to welcoming more Chinese investors, tourists, and students to the city.

Ambassador Zheng also visited major Chinese companies who have invested in Scotland.

Visiting the Aberdeen headquarters of CNOOC [China National Offshore Oil Corporation] Petroleum Europe on August 3, the Ambassador was briefed by Pan Yiyong, the company’s President, who said it will proactively advance its projects in the UK, strengthen collaboration with its partners, fulfil corporate social responsibility, and aim for steady and sustainable development.

On August 4 in Edinburgh, he visited the headquarters of Red Rock Renewables. Company leaders gave a briefing on its successful wind power projects in Scotland, adding that it is exploring opportunities to participate in large-scale wind power development and to contribute to Scotland’s renewable energy growth.

Ambassador Zheng stated that growing wind power and other renewable energies is a priority for Scotland’s green and low-carbon transition. He expressed hope that Red Rock Renewables will continue to leverage its advantages, showcase the positive image of Chinese enterprises, and actively participate in local projects, and encouraged the company to create new highlights in mutually beneficial cooperation and contribute more to mutual understanding and friendship between the two peoples.

The following articles were originally published on the website of the Chinese Embassy in the UK.

Ambassador Zheng Zeguang meets with First Minister of Scotland John Swinney

On 6 August 2024, H.E. Ambassador Zheng Zeguang met with First Minister of Scotland John Swinney in Edinburgh. The two sides had an  in-depth exchange of views on strengthening exchanges and cooperation between China and Scotland in various fields.

Ambassador Zheng said that Scotland has a unique history and cultural tradition, strong capacity in science, technology and education, and outstanding economic advantages. Over the years, Scotland has maintained close exchanges and cooperation with China, bringing huge benefits to the people of both sides. China has a full-fledged industrial system, a large market and huge growth potential. China’s new round of deepening reform across the board will further stimulate social vitality and development momentum, accelerate high-quality development, and bring new opportunities to countries around the world including the UK. China supports its provinces and cities to expand friendly exchanges with Scotland, broaden mutually beneficial cooperation, and create more highlights of cooperation, to better serve the people of both sides.

First Minister Swinney welcomed Ambassador Zheng to Scotland. He said that Scotland attaches great importance to long-term friendly cooperation with China. China’s achievements are well recognised worldwide. China is the largest source of imports and an important export market of Scotland. The Scottish side is willing to enhance mutual beneficial cooperation with Chinese provinces and cities in economy, trade, education, culture, tourism, new energy, medical care and infrastructure development, and welcomes more Chinese entrepreneurs, students and tourists to Scotland.

Chinese Consul General to Edinburgh Zhang Biao, Counsellor Kong Xiangwen from the Chinese Embassy, and Fang Wenjian, General Manager of Bank of China London Branch & Chairman of China Chamber of Commerce in the UK, Chen Xiaomeng, CEO of the Red Rock Renewables attended the meeting.

Continue reading Ambassador Zheng Zeguang meets with First Minister of Scotland John Swinney

Fu Cong: The historical injustice endured by Africa is a huge moral scar on humanity

China has again made clear its support for Africa to be given effective representation in the United Nations Security Council (UNSC). 

Speaking at the UNSC open debate on this topic and on addressing the historical injustice experienced by Africa, on August 12, Ambassador Fu Cong noted that the world today is undergoing major changes unseen in a century, with the rise of the Global South and the unstoppable trend of multipolarity. African countries, he said, have become a vibrant force on the global political stage, a rising player in the global economy, a core member of the Global South, an important pole in the multipolar world, and a key participant in global governance. 

Nevertheless, he said, “we regret to see that the African continent is still facing many challenges to peace and development, that African countries have not yet gained the international respect they deserve, that expectations of African people have not received sufficient attention, and that Africa’s international influence has not been on full display.”

Putting this into its correct historical context, the Chinese Ambassador noted that, the historical injustice endured by Africa is a huge moral scar on humanity and a heavy issue that the international community must face today. Historically, Western countries have imposed hundreds of years of brutal colonial rule and blatant racial discrimination on Africa. They carried out the inhumane slave trade and plundered resources, depriving the African people of the natural rights and the dignity they deserve, artificially interrupting the historical process of Africa’s development, and plunging African countries into a long period of suffering and disaster. This is the root cause of all historical injustice in Africa. Even to this day, some Western countries still cling to the colonialist mindset with a self-righteous attitude on African issues. They interfere in the internal affairs of African countries by using financial, legal, sanction-based, and even military means, and exercise unscrupulous oppression and control over African countries in the areas of currency, energy, minerals, and national defence. To rectify the historical injustice against Africa, we must, first and foremost, unequivocally oppose the legacy of colonialism and all kinds of hegemonic practices. Western countries should truly shoulder their historical responsibilities, change course, stop such wrong practices as external interference and exerting pressure through sanctions, and return the future of Africa to the hands of the African people. 

Security Council reform, he continued, is an important part of the reform of the multilateral governance architecture. Based on the common interests of the entire continent, Africa has formed a common position through the Ezulwini Consensus, which reflects the justice and legitimacy of Africa’s demand for reform and enjoys a unique moral advantage. This is fundamentally different from the practice of a few countries and interest groups who pursue their own selfish and small-circle interests when it comes to Council reform. [This may be understood to refer, in particular, to the persistent attempts by a handful of countries, principally Japan, to secure permanent UNSC membership.] African countries’ appeal to be treated as a special case and priority deserves the attention and support of the international community. China has taken the lead in its favourable response and explicit support for this request. 

The following article was originally published on the website of China’s Permanent Mission to the UN.

President, 

China welcomes President Julius Maada Bio presiding over today’s meeting, and thanks Secretary-General Antonio Gutteres, President Dennis Francis, and Ms. Sithembile Mbete for their briefings. 

The world today is undergoing major changes unseen in a century, with the rise of the Global South and the unstoppable trend of multipolarity. As the youngest continent, Africa has made decades of unremitting efforts to pursue unity and progress, to maintain multilateralism, and defend the common interests of developing countries. It has demonstrated an active African image and a strong African power. African countries have become a vibrant force on the global political stage, a rising player in the global economy, a core member of the Global South, an important polar in the multipolar world, and a key participant in global governance. 

At the same time, we regret to see that the African continent is still facing many challenges to peace and development, that African countries have not yet gained the international respect they deserve, that expectations of African people have not received sufficient attention, and that Africa’s international influence has not been on full display. China hopes that through today’s discussion, all parties will gain a more comprehensive insight into the historical injustice against Africa, see the hope for its future, and work together with African countries and their people to promote an equitable and orderly multipolar world and inclusive economic globalization. I wish to share the following three points.

First, the historical injustice endured by Africa is a huge moral scar on humanity and a heavy issue that the international community must face today. Historically, Western countries have imposed hundreds of years of brutal colonial rule and blatant racial discrimination on Africa. They carried out the inhumane slave trade and plundered resources, depriving the African people of the natural rights and the dignity they deserve, artificially interrupting the historical process of Africa’s development, and plunging African countries into a long period of suffering and disaster. This is the root cause of all historical injustice in Africa. Even to this day, some Western countries still cling to the colonialist mindset with a self-righteous attitude on African issues. They interfere in the internal affairs of African countries by using financial, legal, sanction-based, and even military means, and exercise unscrupulous oppression and control over African countries in the areas of currency, energy, minerals, and national defense. To rectify the historical injustice against Africa, we must, first and foremost, unequivocally oppose the legacy of colonialism and all kinds of hegemonic practices. Western countries should truly shoulder their historical responsibilities, change course, stop such wrong practices as external interference and exerting pressure through sanctions, and return the future of Africa to the hands of the African people. 

Second, the redress of historical injustice against Africa must be both holistic and focused. It is important to recognize that the injustice is systemic and structural in nature, involving various political, economic, scientific, and technological areas, and manifests itself in various aspects of rights, opportunities, and rules. This is an undeniable fact and an issue of great urgency. China believes that the primary task is to support African countries on the path of sustainable development as the foundation of lasting peace. When we look at the hot spot issues in Africa on the Council’s agenda, poverty and under-development are often common denominators. The international community should implement the UN 2030 Agenda together with AU Agenda 2063, and support Africa in its industrialization and modernization and its better participation in the international division of labor, so that it can share the dividends of economic globalization and break the vicious cycle of poverty and instability. 

Third, to rectify the historical injustice against Africa, the fundamental task is to accelerate the overhaul of the multilateral governance architecture and to enhance Africa’s representation and voice. Security Council reforms is an important part of the reform of the multilateral governance architecture. Based on the common interests of the entire continent, Africa has formed a common position through the Ezulwini Consensus, which reflects the justice and legitimacy of Africa’s demand for reform and enjoys a unique moral advantage. This is fundamentally different from the practice of a few countries and interest groups who pursue their own selfish and small-circle interests when it comes to Council reform. African countries’ appeal to be treated as a special case and priority deserves the attention and support of the international community. China has taken the lead in its favorable response and explicit support for this request. We are pleased to note that such a request has been included in Security Council reform-related text in the Pact for the Future and the IGN co-chairs elements paper, and that Africa’s demand is gaining greater understanding, recognition, and support. 

The reform of the financial architecture is another important area of multilateral governance reform. The current international financial system is unfavorable to developing countries in terms of investment and financing, credit ratings, and economic and technical assistance. It imposes many additional conditions which severely hamper the development and revitalization of African countries. The irresponsible monetary policies of some major economies have had serious spillover effects, repeatedly reaping the hard-won development gains of developing countries. Such a system is unsustainable and must be reformed and improved as soon as possible. Secretary-General Guterres and the Global South have made a strong appeal to the international community to take the Pact of the Future as an opportunity to launch truly ambitious initiatives and push for substantial steps of reform. 

President, 

China and Africa are good friends, good partners, and good brothers who are sincere and friendly based on mutual assistance and joint development. Since the founding of the People’s Republic of China, we have been firmly supportive of African countries’ just struggle for independence and national liberation and a development path for Africa in line with its conditions. Since the reform and opening-up of China, we have vigorously promoted mutually beneficial cooperation. In recent years, we have upheld President Xi Jinping’s principle of sincerity, real results, amity, and good faith and the principle of pursuing the greater good and shared interests in our cooperation with Africa, and have faster tracked the building of the China-Africa community with a shared future. Under the framework of the Forum on China-Africa Cooperation, we have carried out all-round, multifaceted cooperation in infrastructure, trade, energy, health, digital economy, people and cultural exchanges, and other areas, benefiting the entire African continent. Early next month, the Forum will hold its summit in Beijing. China is ready to work with Africa based on our friendship and cooperation to jointly build a high-level China-Africa community with a shared future China is also willing to work with international partners to sincerely help Africa develop and revitalize itself, support Africa with concrete actions to address historical injustice, promote a more just and rational new international political and economic order, abd truly enhance Africa’s representation, voice, and decision-making in the multilateral governance system. 

Thank you, President.

Liu Jianchao leads delegation to South Africa

Liu Jianchao, Minister of the International Department of the Communist Party of China (CPC) Central Committee (IDCPC), led a party delegation to South Africa at the end of July and the beginning of August. It was the first stop on a tour of a number of countries in Africa and Latin America.

On August 1, Minister Liu met with Cyril Ramaphosa, President of the African National Congress (ANC) of South Africa and of the Republic of South Africa.  Welcoming Liu and his delegation, Ramaphosa said that the CPC delegation’s visit to South Africa at this time (following the recent election and the formation of a government of national unity) demonstrates the Chinese side’s firm support for the ANC and South Africa. He said that he maintains close exchanges with President Xi Jinping and has forged a close friendship, of which he is proud. President Xi Jinping has visited South Africa many times, promoting bilateral relations for continuous improvement and upgrading, which has deeply moved and inspired the South African side. The South African government will keep its policies toward China unchanged and will continue to be committed to promoting the development of a comprehensive strategic partnership. South Africa firmly adheres to the one-China principle and thanks the Chinese side for its long-term valuable support and assistance.

Ramaphosa added that the leadership of the CPC is what has allowed China to realise today’s development achievements and the CPC’s achievements have also inspired the ANC. Since its establishment, the ANC has been fighting for South Africa’s national independence and development. Despite setbacks, it will not give up easily, nor will it shirk its responsibility to lead the country’s development and revitalisation. Calling the CPC a reliable friend and close comrade of the ANC, he said the ANC cherishes its sincere friendship with the CPC. 

Liu said, the Chinese side congratulates the ANC on its victory in the general election again and President Cyril Ramaphosa on his successful re-election. He voiced confidence that under the strong leadership of President Cyril Ramaphosa and the ANC, the government of national unity will closely unite the people and help South Africa make new development achievements. (In the election, the ANC secured 40.2% of the vote, almost twice that of its nearest rival – and now coalition partner – the Democratic Alliance [DA], which secured 21.8%.) 

China and South Africa, Liu continued, are both important members of the Global South and emerging economies. The Chinese side is willing to strengthen coordination and cooperation with South Africa on multilateral affairs, promote the construction of a more just and reasonable international political and economic order, and safeguard the common interests of the vast number of developing countries.

He added that the CPC and the ANC have a long-standing friendship. The Chinese side firmly believes that as a mature political party that has stood the test of the changing circumstances, the ANC will carry forward its fine traditions, firmly grasp the correct development direction of South Africa, and promote China-South Africa relations for robust development.

The previous day, Liu had met with ANC Secretary-General Fikile Mbalula. Liu said, the Chinese side congratulates the ANC on its leadership in forming a government of national unity, which proves that the ANC is a mature century-old party with political wisdom and believes that the ANC will unite and lead the South African people to achieve new achievements in national development.

On August 1, he met with Ronald Lamola, Member of the National Executive Committee of the ANC and South African Minister of International Relations and Cooperation. Lamola said that South Africa is grateful to the Chinese side for providing valuable support in its struggle for national independence and construction. He expressed the hope to expand mutually beneficial cooperation with the Chinese side in areas such as trade and investment. He added that the the foreign policy of the new South African government will not change, and that South Africa will continue to firmly adhere to the one-China principle and steadfastly support China’s positions on issues concerning its core interests. South Africa highly appreciates China’s significant role in promoting the improvement of relations between Saudi Arabia and Iran as well as facilitating the reconciliation of Palestinian factions. He expressed the hope to strengthen coordination with the Chinese side within the BRICS cooperation mechanism and the G-20. South Africa looks forward to participating in the 2024 FOCAC (Forum on China Africa Cooperation) Summit in Beijing, this coming September, believing that it will help African countries advance the African Union’s Agenda 2063 and promote greater development in Africa-China relations.

On July 31, Liu met with Solly Afrika Mapaila, General Secretary of the South African Communist Party (SACP). He congratulated the SACP on its 103rd anniversary, which fell in February. He said that the CPC and the SACP are both Marxist parties, share the same ideals and beliefs, always understand and support each other, and are time-tested good comrades and good brothers.

Mapaila said, the SACP cherishes its friendly relations with the CPC, and thanks the Chinese side for its long-term valuable assistance to South Africa’s economic and social development and the improvement of people’s livelihood, as well as its strong support for the SACP, the African National Congress and other progressive forces in South Africa.

On August 3, Liu also met with the parliamentary leaders of some of the political parties which are participating in the new government of national unity.  He met with Mzwanele Nyhontso, President of the Pan Africanist Congress (PAC) of Azania and Minister of Land Reform and Rural Development; Mogamad Ganief Ebrahim Hendricks, President of the Al Jama-ah and Deputy Minister of Social Development; Brett Herron, Secretary-General of the GOOD Party; and Thandi Nontenja, National Treasurer of the United Democratic Movement (UDM).

Liu said, China and South Africa enjoy a time-honoured friendship. As early as in the struggle against imperialism, colonialism and racism, the two peoples have supported each other and forged a profound friendship. 

The South African party leaders thanked the Chinese side for its long-term and valuable support to the economic and social development of South Africa and expressed their hope to strengthen exchanges with the CPC and learn from its experience in party building and state governance in order to facilitate South Africa’s development and advance South Africa-China relations. 

For their part, Nyhontso said, the PAC has a long history of interacting with China, with many of its leaders and members having trained in China. He hoped to learn from China’s experience in areas such as land reform and rural development to help South Africa solve its prominent problems. [China consistently supported the PAC as one of the country’s national liberation movements during the struggle against apartheid, maintaining a close relationship for a long time.]

Hendricks fondly recalled his experience of interacting with the Chinese side and appreciated China’s great achievements in poverty alleviation. Calling the strong leadership of the CPC the key to China’s success, he said he would like to learn from the Chinese side’s experience.

Herron said, South Africa can benefit from China’s rapid economic and social development and hoped that the two countries will strengthen practical cooperation in various fields, closely coordinate and cooperate in BRICS and other multilateral mechanisms and promote a more just and equitable international order.

Nontenja said, as South Africa is undergoing special changes in its political landscape, the UDM is willing to play a role in the country’s development and hopes to strengthen exchanges with the CPC on national and party construction.  

On August 2, Liu and his delegation also held discussions with representatives from South Africa’s media and think tanks.

Following its visit to South Africa, the CPC delegation proceeded to Uruguay.

The following articles were originally published on the website of the IDCPC.

Cyril Ramaphosa, President of ANC and President of South Africa Meets with Liu Jianchao

Johannesburg, August 1st (IDCPC) — Cyril Ramaphosa, President of African National Congress (ANC) and President of South Africa, met here today with Liu Jianchao, Minister of the International Department of the CPC Central Committee.

Ramaphosa welcomed Liu and the CPC delegation. He said, the CPC delegation’s visit to South Africa, which is experiencing a special moment now, demonstrates the Chinese side’s firm support for the ANC and South Africa. I maintain close exchanges with President Xi Jinping and have forged a close friendship, which I am proud of. President Xi Jinping has visited South Africa many times, promoting bilateral relations for continuous improvement and upgrading, which has deeply moved and inspired the South African side. The South African government will keep its policies toward China unchanged, and will continue to be committed to promoting the development of a comprehensive strategic partnership between South Africa and China. South Africa firmly adheres to the one-China principle and thanks the Chinese side for its long-term valuable support and assistance. 

Ramaphosa said, the leadership of the CPC is what allowed China to realize today’s development achievements, and the CPC’s achievements have also inspired the ANC. Since its establishment, the ANC has been fighting for South Africa’s national independence and development. Despite setbacks, it will not give up easily, nor will it shirk its responsibility to lead the country’s development and revitalization. Calling the CPC a reliable friend and close comrade of the ANC, he said the ANC cherishes its sincere friendship with the CPC and hopes to further strengthen exchanges between the two Parties at all levels and strengthen experience exchanges in national construction and party building.

Liu said, the Chinese side congratulates the ANC on its victory in the general election again and President Cyril Ramaphosa on his successful re-election. Liu voiced confidence that under the strong leadership of President Cyril Ramaphosa and the ANC, the government of national unity will closely unite the people and help South Africa make new development achievements. In August last year, President Xi Jinping successfully visited South Africa and reached important consensus with President Cyril Ramaphosa, charting the course for the further development of relations between the two countries. The Chinese side is willing to work with the South African side to implement the consensus reached by the top leaders of the two Parties and countries, deepen political mutual trust, expand practical cooperation in various fields, firmly support each other on issues involving each other’s core interests, and promote China-South Africa comprehensive strategic partnership for new and greater development. China and South Africa are both important members of the Global South and emerging economies. The Chinese side is willing to strengthen coordination and cooperation with South Africa on multilateral affairs, promote the construction of a more just and reasonable international political and economic order, and safeguard the common interests of the vast number of developing countries. 

Liu said, the CPC and the ANC have a long-standing friendship. The Chinese side firmly believes that as a mature political party that has stood the test of the changing circumstances, the ANC will carry forward its fine traditions, firmly grasp the correct development direction of South Africa, and promote China-South Africa relations for robust development. The Chinese side is willing to strengthen institutionalized exchanges with the ANC as always, deepen exchanges and mutual learning of experience in party building and state governance, enhance its own governing capacity, and promote China-South Africa relations to a new level.

Liu Jianchao Meets with Fikile Mbalula, Secretary-General of African National Congress (ANC) of South Africa

Pretoria, July 31st (IDCPC) — Liu Jianchao, Minister of the International Department of the CPC Central Committee, met here today with Fikile Mbalula, Secretary-General of African National Congress (ANC) of South Africa.

Liu said, the Chinese side congratulates the ANC on its leadership in forming a government of national unity, which proves that the ANC is a mature century-old party with political wisdom, and believes that the ANC will unite and lead the South African people to achieve new achievements in national development. Under the new circumstances, the CPC is willing to work with the ANC to implement the important consensus reached by the top leaders of the two Parties and two countries, maintain high-level strategic communication and political mutual trust, continue to firmly support each other on issues involving respective core interests, deepen exchanges and mutual learning of experience in state governance and administration, and bring China-South Africa comprehensive strategic partnership to a new level. The Chinese side is willing to, together with the South African side, strengthen coordination and cooperation within multilateral frameworks such as the BRICS cooperation mechanism and the Group of 20, promote common development of the Global South countries, and jointly safeguard international fairness and justice. 

Mbalula said, the ANC and the CPC have a long-standing friendship, and the relationship between the two Parties is an important foundation for the relationship between South Africa and China. The ANC congratulated the CPC on the successful holding of the third plenary session of the 20th CPC Central Committee. Mbalula introduced relevant situation of the South African general election of 2024, and said that the ANC will hold a National Executive Committee meeting to thoroughly summarize the experience and lessons. Calling China a reliable friend of South Africa, the ANC thanks the Chinese side for the long-term valuable support and assistance to South Africa. The South African government’s long-term commitment to the one-China principle will not change, and its friendly policy toward China will not change. Under the new situation, the ANC is willing to continue to strengthen high-level exchanges with the CPC, and learn experience in governing the Party and the country from the CPC, so as to overcome the current challenges, achieve self-reform, and lead the country to develop better. 

Lindiwe Zulu, Member of the ANC National Executive Committee, Nokuthula Nqaba, Secretary General of ANC Women’s League and others, were present.

Liu Jianchao Meets with Ronald Lamola, Member of the ANC’s National Executive Committee, South African Minister of International Relations and Cooperation

Pretoria, August 1st (IDCPC) — Liu Jianchao, Minister of the International Department of the CPC Central Committee, met here today with Ronald Lamola, Member of the National Executive Committee of the African National Congress (ANC) and South African Minister of International Relations and Cooperation.

Liu stated that Chinese President Xi Jinping and South African President Cyril Ramaphosa have provided important strategic guidance for the development of bilateral relations, ushering in a “golden era” of building a high-level China-South Africa community with a shared future. The Chinese side is willing to work with the South African side to implement the important consensus reached by the two heads of state. Focusing on the implementation of the “Nine Programs” of the Forum on China-Africa Cooperation (FOCAC) and the 10 Years Strategic Programme on Cooperation between the People’s Republic of China and the Republic of South Africa (2020-2029), both sides need to strengthen the deep alignment of development strategies, consolidate cooperation in advantageous areas, cultivate new growth drivers for cooperation, achieve mutual benefits, win-win results and common development, and continuously benefit the people of both countries. 

Liu said, both China and South Africa are influential developing countries and emerging market nations. The Chinese side supports the South African side in playing a greater role in international and regional affairs and is willing to continue to work with the South African side under multilateral mechanisms such as the BRICS cooperation mechanism and the Group of 20, practice true multilateralism, strengthen the Global South countries’ representation and voice in the global governance system, and safeguard the common interests of developing countries. The new meeting of the FOCAC will be held in Beijing. The Chinese side is willing to work with African countries, including South Africa, to achieve more win-win outcomes in China-Africa cooperation.

Lamola stated, Chinese President Xi Jinping’s successful visit to South Africa last year injected strong impetus into the future development of bilateral relations. South Africa is grateful to the Chinese side for providing valuable support in its struggle for national independence and construction. He expressed the hope to expand mutually beneficial cooperation with the Chinese side in areas such as trade and investment. The South African side also hoped that the Chinese side can help it address prominent issues in its development process, advance industrialization, and promote the development of the comprehensive strategic partnership between South Africa and China. He said the foreign policy of the new South African government will not change and that South Africa will continue to firmly adhere to the one-China principle, steadfastly support China’s positions on issues concerning China’s core interests related to the Taiwan question, Hong Kong, Xinjiang, and Xizang. South Africa highly appreciates China’s significant role in promoting the improvement of relations between Saudi Arabia and Iran, and facilitating the reconciliation of Palestinian factions. He expressed the hope to strengthen coordination with the Chinese side within BRICS and the Group of 20. South Africa looks forward to participating in the 2024 FOCAC Summit in Beijing, believing that the summit will help African countries advance the African Union’s Agenda 2063 and promote greater development in Africa-China relations. 

Both sides exchanged views on international and regional issues such as the Ukraine crisis and the Palestinian-Israeli conflict.

Liu Jianchao Meets with Solly Afrika Mapaila, General Secretary of the South African Communist Party

Pretoria, July 31st (IDCPC) — Liu Jianchao, Minister of the International Department of the CPC Central Committee, met here today with Solly Afrika Mapaila, General Secretary of the South African Communist Party (SACP).

Liu congratulated the SACP on its 103rd anniversary. He said that the CPC and the SACP are both Marxist parties, share the same ideals and beliefs, always understand and support each other, and are time-tested good comrades and good brothers. Under the new situation, the CPC is willing to work with the SACP to implement the important consensus reached by President Xi Jinping and President Cyril Ramaphosa, continue to deepen strategic communication, strengthen experience exchanges on issues such as party building, promote practical cooperation in various fields, better promote the construction of respective countries, and bring more benefits to the people of the two countries. 

Mapaila said, the SACP cherishes its friendly relations with the CPC, and thanks the Chinese side for its long-term valuable assistance to South Africa’s economic, social development and improvement of people’s livelihood, as well as the strong support for the SACP, the African National Congress and other progressive forces in South Africa. Under the new situation of the formation of a government of national unity in South Africa, the SACP hopes to strengthen exchanges with the CPC, deepen experience exchanges in state governance and administration, and promote South Africa-China relations for greater development. Mapaila also introduced the situation of the South African general election of 2024 and the current political situation in conjunction with the process of South Africa’s national democratic revolution. 

Joyce Moloi-Moropa, SACP National Treasurer, Cde Thulas Nxesi, SACP Deputy National Chairperson, Jenny Schreiner, Member of SACP Political Bureau and others, were present.

Liu Jianchao Meets with Party Leaders in the National Assembly of South Africa

Cape Town, August 3rd (IDCPC) — Liu Jianchao, Minister of the International Department of the CPC Central Committee (IDCPC), met here today with the leaders of some parties in the National Assembly of South Africa. Mzwanele Nyhontso, President of the Pan Africanist Congress (PAC) of Azania and Minister of Land Reform and Rural Development, Mogamad Ganief Ebrahim Hendricks, President of the Al Jama-ah and Deputy Minister of Social Development, Brett Herron, Secretary-General of the GOOD Party, and Thandi Nontenja, National Treasurer of the United Democratic Movement (UDM), attended the meeting.

Liu said, China and South Africa enjoy a time-honored friendship. As early as in the struggle against imperialism, colonialism and racism, the two peoples have supported each other and forged a profound friendship. Since the establishment of diplomatic relations 26 years ago, the two sides have upheld sincerity and friendship with bilateral relations continuously reaching new heights. Under the strategic guidance of President Xi Jinping and President Cyril Ramaphosa, China-South Africa relations have entered a “golden era”. The Chinese side is willing to work with the South African side to implement the important consensus reached by the two heads of state, firmly support each other on issues that bear on our respective core interests and are of major concern to us, expand practical cooperation in various fields, and continuously enrich the connotation of the China-South Africa comprehensive strategic partnership.  

Liu said, relations between political parties are a vital part of state-to-state relations. The CPC is willing to strengthen communication and exchanges with the political parties in the National Assembly of South Africa, exchange views on important issues of common concern, enhance mutual understanding, further gather the forces of China-South Africa friendship, and push China-South Africa relations to a new height to bring more benefits to the two peoples. Liu also introduced the major experience of China’s economic and social development and the main features of Chinese modernization.  

The party leaders thanked the Chinese side for its long-term and valuable support to the economic and social development of South Africa, and expressed their hope to strengthen exchanges with the CPC and learn from the CPC’s experience in party building and state governance to facilitate South Africa’s development and advance South Africa-China relations.  

Nyhontso said, the PAC has a long history with interacting with China, with many of its leaders and members trained in China. He hoped to learn from China’s experience in areas such as land reform and rural development to help South Africa solve its prominent problems. Hendricks fondly recalled his experience of interacting with the Chinese side and appreciated China’s great achievements in poverty alleviation. Calling the strong leadership of the CPC the key to China’s success, he said he would like to learn from the Chinese side’s experience. Herron said, South Africa can benefit from China’s rapid economic and social development, and hoped that the two countries will strengthen practical cooperation in various fields, closely coordinate and cooperate in BRICS and other multilateral mechanisms, and promote a more just and equitable international order. Nontenja said, as South Africa is undergoing special changes in its political landscape, the UDM is willing to play a role in the country’s development, hoping to strengthen exchanges with the CPC on national and party construction. 

China supports Iran in safeguarding its sovereignty, security and national dignity

China has declared that it supports Iran in safeguarding its sovereignty, security and national dignity in accordance with the law, supports its efforts to safeguard regional peace and stability, and is willing to maintain close communication with the country.

This important statement came in an August 11 telephone conversation between Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi and Acting Iranian Foreign Minister Ali Bagheri Kani. It followed the assassination by Israel on July 31 in Tehran of Ismail Haniyeh, who chaired the Political Bureau of the Islamic Resistance Movement Hamas. Haniyeh was in the Iranian capital to attend the inauguration of President Masoud Pezeshkian.

Wang Yi reiterated that China firmly opposes and strongly condemns the assassination, believing that it gravely violates the basic norms governing international relations, seriously infringes on Iran’s sovereignty, security and dignity, directly undermines the Gaza ceasefire negotiation process, and shocks regional peace and stability.

China stands ready to work with the new Iranian government to continue to firmly support each other on issues concerning their respective core interests, steadily advance practical cooperation in various fields, unswervingly promote the sound development of bilateral relations, and constantly add new content to the China-Iran comprehensive strategic partnership.

Iran is welcome to actively participate in the events hosted by China as the rotating chair of the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) and China is also willing to strengthen cooperation with Iran within the framework of the BRICS mechanism, further increase the voice and influence of the Global South, and promote more just and reasonable development of international governance, Wang said.

Analysing the significance of the Chinese stance, the online publication, The Palestine Chronicle quoted its Chief Editor, Dr. Ramzy Baroud, as saying:

“The official Chinese position did not include such phrases as ‘using restraint’, or ‘avoiding further escalation’. In itself, this is very important.”

Baroud added, “also considering the guarded nature of Chinese foreign policy, it would not be expected that the Chinese openly declare that Iran has the right to attack Israel or Israeli interests as a form of retaliation for Israel’s infringement on its sovereignty through the assassination of the Palestinian leader.

“A careful reading of the statement of Foreign Minister Wang Yi, however, suggests that China is willing to accommodate, in fact, support an Iranian retaliation against Israel since such retaliation can be considered part of Iran’s ‘safeguarding its sovereignty, security and national dignity.’”

“This development”, Baroud continued, “indicates two things: One, that Iran is succeeding in garnering enough international support for its forthcoming response to the Israeli assassination of Haniyeh; two, that China is inching closer to the pro-resistance camp in the Middle East, a position that would surely frustrate Washington’s designs in the region.”

Earlier, on August 11, Wang Yi also held separate telephone talks with Egyptian Foreign Minister Badr Abdelatty and Jordanian Foreign Minister Ayman Safadi.

In his talk with his Egyptian counterpart, Wang said the assassination of Ismail Haniyeh has pushed the regional situation into a more dangerous height, adding that China resolutely opposes and strongly condemns such assassination acts that violate the basic principles of the UN Charter, infringe on Iran’s sovereignty and dignity, severely undermine efforts to promote peace, and make a ceasefire in Gaza increasingly unattainable, adding that that double standards should not be applied to the crisis in Gaza.

He also pointed out that China will continue to stand on the side of international justice, strengthen solidarity with Arab countries, and work with all parties to avoid further escalation and deterioration of the situation.

Speaking with Jordanian Foreign Minister Safadi, Wang pointed that the key to avoiding the deterioration and escalation of the situation is to achieve a full and permanent ceasefire in Gaza as soon as possible and the international community should raise a more consistent voice on this issue and form a joint force.

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

Chinese FM holds phone talks with Iranian counterpart on bilateral ties, Mideast situation

BEIJING, Aug. 11 (Xinhua) — Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi on Sunday held phone talks with Acting Iranian Foreign Minister Ali Bagheri Kani at request, focusing on bilateral relations and the situation in the Middle East.

Noting that Iran is a country with important influence in the region and a comprehensive strategic partner of China, Wang, also a member of the Political Bureau of the Communist Party of China Central Committee, said that China has always promoted its relations with Iran from a strategic and long-term perspective.

Continue reading China supports Iran in safeguarding its sovereignty, security and national dignity

NATO, nukes and a New Cold War

We are pleased to republish below a series of three articles by Kenny Coyle analysing the new Labour government’s foreign policy, in particular the “progressive realism” espoused by Foreign Secretary David Lammy.

This putatively “clear-eyed approach to international relations” shares a great deal with the pro-Washington, pro-NATO, hawkish foreign policy of recent Conservative governments. Kenny notes that Prime Minister Keir Starmer has pledged to commit 2.5 percent of GDP to military spending, and Lammy’s critique of his Tory predecessor at the Foreign Office is largely focused on the need for a more aggressive stance against China, Russia and Syria.

Lammy praises Ernest Bevin, Labour foreign secretary from 1945 to 1951, for “bringing us the Nato alliance that is still the bedrock of our security” and “fighting for a nuclear bomb as he put it with the Union Jack on top”. Meanwhile, Lammy’s most coherent policy in relation to the Global South is to develop deeper relations with India. As Kenny points out, “clearly this is part of Western efforts to woo India away from its close relations with Russia and to maintain a level of mistrust between Delhi and Beijing”.

Labour is proposing to intensify Britain’s involvement in the US-led campaign of China encirclement. Lammy makes clear his support for the AUKUS nuclear pact, demanding that it be considered “as a floor, not a ceiling” for the UK’s military posture in the Pacific. He also calls for deepening Britain’s military coordination with Japan, South Korea and the Philippines, with the obvious aim of contributing to the US’s island chain strategy against China.

Meanwhile there seem to be shifts occurring in Labour’s position with regard to Taiwan Province, including the establishment of Labour Friends of Taiwan in March 2023 and a recent Labour Party delegation to the island led by Lord Leong. Kenny writes: “The danger is that a current or future British government will abandon [its] One China positions and lean toward the ‘One China, One Taiwan’ policy that is gaining ground in Washington. The emergence of a generously funded Taiwan lobby within the Labour Party and at an all-party level needs to be further exposed.”

The series concludes:

Whoever enters the White House, the cosmetic modifications on offer from Starmer and Lammy commit Britain to a dangerous path in the Asia-Pacific, particularly the under-the-radar military agreements with Japan, South Korea and the Philippines. The left needs to ensure that the arguments against ‘progressive realism’ reach deep into the labour and peace movements.

The articles were originally published in the Morning Star in August 2024.

A new window on the world?

August 2 (Morning Star) — The guiding philosophy of Sir Keir Starmer’s foreign policy has been described by Foreign Secretary David Lammy as “a clear-eyed approach to international relations: progressive realism.”

In a series of speeches, interviews, articles and pamphlets over the past year or so, Lammy has elaborated this apparently innovative outlook in British foreign policy.

The most substantial of these were an article for the influential US journal Foreign Affairs in May, The Case for Progressive Realism, Why Britain Must Chart a New Global Course later republished in The Guardian, and a 2023 pamphlet for the Fabian Society, Britain Reconnected A Foreign Policy for Security and Prosperity at Home.

“Progressive Realism” is designed to meet the challenge of a whole range of global issues, including, AI, climate change, international economic supply-chains and development.

However, since Sir Keir Starmer has pledged to commit 2.5 per cent of GDP to military spending and to conduct a thorough security and defence review, it’s essential to analyse the military and diplomatic aspects of what this new Labour government stands for on the international scene.

Continue reading NATO, nukes and a New Cold War

Karol Cariola: Chile attaches great importance to comprehensive strategic partnership with China

Friendly and cooperative relations between China and Chile were underlined and reinforced with a July visit by Karol Cariola Oliva, Speaker of the Chilean Chamber of Deputies.

In a series of exchanges on July 19, Cariola met with Zhao Leji, Chairman of China’s National People’s Congress (NPC) Standing Committee. He noted that Chile was the first South American country to establish diplomatic ties with the New China [shortly after the election of socialist President Salvador Allende], and China-Chile relations have set a good example of solidarity and cooperation between developing countries.

Cariola said that the Chile-China friendship is based on common values, and that both countries are committed to upholding international law and supporting multilateralism and free trade. She said that Chile upholds the one-China principle firmly, and that political parties and all sectors of society in Chile are highly consistent in their development of relations with China.

 Next year will mark the 55th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between the two countries. The Chamber of Deputies of Chile is willing to strengthen friendly exchange with the NPC of China, share legislative experience, enhance the friendship between the two peoples constantly, and promote bilateral cooperation in such varied fields as the Belt and Road Initiative (BRI), the economy, culture, and science and technology.

In her meeting with Wang Huning, Chairman of the National Committee of the Chinese People’s Political Consultative Conference (CPPCC), Cariola said Chile attaches great importance to developing a comprehensive strategic partnership with China, and Chile abides by the one-China principle, admires China’s development achievements, and is willing to learn from China’s successful development experience.

A former student leader, and a leading member of the Communist Party of Chile, Cariola is also the General Secretary of the Communist Youth of Chile, which lent extra significance to her meeting with Liu Jianchao, Minister of the International Department of the CPC Central Committee (IDCPC).

Liu said that the CPC is ready to strengthen exchanges and mutual learning of experience in party building and state governance, promote the construction of their respective parties, along with national development, and push forward the China-Chile comprehensive strategic partnership for sustainable and stable development.

Referring to the  third plenary session of the 20th CPC Central Committee, which had concluded in Beijing the previous day, Liu said the  Chinese side is willing to introduce the contents of the plenary session to Chilean political parties in detail, share experience, and support each other in the process of realising the modernisation and development of their respective countries, and unswervingly serve as each other’s comprehensive strategic partner based on equal treatment, mutual benefit and win-win results.

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

China’s top legislator holds talks with speaker of Chilean Chamber of Deputies

BEIJING, July 19 (Xinhua) — Zhao Leji, China’s top legislator, held talks with Karol Cariola Oliva, speaker of the Chilean Chamber of Deputies, on Friday in Beijing.

Zhao, chairman of China’s National People’s Congress (NPC) Standing Committee, said that China has always regarded Chile as an important cooperative partner in Latin America and the Asia-Pacific region, and is willing to work with Chile to implement the important consensus reached by the two heads of state, continue their traditional friendship, upgrade their level of cooperation, and continuously enrich the connotations of the China-Chile comprehensive strategic partnership.

Noting that Chile was the first South American country to establish diplomatic ties with the New China, Zhao said that over the past half century and more, China-Chile relations have maintained sound, steady growth regardless of changes in the international situation, setting a good example of solidarity and cooperation between developing countries.

Continue reading Karol Cariola: Chile attaches great importance to comprehensive strategic partnership with China

Wang Yi: China, India should properly handle differences, develop mutually beneficial cooperation

During his July visit to Laos, where he attended a number of international meetings held under the aegis of ASEAN (the Association of South East Asian Nations), Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi also held a number of bilateral meetings with his counterparts. Among the potentially most significant, on July 25, was that with Indian External Affairs Minister Subrahmanyam Jaishankar.

At the meeting, Wang said that, in the face of the current complex international situation and severe global challenges, China and India, as two major developing countries and two major emerging economies living next to each other, should strengthen dialogue and communication, and enhance mutual understanding and trust. They should also work for the improvement, steady and sustainable development of China-India relations with a sense of surmounting differences and frictions.

Wang noted that the two countries’ relationship has an important impact that goes beyond the bilateral scope. An improved relationship should reflect the strategic structure of China and India as two major emerging developing countries. The political wisdom of China and India as two ancient civilisations should be reflected in handling their differences, and the unity and cooperation of countries in the Global South should be reflected in their addressing global challenges. He stressed that the return to the right track of China-India relations not only serves the interests of both sides – it is also the common expectation of countries in the Global South.

Jaishankar said that India and China are the two most populous countries, two major emerging economies and two ancient civilisations with a long history. To maintain the stable and predictable development of bilateral relations fully conforms to the interests of both sides and is of special significance to safeguarding regional peace and promoting multipolarity.

The two sides agreed to work together to maintain peace in the border areas and to push for new progress in consultation on border affairs. They also agreed to strengthen communication within a number of international bodies, among them BRICS and the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation, including to safeguard the legitimate rights and interests of developing countries.

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

VIENTIANE, July 25 (Xinhua) — Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi met with Indian External Affairs Minister Subrahmanyam Jaishankar here on Thursday, saying the two countries should properly handle differences, and develop mutually beneficial cooperation.

Wang, also a member of the Political Bureau of the Communist Party of China Central Committee, said in the face of the current complex international situation and severe global challenges, China and India, as two major developing countries and two major emerging economies living next to each other, should strengthen dialogue and communication, enhance mutual understanding and trust.

The two sides should work for the improvement, steady and sustainable development of China-India relations with a sense of surmounting differences and frictions, Wang said, adding that the bilateral relationship has an important impact that goes beyond the bilateral scope.

The improvement of bilateral relations should reflect the strategic structure of China and India as two major emerging developing countries, Wang said. The political wisdom of China and India as two ancient civilizations should be reflected in handling their differences, and the unity and cooperation of countries in the Global South should be reflected in addressing global challenges, he added.

It is hoped that the two sides will meet each other halfway, actively explore the right way for the two neighboring major countries to get along, and guide all sectors to build a positive understanding of each other, Wang said.

Wang stressed that the return to the right track of China-India relations serves the interests of both sides and is also the common expectation of countries in the Global South.

Jaishankar said that India and China are the two most populous countries, two major emerging economies and two ancient civilizations with a long history. To maintain the stable and predictable development of bilateral relations fully conforms to the interests of both sides and is of special significance to safeguarding regional peace and promoting multipolarity.

India and China have widely intertwined interests and are also facing the shadow brought by the border situation, but the Indian side is willing to find a solution to differences with a historical vision, strategic thinking and an open attitude and bring bilateral relations back to the positive and constructive track, he said.

The two sides agreed to work together to maintain peace in the border areas and push for new progress in the consultation on border affairs.

The two sides said that they will strengthen communication within the East Asia Cooperation Platform, the Shanghai Cooperation Organization, the Group of Twenty, BRICS and other frameworks, jointly practice multilateralism, and safeguard the legitimate rights and interests of developing countries.

Daniel Ortega: China is bringing progress and benefit to the peoples of the world

On July 15, Nicaraguan President Daniel Ortega and Vice President Rosario Murillo attended a special ceremony in the capital Managua to hand over a fleet of Chinese buses produced by the Yutong company to the city’s transport cooperatives.

“Today,” Ortega declared, “we are delivering these buses so that they contribute to the transportation of families, of children going to school, of young people going to school, going to university; of workers, women, doctors, teachers, of all sectors of Nicaraguan society, who use collective transport.”

A special day had been chosen: “Today, July 15th, is the day our Brother Julio Buitrago, a young man, fell in combat. Julio was in college but went on to combat with the Sandinista Front, and the feat, the heroism, of Julio, who fell in combat 55 years ago today, on July 15th 1969, is well known. He was alone! He was surrounded by 300 National Guard, trained by the Yankees, they brought small tanks, they brought airplanes, and he resisted until his last cartridge… And in tribute to Julio we make this handover on this day, in tribute to Julio who represents Nicaragua’s youth, giving their lives for Nicaragua, fighting for Nicaragua.”

Ortega took the occasion to outline in some detail the long history of solidarity between the Nicaraguan and Chinese revolutions. Referring to a speech just delivered by China’s Ambassador to Nicaragua, he continued: “Our relations with China are historic. Ambassador Chen Xi recalled the years of the triumph of China’s revolution, and they will be commemorating now 75 and us 45. What does this mean? That it took 30 years for the triumph of the Sandinista revolution to follow on, and before the triumph of the Nicaraguan revolution was the triumph of the Cuban revolution, which was immediately intertwined with the People’s Republic of China, when the great Chairman Mao Zedong was at the head of the People’s Republic of China.

“When we were fighting, from the 1960s onwards, against the tyranny of Somoza, we maintained links with the leaders of the Chinese party; compañeras and compañeros of the Sandinista Front traveled there, to China, in those years. And naturally we were inspired by the Chinese revolution, a revolution that had an impact on the world, with such an immense territory and with a division in the country, and the ability that the Chinese leadership, headed by Mao, displayed in uniting that great nation, where there were a great many differences between the provinces. They had to be united, and he united them.

“Then the Chinese revolution came to grow, it came to advance, facing counter-revolutions, and later the Chinese people’s revolution managed to take a great leap forward, such that now, with President Xi Jinping, much wider doors are opening for humanity.”

China, Ortega said, “has been fulfilling its principles, which are revolutionary principles, they are the principles of the Chinese Communist Party, with which we have always maintained relations. Tomás [Tomás Borge, a co-founder and central leader of the Sandinista National Liberation Front, FSLN] was there, in China, in various seminars held there in China in which leaders of the revolutionary parties of Central America took part. Victor Tirado [another historic Sandinista Commandante] had also been there before.

“And China today, is really serving as a compass, pointing the way which other nations share as well, that Planet Earth cannot continue to live under the boot of empires which accumulate wealth at the expense of developing peoples, crushing them, invading them, murdering them. This has to change, and it will surely have to change, because every day we find more countries defending these positions.”

Having praised the cultural performances at the celebration from indigenous and Afro-descendant peoples on his country’s Caribbean coast, Ortega referred to the next tranche of 1,000 buses that will be delivered from China, saying that, “we guarantee some buses for the Caribbean coast, so that they reach Bluefields and reach Bilwi, so that they reach the Mines Region; that is, that the embrace of solidarity from the Chinese people reaches the Miskito peoples, the Ramas, the Afro-descendant population, the Mayagna, the Garifuna. May this embrace of solidarity from the Chinese people reach all these communities, because now the highways are there, and the highways are still advancing. So, there should be no problem now for these buses to circulate on the Caribbean coast.”

He went on to recall his own state visit to China in 1986, where, “we managed to meet as the brothers and sisters that we are.” However, “in the 1990s the neoliberal politicians imposed by the Gringos came along, and the first thing they did was break off relations with the People’s Republic of China.”

After the struggle against three consecutive neoliberal governments, “we returned to government, always in communication with the People’s Republic of China, looking for the moment when we could normalise relations again. We have been united in our struggles, in the battles that the Chinese people have been waging to improve their conditions, to strengthen themselves in all fields, to stand in solidarity with the peoples of Asia, Africa, Latin America, with the peoples of the world.”

Four days after this speech, on July 19, Nicaragua celebrated the 45th anniversary of the victory of the Sandinista people’s revolution. Tens of thousands of Nicaraguans were joined by government delegations from numerous countries, including Algeria, Angola, Belarus, Burkina Faso, China, Cote d’Ivoire, Cuba, Ghana, Honduras, Iran, Kuwait, South Ossetia, Palestine, Qatar, Russia, South Africa, United Arab Emirates, Venezuela, Vietnam and Zimbabwe, along with solidarity delegations from numerous other countries, to hear President Ortega make another important speech. A special guest was the legendary Palestinian revolutionary Leila Khaled.

Having referred to the historic and decisive support rendered by the Soviet Union in the first period of building a new society in Nicaragua, and to Russia’s current struggle against the revival of Nazism in Ukraine, Ortega continued:

“And there is another nation with which we have also had historical relations, the People’s Republic of China, which has been bringing progress, benefits and development to the world’s peoples who were colonised and who became independent, but who were then subjugated under the boot of the interests of the powers that had colonised them, leaving those peoples in poverty, with people in misery, people going hungry, people in illiteracy, with infant mortality, in Africa, in Asia. And the People’s Republic of China has been developing a policy bringing benefits to developing countries, without setting any conditions.

“So now the great powers grouped in NATO already have an incipient war which is in the phase of them preparing their own peoples for what they call a threat; that Russia and China are a threat, but then, too, there are the BRICS, where there is India, and they say they too are a threat. That is to say, everything that is a coming together of nations, of countries, where sovereignty is respected, where they reach agreements to achieve better conditions for their peoples, they see as a threat, because the imperialists are used to occupying by force, and then dominating and murdering; and then pointing accusing fingers at us.”

The following articles were originally published by Tortilla con Sal.

Continue reading Daniel Ortega: China is bringing progress and benefit to the peoples of the world

China a credible peace broker in Palestine

In the following article for Middle East Monitor, Ramzy Baroud, editor-in-chief of the Palestine Chronicle, discusses the historic signing of a unity agreement between 14 Palestinian political parties in Beijing and the implications it has for China’s role as a peacemaker in the Middle East.

Ramzy notes that China has long been a supporter of the Palestinian cause, and has been involved in various peace initiatives in the region, including its four-point proposal on the Palestine-Israel conflict, put forward by Foreign Minister Wang Yi in May 2021. This proposal was not immediately successful, but in the intervening period there have been two significant developments: first, “China’s success in ending a seven-year rift between Saudi Arabia and Iran re-introduced Beijing as a powerful new mediator”; and second, “US-dominated western diplomacy is breaking apart” and the US has lost all credibility as a mediator.

Meanwhile, China has been a loud and consistent voice in the international community condemning Israel’s onslaught on Gaza. China has proven itself to be “committed to the rights of the Palestinian people and their historic struggle for freedom and justice”.

China’s efforts towards a lasting peace and justice in the Middle East have been widely welcomed by regional states and by the Palestinian people themselves. “China is now officially a peace broker in Palestine and, for most Palestinians, a credible one at that”.

In the video embedded below the article, Ramzy discusses these issues in greater detail on the Palestine Deep Dive show.

Chinese diplomacy has done it again.

By hosting a historic signing of a unity agreement between 14 Palestinian political parties in Beijing on 23 July, China has, once more, shown its ability to play a global role as a peace broker.

For years, China has attempted to play a role in Middle East politics, particularly in the region’s most enduring crisis, the Israeli Occupation of Palestine.

In 2021, China announced its four-point plan, aimed at “comprehensively, fairly and permanently” resolving the Palestinian question.

Whether the plan itself was workable or not, it mattered little, as neither the Israeli government nor the Palestinian Authority were prepared to ditch Washington, which has dominated Middle East diplomacy for decades.

Continue reading China a credible peace broker in Palestine

Timor-Leste President: If China can help our people, then China is my hero

At the invitation of President Xi Jinping, Dr. José Ramos-Horta, the President of the Democratic Republic of Timor-Leste, paid a state visit to China from July 28-31.

It was Ramos-Horta’s first visit to China since he took office in 2022, but he has visited China many times in the past, the first occasion being in early 1976, as part of a delegation from the Revolutionary Front for an Independent East Timor (FRETILIN). With the collapse of Portuguese colonialism, Timor-Leste had declared its independence on November 28, 1975. However, Indonesia invaded and occupied the newly independent country just nine days later. Ramos-Horta had left the country three days before the invasion to present its case to the United Nations and remained in exile for 24 years, leading the work to gain international support and solidarity for Timor’s liberation struggle, which finally triumphed over overwhelming odds.

In a July 2006 article, the right-wing US thinktank Jamestown noted:

“When the Frente Revolucionária de Timor-Leste Independente (FRETILIN) Party declared outright independence from Portugal in November 1975, the PRC [People’s Republic of China] supported the declaration…  Following Indonesia’s annexation of East Timor, the PRC acted as FRETILIN’s primary patron. China argued East Timor’s case at the UN, provided financial support to its government in exile in Mozambique and was prepared to furnish anti-Indonesian guerilla fighters with sufficient military equipment to arm a light division of approximately 8,000 troops… At the stroke of midnight on May 20, 2002, East Timor became fully independent after three years under UN tutelage. The PRC became the first country to formally establish diplomatic relations with the world’s newest country.”

Meeting his Timorese counterpart on July 29, Xi Jinping said that President Ramos-Horta is the founding father of Timor-Leste and the founder of China-Timor-Leste friendship. China and Timor-Leste enjoy a long-standing traditional friendship, with China being the first country to recognise Timor-Leste’s independence and establish diplomatic ties with Timor-Leste.

He added that China firmly supports Timor-Leste’s efforts to safeguard national unity and social stability and stands ready to deepen strategic coordination and cooperation with Timor-Leste in an all-round way, safeguard the sovereignty and security interests of the two countries, and move toward the general direction of building a community with a shared future. He also called on both countries to take the signing of the Belt and Road cooperation plan as an opportunity to synergise their development strategies, share experience and technology in water conservancy construction, water-saving irrigation, disaster prevention and reduction, implement agricultural cooperation such as in rice cultivation, advance cooperation in terms of fisheries and poverty reduction, and help Timor-Leste develop its economy independently and in diversified ways, and continued:

“We should jointly promote the development of the Global South, carry out multilateral cooperation at a higher level, carry forward the spirit of the Five Principles of Peaceful Coexistence, strengthen coordination and cooperation in the United Nations, the World Trade Organisation and other multilateral platforms, jointly advocate an equal and orderly multipolar world and an economic globalisation that benefits all, and promote the building of a community with a shared future for humanity.”

Ramos-Horta said that he has visited China many times since 1976 and witnessed with his own eyes the earth-shaking changes that have taken place in China. He added that under the leadership of President Xi, China has eliminated absolute poverty, which is a miracle of humanity.

He added that in the face of profound changes in the international situation, China has firmly upheld multilateralism, and proposed the Belt and Road Initiative and a series of other important global initiatives. China has also facilitated reconciliation between Saudi Arabia and Iran, as well as among Palestinian factions, making significant contributions to regional and global peace and development, thereby demonstrating China’s role and influence as a peaceful and responsible major country in today’s world.

He also thanked China for its long-term valuable support for Timor-Leste’s economic and social development and his country’s response to the COVID-19 pandemic, adding that Timor-Leste hopes to further consolidate and develop the comprehensive strategic partnership with China, and strengthen cooperation in food security, infrastructure construction and other fields.

Timor-Leste firmly adheres to the one-China principle, believes that Taiwan is an inalienable part of the Chinese territory, opposes “Taiwan independence” and interference by external forces, and supports all efforts by China to safeguard national sovereignty and territorial integrity.

After the talks, the two heads of state witnessed the signing of the Belt and Road cooperation plan and multiple bilateral cooperation documents in the fields of agriculture, green development, digital economy and air transport. They also issued a joint statement on strengthening their comprehensive strategic partnership.

The previous day, Ramos-Horta had met with Chinese Premier Li Qiang. Li said that that since the establishment of diplomatic ties 22 years ago, no matter how the international landscape has evolved, China and Timor-Leste have always understood and supported each other, deepened political mutual trust and achieved fruitful results in practical cooperation. China is willing to work with Timor-Leste to further carry forward their traditional friendship, strengthen mutually beneficial cooperation and achieve more results to better benefit the two peoples.

Ramos-Horta also met with Zhao Leji, Chairman of the National People’s Congress (NPC) Standing Committee on July 29. 

In their joint statement, both nations shared the view that since the establishment of diplomatic relations between China and Timor-Leste 22 years ago, the two countries have acted with mutual respect and treated each other as equals, with the friendship continuing to deepen, and set a fine example of unity and cooperation between countries of different sizes.

Timor-Leste extended warm congratulations on the 75th anniversary of the founding of the People’s Republic of China, and the great success of convening the Third Plenary Session of the 20th Central Committee of the Communist Party of China. Timor-Leste commends the impressive achievements China made in the First Decade of the New Era and believes that Chinese modernisation presents a new paradigm, which broadens paths and options for developing countries to achieve modernisation. Timor-Leste trusts that the Communist Party of China will lead all Chinese people of all ethnic groups in a concerted effort to realise the Second Centenary Goal of building a great modern socialist country in all aspects, and to advance the rejuvenation of the Chinese nation on all fronts through a Chinese path to modernisation.

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Wang Yi to Blinken: the US should return to a rational and pragmatic China policy

On July 27, Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi met in Vientiane with US Secretary of State Antony Blinken at the latter’s request. The two men were both attending various international meetings held under the auspices of the Association of South East Asian Nations (ASEAN) in the Laotian capital. Laos currently holds the rotating chair of ASEAN.

China’s official report of the meeting clearly indicates the grave situation in which the two countries’ bilateral relationship continues to finds itself.

Wang Yi said that in the past three months, the diplomatic, financial, law enforcement, and climate teams of the two governments and the two militaries have maintained communication, and people-to-people exchanges have been on the rise. However, he continued, it must be pointed out that the US has not stopped, but rather doubled down on its containment and suppression of China. The risks facing China-US relations are still building and the challenges are rising.

He added that China’s policy towards the United States is consistent, and the US side should earnestly implement the commitments made by President Biden (at his meeting with Chinese President Xi Jinping in California in November 2023) and return to a rational and pragmatic China policy. The US, Wang Yi pointed out, holds a wrong perception of China, always seeing China with its own hegemonic mindset.

The Chinese Foreign Minister added that Taiwan is part of China, and it never has been and never will be a country. “Taiwan independence” and cross-Strait peace are as irreconcilable as fire and water. “We will keep reducing the space for ‘Taiwan independence’ and work toward the goal of complete reunification.”

Wang Yi also said that China’s position on the Ukraine issue is fair and transparent. The US should stop abusing unilateral sanctions and long-arm jurisdiction. China rejects false accusations and will not succumb to pressure or blackmail. China will take resolute and robust measures to protect its major interests and legitimate rights.

From Laos, Blinken went on to visit Vietnam, Japan, the Philippines, Singapore and Mongolia, his main purpose being to try to rig up anti-China alliances, attempt to encircle China and thereby prepare for and heighten the risk of a catastrophic war. While this found expression in the conclusion of new military agreements with Japan and the Philippines, Vietnam, Mongolia and Singapore displayed no interest in disturbing their friendly and mutually beneficial relations with China or in being drawn into US schemes.

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

On July 27, 2024 local time, Member of the Political Bureau of the CPC Central Committee and Minister of Foreign Affairs Wang Yi met with U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken in Vientiane at the latter’s request. The two sides exchanged views on current China-U.S. relations, and agreed to maintain communication at all levels and further implement the important common understandings reached by their Presidents at the San Francisco meeting.

Wang Yi said that in the past three months, the diplomatic, financial, law enforcement, and climate teams of the two governments and the two militaries have maintained communication, and people-to-people exchanges have been on the rise. However it must be pointed out that the U.S. has not stopped, but rather doubled down on its containment and suppression of China. The risks facing China-U.S. relations are still building, and the challenges rising. The relationship remains at a critical juncture of deescalation and stabilization. We need to continue to recalibrate the direction, manage risks, properly address differences, remove interference, and advance cooperation.

Wang Yi said that China’s U.S. policy is consistent, and adheres to the principles of mutual respect, peaceful coexistence and win-win cooperation. The U.S. side should earnestly implement the commitments made by President Biden, and return to a rational and pragmatic China policy. The two sides need to work together for a stable, healthy, and sustainable China-U.S. relationship.

Wang Yi pointed out that the U.S. side holds a wrong perception of China, always seeing China with its own hegemonic mindset. China is not the United States, nor does China want to become like the United States. China does not pursue hegemony, or practice power politics. China has the best record on peace and security among all major countries. The third Plenary Session of the 20th CPC Central Committee adopted a major resolution on further deepening reform comprehensively to advance Chinese modernization. We will stay committed to our founding aspiration, and focus on seeking happiness for the Chinese people, and rejuvenation for the Chinese nation. China will stay on the path of peaceful development, and promote the building of a community with a shared future for mankind. It is hoped that the U.S. side will better understand the CPC as well as China’s present and future through this resolution.

Wang Yi said that Taiwan is part of China, and it never has been and never will be a country. “Taiwan independence” and cross-Strait peace are as irreconcilable as fire and water. Each time “Taiwan independence” forces make provocation, we will definitely take countermeasures. We will keep reducing the space for “Taiwan independence” and work toward the goal of complete reunification.

Wang Yi reiterated the ins and outs of the Ren’ai Jiao (Reef) issue. Now that China has agreed on a provisional arrangement with the Philippines on managing the situation, the Philippine side should honor its commitment, and not ship construction materials any more. The U.S. side should not take any more action to fan the flames, stir up trouble, or undermine maritime stability.

Wang Yi said that China’s position on the Ukraine issue is fair and transparent, and China will continue to encourage and promote peace talks. The U.S. side should stop abusing unilateral sanctions and long-arm jurisdiction. China rejects false accusations, and will not succumb to pressure or blackmail. China will take resolute and robust measures to protect its major interests and legitimate rights.

Blinken said that the United States is strongly committed to stabilizing U.S.-China relations and continues to follow the one-China policy. The U.S. side looks forward to keeping in regular communication with the Chinese side and continuing the cooperation in such areas as counternarcotics and artificial intelligence. The U.S. would like to manage differences between the two sides and avoid misunderstanding and miscalculation.

The two sides also exchanged views on the situation concerning Gaza and the Korean Peninsula, and the question of Myanmar, among other matters.

China, Russia, Laos pledge concerted efforts to safeguard common interests

From July 25-27, Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi paid an official visit to Laos, where he also attended a number of international meetings principally connected to the Association of South East Asian Nations (ASEAN) and related cooperation mechanisms, along with bilateral dialogues with his counterparts from many countries.

In a round of engagements on July 25, Wang met with General Secretary of the Lao People’s Revolutionary Party (LPRP) Central Committee and Lao President Thongloun Sisoulith.

During the meeting, Thongloun said that the important conclusions and innovative achievements of the recently held third plenary session of the 20th Communist Party of China (CPC) Central Committee have provided important references for Laos to promote the socialist cause.

He thanked China for providing valuable support for Laos’ economic and social development over the years, saying that the Laos-China Railway has helped the Lao people realise their dreams and is a precious symbol of friendship between the people of the two countries.

Laos is willing to deepen cooperation with China, speed up comprehensive development along the Laos-China Railway, and build landmark projects of high-quality Belt and Road cooperation that carry forward the Laos-China traditional friendship, Thongloun said, adding that Laos welcomes more investments by Chinese enterprises to help the country enhance its capacity for independent development. He also noted that Laos will never allow anyone to undermine its friendship and practical cooperation with China

Wang responded that China firmly supports Laos in exploring a development path suited to its own conditions and in safeguarding its national sovereignty and dignity, is willing to deepen all-round cooperation with Laos, to strengthen comprehensive development along the China-Laos Railway and to promote connectivity to boost Laos’ economic development

The same day, Wang Yi also held talks with Lao Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Saleumxay Kommasith

He said that China has always prioritised the development of China-Laos relations in its neighbourhood diplomacy and supported Laos in taking the path of socialism which suits its national conditions, and in promoting the cause of innovation and opening-up,

China is willing to introduce the guiding principles of the third plenary session of the 20th CPC Central Committee and the new measures to further deepen reforms comprehensively, share reform and development experiences in a timely manner, jointly improve the ability of governance, and join hands to promote the cause of socialism.

The two sides should implement the action plan for building the community with a shared future signed by the leaders of the two parties and countries.  Based on the construction of the China-Laos Railway, they should give full play to the ‘first-mover’ advantage, build the China-Laos Economic Corridor, and help Laos enhance its capacity for independent development and achieve economic revitalisation. China will continue to provide all possible support for the economic and social development of Laos, deepen practical cooperation in energy, minerals and other fields, and import more high-quality Lao agricultural products to bring more benefits to the Lao people.

The two sides also exchanged views on regional cooperation, saying that they will work together to resist the interference and infiltration of external forces, jointly safeguard the ASEAN-centred regional architecture, and jointly promote regional peace, stability and prosperity. (This and similar subsequent references in this introduction to the interference and infiltration of external forces refers above all to moves by NATO to advance into the East Asian region along with related moves by the United States to further tighten military alignments with Japan and some other countries.)

Wang said China will continue to fully support Laos in fulfilling its responsibilities as the rotating chair of ASEAN and in playing a greater role in international and regional affairs.

Also on July 25, in the first such meeting of its kind, China, Russia and Laos jointly pledged to enhance cooperation to safeguard the common interests of the three countries, thereby contributing to regional stability and prosperity and a proper response to risks and challenges. Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi, Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov and Lao Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Saleumxay Kommasith all underlined these points in the course of their trilateral meeting.

Continue reading China, Russia, Laos pledge concerted efforts to safeguard common interests

China congratulates Maduro on election as Venezuelan president

Chinese President Xi Jinping has congratulated Nicolás Maduro on his victory in the Venezuelan presidential election held on 28 July.

In his message, Xi said that Maduro has led the Venezuelan government and people in pursuing a development path suited to their own national conditions, making remarkable achievements in national construction and that China and Venezuela are good friends that trust each other, adding that China will, as always, firmly support Venezuela’s efforts to safeguard national sovereignty, national dignity and social stability, as well as Venezuela’s just cause of opposing external interference.

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

BEIJING, July 30 (Xinhua) — Chinese President Xi Jinping on Tuesday sent a message to Nicolas Maduro, congratulating him on re-election as president of the Bolivarian Republic of Venezuela.

Since taking office, President Maduro has led the Venezuelan government and people in pursuing a development path suited to their own national conditions, making remarkable achievements in national construction, Xi said.

China and Venezuela are good friends that trust each other and good partners for common development, Xi said, adding that China will, as always, firmly support Venezuela’s efforts to safeguard national sovereignty, national dignity and social stability, as well as Venezuela’s just cause of opposing external interference.

Xi said that he highly values the development of China-Venezuela relations and is willing to work with President Maduro to continue guiding the all-weather strategic partnership between China and Venezuela to new heights, so as to benefit the people of both countries. 

China champions peace in Middle East through concrete actions

Following the July 23 signing of the Beijing Declaration on Ending Division and Strengthening Palestinian National Unity by 14 Palestinian resistance movements, the Xinhua News Agency released a commentary on July 26, affirming that China champions peace in the region through concrete actions. 

According to correspondent Zhao Wencai: “As witnessed by their Chinese friends, once-bitter rivals among the Palestinians, notably Hamas and Fatah, have decided to bury the hatchet and join forces.”

He goes on to note that during the reconciliation talks, Mustafa Barghouti, Secretary-General of the Palestinian National Initiative, was asked why different factions could resolve their differences in Beijing.

“After thinking for a while, he replied, ‘Because China is decent and honest and wants to help us without interfering in our internal affairs, (and) to support our struggle by enhancing Palestinian unity and enabling Palestinians to achieve what they deserve, which is their freedom, their independence, their rights to sovereignty.'”

The current war in Gaza has, the commentary notes, highlighted for Palestinians the detrimental impact of internal divisions on their goal of establishing a state. There is a growing recognition that a unified voice will amplify their calls for justice, and only by standing together can they advance their cause for national liberation.

“China’s drive for an early, comprehensive, just and lasting resolution to the Palestinian-Israeli conflict stems not from self-serving geopolitical motives, but from a profound empathy for the Palestinian people and an earnest aspiration for peace and prosperity in the Middle East.

“Unlike some Western countries that have often overlooked the suffering in Gaza, China’s historical experience with Western interference has given its people a unique perspective on the hardships faced by those in the Middle East, who long for peace and stability amidst the turmoil of war.”

Meanwhile, in his weekly blog, published on belfastmedia.com, former Sinn Féin President Gerry Adams has welcomed the Beijing agreement. He writes: “In a very welcome move Hamas and Fatah and 12 other Palestinian groups signed a ‘national unity’ agreement in Beijing aimed at maintaining Palestinian control over the Gaza Strip once Israel’s genocidal war on the besieged territory ends. The agreement calls for [an] ‘interim national reconciliation government’ to govern Gaza.

“Israel and its allies have sought to dictate the terms of any governance arrangement for the Gaza Strip in any post war situation, including Israel maintaining control of the territory. All of these have been predicated on limiting the democratic rights of the Palestinian people to choose their own representatives and government. This cannot be allowed. The Palestinian people have the right to self-determination.”

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

CAIRO, July 26 (Xinhua) — As the Palestinian-Israeli conflict in Gaza stretches into its 10th month, there was a bid for peace and unity from Beijing this week: Under China’s mediation, senior representatives from 14 Palestinian factions signed the Beijing Declaration on Ending Division and Strengthening Palestinian National Unity.

According to the declaration, the Palestinian factions have agreed to establish an interim national reconciliation government, carry out reconstruction in Gaza and prepare and hold a general election as soon as possible in keeping with the adopted election laws.

As witnessed by their Chinese friends, once-bitter rivals among the Palestinians, notably Hamas and Fatah, have decided to bury the hatchet and join forces. They are setting their sights on establishing an independent State of Palestine with Jerusalem as the capital, based on relevant United Nations (UN) resolutions and ensuring the integrity of Palestinian territory, including the West Bank, Jerusalem, and Gaza.

During the reconciliation talks, Mustafa Barghouti, secretary-general of the Palestinian National Initiative, was asked why different factions could resolve their differences in Beijing.

After thinking for a while, he replied, “Because China is decent and honest and wants to help us without interfering in our internal affairs, (and) to support our struggle by enhancing Palestinian unity and enabling Palestinians to achieve what they deserve, which is their freedom, their independence, their rights to sovereignty.”

Barghouti’s remarks offered a compelling elucidation of China’s sincerity and continual progress in assisting the Middle East in achieving peace.

The Palestinian question has always been the core issue in the Middle East, and achieving internal reconciliation within Palestine is an important step toward resolving the issue and achieving peace and stability in the region.

China has long been committed to promoting reconciliation within Palestine, a goal shared by other Arab nations including Egypt and Jordan.

However, efforts have previously stalled due to an unfavorable international environment, particularly interference from the United States.

The recent round of conflicts in Gaza has highlighted for Palestinians the detrimental impact of internal divisions on their goal of establishing a state. There is a growing recognition that a unified voice will amplify their calls for justice, and only by standing together can they advance their cause for national liberation. This has spurred a renewed desire for reconciliation among Palestinian factions.

Meanwhile, the international community has increasingly recognized that the establishment of a Palestinian state is the key to resolving the Palestinian question. Inspired by China’s successful mediation between Saudi Arabia and Iran, the world and the Palestinian leaders in particular are hopeful that China will play a significant role in addressing the thorny issue.

The most urgent task now is to achieve a comprehensive, lasting and sustainable ceasefire in the Gaza Strip as soon as possible, and ensure access to humanitarian aid and rescue on the ground. China has engaged in close communication and coordination with relevant parties since the outbreak of recent hostilities.

Deeply concerned about the humanitarian situation in Gaza, China has provided significant amounts of humanitarian aid through various channels. It has also actively facilitated the UN Security Council’s adoption of a resolution calling for a ceasefire in Gaza.

In the Position Paper of the People’s Republic of China on Resolving the Palestinian-Israeli Conflict released last November, China calls for Palestine’s full membership in the UN and a more authoritative and effective international peace conference to work out a timetable and road map for the two-state solution.

China’s drive for an early, comprehensive, just and lasting resolution to the Palestinian-Israeli conflict stems not from self-serving geopolitical motives, but from a profound empathy for the Palestinian people and an earnest aspiration for peace and prosperity in the Middle East.

Unlike some Western countries that have often overlooked the suffering in Gaza, China’s historical experience with Western interference has given its people a unique perspective on the hardships faced by those in the Middle East, who long for peace and stability amidst the turmoil of war.

China’s efforts to promote peace in the region are underscored by its role in facilitating the reconciliation between Saudi Arabia and Iran in 2023, ending seven years of diplomatic deadlock. The current Beijing Declaration further exemplifies China’s concrete steps to bridge regional divides and lay the foundation for a peaceful Middle East.

On their journey toward lasting peace and prosperity, all parties involved in the Middle East conflict will find in China a true advocate committed to peace and justice in the region.

Chinese FM warns Philippines over US intermediate missile system deployment

From July 25-27, Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi paid an official visit to Laos, where he also attended the ASEAN (Association of South East Asian Nations)-China Foreign Ministers’ Meeting, the ASEAN Plus Three (China, Japan, the Republic of Korea) Foreign Ministers’ Meeting, the East Asia Summit Foreign Ministers’ Meeting and the ASEAN Regional Forum Foreign Ministers’ Meeting, as well as holding a considerable number of bilateral meetings with his counterparts from around the world and the first trilateral meeting of the foreign ministers of China, Russia and Laos.

As part of his program, on July 26, Wang Yi met with his Philippine counterpart, Foreign Secretary Enrique Manalo, in which meeting he warned the Philippine side over the question of US intermediate missile system deployment. 

Wang said that China and the Philippines are close neighbours across the sea, and good neighbourliness, mutually beneficial cooperation and common development are in the fundamental interests of the two countries.

He noted that the positive and negative lessons of China-Philippines relations in recent years have proved time and again that it is not easy to build good relations, but it is easy to destroy them. At present, he continued, China-Philippines relations are facing serious difficulties and challenges, which are rooted in the fact that the Philippine side has repeatedly violated the consensus of the two sides and its own commitments.

He added that if the Philippines introduces the US intermediate missile system, it will create regional tension and confrontation, triggering an arms race, which is totally not in line with the interests and aspirations of the Filipino people.

Wang pointed out that China-Philippines relations are now at a crossroads and there is no way out of conflict and confrontation, except for dialogue and consultation. He expressed the hope that the Philippine side will seriously think about the future of China-Philippines relations and work with China to push bilateral relations back on the right track at an early date.

Manalo said that despite the difficulties and challenges faced by the two sides due to maritime issues, the Philippines is committed to easing the situation through dialogue and consultation and dealing with differences constructively. He noted that next year is the 50th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between the Philippines and China, and the Philippines is willing to strengthen communication with China in a sincere and pragmatic manner to enhance mutual trust and improve bilateral relations.

In related developments, on July 8, the International Information Office of the National Democratic Front (NDF) of the Philippines issued a statement describing the recently signed Japan-Philippines Reciprocal Access Agreement (RAA) as another step in US imperialism’s march towards war, adding that it, “betrays the victims of Japanese war crimes against the Filipino people during World War II and dangerously positions the country on the front lines of war. By allowing the deployment of Japanese soldiers on Philippine soil for so-called joint military exercises, the [President] Marcos Jr. and [Prime Minister] Kishida administrations are shameless puppets in the elaborate war preparations orchestrated by the US in its march toward an armed confrontation with China.

“The RAA with Japan comes at the heels of US overtures to strengthen military alliances in the Indo-Pacific region in its continuing ‘first island chain strategy’ to encircle China. The RAA with Japan allows Japanese military to freely enter and exit the Philippines for combat training including live-fire drills – akin to the lopsided Visiting Forces Agreement (VFA) of the Philippines with the US government, which the latter has been using to justify its provocative sabre rattling against China.

“The Japan-Philippines Reciprocal Access Agreement marks a dangerous precedent, undermining prospects for a peaceful resolution of territorial conflicts in the region while stoking the flames of war. The path to lasting peace lies not in the buildup of military personnel and materiel that serve US war designs against China.”

Further, on July 22, in a statement issued by Marco Valbuena, its Chief Information Officer, the Communist Party of the Philippines (CPP) accused President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. of speaking, “from a fantasy bubble, completely detached from the realities of oppression and exploitation facing the majority of the Filipino people” in his third State of the Nation Address (SONA) and ignoring and obscuring, “the stark social realities confronting millions of peasants and workers, fisherfolk, national minorities, unemployed people, urban poor, students and young people, women, and other toiling sectors.”

The CPP statement added: “Marcos falsely depicted himself as a patriot for purportedly asserting Philippine sovereignty and echoing the line ‘atin ang [we’re the] West Philippine Sea,’ blurring the fact that he has completely yielded to the dictates of his US imperialist master to turn the country into an American military base, to station their troops, preposition their weapons, and drag the country into its conflict with China.”

The following articles were originally published by the Xinhua News Agency and Philippine Revolution Web Central.

Chinese FM warns Philippines over U.S. intermediate missile system deployment

VIENTIANE, July 27 (Xinhua) — Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi met with Philippine Foreign Secretary Enrique Manalo here on Friday, warning the Philippine side over the U.S. intermediate missile system deployment.

Wang, also a member of the Political Bureau of the Communist Party of China Central Committee, said that China and the Philippines are close neighbors across the sea, and good neighborliness, mutually beneficial cooperation and common development are in the fundamental interests of the two countries.

He noted that the positive and negative lessons of China-Philippines relations in recent years have proved time and again that it is not easy to build good relations, but it is easy to destroy them.

At present, Wang said, China-Philippines relations are facing serious difficulties and challenges, which are rooted in the fact that the Philippine side has repeatedly violated the consensus of the two sides and its own commitments, continuously pushed the infringement of rights at sea and magnified the speculation of public opinion.

China is gravely concerned about and firmly opposes it, Wang said.

He added that if the Philippines introduces the U.S. intermediate missile system, it will create regional tension and confrontation, triggering an arms race, which is totally not in line with the interests and aspirations of the Filipino people.

Continue reading Chinese FM warns Philippines over US intermediate missile system deployment

Chinese FM meets head of Fatah delegation

Following the conclusion of talks in Beijing between representatives of 14 Palestinian resistance groups, which resulted in the signing of the Beijing Declaration on Ending Division and Strengthening Palestinian National Unity, on July 23, Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi met with the head of the Fatah delegation Mahmoud al-Aloul.

Wang stressed that a top priority now is to proceed from the fundamental interests of all the Palestinian people, seize the opportunity and seek common ground while shelving differences, so that unity and reconciliation among the various factions could be realised.

Mahmoud al-Aloul, who is also deputy leader of Fatah, thanked China for its efforts to promote reconciliation among Palestinian factions and for its support and assistance to Palestine over the past decades, calling China a true friend and brother of the Palestinian people.

The following report was first published by the Xinhua News Agency.

BEIJING, July 24 (Xinhua) — Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi met with the head of the Fatah delegation Mahmoud al-Aloul in Beijing on Tuesday.

Wang, also a member of the Political Bureau of the Communist Party of China Central Committee, stressed that no matter how the international situation changes, China will always firmly support the just cause of the Palestinian people.

Noting that the conflict in Gaza has caused a huge humanitarian disaster, Wang said to resolve this historical injustice, the principle of “Palestinian-owned, Palestinian-led and Palestinian-ruled” must be upheld.

Wang said the top priority now is to proceed from the fundamental interests of all the Palestinian people, seize the opportunity and seek common ground while shelving differences, so that unity and reconciliation among the various factions could be realized, and they could form a unified position, define a common goal, and create necessary conditions for a permanent ceasefire in Gaza, the realization of an independent state and the implementation of the two-state solution.

Mahmoud al-Aloul, also deputy chief of the Fatah Movement, thanked China for its efforts to promote reconciliation among Palestinian factions and its support and assistance to Palestine over the past decades, calling China a true friend and brother of the Palestinian people.

The Fatah Movement will do its utmost to promote reconciliation and unity among Palestinian factions and contribute to a thorough settlement of the Palestinian issue. 

Starmer should develop balanced strategy

In the following article, Grenville Cross dissects the likely foreign policy trajectory and options of Britain’s new Labour government which took office following the July 4 general election. 

Regarding the manifesto on which the Labour Party fought the election, he notes that its references to foreign policy are relatively sparse, but that it committed the party to “working with the US, supporting NATO, enhancing the AUKUS pact, and backing Ukraine in its conflict with Russia, so no surprises there. They mirrored the policies of Rishi Sunak’s Conservative government, and [now Prime Minister Sir Keir] Starmer was trying to steal its clothes,” adding that he had also thrown in some Cold War rhetoric of his own:

“This will have delighted the US and its military-industrial complex, even though it is the long-suffering Ukrainian people who will pay the price of their bellicosity.”

Having noted that the manifesto promised that “Labour will bring a long-term and strategic approach to managing our relations” [with China] and committed to an “audit of our bilateral relationship” to  “understand and respond to the challenges and opportunities China poses,” Cross observes, “If Starmer can be more principled on the world stage, this will be welcome, although the early signs are less than reassuring,” adding:

“On July 7, his new foreign secretary, David Lammy, eager to make a splash on his second day in office, said he hoped China would not become involved in the Ukraine conflict. He warned that Beijing had to be ‘very careful’ about ‘deepening its partnerships with Russia, Iran and North Korea’. As China has remained neutral in the conflict, has not supplied weapons to either side, and is pressing for a ceasefire, Lammy should have congratulated it upon its continuing role as an honest broker. Unfortunately, years of instinctive prejudice toward Beijing have taken their toll on British foreign policy.”

However, as China was Britain’s fifth-largest trading partner in 2023, the last thing the UK needs is a political neophyte like Lammy trying to worsen relations. Citing Chinese Premier Li Qiang’s congratulatory message to Starmer on his election, where he expressed his willingness “to work with the new UK government to consolidate mutual political trust and expand mutually beneficial cooperation”, Cross opines that it is regrettable that Lammy did not respond in kind.

He argues that: “The hypocrisy that was the hallmark of Sunak’s administration in other areas is again rearing its ugly head and suggests the two governments have more in common than people realised. After a Russian air raid (accidentally, according to Putin) hit a children’s hospital in Kyiv, killing 22 people, Starmer, on July 9, accused him of ‘the most depraved of actions’. However, his words came back to bite him.

“The former First Minister of Scotland, Humza Yousaf, whose relatives have suffered in Gaza, immediately took Starmer to task. He compared Putin’s invasion of Ukraine with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s bombardment of Gaza. Writing on X, Yousaf told Starmer that if he condemned Russia for killing children but continued ‘to sell arms to Israel, who have killed over 14,000 children (and counting) and destroyed Gaza’s hospitals with impunity, then you are a hypocrite.”

The author argues that: “Starmer would do well to heed Yousaf’s words. If he wishes to be taken seriously, he cannot slavishly follow his predecessor’s policy of condemning Putin’s actions in Ukraine while allowing Netanyahu to get away with blue murder in Gaza. In the general election on July 4, pro-Palestinian candidates became effectively the sixth-largest party in parliament when five independents opposed to the Gaza massacres were elected, and they will undoubtedly hold Starmer’s feet to the fire.”

Grenville Cross is a senior counsel and law professor and was previously Hong Kong’s Director of Public Prosecutions.

The article originally appeared in China Daily Hong Kong edition.

On June 13, when the UK Labour Party issued its manifesto for the general election on July 4, its focus was domestic issues. This was understandable, as elections are won and lost on bread-and-butter issues. There were, however, some references to foreign policy, albeit nothing too beefy. Signed by the Labour Party leader (now prime minister), Sir Keir Starmer, the manifesto committed the party to working with the US, supporting NATO, enhancing the AUKUS pact, and backing Ukraine in its conflict with Russia, so no surprises there. They mirrored the policies of Rishi Sunak’s Conservative government, and Starmer was trying to steal its clothes.

He also threw in some Cold War rhetoric of his own, claiming that the Russian president, Vladimir Putin, was “attempting to break European security with his full-scale invasion of Ukraine”. If nothing else, this showed that he, like Sunak, favored turning an eastern European territorial dispute into a “forever war”. This will have delighted the US and its military-industrial complex, even though it is the long-suffering Ukrainian people who will pay the price of their bellicosity.

However, despite the similarities, Starmer insisted his party would “end the chaotic approach to foreign affairs”. The UK would “once again stand strong on the world stage”, which sounded fine. A new approach to UK-China relations was also foreshadowed, and time alone will tell if this is serious.

The manifesto declared, “After 14 years of damaging Conservative inconsistency over China, Labour will bring a long-term and strategic approach to managing our relations.” This meant “we will cooperate where we can, compete where we need to, and challenge where we must,” all very nice sound bites. Moreover, an “audit of our bilateral relationship” was also envisaged for improving the UK’s ability to “understand and respond to the challenges and opportunities China poses”.

As Sunak cynically enfranchised the estimated 140,000 BN(O) passport holders who have relocated to the UK since 2021, hoping they would then vote Conservative in gratitude, Starmer decided he better go after their votes. His manifesto said the Labour Party would “stand with and support members of the Hong Kong community who have relocated to the UK”, and many undoubtedly voted for Labour.

If nothing else, Starmer was right about the inconsistencies of successive Conservative governments in their policies toward Beijing. Whereas then-prime minister David Cameron (2010-16) saw the development of UK-China relations as heralding a “golden era”, his successors, notably Boris Johnson and Liz Truss (2019-22), switched to confrontation (albeit under US pressure).

Not only did Johnson join the US in imposing hostile measures upon Hong Kong when China acted decisively to end the insurrection that sought to wreck the “one country, two systems” policy in 2019, but he also hoodwinked China in 2020. Having granted Huawei a 35 percent stake in the UK’s 5G network in January 2020, he then, at US insistence, reneged on the agreement six months later. If Starmer can be more principled on the world stage, this will be welcome, although the early signs are less than reassuring.

On July 7, his new foreign secretary, David Lammy, eager to make a splash on his second day in office, said he hoped China would not become involved in the Ukraine conflict. He warned that Beijing had to be “very careful” about “deepening its partnerships with Russia, Iran and North Korea”. As China has remained neutral in the conflict, has not supplied weapons to either side, and is pressing for a cease-fire, Lammy should have congratulated it upon its continuing role as an honest broker. Unfortunately, years of instinctive prejudice toward Beijing have taken their toll on British foreign policy.

However, as China was Britain’s fifth-largest trading partner in 2023, the last thing the UK needs is a political neophyte like Lammy trying to worsen relations. When the Chinese premier, Li Qiang, congratulated Starmer on his election, he said China was “willing to work with the new UK government to consolidate mutual political trust and expand mutually beneficial cooperation”, and it is regrettable that Lammy has not responded in kind.

However, while Lammy was busy stoking tensions, the peacemakers were at work. The Hungarian prime minister, Viktor Orban, having discussed the conflict over several days with both the Russian and Ukrainian presidents, met with President Xi Jinping in Beijing on July 8, in what he described on X (formerly Twitter) as “Peace mission 3.0”. Although Hungary currently holds the rotating presidency of the European Union, the EU, which is pouring cash and arms into the conflict, distanced itself from Orban’s initiative. Instead of wishing Orban well, the European Commission president, Ursula von der Leyen, announced that “appeasement will not stop” the Russian president, Vladimir Putin, which was music to the ears of the warmongers.

However, Orban refused to be deterred, given that peace in Ukraine benefits not only Europe but also mankind. He said China was a “key power in creating the conditions for peace,” which was “why I came to meet with President Xi”. He described China as a stabilizing force during global turbulence and praised its “constructive and important” peace initiatives. These included China’s six-point peace plan, which it issued with Brazil on May 23 and which the West downplayed.

It is a pity that Starmer has yet to take a leaf out of Orban’s book, although hope springs eternal.

According to CCTV, Xi said, “Only when all major powers exert positive energy rather than negative energy can the conflict see the dawn of a cease-fire as soon as possible,” and Lammy was hopefully listening. However, it was not only the EU that was unhappy with the peace talks. The US National Security Council spokesman, John Kirby, also weighed in. He said the Xi-Orban meeting was “concerning” for the US and did not hold any promise “of trying to get things done in Ukraine”.

It is, moreover, not only with Ukraine that the new Labour government has been found wanting. The hypocrisy that was the hallmark of Sunak’s administration in other areas is again rearing its ugly head, and suggests the two governments have more in common than people realized. After a Russian air raid (accidentally, according to Putin) hit a children’s hospital in Kyiv, killing 22 people, Starmer, on July 9, accused him of “the most depraved of actions”. However, his words came back to bite him.

The former first minister of Scotland, Humza Yousaf, whose relatives have suffered in Gaza, immediately took Starmer to task. He compared Putin’s invasion of Ukraine with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s bombardment of Gaza. Writing on X, Yousaf told Starmer that if he condemned Russia for killing children but continued “to sell arms to Israel, who have killed over 14,000 children (and counting) and destroyed Gaza’s hospitals with impunity, then you are a hypocrite”.

Given his background as a human rights lawyer, Starmer would do well to heed Yousaf’s words. If he wishes to be taken seriously, he cannot slavishly follow his predecessor’s policy of condemning Putin’s actions in Ukraine while allowing Netanyahu to get away with blue murder in Gaza. In the general election on July 4, pro-Palestinian candidates became effectively the sixth-largest party in Parliament when five independents opposed to the Gaza massacres were elected, and they will undoubtedly hold Starmer’s feet to the fire.

On July 10, moreover, when at least 29 Palestinians were killed and dozens injured in an Israeli air strike on a camp for displaced people outside the al-Awda school in southern Gaza, it was immediately condemned by the European Union. It was the fourth attack on or near schools sheltering displaced people in four days, and the German Foreign Ministry, in a statement on X, said, “The repeated attacks on schools must stop and an investigation must come quickly.” However, there were no such words of condemnation from Starmer (or Lammy), and his silence cannot be explained away by his absence abroad.

If, as seems likely, the International Criminal Court issues arrest warrants shortly against Netanyahu, Starmer must give it his full support. The warrants have been sought by Karim Khan KC, the ICC’s British chief prosecutor. Like Starmer, Khan made his mark as a human rights lawyer, and Starmer must stand with him, even if it upsets the US. He must also immediately end arms sales to Israel, as the UK can no longer be a party to Netanyahu’s crimes against humanity.

On July 10, Starmer arrived in the US for the NATO summit hosted by the US president, Joe Biden. Like his predecessors, he decided that some tough talking at China’s expense would not go amiss. He declared he would be “robust” with Beijing, and willing to challenge China about human rights and security concerns.

Although this undoubtedly pleased Biden, he must have been ecstatic when Starmer announced that, although he plans to force members of the UK’s House of Lords to retire at 80, it did not mean that Biden was too old to carry on serving as president at the age of 81 (and beyond).

If Starmer imagined this type of sycophancy could advance the so-called “special relationship” between the UK and the US, so be it. He will have to learn the hard way that all the US is really concerned about is British subservience, including unquestioning support of its hegemonistic policies around the world.

Biden would also have been relieved that Starmer’s concern for human rights in China did not extend to Gaza, where Israel, with US connivance, is committing human rights violations on an industrial scale on an almost daily basis.

Although it is still early days, the Labour government has already misstepped on foreign policy. While its ministers are on a learning curve, they must quickly master their briefs and make a clean break from the past. If they can stop kowtowing to the US, build a constructive relationship with China, support the peacemakers, and plow an independent furrow, a new dawn is still possible.

In his manifesto, Starmer declared “This election is about change,” and this must encompass foreign affairs. He needs to develop global strategies that are honest, pragmatic and balanced. If he can achieve this, he will not only undo much of the harm caused by his predecessors, but also promote the UK’s best interests and those of humanity.

Palestinian factions sign Beijing Declaration on ending division and strengthening Palestinian national unity

Three days of intensive talks in the Chinese capital Beijing between 14 Palestinian resistance organisations culminated on July 23, 2024, with the signing of the Beijing Declaration on Ending Division and Strengthening Palestinian National Unity by the movements represented.

Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi, who is also a member of the Political Bureau of the Central Committee of the Communist Party of China (CPC) Central Committee, attended the closing ceremony and witnessed the signing.

According to the website of the Chinese Foreign Ministry, in his remarks at the closing ceremony, Wang Yi noted that, 14 Palestinian factions are gathering in Beijing with the greater good of their nation in mind. This is an important historical moment in the Palestinian liberation cause. China commends the reconciliation efforts made by all the factions and congratulates them on the success of the Beijing dialogue and the signing of the Beijing Declaration.

Wang Yi pointed out that only when Palestinian factions speak as one can the voice of justice be loud and clear, and only when they join hands and march forward shoulder to shoulder can they succeed in their national liberation cause. The most important consensus from the Beijing talks is to achieve the reconciliation and unity among the 14 factions; the core outcome is the affirmation of the Palestine Liberation Organisation (PLO) as the sole legitimate representative of all Palestinian people; the biggest highlight is the agreement on establishing an interim government of national reconciliation focusing on the post-conflict reconstruction of Gaza; and the strongest call is for truly establishing an independent State of Palestine in accordance with relevant UN resolutions. The key to the Palestinian reconciliation process is to bolster confidence, keep to the right direction, and make incremental progress. Only by making continuous efforts to build consensus and put it into practice can the reconciliation process yield more and more substantive progress and greater unity. Reconciliation is the internal affair of Palestinian factions and cannot happen without international support. On the path toward reconciliation, China shares the same direction and destination with Arab and Islamic countries.

The Chinese Foreign Minister further noted that the Palestinian question is at the core of the Middle East issue. China never has any selfish interests on the Palestinian question. China was among the first countries to recognise the PLO and the State of Palestine. China all along firmly supports the Palestinian people in restoring their legitimate national rights. We value fairness and advocate for justice.

To help get out of the current conflict and predicament, China proposes a three-step initiative:

  • First is to achieve a comprehensive, lasting and sustainable ceasefire in the Gaza Strip as soon as possible, and ensure access to humanitarian aid and rescue on the ground.
  • Second is to make joint efforts toward post-conflict governance of Gaza under the principle of “Palestinians governing Palestine.”
  • Third is to help Palestine become a full member state of the UN and get down to implementing the two-State solution.

Wang Yi said that intra-Palestinian reconciliation will bring hope and a future to the Palestinian people. It is an important step toward resolving the Palestinian question and achieving peace and stability in the Middle East. Unwavering efforts must be continually made in this direction. China sincerely hopes that Palestinian factions will achieve reconciliation and, on that basis, realise independent statehood at an early date.

Head of the Fatah delegation Mahmoud al-Aloul and head of the Hamas delegation Musa Abu Marzouk delivered remarks on behalf of the Palestinian factions. They noted that China holds an important place in the heart of Palestinian people, and expressed sincere appreciation for President Xi Jinping and China’s unchanging, firm support and selfless assistance to Palestine over a long period of time. They expressed deep appreciation for China’s strong support for intra-Palestinian dialogue and reconciliation. 

Diplomatic envoys from Egypt, Algeria, Saudi Arabia, Qatar, Jordan, Syria, Lebanon, Russia and Türkiye also attended the closing ceremony.

Speaking to Al Jazeera from Beijing, Mustafa Barghouti, Secretary-General of the Palestinian National Initiative, one of the 14 factions to sign the accord, said that the agreement goes “much further” than any other reached in recent years.

He said its four main elements are the establishment of an interim national unity government, the formation of unified Palestinian leadership ahead of future elections, the free election of a new Palestinian National Council, and a general declaration of unity in the face of ongoing Israeli attacks.

The move towards a unity government is especially important, he said, because it “blocks Israeli efforts to create some sort of collaborative structure against Palestinian interests.”

Barghouti said the war in Gaza was the “main factor” motivating the Palestinian sides to set aside their differences. “There is no other way now but for Palestinians to be unified and struggle together against this terrible injustice… The most important thing now is to not only sign the agreement, but to implement it.”

Addressing the Beijing meeting, Jamil Mezher, Deputy Secretary-General of the Popular Front for the Liberation of Palestine (PFLP) said in part that:

China has proven, through its long history, its steadfast support for the Palestinian cause, through its political and diplomatic stances and its support for the Palestinian people in international forums.

What is required today is a unified Palestinian stance that clearly declares that we are all united behind the goals of our people in achieving freedom, self-determination, the return of refugees, and realising the dream of a Palestinian state with Al-Quds [Jerusalem] as its capital.

It is essential to announce the restoration of Palestinian national unity, uniting our forces and people and the Palestine Liberation Organisation as the sole legitimate representative of the Palestinian people, through the convening of a unifying Palestinian National Council with the participation and representation of all Palestinian forces.

Today, our people are not only facing a genocide war but also the consequences of decades of comprehensive political failure and deficiency, as well as the price of international bias led by the United States and supported by all governments and tools of the dominant colonial system in this world.

Our urgent and pressing demand is not only to end and stop the genocide but to secure our people’s rights to freedom, self-determination, the return of refugees, and the establishment of an independent state with Al-Quds as its capital.

Peoples have never achieved their rights through blame, contention, and disputes over descriptions and conflicting wills; rather, by uniting around major national goals, deeply understanding the meaning of historical responsibility, and having leadership capable of bearing responsibility and translating popular will. This is our duty today… Is there a stronger and more precious incentive than 40,000 Palestinian martyrs?

Being united in the face of this aggression is the only guarantee to achieve our major national goals. Let us work with all our strength and sincerity to achieve this goal, knowing that history will not forgive the complacent, and our people will not forgive those who fail in their national and humanitarian duty.

Let us pledge today, before our people and the martyrs of this nation, that this moment will be the beginning of a journey towards freedom, independence, the state, and the return of refugees, and let our unity be the strongest weapon in facing this oppressive enemy.

Majida Al-Masri, Deputy Secretary-General of the Democratic Front for the Liberation of Palestine (DFLP) said in her speech:

Continue reading Palestinian factions sign Beijing Declaration on ending division and strengthening Palestinian national unity

History has amply proved that wherever NATO’s hand extends, turmoil and chaos will ensue

On July 16, the United Nations Security Council held an Open Debate on ‘Multilateral Cooperation in the Interest of a More Just, Democratic and Sustainable World Order’. The meeting was convened on the initiative of the Russian Federation and chaired by Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov.

In his speech during the debate, China’s UN Ambassador Fu Cong, noted that the world body had been founded in 1945, to “save succeeding generations from the scourge of war” and continued:

“Since then, a large number of countries have emerged from waves of national independence and liberation.” Seventy years ago, “the Chinese leaders put forward the five principles of peaceful coexistence, namely, mutual respect for sovereignty and territorial integrity, mutual non-aggression, mutual non-interference in each other’s internal affairs, equality and mutual benefits, and peaceful coexistence. The five principles of peaceful coexistence embody the spirit of the [UN] Charter.”

Now, President Xi Jinping’s proposal of building a community with a shared future for humanity has been put forward with the aim of carrying forward the purposes and principles of the UN Charter and the five principles of peaceful coexistence under the new circumstances.

Fu Cong went on to say that today, “some obvious truths [are] being willfully distorted, while certain specious arguments gaining currency.” Responding to this, he continued, making pointed reference to a number of imperialist countries, principally the United States and Britain:

“We often hear the talk about a rules-based international order by some countries. But what kind of rules are they talking about? And who are the rule makers? No one has given us a clear and precise answer. In fact, the so-called rules-based international order advocated by some is really intended to create another system outside the existing system of international law and to seek legitimacy for double standards and exceptionalism. I would like to emphasise that there is only one order in the world, that is the international order based on international law. There is only one set of rules, and they are the basic norms governing international relations based on the purposes and principles of the UN Charter.”

And, while many peace-loving countries and people are working tirelessly to achieve peace in response to the conflicts in Ukraine and Palestine:

“NATO, a regional military bloc left over from the Cold War, has been seeking to expand its sphere of influence, stopping at nothing to create false narratives, pouring oil on the fire wherever they go, stirring up confrontation between camps, and even shifting the blame to countries outside the region to frame them on the issue of Ukraine.”

This last comment clearly refers to accusations levelled against China at NATO’s Washington Summit earlier in July, when China was ludicrously described as being a “decisive enabler” of Russia’s Special Military Operation. 

Doubtless with such wars of aggression as those waged against Afghanistan and the former Yugoslavia in mind, Fu Cong went on to say that: “History has amply proved that wherever NATO’s hand extends, turmoil and chaos will ensue. China hereby advises NATO and certain countries to conduct some soul-searching and stop being the troublemakers who jeopardise common security at the expense of others.”

He also said that common development and common security are mutually reinforcing. A just and equitable international order cannot be built on the basis of developed countries getting ever richer while developing countries remain locked in poverty and the lack of development.

We reprint below the full text of Ambassador Fu Cong’s remarks. They were originally published on the website of China’s Permanent Mission to the UN.

President.

China appreciates Russia’s initiative to convene this open debate. I welcome Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov presiding over today’s meeting. 

To build a just, democratic, and sustainable international order is the joint pursuit of humanity. In 1945, to “save succeeding generations from the scourge of war”, our forefathers, upholding the spirit of multilateralism, established on the ruins of the Second World War the most universal, representative, and authoritative international organization, that is, the United Nations. The UN Charter, laying down the cornerstone of the modern international order and establishing the basic norms of contemporary international relations, is an embodiment of our noble ideal of working towards a just and equitable international order. 

Continue reading History has amply proved that wherever NATO’s hand extends, turmoil and chaos will ensue

Wang Yi: The historic step from peaceful coexistence to a shared future for humanity

With China having recently celebrated the 70th anniversary of the Five Principles of Peaceful Coexistence, on July 17, Foreign Minister Wang Yi published an important article outlining the historical progression from the Five Principles to President Xi Jinping’s vision of a shared future for humanity and their interrelationship of continuity, inheritance, application and development.

Wang points out that this occurs against the backdrop of accelerated global transformation not seen in a century and profound adjustment of the international landscape and that it sends a powerful message of the Global South working together with people across all countries working together for a better future.

He expounds on the relevance of championing the essence of the Five Principles of Peaceful Coexistence under the new circumstances from historical, realistic, theoretical and practical perspectives:

  • From a historical perspective, it is an inevitable development of the trend toward multipolarity and greater democracy in international relations. Born at a time when national independence and liberation movements were sweeping across Asia, Africa and Latin America, the Five Principles embodied the legitimate aspiration of newly independent countries to safeguard their sovereignty and grow their national economy, provided a powerful rallying force behind the efforts of developing countries to pursue cooperation and self-strength through unity, and pushed forward the historic process of reforming and improving the international order. In the new century, the collective rise of emerging market and developing countries is unstoppable. The Global South stands out with a strong momentum, and groupings such as BRICS and the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation have gained notably stronger influence. The trend toward multipolarity and greater democracy in international relations is irreversible. Championing the essence of the Five Principles under the new circumstances is a crucial step to fully capture the political and economic reality of today’s world and move toward a more just and equitable international order.
  • From a realistic perspective, it is a response to the urgent call for uniting all progressive forces across the world and tackling global challenges together.  Championing the essence of the Five Principles under the new circumstances is an inevitable choice for enhancing solidarity and cooperation among all countries to meet challenges and build a better future together.
  • From a theoretical perspective, it is an important cornerstone for building a new type of international relations.As the first systematic theory of international relations proposed by developing countries, the Five Principles stress the importance of mutuality and equality in handling state-to-state relations and highlight the essence of international rule of law. Replacing power politics, bullying and the law of the jungle with respect for sovereignty, equality and mutual benefit, the Five Principles have served as the prime guidance for the establishment and development of relations between countries with different social systems, and set an important benchmark for international relations and international rule of law. Facing the various practices of unilateralism, protectionism, power politics and bullying, humanity must make a historic choice between peace and war, prosperity and recession, and unity and confrontation.
  • From a practical perspective, it offers a path to upholding the UN Charter and international rule of law.The Five Principles are highly consistent with the purposes and principles of the UN Charter. Shortly after their debut in Asia, the Five Principles soon ascended to the world stage, forming the basis for the ten principles outlined at the 1955 Bandung Conference and becoming the guiding principles of the Non-Aligned Movement that rose in the 1960s.

Regarding the need to sustain, promote and upgrade the Five Principles under the new circumstances, Wang Yi notes that:

“General Secretary Xi Jinping pointed out that the baton of history is passed from generation to generation, and the cause of human progress moves forward from one era to another as humanity seek answers to the questions of the times. Seven decades ago, leaders of China, India and Myanmar jointly advocated the Five Principles of Peaceful Coexistence, giving the answer of their times to the major question of how to handle state-to-state relations. Seven decades on, bearing in mind the common and fundamental interests of people around the world, General Secretary Xi Jinping put forward the important Vision of Building a Community with a Shared Future for Humanity, the response of our times to the question of ‘what kind of world to build and how to build it.’ The Vision both carries forward and renews the spirit of the Five Principles… This is a new historical step forward in the progressive cause of humanity.”

Explaining the Vision of Building a Community with a Shared Future for Humanity, he explains that the world today has become a community with a shared future, i.e. the future of all countries is bound more closely together for good or ill by common challenges, common interests and common responsibilities. Living in such an era, we need to take more proactive steps to pursue win-win cooperation under the principles of equality and mutual benefit and take peaceful coexistence to the higher level of harmony and shared prosperity.

“The building of a community with a shared future for humanity meets the prevailing aspiration of people around the world, points the direction for the progress of world civilisation, and underscores the Communist Party of China’s commitment to pursuing not only happiness for the Chinese people and rejuvenation for the Chinese nation but also human progress and world harmony.”

The article stresses the need for the Global South to achieve greater strength through unity.

“China is always a member of the Global South and always stands with all countries of the South through thick and thin. China will accelerate the implementation of the eight measures in support of Global South cooperation, ensure the success of the upcoming Beijing Summit of the Forum on China-Africa Cooperation, develop the ‘five cooperation frameworks’ in concert with Arab states, upgrade its relations with countries in Latin America and the Caribbean, and deepen cooperation with Pacific Island countries. China will stay committed to the development and revitalisation of the Global South and walk side by side with other Global South countries in our common pursuit of modernisation.”

Writing on China’s proposals for better global governance, Wang Yi says that China will take an active part in the reform and improvement of the global governance system, support the Summit of the Future in adopting a Pact for the Future that reflects the trend of our times and the aspirations of people around the world, actively participate in international cooperation on climate change, build greater consensus on the Global AI Governance Initiative, and work for improving the governance rules for such new frontiers as deep sea, polar regions, outer space and cyberspace. It is important to deepen cooperation under the expanded BRICS and the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation, support Brazil and Peru in hosting G20 and APEC meetings respectively and augment the strength of the South in global governance.

In conclusion, he writes that:

“The implementation of the Five Principles of Peaceful Coexistence is an ongoing process. So is the building of a community with a shared future for humanity. Taking the 70th anniversary of the Five Principles of Peaceful Coexistence as a new starting point, China will work with all countries to draw wisdom from history, undertake the responsibility for our times, and keep striving for the great goal of building a community with a shared future for humanity.”

We reprint below the full text of Wang Yi’s article. It was originally published on the website of the Chinese Foreign Ministry.

The year 2024 marks the 70th anniversary of the Five Principles of Peaceful Coexistence. On June 28, General Secretary Xi Jinping attended and delivered an important address at the conference marking the occasion. This is a major home-court diplomatic event held by the CPC Central Committee with Comrade Xi Jinping at its core, against the backdrop of accelerated global transformation not seen in a century and profound adjustment of the international landscape and with both domestic and international imperatives in mind, to promote international solidarity and cooperation and humanity’s cause of peace and development.

Continue reading Wang Yi: The historic step from peaceful coexistence to a shared future for humanity