Category: International relations

Liu Jianchao meets old friends from Indonesia and Namibia

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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Wang Yi pursues regional cooperation and friendship in Kuala Lumpur

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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China and DPRK mark treaty anniversary

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Continue reading China and DPRK mark treaty anniversary

Venezuela expo boosts development and friendship

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Investment in the hydrocarbons sector

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

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

Artificial intelligence

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

The expo: Building a Splendorous Future

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

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

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

China and Brazil stress high quality cooperation

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Continue reading China and Brazil stress high quality cooperation

Xi Jinping – Champion of the Global South

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Continue reading Xi Jinping – Champion of the Global South

Ties with Bolivia and Ghana reaffirmed

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Continue reading Ties with Bolivia and Ghana reaffirmed

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

To this end, he made three key points:

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

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

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

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

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

Sports and culture promote Ireland-China people’s friendship

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Chinese Ambassador to Ireland Zhao Xiyuan Attends the Bloomsday Celebration

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

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

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

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.