Category: International relations

Communist Party of China joins Liberation Movements Summit in South Africa

The Communist Party of China (CPC) joined the Liberation Movements Summit that was hosted by the African National Congress (ANC) of South Africa in Johannesburg, between July 25-28, under the theme, ‘Defending the Liberation Gains, Advancing Integrated Socio-Economic Development, Strengthening Solidarity for a Better Africa.’

Besides the ANC, the core participants were the five other main liberation movements in the region – the Popular Liberation Movement of Angola (MPLA), the South West Africa People’s Organisation (SWAPO) of Namibia, the Mozambique Liberation Front (FRELIMO), the Zimbabwe African National Union – Patriotic Front (ZANU-PF) and the Chama Cha Mapinduzi (Revolutionary Party of Tanzania – CCM).

In a statement, the ANC said: “This critical gathering reaffirms the ideological foundations of the six Southern African liberation movements… and their historical role in securing independence, dignity and development across the region. It also seeks to reassert the relevance of these movements in a rapidly shifting global order.

“Southern Africa’s liberation movements transformed the region’s political landscape, resisting colonial rule and apartheid, and ushering in people-centred governance. Since independence, these movements have implemented landmark policies on land reform, education, housing, infrastructure and social protection.

“However, these gains now face erosion due to renewed imperial pressures, economic crises, and attempts at neo-colonial interference. The Summit provides a united platform to confront these threats and consolidate progressive regional responses grounded in Pan-Africanism, internationalism and multilateralism.

“The Summit is a strategic intervention in organisational renewal, deepening intra-party solidarity, and realignment of liberation movements with the socio-economic aspirations of a new generation. The ANC believes that the political, economic and cultural survival of Southern Africa’s liberation legacy demands honest introspection, shared learning and actionable unity.

“The Summit will advance frameworks for inter-party collaboration, regional integration, youth engagement, and sovereign resource governance. Through reaffirming shared values and strengthening alliances, the 2025 Liberation Movements Summit will chart a path forward, one that protects the gains of the past while building a just, inclusive and self-determined African future.”

Further details of the conference perspectives may be read here.

Besides these six movements, the POLISARIO Front of the Sahrawi Arab Democratic Republic (SADR) and the Palestinian National Liberation Movement Fatah were also represented at a senior level, along with the South African Communist Party (SACP), Pan-Africanist Congress (PAC) of Azania, the Congress of South African Trade Unions (COSATU) and the South African National Civics Organisation (SANCO).

The Communist Party of China was represented by Liu Jianchao, Minister of the International Department of the Party Central Committee (IDCPC).

Among other parties represented were United Russia, the Communist Party of Cuba, the National Liberation Front (FLN) of Algeria, the Sandinista National Liberation Front (FSLN) of Nicaragua, the Botswana National Front (BNF – the main component of the progressive ruling Umbrella for Democratic Change coalition), and the Botswana Democratic Party, while messages of greetings included that from the Communist Party of the Russian Federation.

In his keynote address, Cyril Ramaphosa, President of the ANC and of the Republic of South Africa, said:

Continue reading Communist Party of China joins Liberation Movements Summit in South Africa

“If the US truly cared about the human rights of Muslims, why does it turn a blind eye to the living hell in Gaza?” – China at UN

Chinese Ambassador Fu Cong addressed a United Nations Security Council briefing on July 24, called on the initiative of Pakistan, to discuss cooperation with the Organisation of Islamic Cooperation (OIC). The OIC is a major international body grouping 57 states. Ambassador Fu described it as “a symbol of unity and autonomy of Islamic countries” and said that China supports the UN in further deepening its cooperation with the OIC.

He added that: “With its religious, historical and cultural advantages when tackling issues that arise in the Islamic world, the OIC has a unique role to play in conflict prevention and mediation… The Palestinian issue lies at the heart of the broader situation in the Middle East and is of the greatest concern to the Islamic world. A pressing priority is to achieve a lasting ceasefire in Gaza, to ease the desperate humanitarian plight there.”

Fu Cong also directly responded to an earlier intervention from the United States, stating:

“China firmly opposes and categorically rejects the groundless accusations made by the US Representative regarding China’s Xinjiang region. Currently, Xinjiang enjoys social stability, [and] economic prosperity, where people live in peace and contentment…. If the US truly cared about the human rights of Muslims, why does it turn a blind eye to the living hell in Gaza? Why has it ignored the historical injustices suffered by the Palestinian people? The United States overlooks its own chronic problems at home, such as gun violence, racial discrimination, the trampling of its citizens’ rights and dignity.”

Speaking on behalf of the OIC, Yousef Al-Dubaie, Assistant Secretary-General for Political Affairs, called on the council to pressure Israel to comply with relevant UN resolutions, including for an immediate and complete cessation of the acts of genocide, massacres, starvation, and displacement of the Palestinian people in the Gaza Strip and the West Bank, including the occupied city of Al Quds [Jerusalem]. He also recalled the Organisation’s positions and efforts regarding Afghanistan, Jammu and Kashmir, Syria, Yemen, Sudan, Somalia, the Sahel countries, Lake Chad, and the issue of the Rohingya Muslim community in Myanmar, and commended the appointment by the UN Secretary-General of a UN Special Envoy to Combat Islamophobia.

The following articles were originally published on the websites of China’s Permanent Mission to the UN and of the OIC.

Remarks on Cooperation between the United Nations and Regional and Sub-regional Organizations (OIC) by Ambassador Fu Cong at the UN Security Council Briefing

President,

I thank the Pakistani presidency to initiate and convene this meeting. Welcome Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Foreign Affairs Ishaq Dar presiding over this meeting. And thank ASG Khalid Khiari and ASG Yousef M. Al Dobeay for their briefings.

Continue reading “If the US truly cared about the human rights of Muslims, why does it turn a blind eye to the living hell in Gaza?” – China at UN

British Defence Secretary threatens war with China

Britain’s  Defence Minister, the largely and justifiably unknown John Healey, has made an extraordinary threat to go to war with China over the question of Taiwan, an island province that Britain legally recognises – not least according to the bilateral agreement concluded in 1972 between the two countries that elevated their diplomatic relations to ambassadorial level – as part of China.

Speaking on board the HMS Prince of Wales aircraft carrier, after it had docked in the north Australian port of Darwin, where it is to join the United States and other countries in the warmongering Talisman Sabre exercises largely aimed at China, Healey was asked by the right wing Telegraph newspaper, “what the UK is doing to help countries like Taiwan to prepare for potential escalation from China, Mr Healey said: ‘If we have to fight, as we have done in the past, Australia and the UK are nations that will fight together. We exercise together and by exercising together and being more ready to fight, we deter better together.’”

The HMS Prince of Wales is on a nine-month deployment to the Pacific region and is widely expected to sail through the Taiwan Strait around upcoming visits to Japan and South Korea. Already, the Royal Navy provocatively sailed the HMS Spey warship through China’s Taiwan Strait on June 18. It was the first such incident in four years.

Never one to miss out on a free trip, David Lammy, Britain’s equally preposterous Foreign Secretary, accompanied Healey. He has previously said that the UK plans to conduct more so-called “freedom of navigation operations” in the Taiwan Strait.

Further underlining the gravity of the situation, the Labour supporting Mirror newspaper noted:

“In April, Keir Starmer met the crew onboard HMS Prince of Wales during an overnight stay ahead of their voyage. The PM said the mission showed the UK’s ‘leadership on global issues and security and defence’.

“‘We all know that the world is more uncertain than it felt a few months or years before – we’re in a new era,’ Mr Starmer said at the time. ‘We are sending a clear message of strength to our adversaries, and a message of unity and purpose to our allies.’”

As with most, if not all, members of the current British government, it is difficult to fathom whether Healey’s outburst represents blood-curdling bellicosity, strategic myopia, rank ignorance and stupidity, gross irresponsibility, or just plain inexperience. However, the smart money is likely to be on any combination of all of the above.

In an editorial response, the Morning Star noted that: “British troops will be engaged in provocative manoeuvres viewed by Beijing as part of Washington’s bid to encircle it militarily. That is itself part of a wider US strategy to derail China’s rise… That is the overarching war game in which Operation Talisman Sabre takes place. Britain should have no part in it.”

China’s Global Times was more hard-hitting, noting that: “Chinese observers slammed the blatant remarks over China’s internal affair, saying it was a show of residual British colonial mentality.”

It added: “Observers also pointed out that, amid warming China-Australia relations highlighted by the Australian Prime Minister’s successful July visit to China, the British defence official’s remarks attempt to place Canberra in a difficult position. Full alignment with the UK and the US is not a wise choice.”

A spokesperson for the Chinese Embassy in London was direct and to the point:

“If the said report is true, I am sure the UK official will regret having said that. China will never allow anyone to separate Taiwan from China in any way. Nor will China allow any external forces, the UK and Australia included, to undermine our efforts for complete reunification.”

Earlier, on July 25, the spokesperson responded to Foreign Secretary Lammy and Yvette Cooper, the tinpot totalitarian Home Secretary, having issued a joint statement making unwarranted comments on the law enforcement action taken by the Hong Kong SAR police against anti-China disruptors who have fled abroad:

“Hong Kong is China’s Hong Kong, and Hong Kong affairs are purely China’s internal affairs. China urges the UK to abandon its colonial mentality, stop interfering in Hong Kong affairs, cease meddling in China’s internal affairs, stop shielding criminals, and refrain from going further down the wrong path.”

Prior to Healey’s outburst, on 25 July 2025, the Chinese Embassy in the UK held a reception celebrating the 98th anniversary of the founding of the People’s Liberation Army of China. Ambassador Zheng Zeguang pointed out in his speech that this year marks the 80th anniversary of the recovery of Taiwan. Taiwan has been an inalienable part of China’s territory since ancient times. Both the Cairo Declaration and the Potsdam Proclamation, issued by major victorious nations of WWII, including China and the UK, stated in explicit terms that Taiwan is a territory that Japan had stolen from the Chinese, and shall be restored to China. All these instruments have confirmed China’s sovereignty over Taiwan and formed an important part of the post-WWII international order. 

The Ambassador further emphasised that the Chinese people and their armed forces will never allow anyone to separate Taiwan from China in any way. Nor will they allow any external forces to undermine their efforts for complete reunification. All countries having diplomatic ties with China must properly handle Taiwan-related issues, which is key to the smooth development of bilateral relations with China.

Zheng Zeguang also noted that this year marks the 80th anniversary of the victory in the Chinese People’s War of Resistance Against Japanese Aggression and the World Anti-Fascist War. More than 80 years ago, the peoples of China and the UK fought valiantly against fascist aggression on the main Eastern Front and the European battlefield, making enormous contributions to the global victory against fascism. China’s fight was the earliest to begin, and the longest-lasting. The Chinese people suffered the most significant human and material losses before ultimately defeating Japanese aggressors.

Ambassador Zheng emphasised that it should never be forgotten that China and the UK were allies and fought shoulder to shoulder during the war. That part of history has left behind many touching stories of solidarity and mutual support in the flames of war. In 1942, Chinese fishermen from Zhoushan risked their own lives under Japanese gunfire to save 384 British prisoners of war on board Lisbon Maru, which was mistakenly torpedoed by a US submarine. Also in 1942, the Chinese Expeditionary Force successfully rescued British troops besieged by the Japanese army in Myanmar. In 1938, George Hogg, a young Briton, travelled thousands of miles to China, where he established schools, aided orphaned children and gave his life for the Chinese people’s righteous cause. We should remember history, honour those fallen heroes, cherish peace and strive for a better future.

The reception was attended by nearly 300 guests.

In characteristically pugilistic terms, George Galloway responded to Healey in his MOATS (Mother of all Talk Shows) broadcast.

Denouncing his remarks as madness, George noted that Britain, a bankrupt and broken country that has given billions to the ‘thief of Kiev’ and spends millions on reconnaissance flights to facilitate the Gaza genocide, was now threatening China with war. Referring to the 1949 Amethyst Incident, George recalled that the last time Britain had ‘sailed a gunboat up the Yangzi [river]’, the Chinese had sunk it. And China is now a far more powerful country than it was 76 years ago.

Noting the contempt shown for democracy, as highlighted by the fact that Britain’s rubber stamp parliament had not even been consulted or informed, George addressed Healey: “You little runt are threatening China with war.” A man who had never heard a shot fired in anger in his miserable life was threatening a war to be waged at the expense of the British people “and with the blood of your sons and daughters.”

Continue reading British Defence Secretary threatens war with China

China calls for peace between Cambodia and Thailand

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Deputy President’s visit strengthens ties with South Africa

South Africa’s Deputy President Paul Mashatile recently visited China to attend the Third China International Supply Chain Expo (CISCE).

On July 17, he met in Beijing with his Chinese counterpart, Vice President Han Zheng.

Han said that in September last year, China and South Africa upgraded their bilateral relationship to an all-round strategic cooperative partnership in the new era. Han said this opened a new chapter in building a high-level community with a shared future between the two countries. He called on the two sides to further implement the important consensus reached by the two heads of state and to constantly deepen political mutual trust.

On the same day, Liu Jianchao, Minister of the International Department of the Communist Party of China (CPC) Central Committee (IDCPC), also met with Mashatile in his dual capacity of Deputy President of both the Republic of South Africa and of the African National Congress (ANC) of South Africa. 

Liu said, under the leadership and personal promotion of President Xi Jinping and President Cyril Ramaphosa, China-South Africa relations have entered a golden era. China is willing to work with South Africa to implement the important consensus reached by the two heads of state, continue to firmly support each other on issues concerning each other’s core interests and major concerns, deepen practical cooperation in various fields, and enhance friendly exchanges between the two peoples.

He added that the relationship between the two parties is an important foundation for the development of China-South Africa relations. The CPC and the ANC have maintained close communication and dialogue for a long time. The two parties understand and trust each other sincerely and have formed brotherly sentiments. The CPC will continue to stand firmly with the ANC, strengthen strategic communication and political dialogue between the two parties, deepen mutual learning in party building and state governance, and enhance collaboration on international and regional issues to jointly address common challenges.

Mashatile said that more Chinese enterprises are welcome to invest and do business in South Africa. At present, unilateralism and protectionism are on the rise. South Africa is willing to closely cooperate with China within the framework of multilateral mechanisms such as the BRICS, the United Nations and the G20 to practice true multilateralism and safeguard international fairness and justice. The ANC values its friendship with the CPC and hopes to further strengthen exchanges and cooperation between the two parties in areas such as party school building and cadre training to promote even better relations between them.

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

Chinese vice president meets South Africa’s deputy president

BEIJING, July 17 (Xinhua) — Chinese Vice President Han Zheng on Thursday met with South African Deputy President Paul Mashatile in Beijing.

In September last year, China and South Africa upgraded the bilateral relationship to an all-round strategic cooperative partnership in the new era. Han said this opened a new chapter in building a high-level community with a shared future between the two countries.

He called on the two sides to further implement the important consensus reached by the two heads of state, constantly deepen political mutual trust, advance the high-quality development of bilateral cooperation, and serve the modernization endeavors of both countries.

Continue reading Deputy President’s visit strengthens ties with South Africa

Nicaragua celebrates anti-imperialist solidarity and friendship with China on anniversary of victorious Sandinista revolution

July 19 marked the 46th anniversary of the victory of the Sandinista Popular Revolution in Nicaragua, with the centrepiece being a massive nighttime celebration in the capital Managua.

Numerous representatives attended from friendly countries, including China, Russia, Palestine, Vietnam, Venezuela, Cuba, the Democratic People’s Republic of Korea (DPRK), Honduras, Burkina Faso, Algeria, Belarus, Türkiye, and others.

Anti-imperialism was a central theme running through the keynote speech delivered by President Daniel Ortega. The key points were summarised by US anti-imperialist journalist and political analyst Ben Norton in a post on X (Twitter) as follows:

  • Nicaragua offers its full support for Palestine, and unflinching opposition to the US-Israeli genocide in Gaza.
  • Nicaragua strongly supports Iran in its defence against US-Israeli aggression.
  • Fascism has its roots in European colonialism. The West talks about “democracy” and “human rights”, but the crimes committed by European empires – like the transatlantic slave trade of millions of Africans and the French empire’s mass atrocities in Algeria – were very similar to those committed by Nazi Germany. (Ortega praised the Algerian Revolution as an inspiration for Nicaragua.)
  •  Haiti had the first victorious revolution in Latin America and the Caribbean. Haiti inspired Simón Bolívar, and militarily supported him, as he carried out his own anti-colonial revolution in South America. Nicaragua is inspired by Haiti’s example.
  • Immediately after Spanish colonialism was defeated in Latin America, US imperialism replaced it. The US invaded Nicaragua several times, and US imperialism remains the principal threat for Latin America and the world today.
  • Never forget the crimes the US committed in Nicaragua in the 1980s, when the CIA armed and trained the far-right Contra terrorists. Ortega recalled that the US-sponsored Contras also trafficked drugs, many of which ended up in US neighbourhoods.
  • It was the Soviet Union and China that defeated fascism in World War Two. This year is the 80th anniversary of their heroic victory over Nazi Germany and the fascist Japanese empire.
  • “We in the [Sandinista] Front were inspired by the Russian Revolution and the Chinese Revolution”, Ortega said. He praised Mao Zedong as a “great leader who is always in our thoughts.”
  • Today, the People’s Republic of China and Russian Federation are friends of the Global South, helping Nicaragua and other countries to defend their sovereignty against Western imperialism.
  • Capitalist Europe is now remilitarising and massively increasing its military spending on weapons because it, along with the US, wants to prepare for war against Russia and China. 
  • The United Nations has become a tool dominated by the Western imperialist powers, and the US uses its veto power to prevent the UN from taking any significant action (like stopping the genocide in Gaza). The UN needs a “refoundation”.
  • The world desperately wants peace, so countries can economically develop and end poverty, but US imperialism is the main obstacle.

In her address, Co-President Rosario Murillo emphasised:

“Our Nicaragua, a Free Territory, a Glorious Land of Warriors of Peace, greets with Honourable Joy and Certain Hope, all the Peoples who now fighting, without surrendering, for the other World that is now indispensable, and the Delegations that represent them in this formidable Act of Commitment to Liberation, and to Fraternal, Solidarity and Shared Vocation, for the Common Good, which the Planet and Humanity so badly need.”

Continue reading Nicaragua celebrates anti-imperialist solidarity and friendship with China on anniversary of victorious Sandinista revolution

Chinese diplomacy: Some countries wage war, others promote peace

In the following article, Sergio Rodríguez Gelfenstein – former director of international relations in Venezuela’s presidential office and former ambassador to Nicaragua – contrasts China’s global diplomacy with the United States’ aggressive foreign policy, arguing that while Washington pursues war, coercion and domination, Beijing advances peace, cooperation, and mutual development.

While the United States plots wars, plans invasions, enacts sanctions, and imposes tariffs on the entire world, China quietly advances its diplomacy of peace. Washington rhetorically spews its plan for planetary destruction, which it carries out in a Machiavellian manner, assuming that this will enable it to maintain its global hegemony. Meanwhile, without much noise, Beijing builds a dynamic of peace and cooperation to make the Earth a livable place for all its inhabitants.

In recent months, amid escalating US and Israeli aggression in West Asia, China has held numerous diplomatic summits promoting stability and multilateralism.

In Latin America, the Fourth China-CELAC Forum in May reaffirmed shared goals in sustainable development and trade, laying the groundwork for the 2025–2027 cooperation plan. In Africa, China convened with 53 countries and the African Union in June, reinforcing the China-Africa Cooperation Vision 2035 and rejecting unilateral sanctions.

China also deepened ties with the EU, seeking compromises on trade disputes, particularly over electric vehicles. Foreign Minister Wang Yi emphasised that China and the EU should be “partners, not rivals”, and urged commitment to multilateralism and peace. Talks with the US, meanwhile, have faltered due to Washington’s unpredictability and hostile actions, particularly around Taiwan and trade measures. Vice Premier He Lifeng insisted that only equal dialogue can resolve trade issues, reiterating: “There are no winners in trade wars”.

China’s active diplomacy extended to Central Asia and West Asia. At the China-Central Asia Summit in June, the heads of state of China, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan, Turkmenistan, and Uzbekistan signed a treaty of good neighbourliness and permanent friendly cooperation, described by Xi Jinping as “a new milestone in the history of relations between the six countries”.

Meanwhile, China vehemently condemned the US attacks on Iran as “seriously violating the purposes and principles of the United Nations Charter and international law, as well as Iran’s sovereignty, security, and territorial integrity”. China called for a ceasefire, civilian protection, and renewed negotiations—highlighting its consistent orientation towards peace over aggression.

This makes it clear that while some wage war, others advocate for peace and cooperation among all the peoples of the planet.

This article was first published on Sergio Rodríguez Gelfenstein’s blog, and translated from Spanish to English by John Catalinotto for Workers World.

While the United States plots wars, plans invasions, enacts sanctions, and imposes tariffs on the entire world, China quietly advances its diplomacy of peace. Washington rhetorically spews its plan for planetary destruction, which it carries out in a Machiavellian manner, assuming that this will enable it to maintain its global hegemony. Meanwhile, without much noise, Beijing builds a dynamic of peace and cooperation to make the Earth a livable place for all its inhabitants.

Especially in the last two months, simultaneously with the U.S. and Zionist genocidal program to remove the Palestinian people and attacks against Iran, Yemen, Syria, and Lebanon, China has been meeting with representatives from more than half of the world’s countries to discuss a future of harmony, concord, balance, and mutual aid for the improvement, prosperity, and progress of humanity.

Continue reading Chinese diplomacy: Some countries wage war, others promote peace

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Shanghai Cooperation Organisation prepares for Tianjin Summit

The Foreign Ministers of the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) met in the Chinese city of Tianjin on July 15 to make preparations for the SCO Summit, which will be held in the same city on August 31-September 1, immediately prior to China’s celebration of the 80th anniversary of victory in the war of resistance against Japanese aggression and the global anti-fascist war, scheduled for September 3.

As China currently holds the rotating presidency of the SCO, the meeting was chaired by Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi and was attended by:

  • Belarusian Foreign Minister Maxim Ryzhenkov
  • Indian External Affairs Minister Subrahmanyam Jaishankar
  • Iranian Foreign Minister Seyed Abbas Araghchi
  • Kazakh Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs Murat Nurtleu
  • Kyrgyz Minister of Foreign Affairs Jeenbek Kulubaev
  • Pakistani Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Mohammad Ishaq Dar
  • Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov
  • Tajik Foreign Minister Sirojiddin Muhriddin
  • Uzbek Foreign Minister Bakhtiyor Saidov
  • SCO Secretary-General Nurlan Yermekbayev; and
  • Director of the Executive Committee of the SCO Regional Anti-Terrorist Structure Ularbek Sharsheev

Wang Yi said that over the past 24 years since its founding, under the strategic guidance of the leaders of member states, the SCO has maintained steady and positive growth, continuously expanded cooperation areas, consistently enhanced its international prestige, and increasingly highlighted its strategic value, becoming a reliable anchor for member states to maintain regional stability and achieve common development.

He noted that at present, profound changes unseen in a century unfold at a faster pace, with intertwined and overlapped turbulence and transformation. While a multipolar world and economic globalisation continue to deepen and the Global South stands out with a strong momentum, at the same time, hegemonism and power politics run counter to the tide of progress, the counter-current of protectionism surges, and regional conflicts keep flaring up. Under the new circumstances, member states need to adopt a responsible attitude toward history and the future and reach further consensus on strengthening the SCO.

Wang Yi put forward five proposals for the SCO’s future development:

  • Stay true to its founding mission and carry forward the Shanghai Spirit. Mutual trust, mutual benefit, equality, consultation, respect for diversity of civilisations and pursuit of common development illustrate what a new type of international relations should be.
  • Share weal and woe and consolidate the foundation of security. China is deeply concerned about the situation in the Middle East. The use of force against Iran’s sovereignty and security is a clear violation of international law and undermines the international nuclear non-proliferation regime. Afghanistan is an important member of the SCO family. Efforts should be made to support Afghanistan’s reconstruction and development, and address both symptoms and root causes to realise lasting peace and stability.
  • Pursue mutual benefit and win-win results to drive the engine of development. Development is of paramount importance and holds the master key to all problems.
  • Champion good-neighbourliness and jointly build a beautiful home. Helping one’s neighbours is helping oneself.
  • Uphold the right path and defend fairness and justice. A certain country puts its own interests over the international public good, undermining the common interests of the international community. The SCO should take the 80th anniversary of the founding of the United Nations (UN) as an opportunity to champion the common values of humanity, safeguard the legitimate rights and interests of member states, and work for a more just and equitable global governance system.

At a later press conference, Wang Yi announced that leaders from more than 20 countries and heads of 10 international organisations will attend the August 31-September 1 summit and related events. He added that the meeting made comprehensive preparations for the Tianjin Summit and signed multiple resolutions, including the draft Tianjin Declaration of the Council of Heads of State and the draft SCO Development Strategy for the Next Decade.

In the morning of July 15, prior to the Tianjin meeting, Chinese President Xi Jinping had a group meeting with the foreign ministers and heads of permanent bodies of the SCO at the Great Hall of the People in Beijing.

Continue reading Shanghai Cooperation Organisation prepares for Tianjin Summit

Liu Jianchao meets old friends from Indonesia and Namibia

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Continue reading Liu Jianchao meets old friends from Indonesia and Namibia

Wang Yi praises Malta’s ‘small country, big diplomacy’

Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi met in Beijing on 14 July with Malta’s Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Tourism Ian Borg.

Wang Yi noted that Malta, located at the strategic crossroads of Asia, Europe and Africa, has pursued “small country, big diplomacy”, playing a unique and positive role in safeguarding world peace and stability. China and Malta enjoy traditional friendship, with strong political mutual trust and profound public support. China cherishes its friendship with Malta and appreciates Malta’s long-standing commitment to making the development of relations with China a diplomatic priority.

Ian Borg said that Malta and China enjoy traditional friendship and fruitful cooperation. Malta attaches great importance to its relations with China, always makes developing relations with China a diplomatic priority, firmly adheres to the one-China principle, and actively participates in Belt and Road cooperation. Malta is willing to continue playing an active role in promoting EU-China relations.

Malta and China have a long history of friendship, especially since the two countries established diplomatic relations on 31 January 1972, when Dom Mintoff of the Malta Labour Party was Prime Minister.

That friendship was reflected in a separate meeting the same day with Liu Jianchao, Minister of the International Department of the Communist Party of China (CPC) Central Committee (IDCPC).

Liu stated that the CPC stands ready to maintain institutionalised exchanges with the Labour Party of Malta, strengthen political dialogue, and promote exchanges between think tanks, media outlets, and youth organisations, enhance mutual understanding and trust, and continuously consolidate the social and political foundations of China-Malta relations.

Borg said that he visited China for the first time in 2006 and witnessed the tremendous achievements China has made in economic and social development in recent years. In particular, under the leadership of President Xi Jinping, China has eliminated absolute poverty and realised many dreams. Since the establishment of diplomatic relations between Malta and China, the bilateral relationship has maintained sound development. Malta firmly adheres to the one-China policy, supports and actively participates in the Belt and Road cooperation, and is willing to work with China to further tap the potential of bilateral relations and strengthen cooperation in economy, trade, ports, new energy vehicles, climate change, and tourism. Despite different sizes and social systems, Malta and China have similar views on many issues.

The Labour Party is willing to strengthen exchanges and dialogues with the CPC, promote youth exchanges, and pass on the friendship between Malta and China.

Borg paid an official visit to China, July 13-16.

A review of the historical significance of Malta-China friendship may be read here. The following articles were originally published on the websites of the Chinese Foreign Ministry and the IDCPC.

Wang Yi Holds Talks with Malta’s Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Tourism Ian Borg

July 14 (MFA) — On July 14, 2025, Member of the Political Bureau of the CPC Central Committee and Foreign Minister Wang Yi held talks with Malta’s Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Tourism Ian Borg in Beijing.

Wang Yi noted that Malta, located at the strategic crossroads of Asia, Europe and Africa, has pursued “small country, big diplomacy”, playing a unique and positive role in safeguarding world peace and stability. China and Malta enjoy traditional friendship, with strong political mutual trust and profound public support. China cherishes its friendship with Malta and appreciates Malta’s long-standing commitment to making the development of relations with China a diplomatic priority. China is ready to maintain high-level political mutual trust, mutual respect, mutual understanding and mutual support with Malta, honor commitments on issues concerning each other’s core interests and major concerns, deepen mutually beneficial cooperation in such areas as trade, investment, culture and tourism, science and education, and maintain sound communication and coordination in international affairs.

Continue reading Wang Yi praises Malta’s ‘small country, big diplomacy’

Wang Yi pursues regional cooperation and friendship in Kuala Lumpur

Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi attended the China-ASEAN [Association of South East Asian Nations] Foreign Ministers’ Meeting, the ASEAN Plus Three Foreign Ministers’ Meeting, the East Asia Summit Foreign Ministers’ Meeting and the ASEAN Regional Forum Foreign Ministers’ Meeting in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, from July 10-11.

The China-ASEAN Foreign Ministers’ Meeting was held on July 10. Wang Yi said that China and ASEAN share similar visions for development, common demands, and converging interests. China regards ASEAN as a priority in its neighbourhood diplomacy and a pioneer area for building a community with a shared future for humanity. The two sides should support each other and help each other succeed in advancing the modernisation process of Asia.

He briefed on the achievements of China-ASEAN cooperation and put forward four suggestions:

  • To act as a model in defending international fairness and justice. The two sides should firmly uphold the international system with the United Nations at its core and the international order underpinned by international law.
  • To act as a model for safeguarding regional peace and stability. In the turbulent world today, peace and stability in the region are particularly precious and must be firmly protected. No geopolitical conflicts or bloc confrontations should be allowed to infiltrate the Asian home. China is willing to take the lead in signing the Protocol to the Treaty on the Southeast Asia Nuclear Weapon-Free Zone. The South China Sea is a shared home for countries in the region, not an arena for major power rivalry. China is ready to work with ASEAN countries to expand cooperation in areas such as marine environmental protection, navigation safety, maritime law enforcement, and key marine infrastructure, and jointly foster a new narrative of cooperation, stability, and friendship in the South China Sea. The two sides should fully implement the Declaration on the Conduct of Parties in the South China Sea, advance consultations on a Code of Conduct in the South China Sea (COC), and always keep the initiative on the South China Sea issue in the hands of regional countries.
  • To set an example of conducting mutually beneficial and win-win cooperation. China is ready to work with ASEAN to jointly build the Version 3.0 China-ASEAN Free Trade Area, promote high-quality implementation of the Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership (RCEP), and create a high-level free trade network. China will continue to take the high-quality Belt and Road cooperation as the main platform to strengthen connectivity and cooperation in industrial and supply chains with ASEAN, and create highlights of cooperation in artificial intelligence, digital transformation, and clean energy.
  • To set an example for promoting inclusiveness and mutual learning. China is willing to work with ASEAN countries to continue advocating for dialogue, exchanges and mutual learning among different civilisations, and jointly build an Asian family that promotes harmony, inclusiveness, and respect for differences.

Attending the ASEAN Plus China, Japan, Republic of Korea (ROK) (ASEAN Plus Three – APT) Foreign Ministers’ Meeting, Wang Yi noted that since the establishment of the APT cooperation mechanism, all parties have continuously strengthened their crisis response capabilities, advanced the process of regional economic integration, and fostered new drivers for development through joint efforts. Cooperation in various areas has yielded fruitful results, helping East Asia become the most dynamic region in the world.

The focus on development and commitment to cooperation is the general trend and mainstream, though challenges persist, including the impact of unilateralism and protectionism, and the abuse of tariffs by a certain major country. The more complex the situation, the more the APT cooperation should stay undisturbed, work in solidarity, and keep strengthening the momentum for cooperation, enhancing development resilience, and continuously advancing the process of regional integration to make the shared home a better place.

At the 32nd ASEAN Regional Forum (ARF) Foreign Ministers’ Meeting, Wang Yi noted that security is closely connected with development. The rapid development of the Asia-Pacific benefited from a generally peaceful and stable regional environment, which should be cherished all the more.

Wang Yi stated that the world today has entered a period of turbulence and transformation. To ensure the stability and development of the Asia-Pacific and to enable the ARF to continue playing its due role, China proposes the following: uphold the vision of common, comprehensive, cooperative and sustainable security; work to build a balanced, effective and sustainable regional security architecture; actively build a model of security for Asia that features sharing weal and woe, seeking common ground while shelving differences, and prioritising dialogue and consultation; and blaze a new path toward security that features dialogue over confrontation, partnership over alliance, and win-win results over zero-sum game.

There is no such thing as “absolute security” in the world, and no one’s security is superior to that of others. Creating division and confrontation through a zero-sum mindset runs counter to the goal of maintaining security. It is essential to respect the sovereignty and territorial integrity of all countries, uphold peaceful settlement of disputes, oppose the threat or use of force, and address both symptoms and root causes to eliminate the sources of conflict and war. This year marks the 70th anniversary of the Bandung Conference. It is important to draw wisdom from the Bandung Spirit, seek common ground while overcoming differences, and take seriously and accommodate the legitimate security concerns of all parties.

At the 15th East Asia Summit Foreign Ministers’ Meeting, Wang Yi stressed the need for a return to dialogue. He said the original intention of the Summit is to carry out constructive dialogue and enhance strategic mutual trust. However, certain countries outside the region have deviated from this track in recent years, frequently using the Summit platform to hype up differences, attack other countries, and interfere in internal affairs. Wang Yi expressed the hope that all parties can respect each other, communicate in good faith, and focus on increasing understanding and cooperation.

China supports the ASEAN-centred regional cooperation architecture, firmly upholds the multilateral trading system, builds a high-level regional free trade network, and promotes regional integration. China opposes bringing Cold War mentality and bloc confrontation into the region and rejects attempts to create competing structures or exclusive “small circles”.

Wang Yi emphasised that the root cause of tensions in the Taiwan Strait lies in the increasingly rampant separatist activities of ”Taiwan independence” and the connivance and support by external forces. Some claim to safeguard peace and stability across the Taiwan Strait, but if they truly care about peace and stability across the Taiwan Strait, they must resolutely stop the “Taiwan independence” forces from expanding. Some say that the status quo of the Taiwan Strait should not be changed, but the fact that Taiwan and the mainland both belong to one and the same China is the fundamental status quo of the Taiwan Strait. He expressed the hope that all countries will continue to unequivocally uphold the one-China principle, oppose any form of “Taiwan independence”, and support China’s reunification.

Wang Yi also held a number of bilateral meetings on the sidelines of the above meetings.

On July 11, he met with Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim in Putrajaya.

Anwar Ibrahim asked Wang Yi to convey his cordial greetings to President Xi Jinping, stating that China is a trustworthy friend and partner of Malaysia. President Xi Jinping’s successful visit this year is a significant event in the history of Malaysia-China relations. President Xi Jinping’s care and thoughts about the future and destiny of the world have earned the heartfelt respect of the Malaysian government and people.

Wang Yi said that the tide of history always moves forward, and the rise of the Global South is unstoppable. As developing countries, emerging economies, and key representatives of the Global South, China and Malaysia should join hands to address challenges and seek development and revitalisation. The United States’ unilateral imposition of high tariffs is irresponsible and unpopular. China will always stand with the vast number of developing countries.

In a separate meeting with Malaysian Foreign Minister Mohamad Hasan, Wang Yi said that the two sides should work together to deliver on the important common understandings reached between the leaders of the two countries, put into practice the Belt and Road cooperation plan, strengthen cooperation on economy, trade, investment and connectivity, advance key projects such as the East Coast Rail Link and the “Two Countries, Twin Parks”, deepen cooperation in frontier areas, seize the opportunities of the new industrial revolution, and jointly build a regional highland for cooperation on new quality productive forces. The two sides should continue to successfully hold the “Confucian-Islamic Civilisational Dialogue” and ensure the implementation of the mutual visa exemption agreement that will soon come into effect to strengthen people-to-people exchanges and consolidate the public foundation.

The United States has imposed high tariffs on ASEAN countries simply based on a single letter, which is a typical act of unilateralism and bullying that no country would recognise or support. China’s resolute countermeasures are not only to safeguard its own interests, but also to defend the common interests of all countries, including ASEAN member states. China is ready to strengthen cooperation with ASEAN to jointly uphold the multilateral trading system, keep global industrial and supply chains stable, and promote a universally beneficial and inclusive economic globalisation.

Mohamad Hasan said that under the current circumstances, it is clear who is a true friend. In the face of tariffs and other issues, Malaysia will not just consider its own interests, nor will it sacrifice the interests of third parties, as that is not the ASEAN way.

Meeting with Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov, Wang Yi said that in May this year, President Xi Jinping paid a successful visit to Russia and attended the celebrations marking the 80th anniversary of the victory in the Great Patriotic War of the Soviet Union, commemorating history together with the peace-loving people of all countries and opening up the future. Last month, the two heads of state had a phone call, jointly sending a strong voice of China and Russia on international and regional hotspot issues. China is ready to work with Russia to fully implement the common understandings reached between the two heads of state, continuously elevate the level of China-Russia strategic coordination, safeguard the security and development interests of both countries, and support each other’s development and rejuvenation.

Sergei Lavrov, on behalf of Russia, extended congratulations on the 104th anniversary of the founding of the Communist Party of China (CPC). The two countries should remain vigilant against attempts by a certain major power to sow division and provoke confrontation in the region. Russia will fully support China in assuming the rotating presidency of the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation, jointly prepare for the next phase of high-level exchanges and cooperation in various fields, and strengthen communication and coordination within frameworks such as BRICS.

Wang Yi thanked Russia for its congratulations on the 104th anniversary of the founding of the CPC, saying that this reflects the traditional friendship between the two sides. The CPC has more than 100 million members, making it the world’s largest political party and demonstrating an ever-growing vitality and vigor. As General Secretary Xi Jinping pointed out, dedicated to the great long-term cause of the Chinese nation, the CPC at its centenary is right in its prime.

Meeting with Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister of Viet Nam Bui Thanh Son, Wang Yi said that in April this year, General Secretary and President Xi Jinping paid a successful state visit to Viet Nam, during which the top leaders of the two Parties and the two countries made strategic plans to deepen the China-Viet Nam community with a shared future that carries strategic significance. At present, bilateral cooperation in various fields continues to expand, connectivity development is being advanced across the board, and people-to-people exchanges are delivering numerous highlights.

China welcomes Viet Nam to become a BRICS partner country and supports Viet Nam in joining the big family of the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation at an early date to jointly uphold true multilateralism and safeguard international fairness and justice. China always opposes economic and trade bullying as well as tariff coercion, and advocates for resolving economic, trade and tariff issues through equal-footed dialogue. China stands ready to work with Viet Nam to jointly uphold multilateral trade rules and systems and safeguard the legitimate interests of all countries through solidarity and self-reliance.

Meeting with Cambodian Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation Prak Sokhonn, Wang Yi said that the China-Cambodia friendship has withstood the tests of international changes and remains rock-solid. In April this year, President Xi Jinping paid a historic visit to Cambodia, which was of milestone significance. The two leaders jointly announced the building of an all-weather China-Cambodia community with a shared future in the new era, and both sides have once again taken the lead in building a community with a shared future for humanity. Facing the volatile and turbulent international situation, China is ready to be a trustworthy friend and partner of Cambodia.

He stressed that the United States imposing high tariffs on Cambodia and other Southeast Asian countries is an attempt to deprive all parties of their legitimate rights to development. He expressed confidence that Southeast Asian countries are capable of coping with the complex situation, upholding principled positions, and safeguarding their own interests as well as the common interests of all parties.

Prak Sokhonn said that China is Cambodia’s most reliable friend. President Xi Jinping’s visit to Cambodia this year was very successful, and both sides decided to build an all-weather Cambodia-China community with a shared future in the new era. He expressed gratitude for China’s selfless assistance in Cambodia’s economic and social development and the willingness to follow through on the common understandings reached between the leaders of the two countries, and to deepen pragmatic cooperation in trade, infrastructure and other fields. He thanked China for giving zero-tariff treatment for 100 percent tariff lines from Cambodia, calling it an act of friendship and brotherhood and a great help to Cambodia, which stands in stark contrast to the 36 percent tariff imposed by the United States on Cambodia. Cambodia is willing to resolve differences with the United States through negotiations but will neither abandon its principles and interests nor sacrifice the interests of third parties.

Wang Yi listened to Prak Sokhonn’s briefing on the situation at the Cambodia-Thailand border. He said that although Cambodia and Thailand hold different positions, both sides are willing to manage the situation and ease tensions. Noting that Cambodia and Thailand are neighbours that cannot be moved away, Wang Yi expressed the belief that both sides will surely uphold the spirit of valuing the primacy of peace and forging friendships with neighbours to properly handle the issue. China will maintain an impartial, fair and just stance, respond to the needs of the parties concerned, and play a constructive role in this regard.

Meeting with Thai Foreign Minister Maris Sangiampongsa, Wang Yi called on the two sides to accelerate the construction of the China-Thailand Railway and give play to the demonstration effect of major projects to promote the implementation of the vision of interconnected development of China, Laos and Thailand. He said that the abuse of tariffs by the United States undermines the free trade system and disrupts the stability of the global industrial and supply chains. He expressed the belief that Thailand and other ASEAN countries will safeguard their respective legitimate interests, resist unilateralism, power politics and bullying acts, deepen the building of a community with a shared future among Lancang-Mekong countries, and promote the sound development of East Asian cooperation.

Wang Yi emphasised that both Thailand and Cambodia are China’s good neighbours and good friends. Regarding the border dispute between Thailand and Cambodia, China hopes that both sides will act in goodwill towards each other and properly resolve the issue through friendly dialogue and consultation, so as to deescalate the situation and restore stability at an early date. China will uphold an objective and impartial stance and play a constructive role in promoting harmonious coexistence between Thailand and Cambodia.

Maris Sangiampongsa said that China is a reliable friend of Thailand. Over the past 50 years since the establishment of diplomatic relations, the two sides have maintained mutual trust and respected each other’s core interests. Thailand and China continue to be as close as one family, and new results have been achieved constantly in the building of a Thailand-China community with a shared future.

Meeting with Sri Lankan Foreign Minister Vijitha Herath, Wang Yi said that China and Sri Lanka enjoy a traditional friendship. In January this year, President Xi Jinping held fruitful talks with President Anura Kumara Dissanayake, during which they reached important common understandings on deepening the China-Sri Lanka strategic cooperative partnership and jointly building a China-Sri Lanka community with a shared future, charting the course and providing guidance for the development of China-Sri Lanka relations. China is ready to work with Sri Lanka to promote the development of the strategic cooperative partnership featuring sincere mutual assistance and ever-lasting friendship between the two countries.

The two sides should deepen high-quality Belt and Road cooperation and practical cooperation in various fields. Both sides should jointly implement the two flagship projects for the comprehensive development of Colombo Port City and Hambantota Port, accelerate the negotiations on the China-Sri Lanka Free Trade Agreement, and create new growth drivers for cooperation in areas such as green energy, digital economy, modern agriculture and marine economy. China-Sri Lanka maritime cooperation is mutually beneficial and win-win. It does not target any third party and should not be disrupted by any third party.

Continue reading Wang Yi pursues regional cooperation and friendship in Kuala Lumpur

As Trump threatens BRICS, it grows stronger, resisting US dollar and Western imperialism

In the following article, which was originally published on his Geopolitical Economy website, Beijing-based US journalist and political analyst, Ben Norton assesses the impact and significance of the 17th BRICS Summit, which was held July 6-7 in the Brazilian city of Rio de Janeiro.

Ben notes that, among his daily plethora of crude threats to sovereign nations, US President Donald Trump had recently threatened to impose 100% tariffs on the members of BRICS and then claimed that the Global South economic cooperation mechanism was “dead” as a result.  However, it is growing, currently with 10 members and 10 partners, as well as a number of observers participating in the summit, where measured steps towards a process of ‘dedollarisation’ ranked high on the agenda.  

The Rio Summit was historic not least in the participation of socialist Vietnam and Cuba among the new category of formal partner countries. Ben observes: “This was symbolic, given that Cuba has suffered under illegal US sanctions and a devastating blockade for more than 60 years.”

He adds that, despite the country’s proximity to, and economic integration with, the United States: “Mexico’s progressive President Claudia Sheinbaum sent Foreign Secretary Juan Ramón de la Fuente to Brazil to participate, even though Mexico is not…  a member or partner of BRICS.”

The steady progress of BRICS (to paraphrase the US writer Mark Twain reports of its death were clearly exaggerated) again riled the short-fused US President, who threatened its members with an additional 10% in tariffs – for Trump watchers evidently something of a climbdown from the previously threatened 100%.

This new threat brought a stinging rebuke from Brazil’s President Lula: “The world has changed. We don’t want an emperor.”

Trump also bizarrely cited Spain as a “BRICS nation”, which, in this case, he threatened with 100% tariffs. Spain is neither a member nor a partner of BRICS, which is exclusively made up of members of the Global South. Indeed, it is a NATO ally of the United States. Its social democratic government has, however, enraged Trump by condemning the Israeli genocide in Gaza, being the sole NATO member to outright refuse Trump’s demand to increase defence spending to 5% of GDP and insisting on maintaining positive relations with China.

In the following days, Trump further escalated his feud with Brazil by leaping to the defence of his fascist friend, former President Jair Bolsonaro, who is facing trial on charges of attempting a coup following his 2022 election defeat, a case with certain echoes of the violent attempt to overturn the result of the 2020 presidential election in the United States.

Lula reacted furiously to Trump’s attempt to help his fellow putschist by threatening Brazil with additional tariffs at 50%. The financial news service Bloomberg reported:

“President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva insisted Brazil can survive without trade with the US and will look to other partners to replace it, a sharp response to Donald Trump after the American leader threatened 50% tariffs against the nation.

“‘We’re going to have to look for other partners to buy our products. Brazil’s trade with the US represents 1.7% of its GDP,’ Lula said in a broadcast interview with Record TV… ‘It’s not like we can’t survive without the US.’

“The Brazilian also said countries like his are not obliged to continue using the dollar to trade, reiterating remarks he made at last weekend’s BRICS summit in Rio de Janeiro that he acknowledged ‘likely worried Trump.’

“‘We are interested in creating a trade currency among other countries,’ Lula said in the Record interview. ‘I’m not obligated to buy dollars to conduct trade with Venezuela, Bolivia, Chile, Sweden, the European Union, or China. We can trade in our own currencies.’”

Continue reading As Trump threatens BRICS, it grows stronger, resisting US dollar and Western imperialism

China and DPRK mark treaty anniversary

The 64th anniversary of the signing of the China-DPRK (Democratic People’s Republic of Korea) Treaty of Friendship, Cooperation and Mutual Assistance was celebrated in Pyongyang and Beijing on July 8th and 10th respectively.

The Xinhua News Agency reported that, addressing the reception held at his embassy, Chinese Ambassador to the DPRK Wang Yajun said that the treaty embodies the friendship the two peoples built with their blood in the process of resisting foreign aggression and striving for national independence and liberation and lays a solid legal and political foundation for the long-term development of bilateral relations.

He added that at the moment when changes in the global landscape unseen in a century are going deeper, highlighted by intertwined chaos and ever emerging risks and challenges, it is of great significance to well implement the spirit of the treaty and well develop bilateral ties.

In his address at the event, Kang Yun Sok, Vice Chairman of the Standing Committee of the Supreme People’s Assembly of the DPRK, said that the bilateral treaty lays a solid legal foundation for the continuous consolidation and development of the friendly and cooperative relations between the DPRK and China amid any changes and challenges.

The DPRK-China friendship was jointly forged by the two countries’ older generations of leadership in striving to fight imperialism, achieve independence and build socialism, he said, noting that it is the DPRK’s unwavering stance to pass on and deepen the friendship with China from generation to generation.

The Korean Central News Agency (KCNA) also carried a report on the reception.

China’s People’s Daily reported that Wang Dongming, Vice Chairman of the Standing Committee of the National People’s Congress (NPC), attended a reception on July 10 to commemorate the 64th anniversary of the signing of the treaty hosted by DPRK Ambassador to China Ri Yong Nam.

KCNA noted the large number of Chinese institutions who participated in the reception.

On July 11, People’s Daily carried a commentary saying that: “On July 11, 1961, Premier Zhou Enlai and Prime Minister Kim Il Sung jointly signed the Sino-DPRK Treaty of Friendship, Cooperation and Mutual Assistance in Beijing. This important document has laid a political and legal foundation for the development of friendly and cooperative relations between the two countries and embodies the common desire of the two sides to inherit and carry forward the traditional friendship and safeguard regional peace.

It added: “In recent years, General Secretary Xi Jinping and General Secretary Kim Jong Un have maintained close exchanges and interactions through various forms, leading and promoting the traditional friendly and cooperative relations between China and the DPRK into a new historical period. China and the DPRK have adhered to the original aspiration of friendship for generations, strengthened strategic communication, exchanges and cooperation, firmly supported each other, and safeguarded the common interests of the two countries, fully demonstrating the unbreakable and vigorous vitality of the traditional friendship between China and the DPRK.”

Under the leadership of the Workers’ Party of Korea (WPK) headed by General Secretary Kim Jong Un, it continued, the DPRK people have actively implemented the spirit of the previous plenary sessions of the Central Committee of the WPK and comprehensively promoted all work of socialist construction. As a good comrade and good neighbour, the Chinese side sincerely wishes that the fraternal DPRK people will continue to make new and greater achievements in the cause of socialist construction.

This year marks the 80th anniversary of the victory of the Chinese People’s War of Resistance Against Japanese Aggression and the World Anti-Fascist War. During the arduous war years, the peoples of China and the DPRK supported each other, fought side by side, and made important contributions to the just cause of humanity. It is the firm stand of the Chinese party and government to maintain, consolidate and develop China-DPRK relations.

The following articles were originally published by the Xinhua News Agency and People’s Daily. The People’s Daily commentary was published in Chinese and has been machine translated.

Chinese embassy marks 64th anniversary of signing of China-DPRK friendship treaty

PYONGYANG, July 10 (Xinhua) — The Chinese Embassy in Pyongyang on Wednesday held a reception to commemorate the 64th anniversary of the signing of the China-DPRK Treaty of Friendship, Cooperation and Mutual Assistance.

Over 130 diplomats and officials from both sides attended the event.

Addressing the reception, Chinese Ambassador to the DPRK Wang Yajun said the bilateral treaty is a document of historical significance as well as a monument marking the friendship between China and the DPRK.

Continue reading China and DPRK mark treaty anniversary

Venezuela expo boosts development and friendship

Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro and Vice President Delcy Rodríguez visited the Great China-Venezuela Expo, held in La Carlota, Miranda state, on July 4.

The event, whose motto was “Building a Splendorous Future,” was held to coincide with the 51st anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between Venezuela and China.

Three agreements were signed: On the delivery and reception of the donation of supplies for the protection of water resources granted by China to Venezuela; A technological cooperation agreement; and one with the China Development Bank.

President Maduro explained that significant investments were discussed with the China Development Bank “for the development of agriculture, agroindustry, aquaculture, and investments in the hydrocarbons sector for the production of oil, gas, and the development of petrochemicals and the refining industry.”

A memorandum of understanding was also signed with China’s iFlutek to jointly develop AI technology. iFlutek develops voice recognition and artificial intelligence technologies, and the agreement is expected to provide Venezuela with advanced solutions in key sectors such as education, health, agriculture, energy, and telecommunications.

President Maduro highlighted the importance of an agreement between “a world leader in technology and the Bolivarian Republic of Venezuela to develop Venezuelan artificial intelligence, sovereign, and at the highest level of the alliance with the People’s Republic of China.”

“This expo is one more step towards a future of shared prosperity,” he said, and pointed out that the relations with China are an example that another world is possible and that the first power in the world is now the People’s Republic of China.

The following article was first published in Spanish by Ultimas Noticias.  This English translation was originally carried by Orinoco Tribune.

Venezuela President Nicolás Maduro attended the Great China-Venezuela Expo being held in La Carlota, Miranda state. This event, whose motto is “Building a Splendorous Future,” is being held on the 51st anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between Venezuela and China.

On Friday, July 4, three agreements were signed between the two countries. The first one was on the delivery and reception of the donation of supplies for the protection of water resources granted by China to Venezuela. The second one was a technological cooperation agreement, and the third one was with the China Development Bank.

Investment in the hydrocarbons sector

President Maduro explained that significant investments were discussed with the China Development Bank “for the development of agriculture, agroindustry, aquaculture, and investments in the hydrocarbons sector for the production of oil, gas, and the development of petrochemicals and the refining industry.”

He also reported that investments for the development of infrastructure for the electricity supply service, transportation, and science and technology were discussed.

Artificial intelligence

A memorandum of understanding was also signed with China’s iFlutek to jointly develop AI technology.

iFlutek develops voice recognition and artificial intelligence technologies, and the agreement is expected to provide Venezuela with advanced solutions in key sectors such as education, health, agriculture, energy, and telecommunications.

President Maduro highlighted the importance of an agreement between “a world leader in technology and the Bolivarian Republic of Venezuela to develop Venezuelan artificial intelligence, sovereign, and at the highest level of the alliance with the People’s Republic of China.”

“Venezuela enters through the front door in the vanguard in the development of artificial intelligence,” he emphasized.

He highlighted that China and Venezuela have built a relationship based on complementarity and mutual respect. “This expo is one more step towards a future of shared prosperity,” he said.

He stressed that it is a “great brotherhood in conditions of respect,” relations that have been strengthened with China.

At the event, President Maduro was accompanied by Vice President Delcy Rodríguez (who chairs the China-Venezuela High-Level Commission). They toured alongside the Chinese delegation various booths and halls where the agreements and alliances between the two nations were reviewed.

President Maduro pointed out that the relations with China are an example that another world is possible and that the first power in the world is now the People’s Republic of China.

Vice President Delcy Rodríguez highlighted the self-determination and sovereignty of both countries that maintain relations within the framework of respect.

“I thank President Xi Jinping for all his support, all his solidarity, for his constant encouragement at all junctures. I thank the President of the China Development Bank, Comrade Tang, for this visit, which marks a new beginning, a new start of a splendid relationship,” said President Maduro.

For his part, the Chinese ambassador to Venezuela, Lan Hu, said that it is necessary to expand pragmatic cooperation and further strengthen cultural and human ties.

He noted that the expo opens the opportunity to boost bilateral cooperation even further.

“For more than half a century, bilateral coordination has achieved significant development in all areas. Despite international adversities, we have supported each other, defending international equity and justice and the rights of the countries of the Global South,” he said.

“Understanding and respect for political systems and development philosophies have prevailed,” he said, asserting that over 50 Chinese companies from different sectors are present at the fair. “Products, materials, and services are exhibited, and the bilateral relationship is very dynamic,” he added.

The expo: Building a Splendorous Future

Those who visit the Great Expo will be able to appreciate commercial exhibitions of Venezuelan-Chinese products and services, business rounds to strengthen bilateral investment, and cultural presentations.

The Great China-Venezuela Expo “Building a Splendorous Future” aims to be a symbol of friendship and progress, laying the groundwork for new growth opportunities for the benefit of the peoples of both nations.

The main events will be held on July 5-6 at the Simón Bolívar Park in La Carlota. They will showcase the progress in bilateral cooperation and explore opportunities in key sectors such as technology, energy, trade, and infrastructure.

China and Brazil stress high quality cooperation

Chinese Premier Li Qiang met with Brazilian President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva in Rio de Janeiro on July 5, the eve of the 17th BRICS Summit.

Li said that China is willing to work with Brazil to leverage each other’s complementary advantages and expand cooperation in such areas as digital economy, green economy, sci-tech innovation and aerospace. He conveyed Chinese President Xi Jinping’s warm greetings to Lula, noting that China-Brazil relations are in their best shape ever, with both sides working together to build a China-Brazil community with a shared future for a more just world and a more sustainable planet.

Li also urged both countries to jointly ensure the success of the China-Brazil Year of Culture in 2026, step up cooperation in education, youth, healthcare and other areas, further facilitate people-to-people exchanges and strengthen public support for China-Brazil friendship and cooperation, adding that China supports Brazil in hosting the UN Climate Change Conference in Belem (COP30) later this year.

Lula said that Brazil is ready to promote exchanges and cooperation with China in such areas as economy and trade, science and technology, finance, and aerospace, and also seeks to deepen collaboration with China in addressing climate change. Brazil welcomes China’s participation in the upcoming COP30.

The previous day, Li made a stopover on the Greek island of Rhodes on his way to Brazil.

Meeting with Greek Deputy Prime Minister Kostis Hatzidakis, Li said that China is willing to work with Greece to leverage complementary advantages, advance the implementation of the plan for the Port of Piraeus in a high-quality manner, and promote more optimised and balanced development of the bilateral trade.

He noted that President Xi Jinping met with Greek Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis during his visit to China in November 2023 and reached important consensus on deepening bilateral relations. Over the past two years, he added, China and Greece have actively implemented the outcomes of the visit and promoted high-quality development of the Belt and Road cooperation, delivering more benefits to the peoples of both countries.

China is also ready to work with Greece to enhance cooperation in such fields as clean energy, power transmission and transformation, and artificial intelligence (AI), and foster new drivers for economic growth. China also supports and encourages more capable Chinese enterprises to actively invest in Greece.

It is hoped that Greece will continue to play a constructive role in promoting the development of China-EU relations, he added.

For his part, Hatzidakis said that Greece and China are both ancient civilisations, and Greece attaches great importance to developing its relations with China.

China is a major country with significant international influence, he said, adding that Greece is ready to strengthen multilateral coordination with China, jointly uphold the purposes and principles of the UN Charter and address global challenges such as climate change. Greece is also willing to contribute to the development of EU-China relations.

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

Chinese premier says to expand cooperation with Brazil in digital economy, aerospace

RIO DE JANEIRO, July 5 (Xinhua) — Chinese Premier Li Qiang said on Saturday that China is willing to work with Brazil to leverage each other’s complementary advantages and expand cooperation in such areas as digital economy, green economy, sci-tech innovation and aerospace.

Li made the remarks during his meeting with Brazilian President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva. The Chinese premier arrived in Rio de Janeiro on Saturday to attend the 17th BRICS Summit.

Continue reading China and Brazil stress high quality cooperation

Xi Jinping – Champion of the Global South

The 17th Summit of the BRICS cooperation mechanism was held in the Brazilian city of Rio de Janeiro, July 6-7.

On this occasion, due to a scheduling clash, apparently related to the July 7 anniversary of the Marco Polo Bridge Incident, when Japan launched its full-scale invasion of China, an event that assumes greater significance in this year of the 80th anniversary of victory in the anti-fascist war, President Xi Jinping did not attend the summit, with China being represented by Premier Li Qiang.

However, prior to the summit, on July 3, the Xinhua News Agency published a detailed commentary highlighting Xi’s consistent commitment to BRICS and to the Global South more generally.

It quotes Xi as saying that “the collective rise of the Global South is a distinctive feature of the great transformation across the world,” when he addressed the “BRICS Plus” Dialogue held in Kazan, Russia, in October last year.

The article notes that much more than a pure geographical or economic term, the Global South refers to a community of emerging markets and developing countries that share similar historical experiences, development stages and goals, and political pursuits.

It adds: “The concept of ‘South’ was first coined in Antonio Gramsci’s work ‘The Southern Question’ written in 1926, in which the Italian Marxist philosopher highlighted the development gap between northern and southern Italy.”

The rise of the Global South, it continues, has been decades in the making. Back in 1955, the landmark Bandung Conference convened in Indonesia under the flag of solidarity, friendship and cooperation, marking the awakening of the Global South after centuries of Western colonial rule. In 1964, the Group of 77, a coalition of developing countries, was established in Geneva within the framework of the United Nations to promote South-South cooperation and work towards a new international economic order.

Through extensive cooperation, the countries of the Global South have emerged as a key driver of global growth. They have contributed as much as 80 percent over the past 20 years, with their share of global GDP increasing from 24 percent four decades ago to more than 40 percent today.

The article acknowledges that some Westerners have challenged China’s position that it is part of the Global South. It cites Xi in response:

“As a developing country and a member of the Global South, China breathes the same breath with other developing countries and pursues a shared future with them.”

Historically, China has suffered from Western colonialism and imperialism, much like other developing countries, according to Cavince Adhere, a Kenya-based international relations scholar.

“Even today, despite inordinate success by Beijing to rise from the backwaters of development to be the second-largest economy in the world, as well as the first developing country to eliminate extreme poverty, China still faces common development challenges and holds similar views regarding the current international order and global governance. Because of this, China has emerged as a strong champion for the legitimate rights and interests of many Global South countries.”

To boost common development in the Global South, Xi has been promoting practical cooperation through major infrastructure projects as part of the Belt and Road Initiative. During his foreign visits over the years, Xi would launch or visit major projects, such as the Chancay Port in Peru, the Dushanbe No. 2 power plant in Tajikistan and the Colombo Port City in Sri Lanka.

Continue reading Xi Jinping – Champion of the Global South

Ties with Bolivia and Ghana reaffirmed

Chinese President Xi Jinping and Bolivian President Luis Arce exchanged congratulations on the 40th anniversary of diplomatic relations on July 9.

Noting that China and Bolivia are good friends and good brothers, Xi said that the two sides have firmly supported each other on issues concerning their core interests and major concerns, adding that the high-quality Belt and Road cooperation has yielded fruitful results, and the friendship has taken deeper roots in the hearts of the two peoples.

For his part, Arce said that the Bolivian side highly commends China’s support and assistance in areas such as infrastructure, technology, energy and healthcare, and applauds China’s leadership in uniting the Global South, promoting China-Latin America cooperation and working toward a more just, equitable and inclusive international order.

Earlier, on July 5, Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi exchanged congratulations with his Ghanaian counterpart, Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa, on the 65th anniversary of diplomatic ties.

Wang noted that Ghana is one of the first Sub-Saharan African countries to establish diplomatic ties with China.

For his part, Ablakwa expressed his gratitude to China for its long-term valuable support and assistance to Ghana’s socio-economic development. The Ghanaian side looks forward to working with China to push for the continuous development of the Ghana-China strategic partnership.

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

Xi, Bolivian president exchange congratulations on 40th anniversary of diplomatic ties

BEIJING, July 9 (Xinhua) — Chinese President Xi Jinping and Bolivian President Luis Arce exchanged congratulations on the 40th anniversary of diplomatic relations on Wednesday.

Noting that China and Bolivia are good friends and good brothers, Xi said that over the 40 years since the establishment of diplomatic ties, China-Bolivia relations have withstood the test of changing international circumstances and have always maintained a sound momentum for growth.

Continue reading Ties with Bolivia and Ghana reaffirmed

Li Qiang: The Global South should stand at the forefront of global governance reform

The 17th Summit of the BRICS cooperation mechanism was held in the Brazilian city of Rio de Janeiro, July 6-7.

On July 6, Chinese Premier Li Qiang delivered a speech at the plenary session focused on the theme of Peace and Security and Reform of Global Governance.

He noted that: “Today, transformations unseen in a century are accelerating in the world. Geopolitical conflicts and economic and trade frictions keep emerging, flames of war continue to rage in some regions, international rules and order face serious challenges, and the authority and efficacy of multilateral mechanisms are weakening.”

Faced with the growing necessity and urgency to reform the global governance system, China believes that in this process, one must firmly safeguard the shared interests of the international community and always stand on the right side of history. This is the only way to avoid taking a wrong turn or backpedalling, and to march forward in big strides toward peace, security, prosperity and sustainable development.

“There should be less arrogance and prejudice, and more sincerity and understanding. We need to look for the best answer that serves the interests of all through friendly consultation conducted on the basis of equality… Humanity lives in the same global village, and countries have increasingly become one community with a shared future. Whether it is tackling global challenges or promoting long-term development, no country can do it alone. Only by standing together in solidarity and working in close collaboration can we build a better home for us all… Development should not be a zero-sum game where one profits at the expense of the other, but a win-win story where all can benefit through mutual assistance. Countries’ development ought to be opportunities, not threats to each other.”

Observing that over the years, Global South countries have grown stronger and become champions of and contributors to the reform and improvement of the global governance system, Li said that, “standing at the forefront of the Global South, we BRICS countries should uphold independence, act with a sense of responsibility, take bigger steps to build consensus and synergy, and strive to be the pioneering force in advancing global governance reform.”

To this end, he made three key points:

  • We should uphold justice and safeguard world peace and tranquillity. When international rules are being undermined and bullying practices are on the rise, we need to stand up for what is right and speak up for justice.
  • We should focus on development and bolster the driving forces of economic growth. China’s journey of reform and opening up shows that in solving all problems, development is the foundation and key. This year, China will establish the China-BRICS New Quality Productive Forces Research Centre and the BRICS New Industry Golden Egret Excellence Scholarships, which will help BRICS countries train talents in areas such as industry and telecommunication and pursue innovation-driven development.
  • We should uphold inclusiveness and promote exchange and mutual learning among civilisations. With rich histories and cultures, BRICS countries should be advocates of harmonious coexistence of civilisations. We need to call for respect for cultural diversity in the world, and work to ensure that different civilisations inspire each other and prosper together.

The following is the full text of the speech. It was originally published by the Xinhua News Agency.

The summit adopted a detailed declaration. The full text may be read here.

RIO DE JANEIRO, July 6 (Xinhua) — Chinese Premier Li Qiang delivered a speech on Sunday at the plenary session of “Peace and Security and Reform of Global Governance” of the 17th BRICS Summit.

Continue reading Li Qiang: The Global South should stand at the forefront of global governance reform

Sports and culture promote Ireland-China people’s friendship

We previously reported the visit to China in March by members of two Gaelic Athletic Association (GAA) clubs in the north of Ireland,  St Johns GAA and Naomh Cholmaín Droím an Easa Drumaness GAC, led by Sinn Féin Member of Parliament for South Down, Chris Hazzard.

Following this very successful visit, the Chinese Consul General in Belfast, Li Nan organised a friendship gathering with Chris and members of the two clubs on June 12.

Li emphasised that culture and sports help bring people closer and foster mutual understanding. He expressed the hope that club members would actively serve as inheritors of the friendship between China and Northern Ireland, promoters of friendly cooperation, and builders of shared development.

Chris Hazzard shared his experiences from visiting China and expressed his desire to further expand dialogue, cooperation, and exchanges in areas such as culture, education, and sports. Club members also took turns sharing their thoughts and reflections from their time in China.

Meanwhile, on June 16, at the invitation of the James Joyce Centre, Chinese Ambassador to Ireland Zhao Xiyuan attended the Bloomsday celebration at Belvedere College S.J. in Dublin.

Bloomsday is an annual celebration held on June 16 to commemorate James Joyce’s novel Ulysses, which is set on that specific date in 1904. It is named after the novel’s central character, Leopold Bloom. Joyce’s experience studying at the Belvedere College informed much of the writing of the novel.  In 2012, President Xi Jinping, then Vice President of China, visited the Confucius Classroom at Belvedere College.

With the help of the Chinese Embassy in Ireland, the three Chinese versions of Ulysses that have been published, have been donated to the National Library of Ireland, the James Joyce Centre and the Museum of Literature Ireland for their collections.

Ulysses is widely considered to be one of the most complex and difficult works of world literature to translate. Translation into Chinese required many years of devoted effort and painstaking work. This comparative study of the three Chinese versions was published by the James Joyce Society of Korea.

The following articles were originally published on the websites of the Chinese Consulate General in Belfast and the Chinese Embassy in Ireland and are republished here from that of the Chinese Foreign Ministry.

Chinese Consulate General in Belfast Holds GAA Club Visit to China Sharing Session and Consulate General Open Day

June 14 (MFA) — On 12 June, the Chinese Consulate General in Belfast hosted a sharing session following the GAA Club’s visit to China and the Consulate’s Open Day. Consul General Mr. Li Nan attended and delivered a speech. Over 50 guests participated in the event, including Mr. Christopher Hazzard MP; the President and members of Drumaness and St John’s Club; and Professor Yu Xiang, Vice President of Hubei Normal University.

Consul General Li welcomed all guests to the Consulate and highlighted China’s latest achievements in economic and social development. He noted that Chinese-style modernization is progressing steadily, and a prosperous, open, and friendly China is creating new opportunities for the world. Mr. Li emphasized that culture and sports help bring people closer and foster mutual understanding. He expressed hope that club members would actively serve as inheritors of the friendship between China and Northern Ireland, promoters of friendly cooperation, and builders of shared development.

Mr. Hazzard shared his experiences from visiting China and expressed his desire to further expand dialogue, cooperation, and exchanges in areas such as culture, education, and sports. Club members also took turns sharing their thoughts and reflections from their time in China. The atmosphere was warm and engaging.

Chinese Ambassador to Ireland Zhao Xiyuan Attends the Bloomsday Celebration

June 18 (MFA) — On June 16th, at the invitation of the James Joyce Centre, Ambassador Zhao Xiyuan and Madam Li Yi, together with ambassadors from other countries to Ireland and officials from Dublin, attended the Bloomsday celebration at Belvedere College S.J. in Dublin.

Bloomsday is an annual celebration held on June 16th to commemorate James Joyce’s novel Ulysses, which is set on that specific date in 1904. It is named after the novel’s central character, Leopold Bloom. Joyce’s studying experience at the Belvedere College was applied many times in his writings. In 2012, President Xi Jinping, then Vice President of China, visited the Confucius Classroom at Belvedere College.

Every June 16th, literature lovers hold various festivities in Dublin, Ireland, and elsewhere including China, through readings, performances, and re-enactments of scenes from the book, often with participants dressed in Edwardian attire. With the coordination of the Embassy of the People’s Republic of China in Ireland, the three Chinese versions of Ulysses that have been published, were donated to the National Library of Ireland, the James Joyce Centre and the Museum of Literature Ireland for collection.