Highlights of Chinese foreign minister’s press conference

BEIJING (Xinhua) — Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi met the press recently on the sidelines of the first session of the 13th National People’s Congress.

Wang briefed journalists from home and abroad on China’s foreign policies and answered questions on a wide range of diplomatic issues. The following are the highlights of the press conference.

Diplomatic agenda in 2018

First, Boao Forum for Asia annual conference will take place in Hainan this April, and focus on reform and opening up.

Second, the Shanghai Cooperation Organization summit will take place in Qingdao this June, and focus on revitalizing the Shanghai Spirit.

Third, the Forum on China-Africa Cooperation summit will take place in Beijing this September, and focus on the Belt and Road Initiative.

Fourth, the First China International Import Expo will take place in Shanghai this November, and focus on further opening of the market.

Belt and Road Initiative

Everything is in the open. There is no backroom deal, and every step is transparent. It would be high standard and economically viable, beneficial to the world as well as to China.

China-US relations

Despite elements of competition, China-US ties are defined more by partnership, not rivalry. China has no need or intention to replace the US’ international role.

Trade war is never the right solution, as it will harm both the initiator as well as the target country in a globalized world. In the event of a trade war, China will make a justified and necessary response.

China-ASEAN relations

As we celebrate the 15th anniversary, 2018 is of particular importance for the future of China-ASEAN strategic partnership. The last 15 years have seen China-ASEAN cooperation go from strength to strength and bear rich fruits. For nine years running, China has been ASEAN’s largest trading partner. Last year, our trade exceeded $500 billion and two-way visits totaled 40 million, all of which brought real benefits to our combined population of nearly two billion. Indeed, China-ASEAN cooperation is the most successful and dynamic in the Asian-Pacific region.

In the year ahead, we will continue to give the highest priority to cooperation with ASEAN, upgrade our strategic partnership and build a more close-knit community of shared destiny. We have three priorities. First, we will work out a new blueprint of cooperation. The proposed China-ASEAN Strategic Partnership Vision 2030 will lead to better coordination between the Belt and Road Initiative and ASEAN’s development plans. Second, we will foster new highlights of cooperation. Cooperation will be broadened in the political and security, economic and trade, and social and people-to-people areas, with more projects and outcomes in the pipeline. Third, we will forge new platforms of cooperation. Efforts will be made to build a Lancang-Mekong economic development belt, establish a cooperation framework with the East ASEAN Growth Area, support ASEAN community building, and conclude the Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership as soon as possible.

South China Sea issue

When it comes to maintaining peace and stability in the South China Sea, China’s resolve is as strong as its commitment is deep. China’s approach to the South China Sea issue is a responsible one that takes into account the interests of the Chinese people, the facts of history, the imperative of regional peace and the international rule of law. This position is firm and consistent.

With situation in the South China Sea turning for the better, China and ASEAN countries face a golden opportunity. We all agree to develop a code of conduct in the South China Sea to preserve its hardwon tranquility. Last week, our officials held an inaugural round of consultation on the COC text and made encouraging progress. At least three more rounds have been envisaged for the remainder of this year. China and ASEAN countries are willing and able to draft regional rules on our own, rules that will meet our region’s imperatives and be adhered to by all.

There are also challenges in the South China Sea. Some outside forces are not happy with the prevailing calm and try to stir up trouble and muddle the waters. Their frequent show of force with fully armed aircraft and naval vessels is the most destabilizing factor for peace and stability in our region.

It is useful to heed the wisdom of a Chinese verse, “Green hills cannot stop the river flowing; to the vast ocean it keeps advancing.” In the year ahead, China will work with ASEAN countries to seize the opportunity, broaden cooperation, prevent interference and overcome challenges. Cherishing what we have worked so hard to achieve, China and ASEAN countries will speed up the COC consultation, actively explore a mechanism of cooperation among the coastal states, and promote peace and cooperation in the South China Sea.

Korean Peninsula issue

All relevant sides, particularly the US and the DPRK, should make contact and conduct dialogue as soon as possible based on the “dual-track approach,” advance denuclearization of the peninsula and promote peace mechanisms.

Here comes another moment of truth for the parties to demonstrate their seriousness about resolving the issue. We must not let the opportunity slip by.

Refuting ‘China threat theory’

As China grows, the “China collapse theory” has collapsed and become an international laughing stock. Meanwhile, the “China threat theory” with its various sensational versions is losing market.

Refuting ‘Indo-Pacific’ strategy

Stoking a new Cold War is out of sync with the times and inciting bloc confrontation will find no market.

Trade liberalization

China is positive about any open, transparent and inclusive agreement that reinforces regional economic integration and the WTO-centered global free trade system.

Countries breaking so-called ‘diplomatic ties’ with Taiwan

Adhering to the one-China principle and not having official ties with Taiwan have become a generally observed norm in international relations.

It is a correct choice in line with the tide of history to establish diplomatic relations and carry out regular cooperation with the government of the People’s Republic of China, the sole legal representative of the whole of China. Such a choice would best serve the long-term interest of these countries and their people. Of course, this is the overriding trend and an unstoppable one.