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Wang Yi

Wang Yi, China’s top diplomat, became the first Chinese diplomat in decades to sit on the powerful Politburo Standing Committee, the party’s now 24-men decision making body. Wang has been the face of China’s evolving foreign policy under President Xi Jinping since 2013.

Born

19 Oct 1953

Industry

Politics

Job Title

Minister of Foreign Affairs, China

Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman and Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi in Riyadh. Photo: Handout

China-Middle East relations

China and Saudi Arabia pledge deeper hi-tech cooperation despite US pressure

Mohammed bin Salman says the kingdom will work with Beijing in areas ranging from oil to AI to bring ‘greater benefits’ to both countries.

5 hours agovideocam

China-Africa relations

How will China respond to latest West Africa coup as economic footprint expands?

14 Dec 2025 - 6:35PMvideocam

China-Middle East relations

China’s Wang Yi urges UAE to help close free-trade deal with Gulf states bloc

13 Dec 2025 - 9:10PM

China-EU relations

EU fears China’s role in Russia’s war on Ukraine is deepening

Multiple sources confirm increase in Beijing backing before China-Russia ties are discussed by ministers from the EU’s 27 members on Monday.

14 Dec 2025 - 4:47PMvideocam

Ukrainian recruits rest as they complete basic military training amid the Russian invasion of Ukraine. Photo: 65th Mechanized Brigade of Ukrainian Armed Forces via AP

China-Japan relations

Donald Trump left facing ‘dilemma’ as China-Japan spat worsens: analyst

White House navigates backing long-time ally Japan while preserving trade truce with China amid fraying ties between the Asian neighbours.

12 Dec 2025 - 12:29AMvideocam

China-Germany relations

Editorial | Time for Germany to see reason and improve relations with China

With Trump and his frequently anti-European rhetoric, Berlin should see the writing on the wall and move away from its hardline stance.

11 Dec 2025 - 7:15AM

China-Germany relations

Hitting China with tariffs should be ‘last resort’, German foreign minister says

During two-day visit to the Chinese capital, Johann Wadephul also calls for Beijing to recognise Europe’s concerns and ‘take action’.

9 Dec 2025 - 2:08PM

German Foreign Minister Johann Wadephul told reporters that Europe must be “extremely cautious” about imposing duties on China. Photo: Reuters

China-Germany relations

German foreign minister calls for end to ‘uncertainty’ on Chinese rare earths, chips

Critical minerals, semiconductors and other commodities dominate talks as Johann Wadephul begins trip to China aimed at addressing trade.

8 Dec 2025 - 9:38PM

China-France relations

Macron bypasses EU in bid to boost France-China ties

French President Emmanuel Macron left Ursula von der Leyen in Europe, as European leaders sidestep the EU and seek to boost bilateral ties with China.

4 Dec 2025 - 5:07PM

China-France relations

China and France should ‘understand and support each other’, Xi tells Macron

The pair meet in Beijing for ‘candid and fruitful’ talks followed by the signing of 12 deals covering everything from nuclear power to pandas.

4 Dec 2025 - 8:15PM

Presidents Xi Jinping and Emmanuel Macron at a welcoming ceremony at the Great Hall of the People in Beijing. Photo: Reuters

China-France relations

Macron begins China visit with EU trade ties and Ukraine war high on the agenda

The French president lands in Beijing on the first leg of a tour where he is expected to meet his Chinese counterpart Xi Jinping.

3 Dec 2025 - 8:15PMvideocam

China’s Foreign Minister Wang Yi welcomes France’s President Emmanuel Macron and his wife Brigitte to Beijing. Photo: Reuters

China-Russia relations

China, Russia united against ‘Japanese militarism’ as Wang Yi, Shoigu meet

Chinese readout highlights resolve to counter ‘any attempts to revive fascism’ while Kremlin security chief warns of ‘hydra of militarism’.

3 Dec 2025 - 6:26PMvideocam

US-China relations

Opinion | Trump’s world view offers Beijing a window of opportunity on Taiwan

As the US reframes the dynamics between allies and adversaries, Beijing may see an opportunity to advance its cross-strait goals.

30 Nov 2025 - 8:30PMvideocam

China-Middle East relations

Why Xinjiang casts a long shadow over China and Syria’s efforts to rebuild ties

The new Syrian government needs help in rebuilding, but Beijing is deeply concerned about Uygur militant groups inside the country.

30 Nov 2025 - 12:00PMvideocam

Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi with Syrian counterpart Asaad al-Shaibani ahead of their meeting in Beijing on November 17. Photo: Xinhua

China-EU relations

Macron wants ties based on Europe being ‘a major partner of China’, source says

French president aims to establish framework for relations ‘that serves mutual interests’ during China trip, according to Elysee source.

28 Nov 2025 - 4:00PMvideocam

Chinese President Xi Jinping will meet his French counterpart Emmanuel Macron in China next week. Photo: EPA-EFE

China-Japan relations

Exclusive | Beijing freezes Japan youth exchange programmes over Takaichi Taiwan row

All youth programmes have been called off, diplomatic source says, as ties between the two countries fray.

28 Nov 2025 - 9:12PMvideocam

China-EU relations

EU’s von der Leyen won’t go to China with French President Macron

The absence of an EU leader from talks with Chinese President Xi Jinping would represent a break with recent tradition.

28 Nov 2025 - 6:55PM

China-Japan relations

Why Japan’s drift to the right means a ‘long-term struggle’ for China

Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi says that ‘China will never allow Japanese right-wing forces to turn back the clock of history’.

23 Nov 2025 - 9:05PMvideocam

Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi says there has been no change to Tokyo’s relationship with Beijing or its position on the Taiwan issue but observers in mainland China say her comments reflect Japan’s years-long rightward shift. Photo: AP

China-Japan relations

‘Blood and lives’: Chinese foreign minister wades into war of words with Japan

Amid tension over Japanese PM’s comments, PLA tests ‘combat readiness under real-war conditions’.

23 Nov 2025 - 8:31PMvideocam

China-Middle East relations

China looks to get relations with Syria ‘back on track’ after Assad’s downfall

In first meeting with counterpart Asaad al-Shaibani, Foreign Minister Wang Yi urges new regime to act against Xinjiang militant groups.

18 Nov 2025 - 2:19AMvideocam

China-Asean relations

China rolls out red carpet as Thailand’s king makes first official visit

Beijing hails monarch’s ‘first major country’ trip since he ascended the throne in 2016.

13 Nov 2025 - 9:19PMvideocam

King Maha Vajiralongkorn reviews the guard of honour during a trooping of the colours ceremony to mark his 72nd birthday in Bangkok, Thailand, on December 3, 2024. Photo: Reuters

China-India relations

Opinion | Can China and India turn tactical calm into strategic moderation?

Whether India and China decide to institutionalise caution instead of just practising it will determine the fate of this thaw in relations.

13 Nov 2025 - 8:39PMvideocam

Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Chinese President Xi Jinping shake hands during the welcoming ceremony of the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation summit in Tianjin on August 31. Photo: AFP

China-Canada relations

China keen to pick up pace of cooperation with Canada, top Chinese diplomat says

Beijing looks to ‘consolidate’ turnaround in Sino-Canadian ties after ‘pivotal’ Xi-Carney meeting last month.

11 Nov 2025 - 7:00PM

China-Germany relations

Germany must work with China to build trust after relations turned frosty: expert

Berlin’s foreign policy is bogged down by specifics and lacks vision, observer says.

9 Nov 2025 - 6:00PMvideocam

China-EU relations

Russia is threat that forced us to raise defence spending, Estonia minister says

Margus Tsahkna says the country faces an ‘existential’ threat as he urges Beijing to pressure Moscow over the Ukraine war.

8 Nov 2025 - 7:55PMvideocam

Estonian Foreign Minister Margus Tsahkna pictured during his recent visit to Beijing. Photo: Reuters

China-EU relations

Beijing protests after Taiwan’s No 2 leader makes speech at European Parliament

Second-in-command Hsiao Bi-khim addresses unofficial conference of lawmakers, prompting ‘indignation’ from Beijing.

8 Nov 2025 - 2:06PMvideocam

100

The EU has a one-China policy through which it maintains business and cultural ties with Taiwan but does not recognise it as a sovereign state. Photo: Shutterstock

China-Middle East relations

China calls for fresh talks on Iran’s nuclear programme to end ‘deadlock’

Foreign Minister Wang Yi expresses support for Tehran after Britain, France and Germany’s decision to reimpose sanctions.

7 Nov 2025 - 5:04PMvideocam

Diplomacy

Opinion | While Trump boasts about ending wars, China quietly works towards peace

China’s handling of Myanmar’s border incursions and efforts towards the Cambodia-Thai ceasefire stand in stark contrast to the US approach.

6 Nov 2025 - 5:30AMvideocam

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Wang Yi

China and Saudi Arabia pledge deeper hi-tech cooperation despite US pressure

Mohammed bin Salman says the kingdom will work with Beijing in areas ranging from oil to AI to bring ‘greater benefits’ to both countries.

How will China respond to latest West Africa coup as economic footprint expands?

China’s Wang Yi urges UAE to help close free-trade deal with Gulf states bloc

EU fears China’s role in Russia’s war on Ukraine is deepening

Multiple sources confirm increase in Beijing backing before China-Russia ties are discussed by ministers from the EU’s 27 members on Monday.

Donald Trump left facing ‘dilemma’ as China-Japan spat worsens: analyst

White House navigates backing long-time ally Japan while preserving trade truce with China amid fraying ties between the Asian neighbours.

.css-1m2rp1p{color:#34b8b5;}Editorial | Time for Germany to see reason and improve relations with China

With Trump and his frequently anti-European rhetoric, Berlin should see the writing on the wall and move away from its hardline stance.

Hitting China with tariffs should be ‘last resort’, German foreign minister says

During two-day visit to the Chinese capital, Johann Wadephul also calls for Beijing to recognise Europe’s concerns and ‘take action’.

German foreign minister calls for end to ‘uncertainty’ on Chinese rare earths, chips

Critical minerals, semiconductors and other commodities dominate talks as Johann Wadephul begins trip to China aimed at addressing trade.

Macron bypasses EU in bid to boost France-China ties

French President Emmanuel Macron left Ursula von der Leyen in Europe, as European leaders sidestep the EU and seek to boost bilateral ties with China.

China and France should ‘understand and support each other’, Xi tells Macron

The pair meet in Beijing for ‘candid and fruitful’ talks followed by the signing of 12 deals covering everything from nuclear power to pandas.

Macron begins China visit with EU trade ties and Ukraine war high on the agenda

The French president lands in Beijing on the first leg of a tour where he is expected to meet his Chinese counterpart Xi Jinping.

China, Russia united against ‘Japanese militarism’ as Wang Yi, Shoigu meet

Chinese readout highlights resolve to counter ‘any attempts to revive fascism’ while Kremlin security chief warns of ‘hydra of militarism’.

Opinion | Trump’s world view offers Beijing a window of opportunity on Taiwan

As the US reframes the dynamics between allies and adversaries, Beijing may see an opportunity to advance its cross-strait goals.

Why Xinjiang casts a long shadow over China and Syria’s efforts to rebuild ties

The new Syrian government needs help in rebuilding, but Beijing is deeply concerned about Uygur militant groups inside the country.

Macron wants ties based on Europe being ‘a major partner of China’, source says

French president aims to establish framework for relations ‘that serves mutual interests’ during China trip, according to Elysee source.

.css-sioo19{color:#c79a00;}Exclusive | Beijing freezes Japan youth exchange programmes over Takaichi Taiwan row

All youth programmes have been called off, diplomatic source says, as ties between the two countries fray.

EU’s von der Leyen won’t go to China with French President Macron

The absence of an EU leader from talks with Chinese President Xi Jinping would represent a break with recent tradition.

Why Japan’s drift to the right means a ‘long-term struggle’ for China

Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi says that ‘China will never allow Japanese right-wing forces to turn back the clock of history’.

‘Blood and lives’: Chinese foreign minister wades into war of words with Japan

Amid tension over Japanese PM’s comments, PLA tests ‘combat readiness under real-war conditions’.

China looks to get relations with Syria ‘back on track’ after Assad’s downfall

In first meeting with counterpart Asaad al-Shaibani, Foreign Minister Wang Yi urges new regime to act against Xinjiang militant groups.

China rolls out red carpet as Thailand’s king makes first official visit

Beijing hails monarch’s ‘first major country’ trip since he ascended the throne in 2016.

Opinion | Can China and India turn tactical calm into strategic moderation?

Whether India and China decide to institutionalise caution instead of just practising it will determine the fate of this thaw in relations.

China keen to pick up pace of cooperation with Canada, top Chinese diplomat says

Beijing looks to ‘consolidate’ turnaround in Sino-Canadian ties after ‘pivotal’ Xi-Carney meeting last month.

Germany must work with China to build trust after relations turned frosty: expert

Berlin’s foreign policy is bogged down by specifics and lacks vision, observer says.

Russia is threat that forced us to raise defence spending, Estonia minister says

Margus Tsahkna says the country faces an ‘existential’ threat as he urges Beijing to pressure Moscow over the Ukraine war.

Beijing protests after Taiwan’s No 2 leader makes speech at European Parliament

Second-in-command Hsiao Bi-khim addresses unofficial conference of lawmakers, prompting ‘indignation’ from Beijing.

China calls for fresh talks on Iran’s nuclear programme to end ‘deadlock’

Foreign Minister Wang Yi expresses support for Tehran after Britain, France and Germany’s decision to reimpose sanctions.

Opinion | While Trump boasts about ending wars, China quietly works towards peace

China’s handling of Myanmar’s border incursions and efforts towards the Cambodia-Thai ceasefire stand in stark contrast to the US approach.

Editorial | Time for Germany to see reason and improve relations with China

Exclusive | Beijing freezes Japan youth exchange programmes over Takaichi Taiwan row