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Dewey Sim

Foreign Minister Wang Yi on Friday sought to present China as a source of stability in the world amid turbulent times, saying Beijing would fight for peace while staunchly defending its interests.
Facing the world’s media at a press conference during the “two sessions”, Wang spoke highly of China’s “resilient” ties with Russia while warning the United States that Beijing would resolutely respond to Washington’s attempts to contain Chinese development.
In the 90-minute press conference, the top diplomat also laid out Beijing’s positions on a range of issues, including the Ukraine war, the Middle East, Taiwan, and the South China Sea.
This year, Wang fielded 23 questions, more than the 21 answered last year. Here are some of the key takeaways.
1. US-China relations
Wang spoke about the United States multiple times, calling out Washington’s “suppression” of China’s development on several occasions.
On how China would engage with the new administration of US President Donald Trump, the Chinese diplomat said mutual respect was the basic principle governing relations.
Wang’s comments came as Trump pushed ahead with tariffs on Chinese goods, a move that led to quick retaliation by Beijing.
“If the US continues to contain China, we will resolutely counteract,” he said.
But Wang also appeared to offer some conciliatory remarks, saying that cooperation between the US and China would bring about mutual benefit and that it was “fully possible” for the two rival economies to become partners and contribute to each other’s success.
No country should fantasise that it can suppress China and maintain good relations with us at the same time
Wang Yi
2. China as a stabilising force
Wang said China’s foreign policy was increasingly welcomed by the international community, and its role in addressing global challenges was increasingly “expected and commended” by countries around the world.
“Choices made by countries, especially major countries, will determine the trajectory of our times and shape the future of the world. China’s diplomacy will stand firm on the right side of history,” he said.
“We will provide certainty to this uncertain world … We will be a just and righteous force for world peace and stability.”
For so many years, what has the Indo-Pacific strategy done for regional countries? Apart from provoking incidents and creating divisions, it has achieved nothing
Wang Yi
3. Global South
Wang described countries in the Global South as a “key force for maintaining world peace, driving world development and improving global governance”. He noted that these developing countries accounted for over 40 per cent of global GDP.
“The Global South holds the key to bringing stability to the world and making it a better place,” he added, calling for greater unity and cooperation among emerging economies.
China is a natural member of the Global South … Regardless of how the international situation changes, China will remain committed to and rooted in the Global South
Wang Yi
4. Russia and the Ukraine war
Asked about China’s relations with Russia, Wang said the deep friendship and momentum of ties between the two neighbours would not change, no matter how the international landscape evolved.
Their “mature and resilient relationship … will not be swayed by any turn of events or be affected by any third party”, he said, adding that the China-Russia relationship was a stabilising force in the world.
On a separate question on the Ukraine war, Wang called Beijing’s stance “objective and impartial”, noting that the Chinese government had promoted peace since the conflict erupted more than three years ago. He said China was willing to work with the international community to play a constructive role in resolving the crisis.
But Wang stopped short of making an explicit call for European countries – including Ukraine – to be included in ceasefire negotiations.
All parties should draw lessons from the crisis: security is mutual and equal; the security of one country cannot be built on the insecurity of others
Wang Yi
5. South China Sea
Wang issued harsh remarks on the South China Sea, suggesting that extraterritorial countries were behind the Philippines’ maritime frictions with Beijing.
“Infringement and provocation will backfire, and those acting as others’ chess pieces are bound to be discarded,” he said.

His comments come amid heightened tensions with Manila in the key international waterway, which China claims almost entirely. Several Southeast Asian countries, including the Philippines, have overlapping claims in the South China Sea.
Wang said China would firmly safeguard its territorial sovereignty but added that the situation in the South China Sea remained stable given the joint efforts by China and the Association of Southeast Asian Nations.
The friction between the Philippines and China is like ‘shadow puppetry’ … the script is written by external forces … People have lost interest in this endlessly repetitive farce
Wang Yi
6. Israel-Gaza war
On the Middle East conflict, Wang dismissed Trump’s proposal to take over Gaza, saying that Gaza belonged to the Palestinian people and that “changing its status by forceful means will not bring peace but new chaos”.
He pledged Beijing’s support for Egypt’s peace plan and said that China would continue to back the two-state solution.
“The crux of the cycle of the Palestinian-Israeli conflict lies in the fact that the two-state solution is only half achieved, with the state of Israel long established and the state of Palestine still out of reach,” Wang said.
If major powers truly care about the people of Gaza, they should promote a comprehensive and lasting ceasefire in Gaza, increase humanitarian aid, adhere to the principle of ‘Palestinians governing Palestinians’, and contribute to the reconstruction of Gaza
Wang Yi
7. Europe
Asked how China viewed its ties with the European Union (EU) amid growing economic tensions over electric vehicles, Wang said China believed that the two sides had the “capacity and wisdom” to resolve issues through consultations.
He said China and the EU should deepen strategic dialogue and mutual trust, and that Beijing believed that Europe could become a trusted partner to China.
China and the European bloc will celebrate the 50th anniversary of the establishment of ties this year.
As the international situation becomes increasingly severe and complex, China and Europe must … strengthen strategic communication, and enhance strategic mutual trust
Wang Yi
8. Taiwan
Responding to a question about Taiwan, Wang reiterated earlier statements that Taiwan had never been a country.
“It was not in the past, and it will never be in the future,” he said.
Support for Taiwan independence would jeopardise stability in the Taiwan Strait, he said. Beijing sees Taiwan as part of China to be reunited, by force if necessary.
“Seeking Taiwan independence is doomed to backfire, and using Taiwan to contain China will be nothing but a futile attempt. China will realise reunification, and this is unstoppable,” he said.
Taiwan independence separatism will only lead to self-destruction, and using Taiwan to contain China is no different from a mantis trying to stop a car
Wang Yi
Additional reporting by Meredith Chen


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News

China

Diplomacy

Foreign minister presents China as a source of stability in uncertain world and takes questions on US ties, Ukraine and the South China Sea


Foreign minister presents China as a source of stability in uncertain world and takes questions on US ties, Ukraine and the South China Sea.
