FM: China is a staunch force for peace
Foreign Minister Wang Yi, also a member of the Political Bureau of the Communist Party of China Central Committee, answered questions from media about China’s foreign policy and external relations in Beijing yesterday.
The second session of the 14th National People’s Congress held the press conference at the Press Conference Hall of the Media Center.
“In this changing and turbulent international environment, China will remain a staunch force for peace, stability and progress of the world,” Wang said before taking questions.
Here are some of the highlights:
China’s diplomacy
The year 2023 not only witnessed pioneering efforts but also great harvests in China’s diplomacy, Wang stated.
“We took steps to promote international solidarity and cooperation, and offered solutions to crises and challenges. We contributed to world peace and development, and broke new ground in China’s diplomatic theory and practice,” he told reporters.
China-Russia ties
China and Russia have forged a new paradigm of major-country relations that differs entirely from the obsolete Cold War approach, Wang said.
“On the basis of non-alliance, nonconfrontation and not targeting any third party, China and Russia strive for lasting good-neighborliness and friendship and seek to deepen their comprehensive strategic coordination,” the minister added.
China-US ties
Peaceful coexistence is the bottom line of China-US relations, and the consequences of a conflict between the two major countries are unimaginable, Wang said.
The United States should take an objective and rational view of China’s development, and match its words with actions to honor the commitments on China-US relations.
Palestinian-Israeli conflict
Noting that the failure to end the humanitarian disaster caused by the Palestinian-Israeli conflict today in the 21st century is a “tragedy for humanity and a disgrace for civilization,” Wang called on the international community to act to give priority to an immediate ceasefire.
“We support Palestine’s full membership in the UN, and urge certain UN Security Council member to stop laying obstacles to that end.”
China-Europe cooperation
As long as China and Europe engage in mutually beneficial cooperation, no attempt to create bloc confrontation will succeed, Wang said, adding that deglobalization will not prevail as long as China and Europe stay committed to openness and win-win.
“A strong Europe is in the long-term interests of China. A strong China is also in the fundamental interests of Europe,” Wang insisted.
Taiwan question
Wang stressed that the bottom line is quite clear that China will never allow Taiwan to be separated from the motherland.
All people of Chinese descent should uphold the overall interests of the Chinese nation, jointly oppose “Taiwan independence” and support peaceful reunification, Wang added.
Ukraine crisis
China supports the holding in due course of an international peace conference that is recognized by both Russia and Ukraine and ensures the equal participation of all parties and fair discussions on all peace plans, Wang said.
He explained that “all our efforts point to one goal, that is, to pave the way for ending the conflict and starting peace talks.”
Visa-free policy
China will adopt a visa-free policy for Switzerland, Ireland, Hungary, Austria, Belgium and Luxembourg on a trial basis from March 14, Wang announced.
“We hope more countries will also offer Chinese citizens visa facilitation and work with us to build fast-track networks for cross-border travels and encourage speedy resumption of international passenger flights.”
South China Sea issue
China will take justified actions to defend its rights in accordance with the law and respond to unwarranted provocations with prompt and legitimate countermeasures in the South China Sea, Wang emphasized.
“We will work with ASEAN countries to strive for an early conclusion of the Code of Conduct in the South China
Sea and to ensure that the South China Sea remains a sea of peace and cooperation,” Wang added.
Global governance of AI
Wang said that concerted efforts are needed to advance global governance of artificial intelligence, and there should be equal emphasis on development and security.
New things and new opportunities should be embraced, while brakes should be checked before setting off, Wang noted.
China-Africa ties
China will continue to stand firmly with African brothers and support an Africa that is truly independent in thinking and ideas, Wang told reporters.
He also announced that a highly anticipated meeting of the Forum on China-Africa Cooperation is set to take place in Beijing this autumn.
Belt and Road Initiative
The Belt and Road Initiative, which has become the most popular global public good and the largest platform for international cooperation, has also become a pathway to cooperation, opportunity and prosperity for partner countries seeking joint development, Wang noted.
China will work with all parties to uphold the Silk Road spirit, deliver on the outcomes of the Third Belt and Road Forum for International Cooperation, and usher in a second golden decade of Belt and Road cooperation, according to Wang.
(CGTN)
Editor’s note:
The road to being a successful female entrepreneur – be it a restaurant owner, a designer, a gallery owner or a retailer – can be bumpy. In this series, “She Power,” we talk to women from different countries and different backgrounds about their experiences and stories of setting up businesses in Shanghai. One thing these amazing women all have in common – they all yearn to build a brand that does good, that gives purpose and fulfillment, and even a palpable sense of joy.
gratification, is probably one of the most difficult aspects of my work.
I think if you truly believe in the thing you’re doing, nothing can stop you on your path. Most problems or challenges become an opportunity to learn and overcome. One of the defining aspects of entrepreneurship is staying inspired and being able to recharge your own batteries again and again.
I also have a very short list of people who care deeply about me and who are there for me whenever I am in need of a nudge. This helps, but the powering up needs to come intrinsically.
Q: What was the moment that made you most proud?
I am proudest when I get to make a real impact on the people who train with us.
Despite how crazy it’s been for the business the past four years, the fact that I get to work with real people and make a real impact gives me endless opportunities to find a real sense of achievement in my every day.
Like when someone loses 20 kilograms without any crash dieting or extreme intervention, or when someone is able to do a pull-up for the first time in their life, or when someone who’s never been to the gym in their life gets to a point where they see it as an inextricable part of their daily lives.
The people who are clocking in their 200th, 500th, or even 1,000th session can’t wait to tell me all about it — those are the moments of which I am proudest.
Q: What are you working on now?
I am presently devoted to expanding our digital outreach by creating more educational content to help communicate our values, exercise philosophy and myth-busting exercise content. I hope to help more people outside of the physical perimeters of our studio find the truth amidst the noise.
Q: Who is a female role model?
Michelle Obama. Her books and talks are like a Bible for me. When I am in doubt, I frequently catch myself wondering what Michelle Obama would have to say about this. That is one woman who’s come a long way, who’s able to preserve her grace even under attack, and who’s not afraid to be unapologetically real. I find her background story to be exceedingly inspiring and relatable. She reminds people like myself to take nothing for granted and that there is going to be a lot of hard work. And if and when it pays off, never forget the people who helped get you there. You have the responsibility to use your power to create more good and to share your light.
Staying grounded in your sense of self and what you believe in will help you find the strength to overcome most challenges... If what you are building can rewrite the status quo, then stand up taller, dream bigger, and go after your goals, by any means necessary.
Jennifer Chang Founder of RISE Shanghai
Q: Do you have any advice for women entrepreneurs?
Even in the 21st century, being a woman entrepreneur comes with the burden of being an “only,” most of the time. You can either let it become a burden or you can use it to your advantage. There is much pride, strength and energy to be found in paving the way for other women behind you. Staying grounded in your sense of self and what you believe in will help you find the strength to overcome most challenges. Because when you know with 100 percent certainty what you believe in, and what you want to build, you won’t ever feel the need to defer to the status quo. If what you are building can rewrite the status quo, then stand up taller, dream bigger, and go after your goals, by any means necessary. And never be shy to ask for help, because there is only so much you can do alone.