European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen met with Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi here on Wednesday, with both sides expressing willingness to deepen cooperation and jointly address global challenges.
Wang, also a member of the Political Bureau of the Communist Party of China Central Committee, noted that this year marks both the 50th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between China and the European Union (EU), and the 80th anniversary of the founding of the United Nations.
The more complex and challenging the international landscape becomes, the more China and the EU, as two great civilizations and major forces, need to strengthen communication, enhance mutual trust, assume responsibilities, and serve as forces of global stability and certainty, he said.
Describing the upcoming China-EU leaders' meeting as a significant event taking place at a critical juncture, Wang said China looks forward to working with the EU to summarize the valuable experience and important insights from the past 50 years of the China-EU relations, and map out the future direction of dialogue and cooperation for the next 50 years, sending a clear, positive, and constructive signal to the world.
Meanwhile, Wang stressed that China has always supported European integration, calling on both sides to uphold multilateralism and free trade, safeguard international rules and order, promote peaceful resolution of international disputes, and join hands in addressing global challenges such as climate change.
He also underscored that China remains committed to high-quality development and high-level opening-up and voiced China's readiness to work with the EU to uphold the positioning as partners, deepen economic and trade cooperation, expand two-way openness, and properly handle differences through consultation to achieve mutual benefit and win-win results.
For her part, von der Leyen said the upcoming EU-China leaders' meeting will be the best opportunity for both sides to jointly mark the 50th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic ties.
Highlighting the EU's commitment to developing stable and constructive ties with China, and mutually beneficial economic and trade cooperation, von der Leyen said she looks forward to in-depth discussions with Chinese leaders on issues of mutual concern, demonstrating the two sides' commitment and responsibility to deepen cooperation and jointly tackle global challenges such as climate change, thereby sending a strong and positive signal to the world.
Von der Leyen also reiterated that the EU will continue to adhere to the one-China policy.
China will hold an art exhibition from August to September to commemorate the 80th anniversary of the victory in the Chinese People's War of Resistance Against Japanese Aggression and the World Anti-Fascist War, according to a press conference held by the State Council Information Office on Thursday.
A number of cultural events and outstanding cultural works were unveiled to mark the 80th anniversary of the victory in the Chinese People's War of Resistance against Japanese Aggression (1931-45) and the World Anti-Fascist War, according to a press conference held by China's State Council Information Office on Thursday.
Lu Yingchuan, a vice minister of Culture and Tourism of China, said at the press conference that an evening gala will be held on September 3 in Beijing to mark the 80th anniversary of the victory in the Chinese People's War of Resistance against Japanese Aggression and the World Anti-Fascist War.
From August to October, a series of outstanding stage performances will be held to commemorate the 80th anniversary of the victory in the War of Resistance Against Japanese Aggression and the World Anti-Fascist War. Around 20 high-quality productions will be selected from across the country and staged in major theaters in Beijing for approximately 40 performances in total, according to Lu.
Meanwhile, an art exhibition will be held at the National Art Museum of China from August to September. Over 300 artworks — including traditional Chinese paintings, oil paintings, prints, sculptures, and watercolors — will be selected from across the country for the exhibition. Lu said.
Liu Jianguo, a deputy director of the National Radio and Television Administration, said that a large number of outstanding radio, television, and online audiovisual works and programs will be released, telling stories of the War of Resistance against Japanese Aggression and promoting its enduring spirit.
"We are advancing the creation of a series of themed works that tell the story of the Chinese people's unyielding struggle before, during, and after the War of Resistance against Japanese Aggression, including the TV series Our Homeland and Eight Thousand Miles of Cloud and Moon," said Liu, adding that a series of documentaries and online docuseries on the theme of the War of Resistance against Japanese Aggression will be released throughout the year.
A dedicated commemorative exhibition will open its doors to the public on July 7 to mark the 80th anniversary of victory in the Chinese People's War of Resistance against Japanese Aggression and the World Anti-Fascist War, said Luo Cunkang, curator of the Museum of the War of Chinese People's Resistance Against Japanese Aggression.
On the banks of the shimmering Huangpu River that cuts through the Chinese metropolis of Shanghai sits the headquarters of the New Development Bank, co-founded by the BRICS countries more than a decade ago to foster the shared development of the world's emerging economies.
In his visit to this new landmark in China's financial center late April, Chinese President Xi Jinping told the bank's president and former Brazilian President Dilma Rousseff this multilateral institution has been a result of "a pioneering initiative for the Global South to seek strength through unity."
For the Chinese leader, the BRICS mechanism is a major platform for promoting cooperation among countries in the Global South. In the coming days, this year's BRICS summit will open in the Brazilian city of Rio de Janeiro under the theme of "Strengthening Global South Cooperation for More Inclusive and Sustainable Governance."
Xi's April visit to the bank demonstrates his long-standing commitment to bolstering the solidarity and common development of the Global South, amplifying the role of over 6 billion people in a world fraught with uncertainty and challenges unseen in a century. COLLECTIVE RISE
"The collective rise of the Global South is a distinctive feature of the great transformation across the world," Xi observed when addressing the "BRICS Plus" Dialogue held in Kazan, Russia, in October last year.
Much more than a pure geographical or economic term, the Global South refers to a community of emerging markets and developing countries that share similar historical experiences, development stages and goals, and political pursuits.
The concept of "South" was first coined in Antonio Gramsci's work "The Southern Question" written in 1926, in which the Italian Marxist philosopher highlighted the development gap between northern and southern Italy.
The rise of the Global South has been decades in the making. Back in 1955, the landmark Bandung Conference convened in Indonesia under the flag of solidarity, friendship and cooperation, marking the awakening of the Global South after centuries of Western colonial rule. In 1964, the Group of 77, a coalition of developing countries, was established in Geneva within the United Nations to promote South-South cooperation and form a new international economic order.
Through extensive cooperation, the countries of the Global South have emerged as a key driver of global growth. These countries have contributed as much as 80 percent of global growth over the past 20 years, with a share of global GDP increasing from 24 percent four decades ago to more than 40 percent today.
China, the world's largest developing country, is a natural member of the Global South. In 2004, the United Nations Development Programme included China in its list of more than 130 Global South countries in a report titled "Forging a Global South." Some Westerners have challenged China's position that it is part of the Global South. In response, Xi has provided a clear answer.
"As a developing country and a member of the Global South, China breathes the same breath with other developing countries and pursues a shared future with them," Xi once said.
Historically, China has suffered from Western colonialism and imperialism, much like other developing countries, said Cavince Adhere, a Kenya-based international relations scholar.
"Even today, despite inordinate success by Beijing to rise from the backwaters of development to be the second-largest economy in the world, as well as the first developing country to eliminate extreme poverty, China still faces common development challenges, and holds similar views regarding the current international order and global governance," he added. "Because of this, China has emerged as a strong champion for the legitimate rights and interests of many Global South countries."
LEAVING NO ONE BEHIND
Ahead of Xi's state visit to Brazil late last year, the Portuguese edition of the book "Up And Out Of Poverty" was officially launched in Rio de Janeiro. The book, first published in 1992, outlines Xi's perspectives on poverty eradication, local governance, reform and development when he worked in the formerly impoverished prefecture of Ningde in China's southeastern Fujian province.
Poverty has long ranked atop among the problems facing the Global South. With Xi's steadfast commitment and strong leadership, China has eradicated absolute poverty in its rural areas, a feat that no one had accomplished in China for thousands of years.
At the G20 Summit in Rio de Janeiro last year, Xi spoke with quiet conviction, recounting his lifelong dedication to poverty alleviation, from his time as a local official to his current role as China's top leader.
In his speech, Xi said a weaker bird can start early and fly high. "If China can make it, other developing countries can make it too. This is what China's battle against poverty says to the world," he said.
Xi's "weaker bird" metaphor originated from his book on poverty. His speech struck a chord with several foreign leaders, who asked the Chinese delegation whether they could share a copy of the speech.
The Chinese leader has placed great emphasis on development. For him, "development holds the master key to solving all problems," particularly when the global development gap continues to widen. Over the years, Xi has also been active in rallying global efforts to put development back on the international agenda as a central priority.
When attending the general debate of the 76th session of the UN General Assembly in 2021 via video, Xi proposed the Global Development Initiative, an international policy framework to promote sustainable development around the world. To date, the initiative has garnered the support and participation of over 100 countries and 20 international organizations. To boost common development in the Global South, Xi has been promoting practical cooperation through major infrastructure projects within the Belt and Road Initiative. During his foreign visits over the years, Xi would launch or visit major projects, such as the Chancay Port in Peru, the Dushanbe No. 2 power plant in Tajikistan and the Colombo Port City in Sri Lanka. When hosting leaders of the Global South in Beijing, Xi would also discuss with them major projects for cooperation during their talks.
Xi believes that the Global South should be the main driving force for common development and that "On the path to modernization, no one, and no country, should be left behind." He also supports countries of the Global South exploring paths of modernization tailored to their distinctive national conditions, rather than following Western development models.
Also at last year's G20 summit in Rio de Janeiro, Xi outlined eight measures in support of Global South cooperation, ranging from high-quality Belt and Road cooperation to boosting development in Africa. Months earlier, at the Forum on China-Africa Cooperation in Beijing last year, Xi unveiled 10 partnership actions and granted zero-tariff treatment on all product categories to the least developed countries with which it has diplomatic relations. Gu Qingyang, associate professor at the Lee Kuan Yew School of Public Policy at the National University of Singapore, said, "China can play a positive role in the development of Global South countries," adding that Chinese technology and expertise in industrial development can support the modernization of the Global South's various regions.
EMPOWERING GLOBAL SOUTH IN INTERNATIONAL GOVERNANCE
As Xi once observed, in the face of global changes of the century, pursuing modernization and working for a more just and equitable international order are the sacred historic missions of Global South countries.
Xi described the BRICS countries as "leading members of the Global South," calling for building BRICS into "a primary channel for strengthening solidarity and cooperation among Global South nations and a vanguard for advancing global governance reform."
Since becoming Chinese president in 2013, Xi has always been a steadfast champion of BRICS cooperation. In Xiamen, he advocated for the "BRICS Plus" program at the 2017 BRICS summit, calling for more active participation from other emerging markets and developing nations. He played a crucial role in propelling the BRICS' historic expansion in 2023, ushering in the era of greater BRICS cooperation.
Effective coordination between BRICS members and other countries in the Global South has been adding more bricks to the global governance architecture. The New Development Bank exemplifies this effort.
Xi said the bank serves as "an important emerging force in the international financial system," which should work to "make the international financial system fairer and more equitable and effectively enhance the representation and say of emerging markets and developing countries." Over the years, China, under Xi's leadership, has taken concrete steps to advocate for developing countries, help Global South countries enhance their representation and voice in international governance, and promote a more just and equitable international order.
At the 2022 G20 summit in Bali, Indonesia, China took the lead in supporting the African Union (AU)'s membership in the G20. In their meeting on the sidelines of the summit, then Senegalese President Macky Sall, who was also the AU chairperson that year, thanked Xi for being the first to publicly support the AU's G20 membership.
The global leadership today remains lopsided, and rebalancing this skewed system is a shared imperative for both the Global North and South, said Paolo Magri, managing director and chair of the advisory board of the Italian Institute for International Political Studies, a think tank.
"Global South countries marching together toward modernization is monumental in world history and unprecedented in human civilization," Xi said at the "BRICS Plus" Dialogue in Kazan, Russia, last year, while acknowledging that "the road to prosperity for the Global South will not be straight."
"No matter how the international landscape evolves, we in China will always keep the Global South in our heart, and maintain our roots in the Global South," Xi pledged.
Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi met with diplomatic envoys to China from the European Union (EU) and its member states on Wednesday in Beijing.
Wang, also a member of the Political Bureau of the Communist Party of China Central Committee, said that as this year marks the 50th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between China and the EU, the two major constructive forces in the world today should enhance mutual trust, handle differences properly, pool their strengths, and elevate the China-EU Comprehensive Strategic Partnership to a new level.
Wang put forward a three-point proposal for the future development of China-EU relations.
First, the two sides should uphold mutual respect, particularly by earnestly respecting each other's core interests and major concerns. Wang noted that achieving complete national reunification is the long-cherished aspiration and historic mission of the Chinese nation, and that China will never allow the Taiwan region to be separated from the motherland.
China hopes the EU will continue to adhere firmly to the one-China principle and oppose separatist activities for "Taiwan independence" in any form, he stressed.
Second, the two sides should adhere to the established positioning of their partnership. Wang said that China and the EU are partners, not rivals, and certainly not enemies.
There are no territorial disputes or geopolitical conflicts between China and the EU, let alone any fundamental clashes of interests, Wang said, noting that China hopes to work with the EU to make cooperation the prevailing trend of China-EU relations.
Third, the two sides should adhere to multilateralism. China firmly upholds the international system with the United Nations (UN) at its core, the international order underpinned by international law, and the basic norms of international relations based on the purposes and principles of the UN Charter, Wang said, noting that China consistently stands for peace talks and rejects the use of force.
The three global initiatives, the Belt and Road Initiative, and, particularly, the vision of building a community with a shared future for humanity -- all of which were proposed by Chinese President Xi Jinping -- have contributed China's wisdom and solutions to the international community.
"China and the EU should follow the trend of the times, enhance understanding, build trust, achieve mutual success, and light up the world," Wang added.
The head of the EU delegation to China and diplomatic envoys of EU member states to China said that China has always been an important partner for the EU.
The EU is willing to work hand-in-hand with China for the future, develop a constructive, stable EU-China relationship, address global challenges, uphold multilateralism, and promote world peace and security, they said.
Chinese President Xi Jinping met with Prime Minister of Senegal Ousmane Sonko in Beijing on Friday.
Xi said that last September, he co-chaired the 2024 Summit of the Forum on China-Africa Cooperation in Beijing with President Bassirou Diomaye Faye, leading China-Africa relations into a new phase of jointly building an all-weather China-Africa community with a shared future for the new era.
Noting that China and Senegal are companions on the path to development and revitalization as well as good brothers, Xi said China is willing to work with Senegal to strengthen solidarity and cooperation, deepen their comprehensive strategic cooperative partnership, bring more benefits to the two peoples, and inject fresh impetus into China-Africa friendship and Global South cooperation.
Chinese Vice Premier Ding Xuexiang on Friday called for championing humanity's common values, and promoting an equal and orderly multipolar world as well as universally beneficial and inclusive economic globalization.
Ding, also a member of the Standing Committee of the Political Bureau of the Communist Party of China Central Committee, made the remarks when delivering a speech titled "Championing Humanity's Common Values and Promoting a Multipolar World" at the plenary session of the 28th St. Petersburg International Economic Forum.
Ding said that a decade ago, Chinese President Xi Jinping noted in his speech at the General Debate of the 70th Session of the UN General Assembly that peace, development, equity, justice, democracy and freedom are the common values of all mankind and the lofty goals of the United Nations.
The important proposition transcends differences among different countries, ethnic groups, social systems and ideologies, drawing a value-based concentric circle for building a community with a shared future for mankind, and has received extensive support and positive responses from the international community, he added.
At present, global changes unseen in a century are accelerating, multiple risks are intertwined, and humanity is confronted with many common challenges, said Ding, calling for reviewing President Xi's important speech to steer the world toward a bright future of peace, security, prosperity and progress.
The Chinese vice premier put forward a four-point proposal.
First, uphold the concept of global governance featuring extensive consultation, joint contribution, and shared benefits. Promote equal rights, opportunities, and rules for all nations, and safeguard UN authority and international fairness.
Second, jointly build an open and pluralistic world economy. Take concrete steps to safeguard the multilateral trading system and international economic order, expand and fairly share the "pie" of economic globalization, and create more opportunities for Global South countries.
Third, advocate exchanges and mutual learning among civilizations. Respect the diversity of human civilizations, support all nations in exploring their own paths to realizing values, and oppose any "new Cold War" or ideological confrontation.
Fourth, safeguard global peace and development by building trust, settling conflicts, and enhancing security through dialogue, passing the torch of peace to future generations for lasting stability and common prosperity.
Ding stated that China and Russia are true friends who share weal and woe, and good partners for mutual success. Last month, President Xi paid a state visit to Russia and attended the celebrations marking the 80th anniversary of the victory in the Soviet Union's Great Patriotic War, he said, adding that the two heads of state agreed to further consolidate political mutual trust, strengthen strategic coordination, and jointly deliver a resounding stance for upholding the outcomes of World War II and international fairness and justice.
China is willing to work with Russia to elevate the China-Russia relationship to greater heights, broaden its dimensions, and strengthen its resilience, expand high-quality mutually beneficial cooperation, so as to better benefit the two peoples, said Ding, urging the two countries to strengthen coordination and collaboration on multilateral platforms such as the United Nations, and make greater contributions to building a more just, equitable, and prosperous multipolar world.
Ding said that despite the increasing impact of external shocks, China's economy has continued to show a positive trend, demonstrating robust vitality and resilience to the world.
China will expeditiously implement more proactive and effective macro policies, focus on stabilizing employment, enterprises, markets and expectations, and use the certainty of high-quality development to counter the uncertainties of the rapidly changing external environment, he said.
No matter how the external environment changes, China's door to opening up will only swing wider open, said Ding, adding that enterprises from all countries are sincerely welcome to invest and start businesses in China, actively participate in the process of Chinese modernization, and share China's development opportunities.
In the interactive session after the address, Ding responded to questions from the plenary session moderator on major-country relations and China-Russia cooperation in education and technology.
On the sidelines of the forum, Ding met respectively with Russian First Deputy Prime Minister Denis Manturov, Russian Deputy Prime Minister Alexander Novak, Russian oil company Rosneft's chief executive Igor Sechin, and Gazprom CEO Alexey Miller.
The two sides agreed to fully leverage the roles of the China-Russia Investment Cooperation Committee, the China-Russia Energy Cooperation Committee and the China-Russia Energy Business Forum, promote the high-quality development of investment and energy cooperation, and provide more impetus for the development of bilateral relations.
Ding also had brief and friendly conversations respectively with Indonesian President Prabowo Subianto, National Security Advisor of Bahrain Shaikh Nasser bin Hamad Al Khalifa, and South African Deputy President Paul Mashatile.
The draft revision to the Law on Penalties for Administration of Public Security is to undergo its third review by China’s top legislature with amendments targeting provisions related to minors, amid public outcry against cases in which some minors exploit their status as minors to repeatedly violate public security regulations as juvenile delinquency has surged in recent years.
The 14th National People’s Congress (NPC) Standing Committee will convene for its 16th session from June 24 to 27, during which the law will return for its third – and likely final – review, with targeted amendments concerning minors, Chinanews.com reported on Monday.
In recent years, juvenile delinquency has risen sharply, particularly involving serious violent crimes committed by younger minors, sparking public outrage. Many juvenile delinquencies begin with minor unlawful acts. If punishment and intervention are not carried out in a timely manner, the unlawful acts can easily progress toward serious criminal offenses.
It is neither appropriate to simply detain minors nor to release them without consequence when handling juvenile delinquency cases, Huang Haihua, a spokesperson for the Legislative Affairs Commission of the NPC Standing Committee, said at a press conference on Monday, noting that the amendments were made in response to cases where some minors deliberately exploit their status as minors to violate public security regulations and refuse to change their behaviors despite repeated warnings, or commit serious offenses.
Huang stated that the revision adjusts the provisions on non-enforcement of detention and intensifies penalties in a targeted manner.
The current Law on Penalties for Administration of Public Security stipulates that minors aged 14 to 16, as well as those aged 16 to 18 who violate public security regulations for the first time, are not subject to administrative detention.
However, the proposed revision provides that minors aged 14 to 16 and 16 to 18 who commit their first public security violation but with serious circumstances and a notably negative impact, or minors aged 14 to 16 who violate public security regulations more than twice within one year, may be detained in accordance with the law, Huang said.
In addition, the draft revision of law will ensure proper alignment with the Law on the Prevention of Juvenile Delinquency. Huang noted that the 2020 revision of that law introduced a range of corrective and educational measures for minors with seriously inappropriate behaviors, including reprimands, orders to undergo community correction, specialized education and targeted corrective measures education.
The revision stipulates that if minors are exempt from penalties or detention due to being underage, public security authorities shall adopt corresponding corrective and educational measures in accordance with the provisions of the law, Huang said.
Huang stated that the draft revision stipulates that in cases of student bullying involving physical assault, verbal abuse, or intimidation, public security authorities will be required to impose administrative sanctions in accordance with the law and adopt corresponding corrective and educational measures.
The revision also states that if a school fails to report or handle serious incidents of student bullying as required, it will be ordered to make corrections, and relevant departments will be advised to discipline responsible personnel according to the law. This ensures both public security authorities and schools to play their roles effectively in the coordinated management of student bullying, Huang said.
As for procedural improvements, Huang noted that the revision adds rules requiring that when questioning a minor who has violated public security regulations, if his legal guardian is unable to be present, other adults such as an adult relative or a representative from their school may be called to attend. Additionally, if a minor may be subject to detention, a hearing may be requested in order to better educate the offending minor and reinforce respect for the law.
In addition, to better protect minors and ensure a healthier environment for their development, the revision will also address the growing issue of minors engaged in paid companionship activities such as drinking or singing with customers in bars, karaoke venues and similar establishments – practices that harm their physical and mental wellbeing. The draft revision includes organizing or coercing minors into such activities in inappropriate venues under the scope of public security penalties, according to Chinanews.com.
Prior to International Workers' Day 2025, the Great Hall of the People in Beijing -- the heart of China's political life -- welcomed a proud assembly: over 2,000 exemplary representatives drawn from the country's vast workforce of hundreds of millions.
In a ceremony on Monday, President Xi Jinping joined technicians, judges, nurses, and farmers to recognize not only their vital contributions, but also the spirit of dedication and hard work that fuels a nation.
Hailing the honorees as exemplars of the people and pillars of the country, Xi called on citizens to draw inspiration from them -- staying grounded and working hard -- so that, step by step, they can turn the grand vision of national rejuvenation into reality.
Xi sent the message at the gathering marking the 100th anniversary of the All-China Federation of Trade Unions. It drives home a point he has long emphasized -- great dreams are not achieved by waiting or chanting slogans; they are earned through hard work and determination.
A LEADER FORGED THROUGH HARD WORK
Xi's respect for hard work is built on his own past.
In 1969, just shy of 16, Xi arrived at Liangjiahe, a rugged village on the arid Loess Plateau in northwest China, to work the fields alongside the farmers who called the rural community home.
He took on nearly every kind of task, but spent an especially large number of hours on one in particular: building the dams by compacting the earth layer by layer with heavy stone pounders.
Xi threw himself into the labor. Day one left his hands blistered; day two saw them bleeding. Still, he kept working without complaint.
"What a fine lad," remarked the locals.
The hard work did not end when Xi was elected Party chief of Liangjiahe in 1974. He rolled up his sleeves and led villagers in digging wells, building terraced fields, and installing biogas pits -- gradually transforming the community.
Living and working alongside the farmers for seven years, Xi grew from a slightly bewildered teenager into a man determined to serve the people.
"Most importantly," he later said, "I learned from my fellow farmers the values of respecting facts and working hard with perseverance."
Those formative years left an indelible mark on Xi, shaping the strong work ethic that has been his character either as village Party chief or general secretary of the Communist Party of China Central Committee.
He works tirelessly, juggling domestic meetings, inspections and overseas visits -- his schedule always packed to the brim.
In a rare reflective moment during a foreign media interview, Xi was asked about life as China's leader. His candid reply laid bare his sacrifice. "My personal time? It's all consumed by work," he said. "Entrusted by the people ... I must put them first, serving with unwavering diligence."
MODEL WORKERS AS STARS
"What a galaxy of stars," Xi said at a conference room ahead of International Workers' Day in 2013.
By a "galaxy of stars," he was referring to the 65 role models before him, those honored for their hard work in their industries over the past decades.
Liang Jun, one of the earliest model workers, recounted how she helped turn northeast China's barren land into a national granary.
After listening to Liang's story, Xi told the then 84-year-old lady, "Your deeds are well known to our generation. As the first female tractor driver in China, you are truly remarkable."
As a leader who emerged from the ranks of the working people, Xi not only respects them but is also committed to ensuring that their needs are met.
Since Xi took the helm of China in 2012, the country has introduced more measures, laws and regulations to safeguard workers' rights and interests.
Moreover, Xi often visits workers during domestic inspection tours to personally assess their working and living conditions.
In 2023, he inspected a residential community in Shanghai built to house workers such as construction laborers, delivery drivers and sanitation staff.
He stepped into their homes and shared facilities -- public kitchens, laundries -- and spoke with them to understand their living conditions firsthand.
"Migrant workers, who come to contribute to Shanghai, are equally the city's masters," he stressed. "It is our responsibility to ensure they can arrive, settle down, live comfortably, and thrive here."
INVESTMENT IN SKILLS FOR THE FUTURE
At Monday's celebration ceremony, Xi underscored the importance of adapting to the new wave of technological and industrial transformation and enhancing the workforce's capabilities.
"High-quality development cannot be achieved without high-quality work and innovation," he said.
This resonates with his consistent emphasis on the crucial role of skilled talent in advancing the manufacturing sector.
Over the years, Xi's passion for craftsmanship has taken him to factory floors across the country, where he encouraged engineers, technicians and workers to hone their skills and push boundaries.
"Times may change and missions may shift, but the spirit of hard work, unity, and unyielding effort should never change," he said at Monday's ceremony.
As a supporter of free trade, a defender of the interests of developing countries, and a leader in regional cooperation, China is a stable, long-term partner that regional countries can trust and rely on, a Chinese diplomat said on Tuesday.
Liang Jianjun, Deputy Director General of the Department of Asian Affairs under the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of China, made the remarks at a press briefing on Tuesday in Beijing, during which he summarized the outcomes of President Xi Jinping's visits to three Southeast Asian countries in April while elaborating on China's neighborhood diplomacy.
According to Liang, Xi's recent visit to Southeast Asian countries underscored three key aspects: the neighborhood diplomacy remains China's top priority in foreign affairs; China focuses on building a community with a shared future for its neighboring countries; and the visits inject more stability and certainty into the world amid growing turbulence.
The Chinese leader paid state visits to Vietnam, Malaysia, and Cambodia from April 14 to 18. It was the first overseas trip of the year by China's head of state, and also served as the inaugural visit to neighboring countries following the Central Conference on Work Related to Neighboring Countries.
During the visit, Chinese leaders attended over 30 diplomatic events, reached broad consensus with the leaders of the visited countries, elevated the bilateral community with a shared future, and signed more than 108 documents, according to Liang.
The diplomat stated that China, with its vast territory, long borders, and numerous of neighboring countries, always prioritizes neighborhood diplomacy.
Many of China's diplomatic concepts, including a community with a shared future for mankind, the Belt and Road Initiative (BRI), the Global Development Initiative, the Global Security Initiative, and the Global Civilization Initiative — were first implemented in neighboring countries, Liang noted.
To date, China has reached a common understanding on building a community with a shared future with 17 neighboring countries, forming "two clusters" in the Indo-China Peninsula and Central Asia respectively. In the region, China has signed Belt and Road cooperation agreements with 25 countries, and remains the largest trading partner with 18 countries.
The growing closeness between China and its neighbors is a two-way process, reflecting shared destinies, intertwined interests, and mutual support through challenges, Liang said.
There is a broad consensus among neighboring countries that engaging with China brings both respect and tangible benefits, said the diplomat. He added that President Xi's visits to the three countries were met with the warmest welcomes, demonstrating deep respect for the leader of a major country, strong affection for the Chinese people, and high importance placed on relations with China.
Amid a global tariff war launched by a certain country, there was a strong expectation for China to demonstrate leadership when regional countries were yearning for stability, Liang said.
Liang added that all three neighboring countries all expressed support for President Xi's vision of a community with a shared future for mankind, as well as the three initiatives. They endorsed upholding the UN-centered international system and an international order based on international law, while firmly promoting an equitable and orderly multipolar world and inclusive economic globalization that benefits all.
China's commitments to strengthening supply chain cooperation and an its emphasis that tariff wars have no winners starkly contrasted to US economic hegemony, said Liang.
The visit further solidified China's image as a supporter of free trade, a defender of developing countries' interests, and a leader in regional cooperation. It reinforced China's role as a stable, long-term partner that the region can trust, sending a message of reliability and stability amid uncertainty.
China offers markets and opportunities across the globe and is willing to open its arms to share development opportunities with countries worldwide, including its neighbors, to achieve mutual benefit and win-win outcomes, the diplomat remarked.
After outlining the key concepts and achievements of China's recent neighborhood diplomacy, Liang invited questions from journalists from China and several Asian countries. He addressed inquiries on topics such as Belt and Road cooperation, regional collaboration, global governance, and people-to-people exchanges.
Liang stated that China has consistently adhered to the principles of consultation, joint contribution, and shared benefits, actively promoting Belt and Road cooperation agreements with neighboring countries to enhance regional connectivity. He cited examples such as the China-Laos Railway, the recovery of air routes between China and neighboring countries in the post-pandemic era, and progress in cooperation with Southeast Asian nations in advanced manufacturing, green development, and technological innovation.
He said that positive developments in the China-ASEAN Free Trade Area 3.0 negotiations are expected soon.
Liang also emphasized that while firmly safeguarding its core interests of national sovereignty and territorial integrity, China remains committed to peaceful development, respects the sovereignty and independence of other countries, and acknowledges their legitimate concerns. He added that China seeks to conduct international cooperation based on equality and mutual benefit.
According to the diplomat, the collective rise of the Global South is profoundly reshaping the geopolitical landscape. China calls for practicing multilateralism, upholding international fairness and justice, and amplifying the voice of Global South countries. This approach not only safeguards China's own interests but also supports the shared interests of developing nations.
Regarding people-to-people exchanges, Liang highlighted China's active efforts to promote youth exchanges with neighboring countries, with plans to further expand their scale in the future. Additionally, he said China supports mutual learning and exchange among civilizations and firmly opposes notions of civilizational supremacy or superiority.
