New Era of Diplomacy

Minister Wang expounded in detail China’s relations with the outside world at the press conference, including relations with other major countries and ties with neighboring countries and other regions such as Africa and Latin America. He also reaffirmed China’s stance on some hot-button issues and highlighted the four international meetings to be held in China in 2018.

When addressing abrasive questions from certain reporters, Wang appropriately explained the basic principles of China’s diplomacy.

For example, on the Rohingya issue in Myanmar, Wang reiterated China’s adherence to the principle of non-interference into other countries’ internal affairs. He clarified well the difference between China’s efforts in mediating regional problems and some Western countries’ manipulating of other countries’ political development by sending troops or taking other measures.

Wang made it clear that China hopes to resolve regional disputes and conflicts through peaceful negotiations and consultation, which is totally different from intervening in the internal affairs of other countries.

When responding to the question on China-U.S. trade friction, Wang said that China and the United States may compete with each other, as competition is a basic principle of the market economy, but he also stressed that the two sides didn’t have to be rivals but instead should strive to be partners. His answer clearly presented China’s stance and optimism about China-U.S. relations.