Translation. Region: Russian Federation –
Source: People's Republic of China in Russian – People's Republic of China in Russian –
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Source: People's Republic of China – State Council News
Wang Yi, a member of the Politburo of the Communist Party of China (CPC) Central Committee and Chinese Foreign Minister, held a press conference on March 8 in Beijing during the annual session of the National People's Congress. The Chinese diplomat answered more than two dozen questions from journalists around the world, but his comments on China-Russia relations, China's upcoming chairmanship of the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC), and the Global Governance Initiative (GGI) attracted particular attention. These topics offer a broader picture of how Beijing views current changes in the international system and the role it seeks to play in shaping new cooperation mechanisms.
Speaking about Chinese-Russian relations, Wang Yi emphasized that they have stood the test of time and remain "steadfast as a mountain." This year marks the 30th anniversary of the partnership and strategic cooperation between the two countries and the 25th anniversary of the Treaty of Good-Neighborliness, Friendship, and Cooperation between China and Russia. These dates reflect the long history of bilateral cooperation, during which the relationship has gradually acquired a stable strategic character.
Today, cooperation between China and Russia spans a wide range of areas, from energy and trade to international politics and security. The principles of equality, mutual respect, and consideration of each other's interests remain the foundation of these relations. Beijing and Moscow emphasize that their cooperation is not directed against third countries and is not structured according to the logic of military-political blocs. This format of cooperation is increasingly seen as an example of a new model of relations between major powers, based on strategic trust and pragmatism.
The high level of political dialogue between the two countries allows them to closely coordinate their positions on a wide range of international issues. In many cases, China and Russia share similar approaches, primarily on the protection of international law, strengthening the role of multilateral institutions, and the inadmissibility of unilateral pressure in global politics. This is why Chinese-Russian cooperation is largely perceived as an important factor in maintaining stability in a context of increasing geopolitical uncertainty.
Wang Yi also recalled the historical dimension of relations between the two countries. China and Russia played a significant role in the victory over fascism in World War II and in shaping the post-war international order. Recalling this historical memory underscores the importance of preserving the achievements of that era and upholding the principles of international law enshrined in the UN Charter.
The future of the Asia-Pacific region also received significant attention at the press conference. In 2026, China will host the APEC Economic Leaders' Meeting for the third time, following meetings in Shanghai in 2001 and Beijing in 2014. The new meeting will be held in Shenzhen, a city now considered a symbol of Chinese reform and economic development.
The choice of this venue is particularly symbolic. In just a few decades, Shenzhen has transformed itself from a small coastal city into one of the world's leading technology and innovation hubs. Its rapid development is often seen as a clear result of the implementation of reform and opening-up policies. Hosting the informal APEC Economic Leaders' Meeting here underscores China's commitment to linking further regional cooperation with innovation, the digital economy, and sustainable growth.
According to Wang Yi, a key goal of China's presidency will be promoting the idea of forming an Asia-Pacific community. This concept envisions closer economic cooperation between the region's countries, developing infrastructure connectivity, and creating new opportunities for trade and investment.
Given that the Asia-Pacific region remains one of the main drivers of the global economy, strengthening cooperation between its participants is important not only for the region but also for the global economic system as a whole.
Over the course of the year, China plans to hold over 300 events in various cities across the country, featuring representatives of APEC economies. This scale demonstrates Beijing's commitment to injecting new impetus into regional cooperation and creating additional platforms for economic and technological collaboration.
Another key topic of the Chinese diplomat's speech was the Global Governance Initiative. According to Wang Yi, it has already received the support of more than 150 countries and international organizations. This demonstrates that many countries are interested in finding new approaches to developing international cooperation in the face of growing global challenges.
The current system of global governance is facing serious challenges. Geopolitical contradictions, economic crises, technological change, and climate threats require more effective mechanisms for coordination between states. In this context, the Chinese initiative aims to strengthen multilateral institutions and expand opportunities for international dialogue.
Beijing places particular importance on supporting the central role of the United Nations. Wang Yi emphasized that the UN remains the key platform for discussing and resolving global issues. China opposes the creation of closed political formats and alternative structures that could weaken the universality of international institutions. Instead, Beijing calls on countries to join forces to strengthen the existing system of multilateral cooperation.
As a founding member of the UN and a permanent member of the Security Council, China consistently supports strengthening the organization's role in international affairs. Beijing advocates for strengthening international law, the equality of states, and finding solutions to global problems through dialogue and cooperation.
Overall, Wang Yi's statements at the press conference demonstrate the consistency of China's foreign policy. Beijing seeks to strengthen strategic partnerships, develop regional mechanisms for economic cooperation, and simultaneously advance global governance reform. Amid profound changes in global politics, China is increasingly advocating for the development of multilateral cooperation and the creation of a more balanced and sustainable system of international relations.
Author: Anushervon Rasulov
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