On February 17, 2024 local time, Member of the Political Bureau of the CPC Central Committee and Foreign Minister Wang Yi attended the Munich Security Conference and delivered a keynote speech entitled "A Staunch Force for Stability in a Turbulent World" during the "Conversation with China" session, pointing out that all countries can seek win-win and avoid lose-lose, and they can work together like passengers in the same boat to bring more certainty to the world and usher in a brighter future for humanity.
Wang Yi said that the past year witnessed much turbulence in the world and many challenges facing humanity. The global economy was weighed down by protectionism and the abuse of the security concept, and the international system was impaired by unilateralism and bloc politics. The Ukraine crisis continued unabated. Conflicts flared up again in the Middle East. Artificial intelligence, climate change, space and the polar regions, among others, were posing a whole new set of challenges. However, no matter how the world changes, China, as a responsible major country, will keep its major principles and policies consistent and stable and serve as a staunch force for stability in a turbulent world.
First, China will be a force for stability in promoting cooperation between major countries. For major countries, the more volatile the international landscape, the greater the need to enhance coordination; the more acute the risks and challenges, the greater the need to advance cooperation. With a sense of responsibility for history, for the people and for the world, China will work with the U.S. to implement the common understandings between the two presidents and move bilateral relations forward along the right path of mutual respect, peaceful coexistence and win-win cooperation. Russia is China's largest neighboring country. A China-Russia relationship that grows steadily serves the strategic stability of the Asia-Pacific and the world, and represents a useful exploration of a new model of major-country relations. China and Europe, as two major civilizations, should see each other as partners, and join hands to inject positive energy into a volatile world and point the way for overcoming difficulties together.
Second, China will be a force for stability in addressing hotspot issues. China has implemented the Global Security Initiative, and worked to explore a Chinese way of addressing hotspot issues. China advocates for non-interference in internal affairs and opposes imposing one's will on others; upholds impartiality and justice and opposes pursuing selfish interests; seeks political settlement and opposes using force; aims to address both the symptoms and the root causes and opposes myopia and one-sidedness. In response to the escalation of the Palestinian-Israeli conflict, China has stood firm on the side of fairness and justice all along, vigorously working for an end to the conflict and for the protection of civilians. In the face of the Ukraine crisis, China has stayed committed to building consensus for ending the conflict and paving the way for peace talks. In the face of disputes in its neighboring regions, China has stayed committed to managing differences through consultation and resolving disputes through dialogue, to maintain regional peace and stability.
Third, China will be a force for stability in enhancing global governance. China supports the authority and central role of the United Nations and supports the Security Council in playing a primary role on peace and security. China has worked to enhance solidarity and cooperation of the Global South, with a view to increasing developing countries' representation and voice in global affairs, and contributing to a more balanced and effective global governance architecture. China has provided more public goods to the world. China has stayed committed to cooperation, openness and equality, and contributed its share to meeting global challenges.
Fourth, China will be a force for stability in promoting global growth. China's economy, as vibrant and resilient as ever, is showing a more robust momentum of long-term growth. Last year, it grew by 5.2 percent, accounting for one-third of global growth. It will bring more dividends to the rest of the world in the future. China is focusing energy on realizing Chinese modernization, and seeking faster progress in high-quality development, which will foster a more market-oriented, law-based business environment up to international standards for companies from Europe and from all over the world. China is willing to work with all other sides to make globalization more universally beneficial and inclusive so that more countries and people can benefit from the process.
Wang Yi also answered questions on the Ukraine crisis, Taiwan, Xinjiang-related issues and the South China Sea on the spot.
