Vice Foreign Minister Chen Xiaodong was interviewed by China Media Group on the Global Security Initiative
On April 18, 2024, Vice Foreign Minister Chen Xiaodong was interviewed by China Media Group, introducing the progress of the Global Security Initiative in the past two years, the practical significance and value of the next step of the implementation plan and the initiative.
1. Q: This April year marks the second anniversary of China's Global Security Initiative. Over the past two years, what efforts has China made to implement the Initiative, what outstanding results have it achieved, and what is China's plan for the next step in implementing the Initiative?
In April 2022, President Xi Jinping was concerned about the future, destiny, safety and well-being of all mankind, and put forward the Global Security Initiative (GSI) as a major concept and action plan with great foresight and global sentiment. In February 2023, China released the Concept Paper on the Global Security Initiative, which clearly sets out 20 key cooperation directions and five types of cooperation platform mechanisms. Over the past two years, China has adhered to the vision of a community with a shared future for mankind, worked hand in hand with the international community, fully implemented the Global Security Initiative, and achieved a series of encouraging progress.
In the field of international security, we call for a clean and healthy atmosphere of solidarity and cooperation in the pursuit of common security. The initiative advocates a new type of security path of dialogue rather than confrontation, partnership rather than alliance, and win-win rather than zero-sum, which has been widely praised and positively responded to by the international community. At present, the Initiative has been supported and appreciated by more than 100 countries and international and regional organizations, and has been included in a number of bilateral and multilateral documents on exchanges and cooperation between China and other countries and international organizations.
The initiative provides a feasible way to resolve conflicts and differences and manage risks and crises. In response to the Ukraine crisis, the Palestinian-Israeli conflict and the Afghanistan issue, China has issued a position paper to persistently promote peace talks and play a constructive role in the political settlement of regional hotspot issues. China has successfully brokered reconciliation between Saudi Arabia and Iran, spurred a "wave of reconciliation" in the Middle East, and set an example for countries in the region to resolve conflicts and differences and achieve good-neighborliness and friendship. The promotion of dialogue and consultation and the peaceful settlement of disputes have become a clear hallmark of the initiative.
The initiative has sounded a strong voice of cooperation and injected strong impetus into maintaining world peace and tranquility. In accordance with the Concept Paper on the Global Security Initiative, China has in-depth cooperation with international parties in the areas of traditional and non-traditional security, such as international peacekeeping, counter-terrorism, climate change, disaster prevention and mitigation, and combating transnational crime. In the face of emerging security challenges such as cybersecurity and AI governance, China has launched the Global Initiative on Data Security and the Global Artificial Intelligence Governance Initiative to lead the process of international security governance in emerging areas.
The initiative promotes the improvement of the platform mechanism for international security dialogue and leads regional security cooperation to move forward. China actively promotes exchanges and cooperation in the field of security under the framework of the Shanghai Cooperation Organization, the Conference on Interaction and Confidence-Building Measures in Asia, and the East Asia Cooperation Mechanism, and continues to build a series of international security exchange and dialogue platforms, such as the Beijing Xiangshan Forum, the Global Public Security Cooperation Forum (Lianyungang), the China-Africa Peace and Security Forum, and the China-Latin America and the Caribbean High-Level Defense Forum, so as to continuously gather consensus and synergy among the international community in addressing security challenges.
The Foreign Affairs Work Conference of the Central Committee of the Communist Party of China held at the end of last year pointed out that building a community with a shared future for mankind is a lofty goal pursued by major-country diplomacy with Chinese characteristics in the new era, and the implementation of the Global Development Initiative, the Global Security Initiative and the Global Civilization Initiative is clearly defined as the strategic guidance for building a community with a shared future for mankind. In the face of a world of continued turbulence and turmoil, China will continue to work with the international community to further implement the Global Security Initiative, strengthen the convergence of ideas, and deepen the international consensus on safeguarding common security.
2. Q: Against the backdrop of the current turbulent international situation and frequent hotspot issues, what is the significance of the Global Security Initiative?
President Xi Jinping's Global Security Initiative (GSI) has clearly answered the question of the times of "what kind of security concept does the world need and how can all countries achieve common security", which is of great practical significance and outstanding value of the times.
The Global Security Initiative (GSI) responds to the urgent need of the international community to maintain world peace and prevent conflicts and wars. The Initiative confronts the changes in the world, answers the questions of the times, and further promotes the building of a balanced, effective and sustainable security architecture on the basis of adhering to the concept of common, comprehensive, cooperative and sustainable security, pointing out a new direction for eliminating the root causes of international conflicts and achieving long-term peace and stability in the world.
The Global Security Initiative (GSI) conforms to the common pursuit of multilateralism and solidarity and cooperation among all countries in the world. Rooted in the concept of true multilateralism, the Initiative abandons the Cold War mentality of zero-sum game and bloc confrontation, and advocates win-win cooperation to address global security challenges, providing new ideas for further improving global security governance.
The Global Security Initiative (GSI) responds to the universal aspiration of people of all countries to overcome difficulties and work together for a better future. The Initiative advocates the inseparability of security and development, promotes sustainable security through sustainable development, echoes the trend of the times of peace, development, cooperation and win-win results, and provides new support for all countries to promote people's livelihood and seek development.
Originating from China and facing the world, the initiative upholds the common interests of all mankind and protects the peace and tranquility of the world. China welcomes all peace-loving and development-oriented members of the international community to actively participate in cooperation under the Global Security Initiative, make new contributions to the common security of mankind and lasting peace in the world, and work together to make the world a more peaceful, safer and more prosperous place.
Deputy Foreign Minister Deng Li met with Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs and Development of the United Kingdom, Mr Trevilian
On April 22, 2024, Vice Foreign Minister Deng Li met with the Minister of State for Foreign Affairs and Development of the United Kingdom, Mr Frank Trevelyan, and the two sides had in-depth discussions on promoting the development of China-UK relations, promoting trade and investment, green development, artificial intelligence and other fields. China stresses that Hong Kong affairs are China's internal affairs and opposes external interference, politicization of human rights and "double standards". The two sides exchanged views on international and regional issues, and the Chinese side clarified its position on the Middle East and Ukraine crises.
Foreign Ministry Spokesperson Lin Jian on April 22, 2024
Presided over the regular press conference
At the invitation of Wang Yi, member of the Political Bureau of the CPC Central Committee and Minister of Foreign Affairs, Malaysian Foreign Minister Mohammed will pay an official visit to China from April 23 to 25.
At the invitation of Wang Yi, member of the Politburo of the CPC Central Committee and Foreign Secretary, U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken will visit China from April 24 to 26.
Shenzhen TV: On April 20, Foreign Minister Wang Yi paid an official visit to Papua New Guinea upon invitation. Can you tell us more about Foreign Minister Wang Yi's visit?
Wang Wenbin: On April 20-21, Wang Yi, member of the Political Bureau of the CPC Central Committee and Minister of Foreign Affairs, visited Papua New Guinea. PNG Prime Minister Marape met with Foreign Minister Wang Yi, who also held talks with PNG Foreign Minister Tkachenko and held a joint press conference.
Foreign Minister Wang Yi said that China always views and attaches importance to the role of PNG from a strategic perspective, and is willing to work with PNG to further implement the important consensus reached by the leaders of the two countries, maintain high-level exchanges, start negotiations on a free trade agreement as soon as possible, strengthen cooperation in the fields of economy, trade and investment, infrastructure, agriculture, forestry and fisheries, clean energy, and climate change, so as to build a comprehensive strategic partnership of higher level and quality.
PNG said that China has always been a sincere and good friend of Pacific island countries. China's cooperation with the South Pacific island countries has promoted regional development. PNG will unswervingly and firmly pursue the one-China policy and uphold friendship with China under all circumstances.
During the visit, the two sides reached a broad consensus. The two sides agreed that China and PNG should continue to trust and support each other, and unswervingly safeguard and develop the comprehensive strategic partnership between the two countries. China firmly supports PNG in safeguarding its national sovereignty and territorial integrity, and in embarking on a successful development path suited to its national conditions.
The two sides agreed to always focus on development, focus on people's livelihood, and comprehensively promote mutually beneficial cooperation in various fields. With the joint efforts of both sides, the first direct flight route between Chinese mainland and island countries was successfully opened. The first free trade agreement between China and an island nation is worth looking forward to. The two sides are determined to promote practical cooperation with higher quality, faster speed and better results in key areas such as disaster prevention and mitigation, information and communication, agricultural trade, and energy.
The two sides unanimously maintained that the internal affairs of Pacific island countries brook no interference, the right to independent development cannot be denied, and the situation of peace and stability must be safeguarded. PICs have the right to engage in friendly cooperation with all development partners. China and the Pacific Island countries are both members of the Global South and both are developing countries. It is a matter of course and fairness for the two sides to help each other and deepen South-South cooperation. China regards Pacific island countries as indispensable partners in promoting the building of a community with a shared future for mankind, and has always developed relations with PICs in accordance with the four principles put forward by President Xi Jinping, namely, full respect for the sovereignty and independence of PICs, full respect for their own wishes, full respect for their national cultural traditions, and full respect for their unity and self-reliance. China has always insisted on not attaching political conditions to its assistance to PICs, not imposing it on others, and never issuing "empty promises".
Foreign Minister Wang Yi stressed that PICs are the homeland of the people of PICs and are not the "backyard" of any major country. The United States has cobbled together a "trilateral security partnership" and insisted on introducing nuclear submarine development in the region, which violates the purpose of the South Pacific Nuclear-Free Zone Treaty and raises serious nuclear proliferation risks. Recently, it has also set up a clever name to try to attract more countries to join. China has always opposed the act of creating bloc confrontation in the region, because it is completely inconsistent with the urgent needs of island countries and runs counter to the development trend of the world.
AFP: The World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA) confirmed on Saturday that nearly half of Chinese swimmers tested positive for a banned drug before the Tokyo 2021 Games. Chinese state media accused it of a conspiracy by Western countries. Do you have any comment?
Wang Wenbin: I'm sure you've noticed that WADA has made a clear response. The reports are false and untrue.
In 2021, after a thorough and detailed investigation by the China Anti-Doping Center, it was determined that the positive test was caused by the athlete in question ingesting contaminated food without any knowledge, and that the Chinese swimmers involved were not at fault or negligent, and did not constitute a doping violation. After review, WADA endorsed the findings of the China Anti-Doping Center.
I would also like to stress that the Chinese government has always adhered to the firm position of "zero tolerance" on doping, strictly abides by the World Anti-Doping Code, resolutely safeguards the physical and mental health of athletes, upholds fair competition in sports competitions, and makes positive contributions to the unified global anti-doping struggle.
Beijing Youth Daily: According to reports, according to preliminary statistics from the Election Commission of the Maldives, the ruling People's National Congress Party led by President Ma Muiz won the parliamentary election by a landslide. Do you have any comment?
Wang Wenbin: We congratulate the Maldives on the successful holding of parliamentary elections and fully respect the choice made by the Maldivian people.
China is ready to work with Maldives to renew the traditional friendship, expand exchanges and cooperation in various fields, deepen the China-Maldives comprehensive strategic cooperative partnership, and accelerate the building of a China-Maldives community with a shared future for the benefit of the two peoples.
TASS: Last Friday, the G7 foreign ministers issued a statement after a meeting in Italy, expressing concern about China's actions in the East and South China Seas and stressing that no attempt should be made to unilaterally change the status quo. The statement also mentioned Tibet, Hong Kong, Taiwan and other issues. Does the foreign ministry have any comment?
Wang Wenbin: China strongly deplores and firmly opposes the G7 Foreign Ministers' Meeting's insistence on manipulating China-related issues, disregarding facts, reversing black and white, and wantonly interfering in China's internal affairs.
China's position on the relevant issues is consistent and clear. The most effective way to maintain peace and stability in the Taiwan Strait is to uphold the one-China principle and oppose "Taiwan independence." With the joint efforts of China and ASEAN countries, the South China Sea has generally maintained a peaceful and stable posture, and there is no problem with freedom of navigation in the South China Sea. China adheres to the people-centered approach and pursues the concept that development benefits all Chinese people. At present, Hong Kong is speeding up the realization of governance and prosperity, Xinjiang and Tibet have harmonious, prosperous and stable societies, and people of all ethnic groups are living and working in peace and contentment. According to a poll conducted by an authoritative international organization, the Chinese people's satisfaction with the government has remained above 90% year after year.
As the largest developing country, China is committed to promoting the common development of all countries while focusing on its own development. According to the World Bank, China's contribution to global economic growth has long exceeded that of the G7 combined. China advocates an equal and orderly multipolar world and inclusive economic globalization, firmly upholds the purposes and principles of the UN Charter, and adheres to openness, cooperation, mutual benefit and win-win results. On the other hand, the G7 clings to the Cold War mentality, gathers "exclusive cliques", exacerbates regional tensions and conflicts, engages in trade protectionism under the banner of "de-risking" and "reducing dependence", and undermines the international economic order. We urge the G7 to change its old habit of shifting blame, immediately stop its erroneous act of interfering in the internal affairs of other countries and undermining the development of other countries, and work with the international community to safeguard peace, promote cooperation and promote development.
Hubei Radio and Television: According to reports, the Yasukuni Shrine has been holding a so-called "spring festival" since April 21. Japanese Prime Minister Fumio Kishida and the speakers of the House of Representatives and the House of Councillors offered offerings to the Yasukuni Shrine on the 21st, and individual cabinet members went to pay their respects. Do you have any comment?
Wang Wenbin: The Yasukuni Shrine is a spiritual tool and symbol of the war of aggression launched by Japanese militarism, and it enshrines 14 Class-A war criminals who were responsible for serious crimes in that war of aggression. The Chinese side resolutely opposes the negative moves of the Japanese side regarding the Yasukuni Shrine, and the Chinese Foreign Ministry and the Chinese Embassy in Japan have made solemn representations to the Japanese side. China urges the Japanese side to earnestly abide by its statement and commitment to face up to and reflect on its history of aggression, completely cut ties with militarism, and win the trust of its Asian neighbors and the international community with concrete actions.
NHK: According to reports, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs has any information on the whereabouts of a Japanese university professor who has been missing since returning to China last year?
Wang Wenbin: I don't know much about the situation.
CCTV: According to reports, Philippine National Security Adviser Arnold said in a statement on November 20 that the current government is not aware of any secret or "gentlemen's agreement" between the Philippines and China. The remarks are an attempt to sow division in the Philippines and weaken the Philippines' resolve to safeguard its sovereignty in the South China Sea. He called on all Filipinos to stand firm and push back against destructive rhetoric. Do you have any comment?
Wang Wenbin: China and the Philippines have reached a consensus on properly handling the situation at Second Thomas Shoal, not only during the previous Philippine administration, but also during the current Philippine administration. This is an indisputable fact, which can be verified by Philippine media reports, statements made by former government officials, and the process of China and the Philippines handling the Ren'ai Jiao issue. The Philippine side has repeatedly denied it, but I wonder what the Philippine side is worried about and what it is trying to cover up.
Abiding by the consensus reached by China and the Philippines will effectively maintain the stability of the situation at Ren'ai Jiao and serve the common interests of both China and the Philippines. Breaking promises and repeatedly provoking will only escalate the situation and ultimately harm the Philippines itself. It is hoped that the Philippine side will face up to reality and make rational decisions.