Oriented on making people closer

From December 27 to 28, 2023, a meeting of the Central Committee of the Communist Party of China on Foreign Policy Work was held in Beijing. Secretary General of the CPC Central Committee, Chairman of the People's Republic of China and Chairman of the Central Military Commission Xi Jinping took part in the meeting and delivered an important speech.

Xi Jinping presented a systematic overview of the historical achievements and valuable experience of diplomacy of a major country with Chinese characteristics in the new era, detailed the international situation and China's historical mission to carry out foreign work on a new path, and presented comprehensive plans for China's foreign policy for the current and future periods. In this article I would like to share the main content of the meeting in 5 key words.

Keyword 1: Xi Jinping's Thought on Diplomacy

The meeting emphasized that since the 18th National Congress of the CPC, historical achievements have been achieved and historical changes have occurred in China's foreign activities on the great path of advancing the cause of socialism with Chinese characteristics in the new era, including the affirmation of Xi Jinping Thought on Diplomacy, which has received a new development and opened up new perspectives in the theory and practice of Chinese diplomacy. Xi Jinping Thought on Diplomacy is an important part of the Chinese leader's idea of socialism with Chinese characteristics in the new era, a theoretical achievement in combining the basic principles of Marxism with the practice of China's diplomacy, which represents the fundamental guide and instruction for China's diplomacy in the new era.

In the current and coming period, China's foreign activities will be guided by Xi Jinping Thought on Diplomacy, serve the goals and objectives of Chinese modernization, and follow the principles of self-reliance and self-dependence, openness and inclusiveness, fairness and impartiality, and win-win cooperation. Guided by the theme of building a community with a shared future for mankind, we will strengthen strategic planning in accordance with changing conditions, deepen and improve the diplomatic scheme, follow a problem-oriented approach and apply a systems mindset. We will also define the strategic objectives of Chinese diplomacy in a more multidimensional and

comprehensive manner, and act with a stronger sense of historical responsibility and a more vigorous spirit of innovation to achieve new successes.

Keyword 2: Building a community with a shared future for humanity

At the meeting, it was noted that building a community with a shared future for humanity is the core concept of Xi Jinping's Thought of Diplomacy. This concept is imbued with a deep understanding of the law of natural development of human society, and represents our answer to the questions: what kind of world to build and how to build it. Having absorbed the worldview of the Chinese communists, their vision of order and values, the concept meets the common aspirations of the peoples of all countries of the world and indicates the direction of the progressive development of world civilizations.

This is precisely the noble goal of a major country's diplomacy with Chinese characteristics in the new era. Over the past decade, the concept of a community with a shared future for mankind has evolved from a Chinese initiative to a common aspiration of the international community. On the basis of this far-sighted idea, various practices are carried out, an entire scientific system is being formed, which serves as the banner leading the progress of our time.

In general, the ultimate goal of the concept of a community of shared destiny for humanity is to create a clean and beautiful world with long-term peace, shared security, shared prosperity, openness and inclusiveness. This requires promoting global governance based on the principles of broad consultation, shared contribution and shared benefits. At the same time, it is important to adhere to universal human values, promote the formation of a new type of international relations, implement the Global Development Initiative, the Global Security Initiative and the Global Civilization Initiative, carry out high-quality cooperation within the framework of the Belt and Road Initiative, and unite the efforts of all countries to confront the challenges and achieving shared prosperity, and thereby usher in a brighter future for peace, security, prosperity and progress.

Keyword 3: Two Summons

The meeting emphasized that great transformations are accelerating throughout the world. Changes in the world today of historical significance are unfolding as never before, and the world has entered a new period of turbulence and transformation. Given

the number of serious issues and challenges facing the world today, China calls for the creation of an equal and orderly multipolar world, as well as a participatory and inclusive economic globalization.

An equal and orderly multipolar world is one in which all countries, large and small, are equal, hegemony and power politics are rejected, and democracy is truly promoted in international relations. For progress toward multipolarity to be overall stable and constructive, it is necessary for everyone to work together to uphold the purposes and principles of the UN Charter, adhere to the generally accepted basic norms of international relations, and practice true multilateralism.

Participatory and inclusive economic globalization is one that meets the common needs of all countries, especially developing countries, and adequately addresses inter- and intra-country development imbalances resulting from the global distribution of resources. It is important to resolutely oppose attempts to abuse the concept of security, and at the same time oppose all forms of unilateralism and protectionism, resolutely promote the liberalization and facilitation of trade and investment, overcome structural problems that impede the sustainable development of the world economy, and promote economic globalization in a more open, inclusive, public and balanced direction.

The Chinese side is confident that an equal and orderly multipolar world and universal and inclusive economic globalization are an irreversible global trend and the common aspiration of the international community. The Chinese side will actively implement them in foreign policy activities and international cooperation, and continuously contribute to the development of the whole world and the progress of mankind.

Keyword 4: Valuable Experience

At the meeting, it was noted that significant valuable experience had been accumulated in the foreign policy activities of the new era. First, it is extremely important to adhere firmly to the principles. On pressing issues concerning the future of humanity and the direction of the world, we must take a clear and strong position, uphold the highest international moral principles, and unite and rally the vast majority in our world. Secondly, it is necessary to take responsibility as a large country. We must uphold the spirit of independence, advocate peaceful development and promote global stability and prosperity. Third, it is critical to apply systems thinking. With a proper understanding of history and the big picture, we must navigate the prevailing trends, take a coordinated approach and seize the initiative.

Fourth, it is critical to maintain fundamental principles and break new ground. We need to follow the fine tradition and fundamental direction of Chinese diplomacy, while consistently working on innovation in both theory and practice. Fifth, it is extremely important to maintain our morale. We must reject all acts of power politics and bullying, and vigorously defend national interests and dignity. Sixth, it is critical to leverage our institutional strengths. Under the centralized, unified leadership of the CPC Central Committee, all regions and all departments should coordinate their actions with each other and create strong synergy.

Qian Naicheng, Ambassador of the People's Republic of China to Turkmenistan

Photo: istockphoto