Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi, also a member of the Political Bureau of the Communist Party of China Central Committee, attends a press conference on China's foreign policy and foreign relations on the sidelines of the second session of the 14th National People's Congress (NPC) in Beijing, capital of China, March 7, 2024. Photo: Xinhua

The second session of the 14th National People's Congress (NPC) held a press conference at the Media Center Hotel in Beijing on the morning of March 7. Wang Yi, a member of the Political Bureau of the Communist Party of China Central Committee and Chinese Foreign Minister, was invited to answer questions from Chinese and foreign journalists on "China's diplomatic policies and foreign relations." During the 90-minute press conference, Wang answered 21 questions, covering topics including major-power relations, regional and global hot issues, and global governance. He outlined a comprehensive and multi-dimensional diplomatic landscape of China's diplomacy, providing external observers with a clearer perspective on China's diplomatic approach with greater certainty, credibility and predictability for the future.

This year's press conference continues the style of previous ones, providing a well-organized and detailed exposition of Chinese diplomacy with a clear and concise outline. Many of the statements were particularly memorable, such as the "four questions for the US": If the US says one thing and does another, where is its credibility as a major country? If it gets jittery whenever it hears the word "China," where is its confidence as a major country? If it only wants itself to prosper but denies other countries' legitimate development, where is international fairness? If it persistently monopolizes the high end of the value chain and keeps China at the low end, where is fairness in competition? Apart from this, the "red, yellow and green lights" theory addressing the crux of China-Europe relations, and support for "an Africa that is truly independent in thinking and ideas" also conveyed a wealth of information.

The press conference during the annual two sessions is a prime opportunity, both domestically and internationally, to gain insights into China's diplomatic achievements of the previous year, the current year's diplomatic direction and development, and to observe the overall strategy of Chinese diplomacy. Specifically, this year's press conference exhibits three prominent characteristics.

First, following the Central Conference on Work Related to Foreign Affairs at the end of last year, which clearly established the pillars of building a community with a shared future for mankind as a scientific system, the focus of this year's press conference has become even more pronounced. China's distinctive goals, tasks, and approaches in developing major-country diplomacy with Chinese characteristics are now clearer and more prominent. Whether it is promoting the framework of major-power relations that contributes to overall stability and balanced development, or leading the reform of the global governance system with the principles of fairness and justice, Chinese diplomacy maintains principled positions while also demonstrating moral responsibility. This substantially promotes a deeper understanding among various sectors regarding Chinese diplomacy and the current international situation.

Second, it has given "China's proposals" on almost all hotspot issues, demonstrating a strong sense of responsibility and a distinct commitment as a great power. In response to the notably deteriorating international situation, especially the recurring regional crises, conflicts and wars, China has been dedicated to promoting dialogue and negotiation, and pursuing both symptomatic and curative measures to resolve global security dilemmas. With regard to the development of cutting-edge AI, Wang proposed the "equal emphasis on development and security," and stressed that "brakes should be checked before setting off" and that the world should be alert of the attempts of creating "small yard, high fence" in AI development. In new agendas and new statements during the Forum on China-Africa Cooperation, the 70th anniversary of the Five Principles of Peaceful Coexistence, and the "South moment" of global governance, China's diplomacy is adding more positive factors to the world's peace and stability with China's proposals and high degree of participation.

Third, a profound impression of the entire press conference is that the character and style of China's diplomacy are prominent amid the current turbulent international environment. In particular, China's diplomacy is even more distinctive on issues regarding the future and destiny of mankind, bearing the responsibility and anchoring the right direction. This not only reflects China's strategic determination, autonomy and prospective vision, but also highlights the significant leading role of China as a responsible power in today's world. China is determined to be a force for peace, stability and progress. This is also the reason why China's stance on many international issues is increasingly widely recognized by the international community, and the character and style of China's diplomacy are evoking the international morality.

Under the main tone of seeking progress while maintaining stability, major-country diplomacy with Chinese characteristics is about to enter a new phase in which China can play a great role. During this process, the major-country diplomacy with Chinese characteristics will undoubtedly keep pace with the times, adhere to principles while innovating, focusing not only on providing a better external environment to facilitate Chinese modernization, but also on maintaining strategic stability and general peace worldwide. It seeks its own development firmly within the framework of upholding world peace and development, while contributing to global peace and development via its own progress. The new phase of a major-country diplomacy with Chinese characteristics is something the world can eagerly anticipate.