The world is standing on the edge of a precipice. Today, the global economy is weighed down by protectionism and the abuse of the security concept. The international system is impaired by unilateralism and bloc politics.
The Ukraine crisis continues unabated. Conflict has flared up again in the Middle East. Artificial intelligence, climate change, space and the polar regions, among others, are posing a whole new set of challenges.
Speaking On February 17 at the 60th Munich Security Conference, Chinese Foreign Minister H.E. Wang Yi came out to cool growing fears by promising that China will “serve as a staunch force for stability in a turbulent world.”
First, stated Wang, China will act as a force for stability in promoting cooperation between major countries. Major countries shoulder critical responsibilities for global strategic stability. For major countries, the more volatile the international landscape, the greater the need to enhance coordination; the more acute the risks and challenges, the greater the need to advance cooperation.
This year marks the 45th anniversary of China-U.S. diplomatic relations. Past experience and lessons show that when China and the United States work together, great things can be accomplished for the two countries and the entire world. With a sense of responsibility for history, for the people and for the world, China will work with the U.S. to implement the common understandings between the two presidents and move bilateral relations forward along the right path of mutual respect, peaceful coexistence and win-win cooperation.
Russia is China’s largest neighboring country. A China-Russia relationship that grows steadily on the basis of non-alliance, non-confrontation and not targeting any third party meets the shared interests of the two countries, serves the strategic stability of the Asia-Pacific and the world, and represents a useful exploration of a new model of major-country relations.
China and Europe are the world’s two major forces, markets and civilizations, and should understand the international responsibilities on their shoulders. A more stable and closer relationship between China and Europe not only works to the advantage of both sides but also brings benefits to the whole world.
Secondly, stated Wang, China will be a force for stability in addressing hotspot issues. The country has explored a Chinese way of addressing hotspot issues, one that advocates for non-interference in internal affairs and opposes imposing one’s will on others. It upholds impartiality and justice and opposes pursuing selfish interests.
It seeks political settlement and opposes using force. It aims to address both the symptoms and the root causes and opposes myopia and one-sidedness. With China’s active mediation, a historic reconciliation was reached between Saudi Arabia and Iran, setting off a “wave of reconciliation” across the Middle East. This is a living example of implementing the Global Security Initiative put forth by Chinese President Xi Jinping.
The recent escalation and spillover of the Palestinian-Israeli conflict and the ongoing tension in the Red Sea once again demonstrate that the question of Palestine is at the heart of the Middle East issue. China pushed the UN Security Council (UNSC) to adopt the first resolution since the latest conflict broke out, and issued a position paper on the political settlement of the Palestinian-Israeli conflict.
On the Ukraine crisis, China has never given up on promoting peace or slackened its efforts to facilitate talks. President Xi Jinping had in-depth exchanges with world leaders including Russian and Ukrainian leaders, playing a constructive role in addressing the crisis. China also published its position paper on the matter, and its special envoy traveled intensively to mediate among different parties.
Thirdly, China will be a force for stability in enhancing global governance, said Wang. The international system today is under serious strain from unilateralism and power politics. It has thus become a common call of the international community to revitalise multilateralism and work in solidarity to pull through.
Last year, China worked actively to enhance solidarity and cooperation of the Global South. China promoted the historic expansion of BRICS and gave support to the African Union in joining the G20, with a view to increasing developing countries’ representation and voice in global affairs, and contributing to a more balanced and effective global governance architecture.
As the largest developing country, China has been doing its best to provide more public goods to the world. From the Belt and Road Initiative to the Global Development Initiative, the Global Security Initiative and the Global Civilization Initiative, China has stayed committed to cooperation, openness and equality, and contributed its share to meeting global challenges.
Fourth, China will be a force for stability in promoting global growth. The Chinese economy, as vibrant and resilient as ever, is showing a more robust momentum of long-term growth. Last year, it grew by 5.2 percent, accounting for one third of global growth. As China grows rapidly into the world’s largest market, it will bring more dividends to the rest of the world. It is generally accepted in the global business community that “the next China is still China.”
As Xi has articulated, China will only open its door even wider to the world. Now China has mutual visa exemption arrangements with 23 countries and applies unilateral visa-free policy to multiple European countries. China will continue to provide more facilitation for people from around the world to invest, travel and study in China.