Category: International relations

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.

China and Senegal reaffirm solidarity

Prime Minister of Senegal Ousmane Sonko met separately in Beijing on June 27 with Chinese President Xi Jinping and Premier Li Qiang. Sonko was visiting China to attend the 2025 ‘Summer Davos’ in Tianjin.

Xi said that last September, he co-chaired the 2024 Summit of the Forum on China-Africa Cooperation (FOCAC) in Beijing, together with Senegalese President Bassirou Diomaye Faye, leading China-Africa relations into a new phase of jointly building an all-weather China-Africa community with a shared future for the new era.

Noting that China and Senegal are companions on the path to development and revitalisation as well as good brothers, he added that China is willing to work with Senegal to strengthen solidarity and cooperation, deepen their comprehensive strategic cooperative partnership, bring more benefits to the two peoples, and inject fresh impetus into China-Africa friendship and Global South cooperation. China and Senegal should firmly support each other in pursuing independent development paths and enhance exchanges among the two countries’ political parties. China stands ready to work closely with Senegal to advance the 10 China-Africa partnership actions for jointly advancing modernisation and implement more projects for people’s well-being.

Sonko conveyed President Faye’s sincere greetings to Xi. He said China is a reliable partner for Senegal, and the bilateral ties have featured mutual respect, mutual support, resilience and stability, with sound progress made in various fields of cooperation. Noting that the two countries, both as members of the Global South, share common values and aspirations, Sonko said Senegal is willing to closely coordinate with China in international and regional affairs, steadfastly act as China’s strategic partner to jointly promote international fairness and justice, and uphold the common interests of the Global South.

Li Qiang said that over the years, China and Senegal have respected each other, treated each other as equals, and carried out mutually beneficial cooperation in a sincere and friendly manner, achieving fruitful results. China encourages Chinese enterprises to invest and start businesses in Senegal and welcomes Senegalese enterprises making good use of platforms such as the China International Import Expo to enhance the promotion of their products in the Chinese market.

Sonko said Senegal admires the tremendous achievements made in China’s economic and social development and sincerely appreciates China for the vigorous assistance it has provided to Senegal over a long period of time. Senegal is willing to maintain close high-level exchanges with China, promote cooperation on economy and trade, energy and mineral resources, finance, and agriculture under the framework of the Belt and Road Initiative, and deepen people-to-people exchanges.

Sonko, who is also the Leader of PASTEF, the progressive ruling party in Senegal, also met with Liu Jianchao, Minister of the International Department of the Communist Party of China (CPC) Central Committee (IDCPC), at the former’s request.

Sonko said that Senegal and China enjoy a profound friendship, and China has always treated Senegal with equality and respect. The PASTEF administration looks forward to strengthening exchanges and cooperation with China in various fields such as politics, economy and society. PASTEF has gained a lot of inspiration from the endeavour of the CPC, and looks forward to cooperating with China in institutionalised inter-party exchanges, cadre training and youth exchanges, learning from the successful experience of the CPC in party building and state governance, and improving its own governing capacity.

Liu noted that the CPC and the PASTEF party share similar ideas and missions. China is willing to work with Senegal to intensify exchanges between the ruling parties, strengthen political dialogue and strategic integration, deepen mutual learning of experience in state governance and administration, expand exchanges in cadre training, exchanges at local level, and exchanges between youth and women’s organisations, as well as advance practical cooperation in various fields.

Continue reading China and Senegal reaffirm solidarity

Vietnam boosts China friendship at Summer Davos

Vietnamese Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh paid a working visit to China, June 24-27, at the invitation of his Chinese counterpart Li Qiang. The centrepiece of his visit was his participation in the 16th Annual Meeting of the New Champions of the World Economic Forum (WEF) in Tianjin at the co-invitation of WEF President and CEO Børge Brende. Known as the ‘Summer Davos’, the event in Tianjin is the second most important annual WEF activity after the gathering in the Swiss resort of Davos itself. Uniquely among foreign leaders, this was the third consecutive year for the Vietnamese Prime Minister to take part. It was also the first visit by a key Vietnamese leader to China in 2025, taking place shortly after the state visit to Vietnam by General Secretary of the Communist Party of China and Chinese President Xi Jinping in April.

Pham Minh Chinh met with Li Qiang on June 24, shortly after his arrival in Tianjin.

Noting that this year marks the 75th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between China and Vietnam, Li said the deep friendship of “comrades and brothers” has remained firm and fresh over time. Since the successful visit of Xi Jinping to Vietnam in April, the comprehensive strategic cooperation between China and Vietnam has been further advanced. China is willing to continue to implement the outcomes of President Xi’s visit with Vietnam to bring more benefits to the two peoples.

China welcomes Vietnam to become a BRICS partner country and is willing to work with Vietnam to safeguard free trade and the multilateral trading system, promote an equal and orderly multipolar world and a universally beneficial and inclusive economic globalisation, and inject more stability and positive energy into world peace and development.

Chinh said that Vietnam always considers developing its relationship with China a strategic choice, an objective necessity, and a top priority in its foreign policy and expressed confidence that China will continue to grow and play an increasingly important role in global development, security, and civilisation.

He proposed that both sides further promote the key role of security and defence cooperation in the overall bilateral relationship; improve the quality and effectiveness of practical cooperation across various fields; and maintain regular operations of the intergovernmental working groups on land-based infrastructure, monetary issues, and maritime cooperation, as well as the joint committees on economic-trade and scientific-technological cooperation. He also suggested studying the establishment of new working groups in education, training, finance, culture, and people-to-people exchanges.

Pham Minh Chinh also met with other foreign leaders attending the forum, namely Ecuadorian President Daniel Noboa, Singapore Prime Minister Lawrence Wong,  Kyrgyzstan Prime Minister Adylbek Kasimalyev, and Prime Minister of Senegal Ousmane Sonko.

Thanking Vietnam for its agricultural assistance, Sonko hoped for continued support in rice and cashew cultivation. He praised the success of Vietnam’s agricultural cooperation model in other countries and voiced interest in expanding that model to benefit Senegal and other Global South nations.

The Vietnamese and Senegalese leaders agreed to increase high-level exchanges and mutual visits, boost trade and investment promotion activities, facilitate business connections, and foster market access for each other’s key export products, with a strong focus on agriculture. Chinh invited Sonko to visit Vietnam, an invitation the Senegalese leader accepted with pleasure.

Also, as part of his working trip to China, on June 26 Chinh visited the Memorial Hall of the First National Congress of the Communist Party of China (CPC) and Pudong district, considered a development model in the new era of Shanghai as well as China.

Writing in the memorial hall’s guestbook, Chinh expressed his admiration and congratulations on the remarkable achievements of the CPC in leading the revolution and building a civilised, prosperous, harmonious, and modern nation.

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

Chinese premier meets PM of Vietnam

TIANJIN, June 24 (Xinhua) — Chinese Premier Li Qiang on Tuesday met with Prime Minister of Vietnam Pham Minh Chinh, who is in north China’s Tianjin Municipality for the 2025 Summer Davos.

Noting that this year marks the 75th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between China and Vietnam, Li said the deep friendship of “comrades and brothers” has remained firm and fresh over time. Since the successful visit of Xi Jinping, general secretary of the Communist Party of China Central Committee and Chinese president, to Vietnam in April, the comprehensive strategic cooperation between China and Vietnam has been further advanced.

Continue reading Vietnam boosts China friendship at Summer Davos

British government’s new China policy: Another case of one step forward two steps back?

The British government published a new National Security Strategy (NSS) on June 24. Before last year’s general election, the Labour Party said that it would carry out a comprehensive audit of the UK’s relationship with China within 100 days of taking office. With the publication of the NSS, a little over 350 days after taking office, the government announced that the audit had been completed. However, contrary to widespread expectations, it will not be published. Rather it is summarised in paragraphs 26, 27 and 28 of the NSS.

The strategy does at least draw a certain line under the more unhinged positions emanating from sections of the Conservative Party, including the short-lived Prime Minister Liz Truss in that it accepts that not engaging with China at all is simply not realistic:

“The actions taken by China, on issues from international security to the global economy, technological development or climate change, have the potential to have a significant effect on the lives of British people.”

“This work underscores the need for direct and high-level engagement and pragmatic cooperation where it is in our national interest – similar to all other members of the G7. In a more volatile world, we need to reduce the risks of misunderstanding and poor communication that have characterised the relationship in recent years. China’s global role makes it increasingly consequential in tackling the biggest global challenges, from climate change to global health to financial stability. We will seek a trade and investment relationship that supports secure and resilient growth and boosts the UK economy.”

However, it then goes on to repeat a number of slanders, false accusations and Cold War tropes, for example:

“Each pillar of the Strategic Framework contains measures that are designed to bolster our overall security with respect to China and other state actors that have the ability to undermine our security.”

“Yet there are several major areas, such as human rights and cyber security, where there are stark differences and where continued tension is likely. Instances of China’s espionage, interference in our democracy and the undermining of our economic security have increased in recent years. Our national security response will therefore continue to be threat-driven, bolstering our defences and responding with strong counter-measures.”

Other anti-China positions and statements are also scattered throughout the militaristic document. For example:

  • Many of the rules which have governed the international system in the past are eroding. Global commons are being contested by major powers like China and Russia, seeking to establish control and secure resources in outer space, cyberspace, the deep sea, and at the Arctic and Antarctic poles.
  • The possibility of major confrontation in the Indo-Pacific continues to grow, with dangerous and destabilising Chinese activity threatening international security.
  • Authoritarian states are putting in place multi-year plans to out-compete liberal democracies in every domain, from military modernisation to science and technology development, from their economic models to the information space…  As the second largest economy in the world, with strong central government control, the challenge of competition from China – which ranges from military modernisation to an assertion of state power that encompasses economic, industrial, science and technology policy – has potentially huge consequences for the lives of British citizens.
  • The hard realities of our geography, security and trade necessitate a prioritisation of the Euro-Atlantic area as part of our “NATO first” approach. But evidence of countries like Russia, China, Iran and North Korea cooperating across theatres – sometimes opportunistically and sometimes by deepening strategic ties – demonstrates the interconnectedness of the Euro-Atlantic with different theatres like the Middle East and Indo-Pacific, where we already have strong partnerships.
  • The UK’s bilateral relationships and partnerships in the Indo-Pacific are designed to enhance the international security on which our shared prosperity depends. Among others, these include our Global Strategic Partnership with the Republic of Korea, Defence and Security Cooperation Treaty and AUKUS agreement with the US and Australia, our Global Strategic Partnership and joint development of the next generation combat aircraft with Japan alongside Italy, and science and technology collaborations with New Zealand. We will underscore our investment in the stability of the region with the sailing of the UK Carrier Strike Group to Australia, reaffirming the UK’s commitment to a free and open Indo-Pacific.
  • The centrality of the South China Sea and Taiwan Strait to global trade and supply chains underscores the importance to the UK of regional stability. There is a particular risk of escalation around Taiwan… We do not support any unilateral attempts to change the status quo. As part of our strong unofficial relationship with Taiwan we will continue to strengthen and grow ties in a wide range of areas, underpinned by shared democratic values.
  • The AUKUS programme remains a priority project for UK defence and collective security, as part of a NATO-first, but not NATO-only, approach. The US, Australia and the UK will co-develop an advanced fleet of interoperable nuclear-powered attack submarines, which will be operated by both the Royal Navy and Royal Australian Navy, and other advanced capabilities that will strengthen deterrence.

Responding to Pat McFadden, Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster, who introduced the report in the House of Commons, Labour’s Emily Thornberry, who chairs the Foreign Affairs Select Committee, asked:

“In the absence of the published China audit, which we have all been looking forward to so much, the national security strategy has been gone through with a fine-toothed comb by many of us. On China, it states:

“‘Instances of China’s espionage, interference in our democracy and the undermining of our economic security have increased in recent years.’

“May we have some guidance on how we will address that, because that is not entirely clear? In particular, what advice is being given to the nations and regions when they are dealing with our third-biggest trading partner, with whom we need to promote but also protect ourselves?”

Continue reading British government’s new China policy: Another case of one step forward two steps back?

China and Mozambique celebrate 50th anniversary

Chinese President Xi Jinping exchanged messages with his Mozambican counterpart Daniel Francisco Chapo on the occasion of the 50th anniversary of their establishment of bilateral diplomatic relations. On June 25, 1975, Mozambique declared its independence after years of hard-fought people’s war against Portuguese colonial rule. China consistently and strongly supported the armed struggle waged by the FRELIMO liberation movement – which remains Mozambique’s ruling party – and the two countries established diplomatic relations on independence day.

Xi Jinping noted that over the past 50 years since the establishment of diplomatic relations, regardless of changes in the international landscape, China and Mozambique have trusted and supported each other, and the friendship between the two countries remains rock-solid. Xi expressed his firm belief that bilateral relations will surely usher in a brighter future as long as both sides uphold the original aspiration of establishing diplomatic relations and move forward hand in hand.

Daniel Francisco Chapo stated that the 50th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between the two countries coincides with the 50th anniversary of Mozambique’s independence, which highlights the traditional friendship and brotherhood between the two nations. He expressed gratitude for China’s unconditional support in Mozambique’s struggle for independence.

Foreign Minister Wang Yi also exchanged messages with his counterpart Maria Manuela dos Santos Lucas.

He said that over the past five decades, the two countries have upheld mutual respect and trust, consistently supporting each other on issues concerning their core interests and major concerns. Noting that bilateral cooperation in areas such as agriculture, infrastructure, energy and resources has yielded fruitful results, Wang said the two countries have also maintained close coordination on international affairs, jointly safeguarding international fairness and justice.

Lucas said that over the past 50 years, the traditional friendship between Mozambique and China has grown stronger, and the two countries have established a comprehensive strategic cooperative partnership based on sincerity, equality, mutual respect and trust. Regardless of changes in the international landscape, Mozambique will always consider China a brother and friend.

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

Xi Jinping Exchanges Congratulatory Messages with Mozambican President Daniel Francisco Chapo on the 50th Anniversary of the Establishment of China-Mozambique Diplomatic Relations

June 25 (MFA) — On June 25, 2025, President Xi Jinping exchanged congratulatory messages with Mozambican President Daniel Francisco Chapo to celebrate the 50th anniversary of the establishment of China-Mozambique diplomatic relations.

Xi Jinping noted that over the past 50 years since the establishment of diplomatic relations, regardless of changes in the international landscape, China and Mozambique have trusted and supported each other, and the friendship between the two countries remains rock-solid. Xi Jinping expressed his firm belief that bilateral relations will surely usher in a brighter future as long as both sides uphold the original aspiration of establishing diplomatic relations and move forward hand in hand. Xi Jinping said he attaches great importance to the development of China-Mozambique relations and is ready to work with Mr. President Daniel Francisco Chapo to take the 50th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations as a new starting point to carry forward traditional friendship, deepen mutually beneficial cooperation within the frameworks of high-quality Belt and Road cooperation and the Forum on China-Africa Cooperation, and jointly write a new chapter in the comprehensive strategic cooperative partnership between China and Mozambique.

Daniel Francisco Chapo stated that the 50th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between the two countries coincides with the 50th anniversary of Mozambique’s independence, which highlights the traditional friendship and brotherhood between the two nations. He expressed gratitude for China’s unconditional support in Mozambique’s struggle for independence. Mozambique will continue to abide by the one-China principle, support all efforts made by the Chinese government to achieve national reunification, and back the major initiatives proposed by China. Mozambique is willing to continuously deepen bilateral relations with China on the basis of mutual respect, mutual benefit and win-win outcomes, expand practical cooperation, jointly defend multilateralism, and promote world peace, security and prosperity.

Chinese FM exchanges congratulations on 50th anniversary of ties with Mozambican counterpart

BEIJING, June 25 (Xinhua) — Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi exchanged congratulations on Wednesday with Mozambican Minister of Foreign Affairs and Cooperation Maria Manuela dos Santos Lucas on the 50th anniversary of diplomatic ties.

Wang, also a member of the Political Bureau of the Communist Party of China Central Committee, noted that China and Mozambique share a traditional friendship.

Over the past five decades, the two countries have upheld mutual respect and trust, consistently supporting each other on issues concerning their core interests and major concerns, he said.

Noting that bilateral cooperation in areas such as agriculture, infrastructure, energy and resources has yielded fruitful results, Wang said the two countries have also maintained close coordination on international affairs, jointly safeguarding international fairness and justice.

He added that standing at a new historical starting point, he is ready to work with Lucas to implement the important consensuses reached by the two heads of state, reinforce mutual support, deepen win-win cooperation, and work for more outcomes while advancing the comprehensive strategic cooperative partnership between China and Mozambique.

For her part, Lucas said that over the past 50 years, the traditional friendship between Mozambique and China has grown stronger, and the two countries have established a comprehensive strategic cooperative partnership based on sincerity, equality, mutual respect and trust.

Regardless of changes in the international landscape, Mozambique will always consider China a brother and friend, the minister said.

She reaffirmed Mozambique’s firm commitment to the one-China principle and expressed willingness to learn from China’s experience in sustainable development.

Lucas also called for deeper cooperation across various sectors, closer coordination on regional and global issues, and joint efforts to defend multilateralism and promote world peace and security.

Wang Yi speaks with counterparts from Iran and Türkiye

Chinese Foreign Minister continued his round of telephone diplomacy regarding the critical situation in West Asia caused by US-Israeli aggression with calls with his Iranian and Turkish counterparts on June 24.

Iranian Foreign Minister Seyed Abbas Araghchi briefed Wang Yi on the latest developments in the regional situation, emphasising that the dangerous actions by Israel and the United States in attacking Iran’s nuclear facilities seriously violate international law, leaving Iran with no choice but to respond. Although a ceasefire has just been reached between Iran and Israel, the situation remains unstable. Genuine negotiations can only begin once Israel halts its aggression. The session of the Council of Foreign Ministers of the Organisation of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) has condemned the actions of the United States and Israel and expects the Security Council to play a role in this matter. He appreciated China’s understanding and support for Iran’s legitimate position and expressed willingness to maintain close communication with China.

Wang Yi referred to the four proposals recently advanced by President Xi Jinping and added:

After the US attacked Iran, China immediately condemned the action. Military strikes on nuclear facilities under the safeguards of the International Atomic Energy Agency severely violate the purposes of the United Nations (UN) Charter and international law and may lead to nuclear leaks or even nuclear disasters, which should be opposed by the international community.

He said that China supports Iran’s efforts to safeguard national sovereignty and security, and on that basis [emphasis added by us], to achieve a real ceasefire, restore normal life for the people, and help deescalate the situation in the Middle East as soon as possible. China commends the OIC’s unified voice for a ceasefire and an end to the hostilities, as well as the advancement of peace.

In his call with Türkiye’s Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan, Wang Yi said that Israel and the United States have used force against Iran on the grounds of “potential future threats”, which has seriously violated international law and infringed upon Iran’s sovereignty. The US airstrikes on Iran’s nuclear facilities under the safeguards of the International Atomic Energy Agency set a bad precedent and threaten the international nuclear non-proliferation regime. China opposes the use of force to settle disputes and always stands on the side of peace, dialogue, and international justice.

He emphasised that the question of Palestine remains at the heart of the Middle East issue and added that China supports Türkiye in hosting and convening the session of the Council of Foreign Ministers of the Organisation of Islamic Cooperation, urging all parties to send a unified voice opposing war, supporting peace, and calling for deescalation of conflicts.

Hakan Fidan stated that since the outbreak of the conflict between Israel and Iran, Türkiye has been committed to promoting a ceasefire and an end to the hostilities, advocating for dialogue and negotiations. The current ceasefire agreement between the two sides brings some hope. The attacks on nuclear facilities under the safeguards of the International Atomic Energy Agency violate international law and may lead to catastrophic consequences such as nuclear leaks. If Israel wants to safeguard its security, it should accept the two-State solution and stop the humanitarian disaster in Gaza. Maintaining one’s own security at the expense of other nations’ security is unsustainable and may lead to more and wider conflicts.

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

Wang Yi Has a Phone Call with Iranian Foreign Minister Seyed Abbas Araghchi

June 24 (MFA) — On June 24, 2025, Member of the Political Bureau of the CPC Central Committee and Foreign Minister Wang Yi had a phone call with Iranian Foreign Minister Seyed Abbas Araghchi.

Seyed Abbas Araghchi briefed Wang Yi on the latest developments in the regional situation, emphasizing that the dangerous actions by Israel and the United States in attacking Iran’s nuclear facilities seriously violate international law, leaving Iran with no choice but to respond. Although a ceasefire has just been reached between Iran and Israel, the situation remains unstable. Genuine negotiations can only begin once Israel halts its aggression. The session of the Council of Foreign Ministers of the Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) has condemned the actions of the United States and Israel, and expects the Security Council to play a role in this matter. He appreciated China’s understanding and support for Iran’s legitimate position and expressed willingness to maintain close communication with China. Iran looks forward to China’s greater role in easing the situation.

Continue reading Wang Yi speaks with counterparts from Iran and Türkiye

British government’s Strategic Defence Review hypes war threat against China

The British government published its new “defence” strategy on June 2.

According to a summary carried by the South China Morning Post (SCMP), it “aims to put a ‘stronger, more lethal’ Nato at the forefront of British defence plans as the country boosts its nuclear deterrent, rebuilds munitions and weapons stockpiles and invests billions of pounds into technologically advanced warfare methods.”

Filled with bellicose, Cold War rhetoric, the strategy, as reported by the SCMP:

  • Recommends that Britain should begin discussions with the US and NATO on the “potential benefits and feasibility of enhanced UK participation in NATO’s nuclear mission”. The government wants to achieve this by renewing its existing nuclear deterrent, investing £15 billion (US$20 billion) in its warhead programme.
  • The review is explicit in the need for Britain to play a greater role in nuclear deterrence, as the only European country to assign its nuclear capability to the defence of NATO – something that France does not currently do. The need for stepped-up UK action is driven by “the unprecedented challenge” of the US facing two “near-peer” nuclear powers in Russia and China.
  • With Trident already absorbing much of the UK’s defence expenditure, the policy is likely to be expensive. As well as the investment in nuclear warheads, Britain plans to build as many as 12 new submarines.
  • The study also describes China as a “sophisticated and persistent challenge” while falling short of calling it a threat – in line with the government’s existing approach to the Asian nation. It does warn, however, that the UK is likely to face Chinese technology wherever and with whomever it fights.

Simon Tisdall, foreign affairs commentator for the Guardian newspaper, described the new strategy as escalating the global nuclear arms race and “bringing us closer to Armageddon.”

He writes: “Plans by Keir Starmer’s government to modernise and potentially expand Britain’s nuclear weapons arsenal, unveiled in the 2025 strategic defence review (SDR), seriously undermine international non-proliferation efforts… This dangerous path leads in one direction only: towards the normalisation of nuclear warfare.

“These unconscionable proposals are a far cry from the days when Robin Cook, Labour’s foreign secretary from 1997 to 2001, championed unilateral nuclear disarmament and helped scrap the UK’s airdropped gravity bombs. They are a continuation of a redundant, inhuman, immoral, potentially international law-breaking deterrence policy that cash-strapped Britain can ill afford, will struggle to implement at cost and on time, and which perpetuates illusions about its global power status.”

Responding to the review, a spokesperson for China’s Ministry of Defence rebuked Britain for hyping up the so-called “China threat”. He urged the British side to perceive China in a correct manner and objectively and rationally view China and its military development. “The British side should make more practical efforts to contribute to the growth of relations between the two countries and their militaries.”

In an opinion article, China Military Online wrote:

Continue reading British government’s Strategic Defence Review hypes war threat against China

Liu Jianchao meets ministers from Mozambique and Botswana

Liu Jianchao, Minister of the International Department of the Communist Party of China (CPC) Central Committee (IDCPC), met on June 13 with Maria Manuela dos Santos Lucas, Minister of Foreign Affairs and Cooperation of Mozambique, and Phenyo Butale, member of the National Executive Committee of the Umbrella for Democratic Change (UDC) and Minister of International Relations of Botswana.

Both ministers had been in China to attend the Ministerial Meeting of Coordinators on the Implementation of the Follow-up Actions of the Forum on China-Africa Cooperation (FOCAC) and the Fourth China-Africa Economic and Trade Expo, held in Changsha.

Meeting with dos Santos Lucas, Liu said that China and Mozambique are true friends and brothers who have supported and stood alongside each other in trying times. China appreciates Mozambique’s long-term strong support for China on issues concerning China’s core interests and major concerns and will continue to firmly support Mozambique in following a development path that suits its national conditions. China is willing to work with Mozambique, under the strategic guidance of the two heads of state, to take the 50th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations as an opportunity to strengthen the alignment of development strategies, deepen mutually beneficial cooperation in various fields, and better benefit the people of the two countries.

He noted that the CPC and the Mozambique Liberation Front (FRELIMO) have a long-standing friendship which is the political foundation and unique advantage of China-Mozambique relations. The CPC is willing to work with the FRELIMO to carry forward the traditional friendship between the two Parties, strengthen high-level exchanges and political dialogues, engage in in-depth exchanges of experience in party building and poverty alleviation, expand youth exchanges, enhance cooperation in areas such as cadre training, promote practical cooperation in various fields through inter-party channels, and further promote the development of China-Mozambique and China-Africa relations.

Lucas said that China is Mozambique’s most important friend outside Africa. Mozambique is grateful to China for always lending a helping hand to Mozambique in times of difficulties. This year marks the 50th anniversary of Mozambique’s independence as well as the 50th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between Mozambique and China, but the relationship between FRELIMO and the CPC dates back even further. FRELIMO cherishes its friendly relations with the CPC and is willing to reinforce exchanges at all levels with it and deepen exchanges of experience in party building and state governance. Mozambique appreciates China’s position on the tariff war. China’s approach has inspired many countries, including Mozambique.

Meeting with Phenyo Butale, Liu said, since China and Botswana established diplomatic relations 50 years ago, bilateral relations have always maintained a sound momentum of development, despite the changes in the international landscape. Last year, the two heads of state upgraded China-Botswana relations to a strategic partnership, charting the course for the future development of bilateral relations. China is willing to work with Botswana to implement the important consensus reached by the two heads of state, continue to firmly support each other on issues involving respective core interests and major concerns, strengthen the docking of development strategies, and promote cooperation in economy, trade, infrastructure, and culture under the framework of the Belt and Road Initiative and the FOCAC, so as to promote greater development of China-Botswana and China-Africa relations.

The CPC is willing to, together with the UDC, strengthen political dialogue, enhance mutual learning of experience in party building and state governance, strengthen exchanges in cadre training, and promote practical cooperation in various fields through the “political party +” channel. The world today is fraught with turbulence. Unilateralism, protectionism, and power bullying have severely impacted the international order. Global South countries, including China and Botswana, should strengthen solidarity and coordination, and work together to meet common challenges.

Continue reading Liu Jianchao meets ministers from Mozambique and Botswana

Liu Jianchao strengthens ties with Cyprus communists; visits Britain and Norway

Liu Jianchao, Minister of the International Department of the Communist Party of China Central Committee (IDCPC), recently visited Cyprus, Britain and Norway.

On June 6, he met with Cyprus President Nikos Christodoulides.

Christodoulides said that Cyprus-China relations have a solid foundation and will grow better and stronger no matter how the international situation changes. He expressed Cyprus’s gratitude to China for the valuable support for the Cyprus problem in the UN Security Council, and said Cyprus’s commitment to the one-China principle remains unchanged. Cyprus is willing to, together with China, strengthen high-level visits and promote cooperation in the Belt and Road cooperation, economy, trade, culture and other fields. Cyprus and China both adhere to multilateralism and oppose unilateralism. In the face of a challenging international situation, cooperation is the only choice, while trade wars should be avoided.

Liu said that China appreciates Cyprus’s firm adherence to the one-China principle and will continue to firmly support Cyprus in safeguarding national sovereignty and territorial integrity and support a comprehensive, fair and lasting solution to the Cyprus problem under the framework of relevant UN resolutions. China is willing to work with Cyprus to implement the important consensus reached by the leaders of the two countries, strengthen the alignment of development strategies, expand exchanges and cooperation in economy, trade, agriculture, innovation, culture and education under the framework of the Belt and Road cooperation, and promote greater development of China-Cyprus strategic partnership. In the face of a turbulent and complex international situation, China and the European Union (EU) should adhere to the positioning of our partnership, adhere to mutual respect, mutual benefit and win-win results, and inject more certainty and stability into the world. Cyprus is a good partner of China in the EU and will serve as the rotating presidency of the EU in the first half of next year. China supports Cyprus in playing a greater role in international affairs and hopes that Cyprus will continue to play an active role in promoting the healthy and stable development of China-EU relations.

A major purpose of Liu’s visit was to strengthen ties with the Progressive Party of Working People (AKEL), Cyprus’s communist party. AKEL is a mass party, the second largest in the country’s parliament, holding 15 out of 56 seats.

On June 5, Liu met with AKEL General Secretary Stefanos Stefanou.

Liu noted, China and Cyprus enjoy a profound friendship. China appreciates Cyprus’s firm adherence to the one-China principle, firmly supports Cyprus’s efforts to safeguard its national sovereignty and territorial integrity, and supports a comprehensive, fair and lasting solution to the Cyprus problem under the framework of relevant UN resolutions. China is willing to, together with Cyprus, strengthen the alignment of development strategies, expand practical cooperation in various fields, and strengthen people-to-people and cultural exchanges.

He said that the CPC and the Progressive Party of Working People are good comrades and good partners with similar ideals and beliefs. Next year, the Progressive Party of Working People will celebrate its 100th anniversary, and the CPC will celebrate its 105th birthday. The CPC is willing to work hand in hand with the Progressive Party of Working People to strengthen exchanges and political dialogue at all levels, expand youth exchanges, deepen mutual learning of experience in party building and state governance, and push practical cooperation between the two countries in various fields.

Stefanou welcomed the CPC delegation, which was visiting the headquarters of the Progressive Party of Working People and said that the CPC is a reliable friend and close comrade. He said, the Progressive Party of Working People thanks China for the long-term valuable support to Cyprus and is willing to further expand exchanges with the CPC and promote mutually beneficial cooperation in such areas as economy and trade between the two countries. Hailing the CPC’s achievements in leading the Chinese people to successfully build socialism with Chinese characteristics, he said, we are willing to learn from China’s experience. The Progressive Party of Working People firmly adheres to the one-China principle and appreciates China’s just position on the Cyprus problem. The EU should not regard China as an opponent. The two sides should strengthen cooperation on the basis of equality and mutual respect. The Progressive Party of Working People is willing to play its role in the European Parliament, especially in the European United Left-Nordic Green Left grouping, to promote the development of EU-China relations.

Liu also held discussions on June 7, with the grassroots organisation of the Paphos District Committee of AKEL.

Continue reading Liu Jianchao strengthens ties with Cyprus communists; visits Britain and Norway

China, Russia and Pakistan table UN resolution on Iran

Following the US bombing of nuclear sites in Iran, the United Nations Security Council convened an emergency meeting on Sunday, June 22, 2025.

Addressing the meeting, Chinese Ambassador Fu Cong said:

“Yesterday, the United States conducted attacks on three Iranian nuclear facilities in Fordow, Natanz, and Isfahan. China strongly condemns the US attacks on Iran and the bombing of nuclear facilities under the safeguards of the IAEA [International Atomic Energy Agency]. The actions of the United States seriously violate the purposes and principles of the UN Charter and international law, as well as Iran’s sovereignty, security, and territorial integrity. They have exacerbated tensions in the Middle East and dealt a heavy blow to the international nuclear non-proliferation regime. The international community must uphold justice and make concrete efforts to cool down the situation and restore peace and stability.”

He then went on to make four appeals which are essentially the same as the Chinese position already put forward by President Xi Jinping in his June 19 telephone call with Russian President Vladimir Putin.

Russia, China, and Pakistan, the Ambassador said, have proposed a draft resolution calling for an immediate and unconditional ceasefire, protection of civilians, respect for international law, and engagement in dialogue and negotiation.

The following is the full text of Ambassador Fu Cong’s remarks. They were originally published on the website of China’s Permanent Mission to the United Nations.

President,

I thank you for convening this emergency meeting. I also thank Secretary-General António Guterres for his statement and Assistant Secretary-General Miroslav Jenča and Director General Rafael Grossi for their briefings.

Yesterday, the United States conducted attacks on three Iranian nuclear facilities in Fordow, Natanz, and Isfahan. China strongly condemns the US attacks on Iran and the bombing of nuclear facilities under the safeguards of the IAEA. The actions of the United States seriously violate the purposes and principles of the UN Charter and international law, as well as Iran’s sovereignty, security, and territorial integrity. They have exacerbated tensions in the Middle East and dealt a heavy blow to the international nuclear non-proliferation regime. The international community must uphold justice and make concrete efforts to cool down the situation and restore peace and stability. In this connection, I wish to put forward four appeals.

First, we call for an immediate ceasefire and an end to the hostilities. In the context of the abrupt escalation of tensions in the Middle East, China is deeply concerned about the risk of the situation getting out of control. The parties to the conflict, Israel in particular, should reach an immediate ceasefire to prevent a spiraling escalation and to resolutely avoid the spillover of the war. The parties concerned should abide by international law, curb the impulse to use force, and avoid exacerbating conflicts and adding fuel to the fire.

Second, we call for effective protection of civilians. The ultimate victims of all conflicts are the innocent people. China is deeply saddened by the large number of civilian casualties caused by the conflict. Civilians and the civilian facilities must not become targets of military operations, and the bottom line of international humanitarian law must not be breached. Parties to the conflict should place the interest and well-being of the people of the countries in the region above everything else, and make every effort to avoid harm to innocent civilians and refrain from attacking civilian facilities.

Third, we call for commitment to dialogue and negotiation. Peace in the Middle East cannot be achieved by the use of force. Dialogue and negotiation are the fundamental way out. At present, diplomatic means to address the Iranian nuclear issue have not been exhausted, and there is still hope for a peaceful solution. Parties should stay firmly committed to the political settlement of the Iranian nuclear issue and work to bring it back onto the track of a political solution through dialogue and negotiation, with a view to reaching an agreement acceptable to all parties.

Fourth, we call for swift actions by the Security Council. The Security Council shoulders the primary responsibility for the maintenance of international peace and security. It cannot stand idly by in the face of a major crisis. Russia, China, and Pakistan have proposed a draft resolution calling for an immediate and unconditional ceasefire, protection of civilians, respect for international law, and engagement in dialogue and negotiation. We hope that Council members can demonstrate their strong sense of responsibility by jointly supporting the draft resolution, to enable the Security Council to fulfill its responsibility for the maintenance of international peace and security.

China stands ready to work with the international community to foster synergy, uphold justice, and make unremitting efforts to restore peace and stability in the Middle East.

Thank you, President.

China and DPRK support dialogue between civilisations

The Chinese Embassy in the Democratic People’s Republic of Korea (DPRK) held a reception for the first International Day for Dialogue among Civilisations on June 17.

In June 2024, the 78th session of the United Nations General Assembly adopted a resolution initiated by China and more than 80 other countries, which declares June 10 the International Day for Dialogue among Civilisations.

Addressing the reception, Chinese Ambassador to the DPRK Wang Yajun underscored the significance of dialogue among civilizations in lighting up the path to peace and development for the humankind, adding that the pursuit of peace and development is a historical trend and common aspiration of peoples across the world.

DPRK Vice Foreign Minister Kim Son Gyong said that the diversity of civilisations, as a result of long-time evolution in history, deserves respect, and that the acts of recklessly pursuing geopolitical interests, inciting conflict and antagonism among civilisations, and obstructing world peace and development, should be flatly rejected.

China’s initiative to establish the International Day for Dialogue among Civilisations is an important contribution to advancing exchanges and cooperation among nations and civilisations and building a just international order.

Kim added that deepening the traditional friendly ties between the DPRK and China has been a consistent stance of the Workers’ Party of Korea and the government of the DPRK, and the DPRK side is ready to work with the Chinese side to safeguard the common interests of developing countries and pursue true internationalism.

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

PYONGYANG, June 18 (Xinhua) — The Chinese Embassy in Pyongyang on Tuesday held a reception for the first International Day for Dialogue among Civilizations, aiming to boost dialogue for a better world.

Present at the event were Kim Son Gyong, vice minister of foreign affairs of the Democratic People’s Republic of Korea (DPRK), other DPRK officials from the foreign and culture ministries, as well as diplomats from various countries.

Addressing the reception, Chinese Ambassador to the DPRK Wang Yajun said civilizations are beautiful and complementary for diversity, and harmonious for exchanges.

Wang underscored the significance of dialogue among civilizations in lighting up the path to peace and development for the humankind, adding that the pursuit of peace and development is a historical trend and common aspiration of peoples across the world.

He urged the international community to jointly uphold the equality among civilizations, practice exchanges of civilizations and enhance the progress of civilizations, in a bid to build a better future for mankind.

Kim, the DPRK vice foreign minister, said in his address that the diversity of civilizations, as a result of long-time evolution in history, deserves respect, and that the acts of recklessly pursuing geopolitical interests, inciting conflict and antagonism among civilizations, and obstructing world peace and development, should be flatly rejected.

China’s initiative to establish the International Day for Dialogue among Civilizations is an important contribution to advancing exchanges and cooperation among nations and civilizations, and building a just international order, Kim said.

Deepening the traditional friendly ties between the DPRK and China has been a consistent stance of the Workers’ Party of Korea and the government of the DPRK, Kim said, adding that the DPRK side is ready to work with the Chinese side to safeguard the common interests of developing countries and pursue true internationalism.

In June 2024, the 78th session of the United Nations General Assembly adopted a resolution initiated by China and more than 80 other countries, which declares June 10 the International Day for Dialogue among Civilizations. 

Chinese and Sri Lankan communists strengthen ties

Ties between Chinese and Sri Lankan communists have taken a significant step forward with a visit to Beijing by a delegation led by Tilvin Silva, General Secretary of the Janatha Vimukthi Peramuna (JVP – People’s Liberation Front) of Sri Lanka. The JVP is Sri Lanka’s largest Marxist Party and the country’s ruling party since the presidential and parliamentary elections respectively held in September and November 2024.

On June 18, the delegation of senior JVP cadres led by Silva met with Shi Taifeng, a member of the Political Bureau of the Communist Party of China (CPC) Central Committee and head of the CPC Central Committee’s Organisation Department.

Shi said China is willing to deepen the exchange of experience in party and state governance and build a community with a shared future. Silva said Sri Lanka stands ready to implement the important consensus reached between the two heads of state, deepen the inter-party relations and further enhance friendship.

The previous day, the delegation met with Liu Jianchao, Minister of the International Department of the CPC Central Committee (IDCPC).

Liu and Silva also presided over a political dialogue between the two Parties.

Liu said that China and Sri Lanka have a long-standing friendship, and the Rubber-Rice Pact stands as a true testament to the genuine amity between the two countries. [The Rubber-Rice Pact was concluded between the two countries on December 18, 1952, five years before their establishment of diplomatic relations. It provided much needed economic and food security support to Sri Lanka – then known as Ceylon – while breaking the US-led embargo on rubber exports to China. It was the People’s Republic’s first trade agreement with a non-socialist country.] Since the establishment of diplomatic relations 68 years ago, the two sides have always supported each other, pursued solidarity and cooperation, and are committed to building a stronger China-Sri Lanka relationship. In January this year, President Xi Jinping held talks with President Anura Kumara Dissanayake [who is also the leader of the JVP] who was visiting China, drawing a grand blueprint for the development of China-Sri Lanka relations. In the face of an international situation marked by changes and chaos, regional countries should seek strength through unity and jointly respond to risks and challenges. China and Sri Lanka should strengthen coordination in international and regional affairs, jointly defend international fairness and justice and the global economic and trade order and safeguard the common and long-term interests of both sides.

Liu added that, sharing similar beliefs and ideas, the CPC is willing to work with the JVP to advance exchanges at all levels, engage in institutionalised political dialogues, deepen concept exchanges, and engage in mutual learning in governance experience to strengthen the governing capacity of both Parties. China is willing to work with Sri Lanka through the “political party +” platform to expand practical cooperation in various fields, implement more livelihood projects, and ensure that the dividends of the growing relations between the two Parties and the two countries better benefit the two peoples. 

Silva said that Sri Lanka thanks China for always lending timely and valuable support in times of difficulty. Sri Lanka admires China’s major achievements in modernisation. It stands ready to give full play to its geographical advantages in the high-quality Belt and Road cooperation as well as strengthen cooperation with China in areas such as infrastructure, finance and poverty reduction, to boost Sri Lanka’s economic and social development and the development of the region. The JVP is willing to continue to deepen and consolidate the traditional friendship with the CPC and play an active role in boosting China-Sri Lanka strategic cooperative partnership.

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

Senior Chinese official meets Sri Lankan JVP delegation

BEIJING, June 18 (Xinhua) — Shi Taifeng, a member of the Political Bureau of the Communist Party of China (CPC) Central Committee and head of the CPC Central Committee’s Organization Department, met with a delegation of senior cadres from Janatha Vimukthi Peramuna (JVP) of Sri Lanka, led by its General Secretary Tilvin Silva, in Beijing on Wednesday.

Shi said China is willing to work with Sri Lanka to, under the strategic guidance of the important consensus reached between the two heads of state, promote mutually beneficial cooperation in areas such as high-quality Belt and Road cooperation, deepen the exchange of experience in party and state governance, and build a community with a shared future.

Silva said Sri Lanka stands ready to implement the important consensus reached between the two heads of state, deepen the inter-party relations and further enhance friendship.

Liu Jianchao Meets with a Delegation of the Janatha Vimukthi Peramuna of Sri Lanka

Beijing, June 17th (IDCPC) —Liu Jianchao, Minister of the International Department of the CPC Central Committee (IDCPC), met here today with a delegation led by Tilvin Silva, General Secretary of the Janatha Vimukthi Peramuna (JVP) of Sri Lanka. Liu and Silva also presided over a political dialogue between the two Parties.

Liu said that China and Sri Lanka has a long-standing friendship, and the Rubber-Rice Pact stands as a true testament to the genuine amity between the two countries. Since the establishment of diplomatic relations 68 years ago, the two sides have always supported each other, pursued solidarity and cooperation, and are committed to building a stronger China-Sri Lanka relationship. In January this year, President Xi Jinping held talks with President Anura Kumara Dissanayake who was visiting China, drawing a grand blueprint for the development of China-Sri Lanka relations. China-Sri Lanka relations are of vital importance to regional stability and development. China consistently prioritizes Sri Lanka in its neighborhood diplomacy and stands ready to work with Sri Lanka to implement the important consensus reached by the two heads of state, continuously consolidate strategic mutual trust, enhance mutual learning in governance, deepen development integration, jointly build a China-Sri Lanka community with a shared future, and promote the building of a community with a shared future with neighboring countries. In the face of an international situation marked by changes and chaos, regional countries should seek strength through unity, and jointly respond to risks and challenges. China and Sri Lanka should strengthen coordination in international and regional affairs, jointly defend international fairness and justice and the global economic and trade order, and safeguard the common and long-term interests of both sides.

Liu expressed that friendly exchanges between political parties have long boosted China-Sri Lanka relations. Sharing similar beliefs and ideas, the CPC is willing to work with the JVP to advance exchanges at all levels, engage in institutionalized political dialogues, deepen concept exchanges, and engage in mutual learning in governance experience to strengthen the governing capacity of both Parties. China is willing to work with Sri Lanka through the “political party +” platform to expand practical cooperation in various fields, implement more livelihood projects, and ensure that the dividends of the growing relations between the two Parties and the two countries better benefit the two peoples.

Silva said, Sri Lanka attaches great importance to its relations with China and firmly adheres to the one-China principle. Sri Lanka thanks China for always lending timely and valuable support to Sri Lanka in times of difficulty. Sri Lanka admires China’s major achievements in modernization. It stands ready to give full play to its geographical advantages in the high-quality Belt and Road cooperation as well as strengthen cooperation with China in areas such as infrastructure, finance, poverty reduction to boost Sri Lanka’s economic and social development and the development of the region. Sri Lanka appreciates China’s constructive role in regional and international affairs and is ready to strengthen communication with China on regional affairs to promote regional peace and stability. The JVP is willing to continue to deepen and consolidate the traditional friendship with the CPC and play an active role in boosting China-Sri Lanka strategic cooperative partnership.

Sun Haiyan, Vice-minister of the IDCPC, Eranga Gunasekara, National Organizer of the Socialist Youth Union of the JVP and Deputy Minister of Youth Affairs, and Muneer Mulaffer, Deputy Minister of Justice and National Integration, participated in the political dialogue.

Wang Yi: Israel’s actions violate international law and the norms governing international relations

In response to the continuing Israeli aggression against Iran, on June 18, Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi held telephone talks with the Foreign Ministers of Egypt and Oman at their request.

Egyptian Minister of Foreign Affairs, Immigration and Expatriates Badr Abdel Aaty said that Israel’s attack on Iran clearly violates international law. Egypt condemns this and hopes the Iranian nuclear issue will return to the track of political settlement as soon as possible.

Wang Yi said that Israel’s actions, which disregard international law and norms, have sharply escalated tensions in the Middle East. China is deeply concerned about the risk of the situation spiraling out of control. China once again calls on the parties to the conflict, especially Israel, to prioritise the interests and well-being of the people in the region, immediately achieve a ceasefire, ease tensions, and create conditions for a return to dialogue and negotiation. Egypt recently led 20 other Arab and Islamic countries in issuing a joint statement by their foreign ministers, jointly calling for a ceasefire and cessation of hostilities, the resumption of negotiations on the Iranian nuclear issue, and the maintenance of lasting peace in the region. This is a timely and necessary move to help de-escalate the situation, and China fully supports it.

Omani Foreign Minister Sayyid Badr bin Hamad bin Hamood Albusaidi said that Israel’s attack on Iran blatantly violates the United Nations Charter and international law, infringing upon Iran’s sovereignty and territorial integrity. Oman is deeply concerned about the current situation, especially the strikes targeting nuclear facilities, which may lead to nuclear leaks and will cause catastrophic consequences for the region. China has always upheld justice and safeguarded peace in the international community, which Oman highly appreciates. Oman looks forward to China playing a greater role in restoring peace and stability in the Middle East.

Wang Yi stated that the ins and outs of the current situation are crystal-clear. Israel’s actions violate international law and the norms governing international relations, infringe upon Iran’s sovereignty and security, and undermine regional peace and stability. The conflict has also interrupted the hard-won process of indirect negotiations on the Iranian nuclear issue, rendering Oman’s mediation efforts futile. China has promptly expressed its position of opposition to Israel’s military actions.

The Chinese Foreign Minister emphasised that the most pressing task now is to achieve a ceasefire and cessation of hostilities. China supports the joint statement issued by 21 Arab and Islamic countries, including Oman, calling for respect for the sovereignty and territorial integrity of other countries and a balanced stance on resolving disputes by peaceful means. At this critical juncture, the international community, especially regional countries, should further unite their efforts, uphold justice, and generate an international momentum opposing war, advocating for peace and promoting political settlement. China hopes that Arab and Islamic countries will remain united and continue efforts to promote talks for peace.

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

Continue reading Wang Yi: Israel’s actions violate international law and the norms governing international relations

Xi and Putin discuss crisis engendered by Israeli aggression against Iran

Chinese President Xi Jinping held a telephone conversation with his Russian counterpart Vladimir Putin to discuss the crisis engendered by the Israeli aggression against Iran on the afternoon of June 19,2025.

In the approximately one-hour conversation, according to the website of the Chinese Foreign Ministry, Vladimir Putin briefed on Russia’s views on the current situation in the Middle East, saying that Israel’s attack on Iran’s nuclear facilities is extremely dangerous, and that the escalation of the conflict is not in the interest of any party.

Xi Jinping said that if the conflict continues to escalate, not only will both parties to the conflict suffer greater losses, but countries across the region will also be severely affected. He put forward four proposals, namely:

  • Promoting a ceasefire and ending the hostilities is an urgent priority. The use of force is not the right way to resolve international disputes; it will only exacerbate hatred and conflicts.
  • Ensuring the safety of civilians is of paramount importance. The red line of protecting civilians in armed conflicts must not be crossed at any time, and the indiscriminate use of force is unacceptable.
  • Opening dialogue and negotiation is the fundamental way forward. Communication and dialogue are the right ways to achieve lasting peace.
  • Efforts by the international community to promote peace are indispensable. Without stability in the Middle East, there can hardly be peace in the world. The international community, particularly major countries that have special influence on the parties to the conflict, should make efforts to deescalate the situation, rather than the opposite. The United Nations Security Council should play a greater role in this regard.

Further details were provided by Russian Presidential Aide Yury Ushakov.

He said that the President of Russia informed his colleague about his latest international contacts with a focus on his telephone conversations with the key actors in the context of the confrontation between Israel and Iran. The Russian leader reaffirmed Russia’s readiness to offer its good offices, if necessary. The Chinese leader expressed support for this mediation effort, saying that he believed it could promote de-escalation amid the extreme tension we are witnessing today. [Prior to the call with Xi, President Putin had spoken with both Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian and Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu.]

Turning to other issues, Ushakov said that it was emphasised that the Chinese President’s participation as the main guest in the celebrations of the 80th anniversary of Victory in the Great Patriotic War held special significance and served as a compelling testament to the shared steadfast positions in upholding historical truth and preserving the memory of the heroic feats of our forefathers. Both presidents stressed the fact that we stood together back then, stand together now, and will stand together in the future. It has been agreed that the next time the leaders will see each other will be on Chinese soil during the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) Summit in Tianjin on August 31-September 1. The two leaders will then take part in the festivities marking the 80th anniversary of victory over militarist Japan and the end of World War II in Beijing on September 3. Full-scale bilateral talks will be held on September 2.

Continue reading Xi and Putin discuss crisis engendered by Israeli aggression against Iran

China signs landmark treaty with Central Asian countries

The Second China-Central Asia Summit, held on June 17 in the Kazakh capital Astana, saw China conclude a Treaty of Permanent Good-Neighborliness, Friendship and Cooperation with its five neighboring countries, the Republic of Kazakhstan, the Kyrgyz Republic, the Republic of Tajikistan, Turkmenistan and the Republic of Uzbekistan.

The 15-article treaty notes that: “In accordance with the universally recognized principles and rules of international law and on the basis of the five principles of mutual respect for sovereignty and territorial integrity, mutual non-aggression, non-interference in each other’s internal affairs, equality and mutual benefit, and peaceful coexistence, all parties will comprehensively develop a long-term and stable strategic partnership.

“The parties reaffirmed their mutual refusal to use force or threat of force and to settle their disputes peacefully.”

It adds: “The Parties respect the principle of national sovereignty and territorial integrity and take measures to prohibit any activity within their national territory that violates that principle.

“The parties do not participate in any alliance or group directed against other parties and do not support any action hostile to other parties.”

They express willingness to cooperate on the basis of equality and mutual benefit in trade, economy, investment, infrastructure connectivity, engineering technology, energy (including hydropower and renewable energy), transportation, minerals, agriculture, ecological and environmental protection, processing industry, science and technology, and other areas of common interest. And: “In accordance with their national laws and their respective international obligations, the Parties will strengthen mutual trust in the fields of defense, defense industry and security, and expand bilateral and multilateral cooperation on other issues in this field.”

The Treaty will remain in force indefinitely.

China has signed similar treaties with Pakistan and the Russian Federation. (The Democratic People’s Republic of Korea remains China’s sole formal ally.) However, this is the first time for China to sign such a treaty on a multilateral basis. This is a key reason why President Xi Jinping, in his speech at the summit, described the treaty as “a pioneering initiative in China’s diplomatic engagement with its neighbors.”

Xi Jinping also held bilateral meetings with all his counterparts in the margins of the summit.

Meeting with President of Kazakhstan Kassym-Jomart Tokayev, Xi Jinping pointed out that China-Kazakhstan relations have withstood the test of changing international circumstances and have remained strong and enjoyed robust growth. This is attributed to the geographical advantage of being connected by mountains and rivers and the time-honored friendship between the two peoples, but it is also an inevitable choice made by both countries to pursue common development.

Xi Jinping said that in the face of the international situation, intertwined with changes and chaos, China and Kazakhstan should firmly uphold the international system with the United Nations at its core and the international order based on international law, practice true multilateralism, and unequivocally safeguard the common interests of developing countries. China highly commends Kazakhstan for the extensive preparations it has made for the second China-Central Asia Summit. Meanwhile, as the rotating president of the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO), China is ready to work with all member states to take the Tianjin Summit this year as an opportunity to make the SCO more substantive and stronger, and demonstrate new progress, new breakthroughs, and a new outlook.

Kassym-Jomart Tokayev said that China is Kazakhstan’s friendly neighbor, close friend, and trustworthy partner. The permanent comprehensive strategic partnership between Kazakhstan and China is entering a new golden era, contributing to the sustainable economic and social development of both countries and bringing benefits to the two peoples. It serves as a model for state-to-state relations.  Under the wise leadership of President Xi Jinping, great achievements have been made in the cause of socialism with Chinese characteristics for a new era. The Kazakh side is sincerely glad for these achievements and firmly believes that China will continue to make even greater development achievements. The two countries should jointly advance high-quality Belt and Road cooperation, expand cooperation in areas such as trade, investment, industry, agriculture, energy, and transportation, and strengthen people-to-people exchanges in culture, education, sports, tourism, and other fields. Kazakhstan highly appreciates and actively supports China’s commitment and efforts to uphold international fairness and justice, and is willing to continue close cooperation and mutual support with China within multilateral frameworks including the United Nations, the SCO, BRICS, the China-Central Asia mechanism, and the Conference on Interaction and Confidence Building Measures in Asia, to make the international order more just and equitable.

After the talks, the two heads of state jointly witnessed the exchange of more than ten bilateral cooperation documents, covering areas such as trade, investment, science and technology, customs, tourism, and media.

The Astana Times further reported President Tokayev as saying that China never sets any political conditions in its cooperation with Kazakhstan. The President of China is always a highly respected guest in Kazakhstan, and his visit is a clear testament to the sincere and unwavering friendship between the two countries.

“If you carefully study our common history, you can see that relations between our countries have always been built on friendship and cooperation, without any conflicts or obstacles. They have always been distinguished by mutual understanding and goodwill. The Chinese people have never harmed the Kazakh people.”

Tokayev highlighted the symbolic nature of the Chinese President’s visit on his birthday and wished him good health, prosperity and new achievements in state activities.

Continue reading China signs landmark treaty with Central Asian countries

Xi Jinping sets out programme for heightened cooperation with Central Asia

Chinese President Xi Jinping visited Astana, the capital of Kazakhstan, from June 16-18, at the invitation of his Kazakh counterpart Kassym-Jomart Tokayev, to attend the Second China-Central Asia Summit. They were also joined by the Presidents of Uzbekistan, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan and Turkmenistan. The first China-Central Asian Summit was hosted by President Xi in Xi’an in May 2023.

Xi Jinping made a keynote speech at the summit on June 17.

Recalling the Xi’an gathering, he said:

  • Two years on, China and Central Asian countries have further deepened and substantiated Belt and Road cooperation. Our trade has grown by 35 percent, and we have made important progress in industrial investment, green mining, technological innovation, and other fields of cooperation.
  • Two years on, the China-Kyrgyzstan-Uzbekistan railway project has been officially launched. We are making steady progress in planning for the third railway link between China and Kazakhstan, in phase-II restoration of the China-Tajikistan highway, and in China-Turkmenistan energy cooperation.

The Chinese President went on to note that: “Our cooperation is rooted in more than 2,000 years of friendly exchanges, cemented by solidarity and mutual trust cultivated through more than three decades of diplomatic ties, and taken forward via openness and win-win cooperation of the new era.”

Building on our collective efforts over the years, we have forged a China-Central Asia Spirit of “mutual respect, mutual trust, mutual benefit, and mutual assistance for the joint pursuit of modernization through high-quality development”:

  • We practice mutual respect and treat each other as equals. All countries, big or small, are equal. We handle issues through consultation and make decisions by consensus.
  • We seek to deepen mutual trust and enhance mutual support. We firmly support each other in safeguarding independence, sovereignty, territorial integrity, and national dignity.
  • We pursue mutual benefit and win-win cooperation and strive for common development. We view each other as priority partners and share development opportunities together.
  • We help each other in time of need and stand together through thick and thin. We support each other in choosing development paths suitable to our respective national conditions and in taking domestic matters into our own hands.

“Today, unprecedented changes are unfolding at a faster pace across the globe, thrusting the world into a new state of heightened turbulence and volatility. A strong belief in fairness and justice and an unyielding commitment to mutual benefit and win-win cooperation are the only way to maintain world peace and achieve common development. There is no winner in tariff wars or trade wars. Unilateralism, protectionism and hegemonism will surely backfire while hurting others.” Going forward:

  • We should stay committed to our fundamental goal of unity and always trust and support each other. Today, we will sign together a treaty on eternal good-neighborliness, friendship and cooperation to enshrine the principle of everlasting friendship in the form of law. This is a new landmark in the history of the relations between our six countries and a pioneering initiative in China’s diplomatic engagement with its neighbors. It is a milestone for today and a foundation for tomorrow.
  • We should optimize our cooperation framework to make it more results-oriented, more efficient, and more deeply integrated. We have agreed to designate 2025 and 2026 as the Years of High-Quality Development of China-Central Asia Cooperation. We should focus our cooperation on smooth trade, industrial investment, connectivity, green mining, agricultural modernization and personnel exchanges, and roll out more projects on the ground. In order to promote relevant cooperation, China has decided to establish three cooperation centers, i.e. on poverty reduction, on education exchange, and on desertification prevention and control, as well as a cooperation platform on smooth trade under the China-Central Asia cooperation framework.
  • We should develop a security framework for peace, tranquility and solidarity. We should step up regional security governance, deepen law enforcement and security cooperation, jointly prevent and thwart extreme ideologies, and resolutely fight terrorism, separatism and extremism, so as to maintain peace and stability in our region. Afghanistan is our close neighbor. We should strengthen coordination to help the country boost its development capacity and achieve peace, stability, reconstruction and development at an early date.
  • We should cement the bonds of shared vision, mutual understanding and mutual affection between our peoples. We will make good use of sister-city relations and people-to-people exchanges to nurture heart-to-heart connections at central and subnational levels, [and] between official and non-governmental actors.
  • We should uphold a fair and equitable international order and an equal and orderly world structure. China supports Central Asian countries in playing a bigger role in international affairs. We stand ready to work with all parties to defend international fairness and justice, oppose hegemonism and power politics, and promote an equal and orderly multipolar world and a universally beneficial and inclusive economic globalization. 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, and the 80th anniversary of the founding of the United Nations. In the strenuous times of war, Chinese and Central Asian peoples supported each other through adversity, and jointly made important contributions to the cause of justice of humanity. We should promote the correct view of history, defend the fruits of the victory of World War II, uphold the UN-centered international system, and provide more stability and certainty for world peace and development.

Concluding, Xi said: “China is building a great modern socialist country in all respects and advancing the great rejuvenation of the Chinese nation on all fronts through Chinese modernization. No matter how the international situation changes, China will remain unwavering in opening up to the outside world and embrace higher-quality cooperation with Central Asian countries to deepen the integration of interests and achieve common development.”

We reprint below the full text of President Xi’s speech. It was originally published by the Xinhua News Agency.

Championing the China-Central Asia Spirit For High-Quality Cooperation in the Region

Keynote Speech by H.E. Xi Jinping, President of the People’s Republic of China, at the Second China-Central Asia Summit, Astana, June 17, 2025.

Your Excellency President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev,

Distinguished Colleagues,

Friends,

I am delighted to join you at the second China-Central Asia Summit in the beautiful city of Astana. I’d like to thank President Tokayev and the government of Kazakhstan for the gracious hospitality and thoughtful arrangement.

During our meeting in Xi’an two years ago, we jointly outlined the Xi’an Vision for China-Central Asia cooperation. The six pomegranate trees we planted together are in full bloom today, auguring the vitality of the cooperation among the six nations.

Two years on, China and Central Asian countries have further deepened and substantiated Belt and Road cooperation. Our trade has grown by 35 percent, and we have made important progress in industrial investment, green mining, technological innovation, and other fields of cooperation. The package of projects with Chinese financial support are well underway. While more and more Chinese new energy vehicles and photovoltaic products are entering Central Asian markets, Central Asian agricultural products, including honey, fruits, wheat and poultry, are diversifying the dinner tables of Chinese families.

Two years on, the China-Kyrgyzstan-Uzbekistan railway project has been officially launched. We are making steady progress in planning for the third railway link between China and Kazakhstan, in phase-II restoration of the China-Tajikistan highway, and in China-Turkmenistan energy cooperation. Freight train services are connecting more and more Chinese cities to Central Asia. The Trans-Caspian International Transport Route has been upgraded and expanded. Green industries, digital economy, artificial intelligence, aviation and space are becoming new drivers of our cooperation. Cross-border e-commerce, online education, and other new business models are benefiting more and more people in China and Central Asia.

Two years on, China and Central Asian countries have made progress in establishing cultural centers in each other as well as in opening branches of Chinese universities and Luban Workshops. China has made mutual visa-free arrangements with Kazakhstan and Uzbekistan, facilitating more than 1.2 million travels between China and Kazakhstan alone in 2024. Tourism and culture years and art festivals of Central Asian countries are very popular in China. Chinese films and TV dramas, such as Min-Ning Town and To the Wonder, have become great hits in Central Asia. The China-Central Asia train services for cultural tourism have been successfully inaugurated. And today, we will witness the number of sister cities between China and Central Asia reach the milestone of 100 pairs.

Two years on, we have launched 13 ministerial cooperation platforms under the China-Central Asia mechanism. The Secretariat is fully functioning, and the core framework of the mechanism is largely in place.

I am pleased to see that our consensus at the first Summit has been implemented across the board — from the millennium-old Xi’an to Astana “the pearl of the steppe,” from the coast of the Yellow Sea to the shores of the Caspian Sea, from the Tianshan Mountain Range to the Pamir Plateau. The path of our cooperation is steadily widening, and our friendship is blooming ever more brightly.

Distinguished Colleagues,

Friends,

Our cooperation is rooted in more than 2,000 years of friendly exchanges, cemented by solidarity and mutual trust cultivated through more than three decades of diplomatic ties, and taken forward via openness and win-win cooperation of the new era. Building on our collective efforts over the years, we have forged a China-Central Asia Spirit of “mutual respect, mutual trust, mutual benefit, and mutual assistance for the joint pursuit of modernization through high-quality development.”

— We practice mutual respect and treat each other as equals. All countries, big or small, are equal. We handle issues through consultation and make decisions by consensus.

— We seek to deepen mutual trust and enhance mutual support. We firmly support each other in safeguarding independence, sovereignty, territorial integrity, and national dignity. We do not do anything harmful to the core interests of any party.

— We pursue mutual benefit and win-win cooperation and strive for common development. We view each other as priority partners, and share development opportunities together. We accommodate each other’s interests, and work to build a win-win and symbiotic relationship.

— We help each other in time of need and stand together through thick and thin. We support each other in choosing development paths suitable to our respective national conditions and in taking domestic matters into our own hands. We work together to address various risks and challenges, and uphold regional security and stability.

This China-Central Asia Spirit is an important guideline for our endeavor to carry forward friendship and cooperation from generation to generation. We should always uphold it and let it shine forever.

Distinguished Colleagues,

Friends,

Today, unprecedented changes are unfolding at a faster pace across the globe, thrusting the world into a new state of heightened turbulence and volatility. A strong belief in fairness and justice and an unyielding commitment to mutual benefit and win-win cooperation are the only way to maintain world peace and achieve common development. There is no winner in tariff wars or trade wars. Unilateralism, protectionism and hegemonism will surely backfire while hurting others.

I always maintain that history should move forward, not backward; and the world should be united, not divided. Humanity must not regress to the law of the jungle. Instead, we should build a community with a shared future for mankind.

Three years ago, we announced together that we would build a China-Central Asia community with a shared future, setting out the goal and direction of our six nations in building consensus, overcoming challenges and pursuing development. We should act on the China-Central Asia Spirit, enhance cooperation with renewed vigor and more practical measures, promote high-quality development of the Belt and Road Initiative, and forge ahead toward our goal of a community with a shared future for the region.

First, we should stay committed to our fundamental goal of unity, and always trust and support each other. China consistently takes Central Asia as a priority in its neighborhood diplomacy. With a firm belief in an amicable, secure and prosperous neighborhood as well as a strong dedication to amity, sincerity, mutual benefit and inclusiveness, China interacts with Central Asian countries on the basis of equality and sincerity. We always wish our neighbors well.

Today, we will sign together a treaty on eternal good-neighborliness, friendship and cooperation to enshrine the principle of everlasting friendship in the form of law. This is a new landmark in the history of the relations between our six countries and a pioneering initiative in China’s diplomatic engagement with its neighbors. It is a milestone for today and a foundation for tomorrow.

Second, we should optimize our cooperation framework to make it more results-oriented, more efficient, and more deeply integrated. We have agreed to designate 2025 and 2026 as the Years of High-Quality Development of China-Central Asia Cooperation. We should focus our cooperation on smooth trade, industrial investment, connectivity, green mining, agricultural modernization and personnel exchanges, and roll out more projects on the ground. We should do our best to get early harvests as soon as possible.

China is ready to share with Central Asian countries development experience and latest technological advances, promote connectivity in digital infrastructure, enhance cooperation on artificial intelligence, and foster new quality productive forces.

In order to promote relevant cooperation, China has decided to establish three cooperation centers, i.e. on poverty reduction, on education exchange, and on desertification prevention and control, as well as a cooperation platform on smooth trade under the China-Central Asia cooperation framework. China will provide a grant of RMB 1.5 billion yuan to Central Asian countries this year to be used in livelihood and development projects high on their agenda. China will also provide 3,000 training opportunities to Central Asian countries in the next two years.

Third, we should develop a security framework for peace, tranquility and solidarity. We should step up regional security governance, deepen law enforcement and security cooperation, jointly prevent and thwart extreme ideologies, and resolutely fight terrorism, separatism and extremism, so as to maintain peace and stability in our region.

China supports Central Asian countries in modernizing their national defense, law enforcement and security capacities. We will do our best to help Central Asian countries combat terrorism and transnational organized crime and safeguard cybersecurity and biosecurity. We will launch more Safe City projects, and conduct more joint exercises and joint training cooperation.

Afghanistan is our close neighbor. We should strengthen coordination to help the country boost its development capacity and achieve peace, stability, reconstruction and development at an early date.

Fourth, we should cement the bonds of shared vision, mutual understanding and mutual affection between our peoples. China will enhance cooperation between legislatures, political parties, women, youth, media and think tanks with Central Asian countries, conduct in-depth exchange of governance experience, and share experience in green development, poverty reduction and anti-corruption.

China is ready to set up more cultural centers, university branches and Luban Workshops in Central Asia, and launch new majors in Central Asian languages in Chinese universities. We will continue to carry out effectively the “China-Central Asia technology and skills improvement scheme” to train more high-caliber talent for Central Asian countries.

China supports deepening subnational cooperation with Central Asia. We will make good use of sister-city relations and people-to-people exchanges to nurture heart-to-heart connections at central and subnational levels, between official and non-governmental actors, and from adjacent to broader areas.

I hope that the travel-facilitation measures we adopt today will be implemented as soon as possible to help our people visit each other more conveniently, efficiently and frequently like relatives, and in the course help them become ever closer to each other.

Fifth, we should uphold a fair and equitable international order and an equal and orderly world structure. China supports Central Asian countries in playing a bigger role in international affairs. We stand ready to work with all parties to defend international fairness and justice, oppose hegemonism and power politics, and promote an equal and orderly multipolar world and a universally beneficial and inclusive economic globalization.

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, and the 80th anniversary of the founding of the United Nations. In the strenuous times of war, Chinese and Central Asian peoples supported each other through adversity, and jointly made important contributions to the cause of justice of humanity. We should promote the correct view of history, defend the fruits of the victory of World War II, uphold the UN-centered international system, and provide more stability and certainty for world peace and development.

Distinguished Colleagues,

Friends,

China is building a great modern socialist country in all respects and advancing the great rejuvenation of the Chinese nation on all fronts through Chinese modernization. No matter how the international situation changes, China will remain unwavering in opening up to the outside world, and embrace higher-quality cooperation with Central Asian countries to deepen the integration of interests and achieve common development.

Distinguished Colleagues,

Friends,

Ancient Chinese philosophy advocates “mutual care and mutual benefit.” Similarly, a Central Asian proverb compares harmony and unity to happiness and wealth. China is ready to work with all parties to carry forward the China-Central Asia Spirit, pursue the goal of a community with a shared future, and strive for new progress in China-Central Asia cooperation.

Thank you. 

Wang Yi meets leading politicians from Uganda, Liberia, Mozambique and other countries

On June 12, Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi held a series of bilateral meetings, for the third consecutive day, with leading politicians from a number of African countries who were in Changsha, Hunan to attend the  Ministerial Meeting of Coordinators on the Implementation of the Follow-up Actions of the Forum on China-Africa Cooperation (FOCAC) as well as the fourth China-Africa Economic and Trade Expo.

Meeting with Ugandan Prime Minister Robinah Nabbanja, Wang Yi said that Uganda is an important country in Africa and a representative of emerging economies. President Xi Jinping and President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni have established mutual trust and friendship, providing impetus and assurance for the development of China-Uganda relations. Last autumn, the Beijing Summit of FOCAC was successfully held, and the outcomes of the Summit have already been effectively implemented in Uganda. In the first quarter of this year, Uganda’s exports to China increased by nearly 90 percent year on year.

Wang Yi stated that China and Uganda maintain strategic communication and coordination on international and multilateral affairs and jointly safeguard the legitimate rights and interests of Africa and the vast number of developing countries. China is willing to work with Uganda and other African brothers and sisters to support and practice multilateralism, oppose unilateral bullying, and safeguard the basic norms governing international relations.

Robinah Nabbanja said that Uganda and China respect and understand each other and keep close communication and contact. She expressed appreciation to China for its long-term and valuable support to Uganda’s infrastructure construction and economic and social development. Uganda and China have achieved remarkable results in cooperation within the frameworks of the Belt and Road Initiative and the FOCAC.

Meeting with Vice President of Liberia Jeremiah Kpan Koung, Wang Yi extended congratulations on Liberia’s election as a non-permanent member of the United Nations Security Council. He said that China is ready to strengthen solidarity and coordination with Liberia, practice the vision of multilateralism, and safeguard the legitimate rights and interests of developing countries, especially African countries. China’s foreign policy remains consistent and stable, and China stands firmly with developing countries and speaks up for small and medium-sized nations.

Jeremiah Kpan Koung said that China is a reliable friend. He expressed appreciation for China’s long-term, selfless support and assistance to Liberia, saying that China’s zero-tariff policy for African countries has brought significant benefits to Liberia. Liberia is willing to work with China to continue implementing the important common understandings reached between the two heads of state and advance cooperation in various fields such as maritime affairs, green energy, healthcare, and agriculture. 

Continue reading Wang Yi meets leading politicians from Uganda, Liberia, Mozambique and other countries

Chinese Foreign Minister meets his counterparts from South Africa, Burkina Faso, Niger, Guinea-Bissau and other African countries

Following his June 10 meetings, Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi met with his counterparts from South Africa, Burkina Faso, Niger, Guinea-Bissau, the Republic of the Congo, the Democratic Republic of the Congo, Ghana, Nigeria, Ethiopia and Djibouti the following day in Changsha, Hunan.

Meeting with South African Minister of International Relations and Cooperation Ronald Lamola, Wang Yi said that the foreign ministers of the two countries have met four times in a year, demonstrating the close ties between China and South Africa and the high level of China-South Africa all-round strategic cooperative partnership in the new era. China and South Africa are good friends with shared ideals and good partners for mutual benefit and win-win results, and the friendship between the two countries has grown stronger over time. China and South Africa are major developing countries with common experiences and shared pursuits. The more complex the situation and the sharper the challenges, the more the two countries should unite and cooperate, and strive for self-reliance and strength. China is happy to see South Africa play a greater role on the international and regional stage, and supports South Africa in fulfilling its duties as the G20 presidency.

The previous day, Chinese Defence Minister Admiral Dong Jun met with the visiting Chief of the South African National Defence Force (SANDF) General Rudzani Maphwanya in Beijing.

Admiral Dong Jun praised that the traditional friendship between China and South Africa has endured over time and forged a special bond of “comrades and brothers” through the tests of the international situation. In recent years, under the strategic guidance of the heads of state of the two countries, cooperation between the two militaries in various fields has flourished. “China is willing to work with South Africa to practice the true multilateralism and jointly oppose the hegemony, bullying, power politics, and division and confrontation,” stressed Admiral Dong, adding that both sides should enhance exchanges, strengthen strategic communication, optimise cooperation mechanisms, expand pragmatic cooperation, and promote deeper, wider mil-to-mil relations, so as to contribute more to building a high-level community with a shared future for China and South Africa.

General Maphwanya appreciated the Chinese military’s long-standing strong support and assistance to the SANDF.

The 10th meeting of the China-South Africa Defence Committee took place in Beijing on the same day. Both parties expressed commitment to further explore cooperation prospects, broadening cooperation areas, and enhancing levels of collaboration under the strategic guidance of the two countries’ leaders. They agreed to continuously enrich the all-round strategic cooperative partnership for the new era between China and South Africa, thereby making a positive contribution to maintaining international and regional security and stability.

The South China Morning Post reported that the “solidarity pledge to South African general comes after Washington’s controversial move to fast-track asylum for 59 white Afrikaners.” It described China’s defence minister as stressing that their historical links were rooted in China’s support for the African National Congress (ANC) during the apartheid era. The report added:

“Maphwanya thanked China for its long-standing support for the development of South Africa’s military, calling the Chinese military a ‘sincere friend and partner’.

“‘South Africa values its friendship with China and looks forward to closer cooperation in joint drills, military education, personnel training and maritime security,” Maphwanya was quoted as saying.

“Visits to China by South African military officials are not uncommon, but the timing has drawn attention due to growing scrutiny over Pretoria’s geopolitical alignments.”

Meeting with Minister of Foreign Affairs, Regional Cooperation and Burkinabe Abroad of Burkina Faso Karamoko Jean Marie Traoré, Wang Yi said that since the resumption of diplomatic relations seven years ago, China and Burkina Faso have fully restored bilateral relations, contributing to the national development and economic growth of Burkina Faso, bringing tangible benefits to the Burkinabe people. Facts have proven that the resumption of diplomatic relations between China and Burkina Faso fully serves the fundamental and long-term interests of Burkina Faso and its people. China consistently upholds the principle of non-interference in internal affairs and respects the choices made by the Burkinabe people. China will continue to support Burkina Faso in safeguarding its legitimate rights and interests and in exploring a development path suited to its national conditions and driven by self-reliance. China is ready to consolidate mutual trust and friendship with Burkina Faso, enhance the exchange of governance experience, and provide support and assistance within its capacity for Burkina Faso’s development and revitalisation.

Continue reading Chinese Foreign Minister meets his counterparts from South Africa, Burkina Faso, Niger, Guinea-Bissau and other African countries

Wang Yi meets his counterparts from Angola, Namibia and other African countries

Over a period of three days, Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi held bilateral meetings with his counterparts from numerous African countries in the margins of the Ministerial Meeting of Coordinators on the Implementation of the Follow-up Actions of the Forum on China-Africa Cooperation (FOCAC) as well as the fourth China-Africa Economic and Trade Expo, both held in Changsha, Hunan.

On June 10, Wang met with ministers from Angola, Namibia, Tanzania, Botswana and Kenya.

Meeting with Minister of External Relations of Angola Téte António, Wang Yi said that last autumn, President Xi Jinping announced the ten partnership actions to support Africa’s revitalisation at the Beijing Summit of FOCAC. Thanks to the joint efforts of both sides, this initiative has already yielded notable early results. At present, unilateralism and protectionism are making a comeback, free trade and international rules are suffering serious setbacks, and developing countries are facing severe challenges. China firmly stands with the Global South, especially African countries, to jointly uphold the multilateral trading system and safeguard international fairness and justice. China will continue to support Angola in fulfilling its responsibilities as the rotating chair of the African Union (AU). China supports Angola’s efforts to advance national development and is ready to share China’s development opportunities with Angola, expand cooperation in various fields such as agricultural modernisation, healthcare, and human resources training, and support Angola in accelerating its industrialisation process.

Téte António said that Hunan is the birthplace of Chairman Mao Zedong, the founding leader of the People’s Republic of China. Many African people came to learn about Hunan through him, which has facilitated mutually beneficial cooperation with Hunan. Angola and China share a profound traditional friendship and have close ties. Upholding a spirit of solidarity, both sides have made fruitful progress in bilateral relations, and friendship with China has become a consensus among all sectors in Angola. The FOCAC mechanism is becoming increasingly mature, and Angola looks forward to working with China to implement the outcomes of the summit. Angola supports the series of important global initiatives proposed by China and is willing to enhance multilateral coordination with China, fulfil its responsibilities as the AU rotating chair, correct historical injustice, and uphold fairness and justice.

Following the meeting, the two sides issued a joint press communiqué.

According to the communiqué, China reiterates its firm support for the Angolan people to independently choose a development path suited to their national conditions, and for Angola to safeguard its national independence, sovereignty, security and interests. The Angolan side reiterates its firm adherence to the one-China principle, recognises that Taiwan is an inalienable part of China’s territory, opposes any form of “Taiwan independence”, and firmly supports all efforts made by the Chinese government to achieve national reunification.

The two sides agreed that the development of human rights is the common cause of all humanity, and that the right to subsistence and development are the primary basic human rights, and that human rights exchanges and cooperation should be carried out on the basis of mutual respect and equal treatment. Respect for the sovereignty, independence and territorial integrity of all countries and non-interference in the internal affairs of sovereign states are the basic norms governing international relations.

The world is undergoing changes in a century at an accelerated pace. China and Angola are committed to promoting greater representation and voice of the Global South in the international system. The two sides are ready to work together to build a community with a shared future for humanity, carry out high-quality Belt and Road cooperation, and jointly build an open, inclusive, clean and beautiful world featuring lasting peace, universal security and common prosperity. China and Angola are ready to jointly implement the Global Development Initiative, the Global Security Initiative and the Global Civilisation Initiative, promote global governance based on extensive consultation, joint contribution and shared benefits, resolutely abandon the law of the jungle, oppose hegemonism, power politics and all forms of unilateralism and protectionism, and contribute to promoting lasting peace and development in the world.

Meeting with Minister of International Relations and Trade of Namibia Selma Ashipala-Musavyi, Wang Yi said that at the beginning of this year, he, as Chinese foreign minister continued the friendly tradition of making Africa the destination of the first overseas visit in the new year, with Namibia as the first stop. This demonstrates China’s high regard for China-Namibia relations and its sincere commitment to strengthening China-Africa solidarity and cooperation.

China is ready to work with Namibia to carry forward the fine tradition of mutual trust, mutual support and sincerity, solidify the political foundation of bilateral relations and inject new vitality into China-Namibia friendship in the new era. The two sides should seek greater synergy of development strategies and upgrade mutually beneficial cooperation in such areas as energy and mining, nuclear energy, smart cities, agricultural technology, and vocational education and training, to support Namibia in increasing industrial added value, accelerating industrialisation, and delivering greater benefits to the Namibian people.

Wang Yi said that the 21st century is the century of joint development and revitalisation for Asia and Africa. This Ministerial Meeting of Coordinators will demonstrate the strong resolve of China and Africa to advance their respective modernisation, showcase the powerful strength of China-Africa solidarity, and send a strong message of the two sides’ joint commitment to upholding international fairness and justice. As important members of the Global South, China and Namibia should enhance coordination, overcome external interference, and jointly resist unilateralism and protectionism in the face of an increasingly uncertain and unstable international landscape, so as to safeguard the legitimate rights and interests of the Global South.

Continue reading Wang Yi meets his counterparts from Angola, Namibia and other African countries

China and Africa consolidate dynamic partnership

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

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

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

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

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

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

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