The Central Conference on Work Relating to Foreign Affairs was held in Beijing on December 27-28, with President Xi Jinping in attendance.
Xi Jinping, General Secretary of the Central Committee of the Communist Party of China (CPC), President of the People’s Republic of China and Chairman of the Central Military Commission, delivered an important address during the meeting with Chinese diplomatic envoys attending the annual work conference for overseas envoys to foreign countries in 2023 at the Great Hall of the People on Dec 29.
Xi acknowledged the significant achievements made in China’s diplomatic work in the new era, and called on the envoys to conscientiously study and implement the guiding principles of the 20th CPC National Congress and the Central Conference on Work Related to Foreign Affairs, the Thought on Socialism with Chinese Characteristics for a New Era, and the Thought on Diplomacy in particular.
He urged them to have a correct understanding of the international environment and the historical mission faced by China’s work on foreign affairs on the new journey in the new era, to hold high the banner of building a community with a shared future for humanity, and to keep opening up new prospects for major-country diplomacy with Chinese characteristics.
It was made clear at the conference that since the 18th CPC National Congress, historic achievements have been made and historic changes have taken place in China’s external work on the great journey of advancing the cause of socialism with Chinese characteristics in the new era.
First, China has established and developed Xi Jinping’s Thought on Diplomacy, opening up new vistas in the theory and practice of China’s diplomacy and providing the fundamental guideline for advancing major-country diplomacy with Chinese characteristics.
Second, China has showcased distinct Chinese characteristics, style and ethos in our diplomacy, and established the image of a confident, self-reliant, open and inclusive major country with a global vision.
Third, China has advocated the building of a community with a shared future for mankind, pointing the right direction for human society leading to common development, lasting peace and security, and mutual learning between civilizations.
Fourth, China has followed the strategic guidance of head-of-state diplomacy, and played an increasingly important and constructive role in international affairs.
Fifth, China has taken a holistic approach to our relations with all parties, with a view to fostering major-country dynamics featuring peaceful coexistence, overall stability and balanced development.
Sixth, China has expanded a comprehensive strategic layout, and formed a wide-ranging, high-quality global network of partnerships.
Seventh, China has advanced high-quality Belt and Road cooperation, and established the world’s most broad-based and largest platform for international cooperation.
Eighth, China has worked to both pursue development and safeguard security, and effectively upheld China’s sovereignty, security and development interests with a firm will and an indomitable fighting spirit.
Ninth, China has taken an active part in global governance, and shown the way in reforming the international system and order.
Tenth, China has strengthened the centralized, unified leadership of the CPC Central Committee, and brought about greater coordination in China’s external work.
