China put forward a four-point proposal on resolving the Crisis in Ukraine

At 3 p.m. on March 7, the Fifth Session of the 13th National People's Congress held a press conference in the press conference hall of the Great Hall of the People, where State Councilor and Foreign Minister Wang Yi answered questions from Chinese and foreign journalists on issues related to "China's foreign policy and foreign relations." In order to effectively prevent and control the epidemic and jointly safeguard public health and health, this year's press conference was held in the form of online video like last year.

In his opening remarks, Wang Yi said that this year is another challenging year for the world. The COVID-19 pandemic has not yet been completely defeated, the crisis in Ukraine has followed, and the already uncertain international situation has become more complex and turbulent. At such an important juncture, what countries need is unity rather than division, dialogue rather than confrontation. As a responsible major country, China will continue to hold high the banner of multilateralism, work with all peace-loving and development-seeking countries to strengthen solidarity and cooperation, work together to meet challenges, continue to promote the building of a community with a shared future for mankind, and strive to open up a bright and beautiful future for the world.

Subsequently, Wang Yi answered 27 questions on the successful hosting of the Beijing Winter Olympics, the situation between Russia and Ukraine, Sino-Russian relations, the situation in the Taiwan Strait, Sino-US relations, and Sino-Indian relations.

Talk about the Beijing Winter Olympics

The light of unity and cooperation in the Winter Olympics will surely penetrate the haze and rain

When asked about the Beijing Winter Olympics, Wang Yi said that with the joint efforts of China and the international community, the Beijing Winter Olympics have been a complete success, contributing a simple, safe and wonderful Olympic event to the world, so that the world can see a more confident, self-reliant, open and inclusive China. About 170 official representatives of nearly 70 countries and international organizations attended the opening ceremony, demonstrating their support for China with practical actions. Wang Yi expressed his heartfelt thanks to all friends from all countries who participated in and supported the Beijing Winter Olympics.

Wang Yi said that the success of the Beijing Winter Olympics is not only a success for China, but also a success for the world; it is not only a victory in sports, but also a victory in unity.

The Winter Olympics coincided with the ravages of the Olmiquerong strain, the heating up of regional hotspot issues, and the political interference and sabotage of a few countries. But we are encouraged that most countries and peoples have chosen to unite under the Olympic spirit, injecting hope into those deeply affected by the pandemic and bringing confidence to a turbulent world.

Now, athletes from all over the world are working the Winter Paralympic games. I believe that the light of unity and cooperation gathered during the Winter Olympics will surely penetrate the haze and wind and rain and illuminate the future road for mankind to move forward hand in hand.

Talk about the situation in Russia and Ukraine

Solving complex problems requires calmness and rationality

When talking about the situation in Russia and Ukraine, Wang Yi said that the situation in Ukraine is the most concerned issue of the international community at present, and the Chinese side has stated its position on many occasions, and the Chinese side has always made judgments and expressed its position independently and autonomously in accordance with the merits of the matter itself in an objective and impartial attitude. It should be seen that freezing three feet is not a day's cold. The situation in Ukraine has developed to this day for complex reasons. To solve complex problems, we need calmness and rationality, not to add fuel to the fire and intensify contradictions. China believes that in order to resolve the current crisis, it is necessary to uphold the purposes and principles of the Charter of the United Nations and to respect and safeguard the sovereignty and territorial integrity of all countries; it is necessary to uphold the principle of indivisibility of security and to accommodate the legitimate security concerns of the parties; it is necessary to persist in settling disputes peacefully through dialogue and negotiation; and it is necessary to focus on long-term regional peace and stability and build a balanced, effective and sustainable European security mechanism.

Wang Yi said that at present, the international community should focus on two major issues and continue to work hard. First, it is necessary to persuade peace and promote talks. China has done some work in this regard and has been maintaining close communication with all parties. The day after the conflict, when President Xi Jinping spoke to President Putin at the request, he proposed that we would like to see peace talks between Russia and Ukraine as soon as possible. President Putin also responded positively. Russia and Ukraine have already talked for two rounds, and we hope that the upcoming third round of negotiations will make new progress. China believes that the tighter the situation, the more unstoppable the peace talks, and the greater the differences, the more necessary it is to sit down for negotiations. China is willing to continue to play a constructive role in persuading peace and promoting talks, and is also willing to work with the international community to carry out necessary good offices when needed. Secondly, it is necessary to prevent large-scale humanitarian crises. China is willing to put forward a six-point initiative in this regard: first, humanitarian operations must abide by the principle of neutrality and impartiality to prevent the politicization of humanitarian issues; second, to pay full attention to the displaced people in Ukraine and help them to be properly resettled; third, to effectively protect civilians and prevent secondary humanitarian disasters in Ukraine; fourth, to ensure the smooth and safe development of humanitarian assistance activities, including the provision of rapid, safe and barrier-free humanitarian access; fifth, to ensure the safety of foreigners in Ukraine and allow them to leave Ukraine safely. Sixth, to support the Coordinating Role of the United Nations in humanitarian assistance to Ukraine and to support the work of the United Nations Crisis Coordinator in Ukraine.

Wang Yi said that China is willing to continue to make its own efforts to overcome the humanitarian crisis. At the same time, he announced that the Red Cross Society of China will provide a batch of emergency humanitarian material assistance to Ukraine as soon as possible.

Talk about Sino-Russian relations

Sino-Russian cooperation is conducive to world peace, stability and development

Wang Yi pointed out that as one of the most critical bilateral relations in the world, China-Russia cooperation not only brings benefits and well-being to the two peoples, but is also conducive to world peace, stability and development.

Wang Yi stressed that Sino-Russian relations have the value of independence and self-determination, and are based on non-alignment, non-confrontation, and non-targeting of third parties, let alone interference and provocation by third parties. This is not only a summary of historical experience, but also an innovation in international relations. Not long ago, the two countries jointly issued the "Joint Statement on International Relations and Global Sustainable Development in the New Era," which clearly and unmistakably stated to the world that we jointly oppose the re-establishment of the Cold War mentality, the instigation of ideological confrontation, the promotion of democratization of international relations, and the maintenance of the purposes and principles of the Charter of the United Nations.

Wang Yi said that no matter how sinister the international situation is, China and Russia will maintain their strategic determination and continuously push forward the comprehensive strategic partnership of coordination in the new era.

Talk about the evacuation of Ukrainians

Tell overseas compatriots with actions that "behind you is the motherland"

Wang Yi said that in the process of organizing the evacuation and evacuation of Chinese citizens, the Ukrainian government and all sectors of society have given friendly assistance, and Russia, Moldova, Romania, Poland, Hungary, Slovakia, Belarus and other countries have also provided valuable support, reflecting the deep friendship with the Chinese people. At the press conference, Wang Yi, on behalf of the Chinese side, expressed his heartfelt thanks to all governments and people. At the same time, the chinese and overseas Chinese, overseas Chinese students and Chinese-funded institutions in Ukraine and neighboring countries have fully mobilized and provided mutual assistance, once again embodying the traditional virtues of sharing Chinese hardships and hardships, and Wang Yi also expressed sincere condolences to his compatriots.

At present, there are still some compatriots who are still stranded in Ukraine due to the local situation and personal reasons, and the Chinese side will keep in touch with them at any time and provide all possible assistance according to their needs.

Wang Yi said: "The world is not peaceful, a netizen left a message saying that we do not live in a peaceful world, but we are lucky to have a peaceful motherland. Diplomacy for the people is always on the way. We are willing to continue to use actions to tell every overseas compatriot that no matter what time and no matter where you are, you have us by your side and the motherland behind you! ”

Talk about Sino-US relations

Replace the "three-point method" with the "three principles" to promote The return of Sino-US relations to the right path

In response to questions about Sino-US relations, Wang Yi said that since last year, President Xi Jinping and President Biden have held video meetings and two phone calls, and the two sides have also carried out dialogue and exchanges at multiple levels. We have noted that US leaders and some senior officials have successively stated that the US side does not seek a "new Cold War," does not seek to change China's system, does not seek to strengthen alliances against China, does not support "Taiwan independence," and has no intention of clashing and confrontation with China. However, it is regrettable that this "four noes and one unintentional" statement has always floated in the air and has not landed for a long time. The fact before us is that the US side still spares no effort to carry out zero-sum game-style "fierce competition" with China, constantly attacks and provokes on issues involving China's core interests, and successively cobbles together and suppresses China's "small circle" in the international arena, which not only damages the overall situation of bilateral relations, but also impacts international peace and stability. This is not what a responsible Power should look like, nor is it what a credibility-minded State should do. As a sovereign and independent country, China has every right to take necessary measures to firmly defend its legitimate interests.

China believes that great power competition is not the theme of the times, and zero-sum game is not the right choice. In an era of interdependent globalization, how the two major powers of China and the United States can find the right way to get along is not only a problem that human society has not encountered, but also an equation that the two countries must jointly solve.

This year marks the 50th anniversary of the publication of the Shanghai Communiqué. Looking back on history, in the spirit of seeking common ground while reserving differences, China and the United States have replaced confrontation with cooperation, benefiting the two peoples and promoting world peace and prosperity. Looking to the future, the two sides should regain their original intention of melting ice, repack and set out, replace the "three principles" of competition, cooperation and confrontation with the "three principles" of mutual respect, peaceful coexistence and win-win cooperation, promote the return of the US China policy to the right track of rationality and pragmatism, and promote the return of Sino-US relations to a healthy and stable path.

Talk about China-EU relations

China-EU relations are not directed, dependent or subject to third parties

Wang Yi said: China-Europe and Sino-Russian relations are two completely different issues. As far as China-EU relations are concerned, we believe that China and Europe are the two major forces for safeguarding world peace, the two major markets for promoting common development, and the two major civilizations that promote human progress. China-EU relations are not targeted, dependent, or subject to third parties. Dialogue and cooperation between the two sides on the basis of mutual respect and mutual benefit and win-win results will provide more stabilizing factors for the turbulent world situation.

For example, Wang Yi's trade volume with the EU exceeded US$800 billion for the first time, which fully demonstrates that China-EU economic and trade relations are highly complementary; last year, China-Europe express trains opened more than 15,000 trains, an increase of 29% year-on-year, which played a positive role in promoting international anti-epidemic cooperation, ensuring the stability of the industrial chain supply chain, and promoting global economic recovery.

Wang Yi also pointed out that some forces do not want to see the steady development of China-EU relations, fabricate the so-called "China threat", hype competition with China, advocate "institutional opponents", and even provoke sanctions and confrontation. Both China and the EU are highly vigilant in this regard. China-EU cooperation has strong resilience and potential, and no force can and cannot be reversed. China has always viewed China-EU relations from a strategic and long-term perspective, and China's policy toward the EU remains stable and tenacious, and will not change due to a temporary event. At the same time, it is also hoped that Europe can form a more independent and objective understanding of China, pursue a pragmatic and active china policy, jointly oppose the creation of a "new Cold War", and jointly safeguard and practice true multilateralism.

In the next step, China and the EU should do a good job in handling important political agendas such as the China-EU leaders' meeting, and join hands to jointly do more practical and good things for the world.

Talk about Sino-Japanese relations

Three pieces of advice to the Japanese side Not to do things that are made of chestnuts in the fire for others

Wang Yi pointed out that this year marks the 50th anniversary of the normalization of Sino-Japanese diplomatic relations, and it is also an important opportunity for both sides to sum up history and create a better future together. Over the past 50 years, exchanges and cooperation between the two sides have been expanding, bringing important benefits to the two peoples. Last year, the leaders of the two countries reached an important consensus on building Sino-Japanese relations that meet the requirements of the new era, which pointed out the direction for the development of relations in the next step.

At the same time, he pointed out that at present, Sino-Japanese relations are still facing some differences and challenges, especially there are always some people in Japan who do not want to see China's rapid development and do not want to see the stability of Sino-Japanese relations. Wang Yi put forward three pieces of advice to the Japanese side: First, we must not forget our original intention and grasp the correct direction of bilateral relations. It is necessary to earnestly abide by the principles and spirit of the four political documents between China and Japan, practice the important consensus of "mutual cooperation, no threat to each other" and "mutual support for each other's peaceful development", and ensure that bilateral relations always develop in the direction of peace and friendship.

Second, it is necessary to keep our promises and safeguard the political foundation of bilateral relations. Wang Yi said that major sensitive issues such as history and Taiwan have a bearing on the foundation of mutual trust between China and Japan. The foundation is not firm, and the ground is shaking. It is hoped that the Japanese side will scrupulously abide by the series of solemn commitments it has made so far on these issues and avoid another serious impact on bilateral relations.

Third, it is necessary to follow the trend and jointly create broad prospects for bilateral relations. Wang Yi pointed out that the replacement of unilateralism and hegemonism by the multipolarization of the world and the democratization of international relations are historical inevitability, and the cold war alliance and geopolitical confrontation have long been unpopular. The Japanese side should go with the flow, not move against the current, do not do things for others to take the chestnut in the fire, and do not go astray with their neighbors as the enemy. It is necessary to truly take history as a mirror and face the future, and make Japan's due contribution to regional peace, stability, and development.

Talk about the Taiwan issue

The Taiwan issue is fundamentally different from the Ukrainian issue in China's internal affairs

A reporter asked how the Taiwan issue is similar to the Ukrainian issue and how to view the possibility of a conflict in the Taiwan Strait.

In this regard, Wang Yi made it clear that there is an essential difference between the Taiwan issue and the Ukrainian issue, and there is no comparison between the two. He pointed out that the most fundamental difference is that Taiwan is an inalienable part of China's territory, the Taiwan issue is entirely China's internal affair, and the Ukrainian issue is a dispute between Russia and Ukraine. Wang Yi said that some people emphasize the principle of sovereignty on the Ukraine issue, but on the Taiwan issue, they have constantly undermined China's sovereignty and territorial integrity, which is a naked double standard.

The situation in the Taiwan Strait is facing tension, where are the root causes? Wang Yi said: The facts are very clear, and it lies in the FACT that the DPP authorities have refused to agree with the one-China principle, attempted to change the status quo in which the two sides of the strait belong to the same China, and distorted Taiwan's history and severed Taiwan's roots by vigorously engaging in "two Chinas" and "one China, one Taiwan, and will surely bury Taiwan's future in the end. However, in order to curb China's rejuvenation, some US forces have connived at and instigated the development of "Taiwan independence" forces, challenged and hollowed out the one-China principle, seriously violated the basic norms governing international relations, and seriously undermined peace and stability in the Taiwan Strait, which will not only push Taiwan into a dangerous situation, but will also bring unbearable consequences to the US side.

Wang Yi stressed: The two sides of the taiwan strait have the same history, the same roots, and the same China. The hope for Taiwan's future lies in the peaceful development of cross-strait relations and in the realization of national reunification, rather than relying on any external "empty cheque." Wang Yi said: "There is no way out of 'seeking independence by relying on foreign countries,' 'using Taiwan to control China' is doomed to failure, and Taiwan will eventually return to the embrace of the motherland." ”

Talk about the situation in the South China Sea

China has always been full of confidence in the prospect of reaching a Code of Conduct in the South China Sea

Wang Yi said that this year marks the 20th anniversary of the signing of the Declaration on the Conduct of Parties in the South China Sea. Over the past 20 years, China and ASEAN countries have jointly implemented the provisions of the Declaration and maintained the overall stability of the situation in the South China Sea. Wang Yi pointed out that in order to achieve long-term peace and stability in the South China Sea, it is necessary to achieve more substantive and effective regional rules, that is, to have an upgraded version of the declaration. To this end, when the declaration was signed that year, all parties clearly regarded the formulation of the "Code of Conduct in the South China Sea" as a long-term goal.

Wang Yi said that since China and ASEAN countries launched the "CO-IFR" consultations, many positive progress has been made. In the past two years, mainly because of the impact of the epidemic, the pace of the consultation process has indeed slowed down. However, China has always been full of confidence in the prospects of reaching the CoD, because advancing COOPS consultations serves the common interests of China and ASEAN countries and is also a key move to ensure that the South China Sea becomes a sea of peaceful cooperation. The Guidelines will not only conform to international law, including the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea, but will also provide more effective safeguards for the legitimate rights and interests of countries outside the territory. Now that the consultations have entered a critical stage, we hope that all parties will pay attention to and deal with two things:

First, we must correctly view differences. There will be different opinions in any negotiation, and the same is true for the "COR" consultation, but as long as the parties bear in mind that our goals are the same, there is no difference that cannot be bridged and no consensus that cannot be reached. Second, we must resolutely eliminate interference. We see that some countries outside the region are not happy to see the norms reached, nor do they want the South China Sea to be calm, because this will make them lose the excuse to meddle in the South China Sea and seek private interests. It is hoped that ASEAN countries will see this clearly and jointly resist interference and sabotage from the outside. I believe that extraterritorial countercurrents cannot set off storms in the South China Sea, and external interference cannot stop the pace of regional cooperation.

Talk about the Twentieth National Congress of the Party

Telling the story of the Communist Party of China well is the proper meaning of China's diplomacy

This year will usher in the 20th National Congress of the Communist Party of China, and some reporters asked, how should China continue to tell the story of the Chinese Communist Party well in the international arena? Wang Yi said: The Chinese Constitution clearly stipulates the ruling position of the Communist Party of China, making it clear that the party's leadership is the most essential feature of socialism with Chinese characteristics and the greatest advantage of the socialist system with Chinese characteristics. Telling the story of the Communist Party of China well, establishing a name for the party, justifying the party's name, and making a name for the party is the proper meaning of China's diplomacy, and it is also our important duty.

Last year, on the occasion of the centenary of the founding of the Communist Party of China, the "100 Days to Tell 100 Stories of the Cpc's Foreign Exchanges" was launched, diplomats from various countries in China and international mainstream media were invited to visit Red Memorial Sites such as Yan'an and Jiaxing, and Chinese embassies and consulates abroad around the world also held more than 4,000 colorful activities to celebrate the centenary of the founding of the Party, which were warmly welcomed by friends from all over the world.

Wang Yi said: We deeply feel that the international community is now paying more attention to and recognizing the CPC. More and more foreign friends admire the great achievements made by the leadership of the Communist Party of China Chinese people, and more and more countries want to understand the secret of the success of the Communist Party of China. Last month, when Argentine President Fernandez came to China to attend the opening ceremony of the Beijing Winter Olympics, he paid a special visit to the History Exhibition Hall of the Communist Party of China to pay tribute to all the Chinese and people and the development progress they have made. Wang Yi said: "We have noticed that the eyes of the international community looking at the Cpc have become brighter, the perspective of observing the CPC has become broader, and the understanding of the CPC has become deeper and more comprehensive. ”

Wang Yi said that this year, we will take the opportunity of welcoming the 20th National Congress of the Communist Party of China to continue to tell the story of the Communist Party of China to the international community and help more foreign friends truly understand the Chinese Communist Party.

In the face of a turbulent and changing world, China has always represented stability and positive energy, and has always stood in the right direction of historical progress. We will continue to bear the world in mind, shoulder our responsibilities, unswervingly hold high the banner of peace, development, cooperation and win-win results, promote the construction of a new type of international relations, promote the construction of a community with a shared future for mankind, and work together with all progressive forces in the world to seek development and move forward together for the future.

Sino-Indian relations have encountered some setbacks in recent years, and this situation does not conform to the fundamental interests of China and India and the two peoples. With regard to the border issue left over from history, China has always advocated managing differences through consultation on an equal footing, actively seeking a just and reasonable solution, and at the same time not allowing it to affect or interfere with the overall situation of cooperation between the two countries.

●Despite the impact of the epidemic and other factors, the joint construction of the "Belt and Road" has maintained a good momentum. In the past year, the "hard connection" of the "Belt and Road" infrastructure has been solidly promoted. Major projects such as the China-Laos Railway and the New Port in Haifa, Israel were successfully completed, and the construction and operation of the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor, the Port of Piraeus, the Yawan High-Speed Railway, and the Hungarian-Cypriot Railway were steadily carried out. The number of China-Europe express trains and freight traffic hit a record high, providing a strong impetus for the economic recovery of various countries.

The real purpose of the "Indo-Pacific Strategy" is to attempt to build an Indo-Pacific version of "NATO," which upholds the hegemonic system led by the United States and impacts the ASEAN-centered regional cooperation structure, harming the overall and long-term interests of regional countries. This countercurrent runs counter to the common vision of regional countries to seek peace, development, promote cooperation, and strive for win-win results, and is doomed to have no future.

This year, China, Thailand and Indonesia will host the BRICS Leaders' Meeting, the APEC Economic Leaders' Informal Meeting, and the G20 Leaders' Summit, respectively, and global governance will enter "Asia time".

● The Global Development Initiative is another major initiative put forward by President Xi Jinping after the "Belt and Road", which is a "remobilization" of global development cooperation, a "reconfirmation" of the core human rights concept of people-centeredness, a "road map" for narrowing the north-south divide and solving the development imbalance, and an "accelerator" for advancing the United Nations 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development. We are willing to work with other countries to actively explore and implement this important initiative, so that no country will be left behind, no demand will be ignored, and no one will be left behind, so as to jointly build a global development community.

——Wang Yi

Beijing News reporter Wu Tingting

Edited by Fan Yijing Proofreader Fu Chunyi