Global Times:

We have noticed that some countries, media and think tanks around the world have criticized the united front led by the CPC. They believe that the CPC, through its united front work, has carried out so-called "infiltration" of the media, businesses, academia and politics in some Western countries, posing a threat to the security of these countries. How do you think we should view the united front work of the CPC? Thank you.

Xu Yousheng: 

Thank you for your question. We have noticed the situation you mentioned. I think there are two reasons for such biases. One reason is that some people have misunderstandings about the CPC's united front work. The other reason is that some people, particularly hostile forces, just keep playing dumb, and wantonly vilify and slander our work, which fully reflect their rigid Cold War mentality and ideological prejudices. Here, I would like to talk about the united front led by the CPC briefly. 

What is the united front? In a way that is easy to understand, it means great unity and solidarity, making as many friends as we can, and as few enemies as we can. It can be said that almost all political forces at all times and across the globe know the importance of unity and solidarity, and work for that. The difference lies in the purpose of unity and solidarity. The purpose of the CPC-led united front is to expand common ground and the convergence of interests. It is also to strengthen the great unity and solidarity of all Chinese people, both at home and overseas, so as to focus their ingenuity and energy on the same goal and come together as a mighty force, to work together to realize national prosperity and rejuvenation, and ensure the people's wellbeing. 

During the one hundred years of work on the united front, we have developed important values and philosophies. For example, we stick to the principle of seeking common ground while reserving differences, properly balance commonality and diversity, and respect and accommodate differences. We also uphold cooperation and mutual benefit. Based on seeking and achieving common interests, we respect, protect, and fully consider the interests of all sectors. We adhere to democratic consultation, under which we conduct broad consultation in decision making and problem solving, and public issues are discussed by all those involved. In this way, we unite people together extensively and pool strengths. 

In foreign exchanges, China persistently advocates that all of the world's different civilizations should stay inclusive and draw on each other's strengths. We promote harmonious relationships between all countries and the building of a community with a shared future for mankind. We attach importance to the role of overseas Chinese and students studying abroad as a bridge linking China and the world. Our purpose is to promote people-to-people exchanges, good relations, and mutual understanding and friendship between China and other countries. As Mr. Liu said just now, we never interfere in other countries' internal affairs, and never export any ideology or social system. 

We can say that the united front work of the CPC is carried out in a transparent and open manner, and it is a far cry from the so-called "infiltration" claimed by some hostile forces to defame and malign China. We will constantly consolidate and develop the broadest possible united front, make full use of the united front as an important treasure, and unswervingly work for the great cause to seek happiness for the Chinese people, rejuvenation for the Chinese nation, and the common good for the world. Thank you.