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Read in Chinese

Speakers:

Mr. Wang Yi, member of the Political Bureau of the Central Committee of the Communist Party of China (CPC) and minister of foreign affairs

Mr. Guo Yezhou, deputy director of the International Department of the CPC Central Committee

Mr. Cong Liang, vice chairman of the National Development and Reform Commission

Mr. Li Qun, vice minister of culture and tourism and administrator of the National Cultural Heritage Administration

Mr. Zhao Fengtao, vice chairman of the China International Development Cooperation Agency

Moderator:

Mr. Sun Yeli, deputy director of the Publicity Department of the CPC Central Committee and minister of the State Council Information Office

Date:

Sept. 26, 2023

Sun Yeli:

Ladies and gentlemen, good morning. Welcome to this press conference.

Today, the State Council Information Office has organized this press conference to release a white paper titled "A Global Community of Shared Future: China's Proposals and Actions," and will now introduce and explain its main content. 

The white paper thoroughly implements Xi Jinping Thought on Socialism with Chinese Characteristics for a New Era and Xi Jinping Thought on Diplomacy. It systematically lays out the general context, rich implications, practical pathways and global significance of establishing a global community of shared future. The white paper showcases China's proactive actions and contributions in fostering a global community of shared future, and further calls upon the rest of the world to promote the common values of humanity, jointly build a global community of shared future and strive for a better world.

At around 22,000 Chinese characters, the white paper consists of a preface, main body and conclusion. Specifically, the main body is divided into five sections: "Humanity at a Crossroads," "An Answer to the Call of the Times and a Blueprint for the Future," "Deep Roots in History and Cultural Traditions," "Direction and Path" and "China's Action and Contribution."

The white paper is published in eight languages — Chinese, English, French, Russian, German, Spanish, Arabic and Japanese — by the People's Publishing House and Foreign Languages Press. It is available at Xinhua Bookstores across the country.

To help you better understand the document, we have invited Mr. Wang Yi, member of the Political Bureau of the CPC Central Committee and minister of foreign affairs; Mr. Guo Yezhou, deputy director of the International Department of the CPC Central Committee; Mr. Cong Liang, vice chairman of the National Development and Reform Commission; Mr. Li Qun, vice minister of culture and tourism and administrator of the National Cultural Heritage Administration; and Mr. Zhao Fengtao, vice chairman of the China International Development Cooperation Agency, to attend today's press conference. They will brief you on related information and then take your questions.

First, I'll give the floor to Mr. Wang Yi to introduce the white paper.

Wang Yi:

Distinguished guests, colleagues and friends:

It gives me great pleasure to join you today to witness the release of the white paper "A Global Community of Shared Future: China's Proposals and Actions."

The white paper is a significant document that systematically lays out the theoretical base, practice and development of a global community of shared future. It also serves as an important measure to thoroughly implement Xi Jinping Thought on Socialism with Chinese Characteristics for a New Era and Xi Jinping Thought on Diplomacy. I hope the release of the document can enable people from all walks of life and the international community to grasp the significance of a global community of shared future in a more comprehensive manner, and help them further understand the profound objectives of major-country diplomacy with Chinese characteristics.

Dear friends, this year marks the 10th anniversary of President Xi Jinping's proposal of a global community of shared future. Ten years ago, in face of the profound question raised by the world, by history and by the times of "What has happened to the world and how should we respond?" President Xi Jinping creatively proposed the establishment of a global community of shared future using his broad strategic vision, extraordinary political wisdom and strong sense of mission as a leader of a major country and Party. The proposal has charted the correct path for the world at a major historical turning point, and built strong consensus for international cooperation during turbulent times.

Over the past decade, through the personal involvement and advocacy of President Xi Jinping, the development of a global community of shared future has been transformed from a concept into actions. Seeing growth in strength, the proposal has adhered to the right path forward amid shifting global dynamics, and forged ahead with resolve despite challenges and risks. It has achieved remarkable practical progress and demonstrated a pioneering thought with the power of truth.

Over the past decade, the conceptual attributes of a global community of shared future have been gradually improved. From state visits to multilateral summits, President Xi Jinping has systemically elaborated on this major concept at multiple international events, and deepened the international society's understanding of it. As a result, a well-conceived theoretical system based on the Global Development Initiative (GDI), the Global Security Initiative (GSI) and the Global Civilization Initiative (GCI) has been developed. The proposal's general objectives are to build a world of lasting peace through dialogue and consultation; a world of common security for all through joint efforts; a world of common prosperity through win-win cooperation; an open and inclusive world through exchanges and mutual learning; and to make our world clean and beautiful by pursuing green and low-carbon development. It pursues the common values of humanity, follows the fundamental path of fostering a new type of international relations, and uses the Belt and Road Initiative (BRI) as a practical platform.

Over the past decade, China has made significant achievements in diplomatic practices aimed at building a global community of shared future. China has established various forms of a community of shared future with dozens of countries and regions, whether bilateral or multilateral, regional or global. The Global Development Initiative and the Global Security Initiative have garnered support from over 100 countries. The Global Civilization Initiative received positive feedback from several countries shortly after its proposal. In responding to significant global challenges in fields such as health, climate change, and cybersecurity, President Xi Jinping has also presented the Chinese solution of building a global community of shared future, contributing wisdom and strength to address global challenges properly and improve global governance.

Over the past decade, the international consensus on building a global community of shared future has been growing. The vision of a global community of shared future has been included in U.N. Assembly Resolutions for six consecutive years and incorporated into the resolutions and declarations of multilateral mechanisms such as the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) and BRICS. It has garnered the international community's understanding and support, especially among developing countries. More and more countries and people realize that this vision reflects the pursuit of peace, justice, and progress, creates the greatest synergy for building a better world , and holds great significance in promoting unity and cooperation among countries to create a better future for humanity.

Friends, what was sown in spring will yield rich fruits in autumn. The successful practices of the past decade have once again proven that building a global community of shared future is an essential choice that aligns with the general trend of history and promotes human development. As world history unfolds into the 21st century, humanity is increasingly breaking down the boundaries of geography, ethnicity, and culture, residing in the same global village. With our interests and security so closely intertwined, the world has forged a community of shared interests, responsibilities, and future. Despite recent challenges such as trade wars, the COVID-19 pandemic, and geopolitical crises, globalization continues to advance amid twists and turns. The world economy remains an ocean, refusing to retreat into isolated lakes and rivers. People from all nations recognize that, in the face of the deepening global crisis, no country can prosper in isolation or meet all challenges independently . Like passengers aboard the same ship, only through solidarity can we steer clear of the historical cycles of war and peace, rise and fall, order and chaos.

Building a global community of shared future is the right direction to align with the current trend of the times and improve global governance. All epoch-making theories must adapt to the needs of the development and progress of the times. The old thinking of hegemonism and power politics has long been unable to adapt to the new reality of the 21st century. The international community strongly recognizes that in order to avoid a new Cold War and escape the dilemma of a clash of civilizations, we must make breakthroughs in theories of international relations. The vision of building a global community of shared future departs from traditional international relations theories, advocating that peaceful development should prevail over conflict and confrontation, common security should replace absolute security, and mutual benefit should replace zero-sum games. It calls for preventing clashes between civilizations through exchanges and mutual learning and protecting our planet through ecological progress. This vision has constructed a new model for theories of international diplomacy and contributed Chinese wisdom to the reform of global governance.

Building a global community of shared future is integral to our efforts to adhere to peaceful development and remain committed to win-win cooperation. The vision of a global community of shared future originates from the best of traditional Chinese culture, such as pursuing the common good and peace for all, and embodies the Chinese nation's longing for a fine human society since ancient times. Currently, promoting the construction of a global community of shared future has been enshrined in China's Constitution and the Constitution of the Communist Party of China, making it one of the essential requirements of Chinese modernization . This fully demonstrates that China is committed to pursuing a modernization path that is different from traditional Western powers and regards peaceful development as our strategic choice. In the process of promoting the construction of a global community of shared future, China will integrate its own development into the common development of all countries, closely linking its own future with the future of humanity. It will continue to provide new opportunities for the world with its own new development and inject stronger impetus into and make greater contributions to humanity's peace and development.

The world today is undergoing profound changes unseen in a century. Geopolitical competition is becoming increasingly fierce, the Cold War mentality is reemerging, the bullying acts of powers are becoming more harmful, and non-traditional security challenges such as terrorism, cyber-attacks, transnational crimes, and biosecurity continue to rise. Humanity is once again at a crossroads, facing a consequential choice for its future. What kind of world should we build, and how should we build this world? These are questions we must answer correctly. The lessons of two hot (world) wars and a cold war are not distant memories. There is no future for bloc confrontation and zero-sum games. The future of people worldwide lies in building a global community of shared future. Light will not come automatically; we need to work together to create the future.

We should forge greater synergy to achieve lasting peace. The key lies in respecting the sovereignty and territorial integrity of all countries, acknowledging each other's core interests and major concerns, and recognizing the development paths and social systems independently chosen by the people of different countries. We should actively embrace genuine multilateralism, developing a more equitable and orderly process of global multipolarity. We should reject camp-based confrontation and exclusive cliques, opting for an approach to international relations characterized by "dialogue over confrontation, partnership over alliance."

We should develop a conducive environment for common security. The key lies in promoting a common, comprehensive, cooperative, and sustainable security outlook. Therefore, we should embrace the approach of addressing differences and disputes between countries through dialogue and consultation, give due consideration to each other's legitimate security concerns, and oppose the arbitrary expansion of military alliances and the encroachment on the security space of other nations. We should also make more efforts to coordinate and uphold security in both traditional and non-traditional domains, with the aim of expediting dialogues and cooperation in areas such as biosecurity, cybersecurity, data security, and artificial intelligence security, working together to mitigate risks.

We should instill greater confidence in common development. The key lies in steering and adhering to the correct course of globalization, opposing any attempts towards decoupling, supply chain disruption, or "small yard, high fence." We should also resist protectionism and unilateral sanctions. With such efforts, we can develop a fair, reasonable, and transparent international economic and trade regulatory system. There is a need to prioritize development-related issues at the core of the international agenda, better integrating developing countries into the global division of labor and ensuring that people from all nations can access the benefits of development in an equitable manner. Next month, China will host the third Belt and Road Forum for International Cooperation, and we view it as an opportunity to engage in discussions and pursue common development with all parties.

We should provide sustainable driving forces for mutual learning among civilizations. The key lies in adhering to the principles that no civilization is superior to others and that values should not be used as political tools or weapons of confrontation. We should champion equality, mutual learning, dialogue, and inclusiveness between civilizations and advocate for peaceful coexistence and harmonious development of different civilizations. We should reject the so-called binary opposition of "democracy versus authoritarianism" and the imposition of one's own values and models on others. By doing so, we can work hand in hand to achieve the creative development of civilization, solidify public support for our relations, and promote mutual understanding and friendship among people of all countries.

We should take more actions to protect the ecology. The key lies in embracing the concept of harmonious coexistence between humanity and nature, recognizing the significance to respect, adapt to, and safeguard the environment. We should strive to make green development resonate with the public to achieve a sustainable global ecological conservation that leads to a brighter future. We must continue to pursue low-carbon, circular, and sustainable development, collaborating to construct a fair and equitable system of global climate governance for mutually beneficial cooperation. In doing so, we can collectively work to protect our planet for the sake of human existence.

Dear friends,

In two days, we will celebrate the Mid-Autumn Festival, a traditional Chinese holiday. As such, I would like to extend my best wishes to all of you. The full moon on this festival symbolizes reunion and harmony, reflecting the Chinese belief in a world where "all under heaven are one family," and highlighting the spirit of our times – harmonious coexistence in a global community with a shared future. We are ready to work together with all parties, promoting unity and cooperation, and adhering to the vision of building a global community with a shared future. Together, we aim to build an open, inclusive, clean and beautiful world that enjoys lasting peace, universal security, and common prosperity. Thank you.

Sun Yeli:

Thank you, Mr. Wang. The floor is now open to questions. Please identify the media outlet you represent before raising your questions.

CCTV:

It is a major concept proposed by President Xi Jinping to build a global community of shared future with a focus on the future of the world. We have learned that President Xi Jinping has also put forward the principles of amity, sincerity, mutual benefit, and inclusiveness in forging China's relations with neighboring countries, and has emphasized pursuing the greater good and shared interests with other developing nations. These principles offer a well-conceived and comprehensive framework for diplomatic efforts across various domains. How do you interpret the guiding role of Xi Jinping Thought on Diplomacy in the new era? Thank you.

Sun Yeli:

I would like to invite Mr. Wang Yi to answer your question.

Wang Yi:

You raised quite an important question. Building a global community of shared future is a key part of Xi Jinping Thought on Socialism with Chinese Characteristics for a New Era and also a core concept of Xi Jinping Thought on Diplomacy. The vision of building a global community of shared future leads the trend of the times and directs human progress; the principles that we follow to develop ties with our neighboring countries — amity, sincerity, mutual benefit, and inclusiveness — are part of this vision, and so is our commitment to taking the right approach to friendship and interests to strengthen cooperation with other developing countries. These principles and initiatives that President Xi Jinping has put forward so far are the country's consistent pursuit, all demonstrating that the Chinese Communists always maintain a global vision and the Chinese nation takes it as its mission to pursue a common good for all.

Building a global community of shared future is China's answer to the call of the times. As human society develops, nations have seen their individual markets merged into a global one, their respective experiences combined into world history, and the international community turned into a global village. Meanwhile, many may ask: Should we yield to the position of strength of a country or uphold the principles of the UN Charter? Is the international order defined by individual countries safeguarded by all? Is modernization the privilege of a few countries or the legitimate rights of all? To build a global community of shared future is to address such universal and fundamental questions. We need to make it clear that all countries, big or small, are equal members of the international community and should bear their due responsibilities and enjoy equal rights. Human society should be a global community of shared future featuring peaceful coexistence, equity and justice, and win-win cooperation.

Building a global community of shared future has become the unwavering overall goal of China's major-country diplomacy. This important vision has been well reflected in the country's major-country diplomacy, including the GDI, the GSI, the GCI, and the BRI. All indicate that China is willing to strengthen solidarity and cooperation with other countries, especially developing countries, and work together with them to contribute more to human progress and modernization. We believe that guided by the vision of building a global community of shared future — like a banner that leads a bright future — China will have an increasing number of friends and partners and contribute a lot more to the world. Thank you.

The Straits Times:

A question from The Straits Times. So, China's Belt and Road Initiative has been previously accused of causing ecological damage and outsourcing pollution. So, as the BRI enters the next decade, how do you plan to address these concerns while prioritizing green development? 

Cong Liang:

Thank you for your question. Since the BRI was proposed 10 years ago, our principle of extensive consultation and joint contribution for shared benefits has gained broader support. We have achieved significant progress in policy, infrastructure, trade, financial, and people-to-people connectivity and have seen more cooperation in new fields. The BRI has become a popular global public good and cooperation platform provided by China to the world.

Following President Xi Jinping's important instructions of "pursuing a way of life and work that is green, low-carbon, circular, and sustainable," we have put green development first while advancing BRI cooperation. In terms of a policy system, we have formulated policies concerning green BRI cooperation, eco-environmental protection, and energy cooperation, and no more new coal power projects have been allowed to be built overseas. In terms of partnerships, we have launched the Initiative  for Belt and Road Partnership on Green Development and implemented the Green Silk Road Envoys Program and other cooperation plans. As for practical cooperation, Chinese enterprises have invested in a large number of clean energy projects, such as the Zhanatas wind power project in Kazakhstan, and set up wildlife passages and other facilities during the construction of the Mombasa-Nairobi Railway in Kenya. Such efforts have played an important role in promoting harmony between humanity and nature in BRI countries.

BRI projects are carried out in accordance with the principle of extensive consultation and joint contribution for shared benefits. Whether they are committed to green development, I believe that those BRI countries have a clearer understanding, and the local people are the best judges. Facts are always more persuasive than words. Faced with tangible construction achievements, the noise from attempts to slander and smear the Green Silk Road is not worth addressing, and schemes to tarnish and disrupt BRI projects under the guise of environmental protection will not succeed. We will continue to promote the construction of the Green Silk Road with all participating countries, better protect the environment, advance development, and benefit the people. We will focus on three aspects: First, we will comprehensively strengthen the foundation for green development cooperation, promote greater alignment between the Green Silk Road and the U.N. 2030 Sustainable Development Agenda, and ensure the effective implementation of major cooperation projects. Second, we will expand the space for cooperation in green development, enhance platforms like the BRI International Green Development Coalition, and collaborate on green development in key areas such as infrastructure, energy, transportation, finance, science and technology, standards, and climate change. Third, we will continually enhance the capacity for green development, maintaining the promotion of a comprehensive green transformation of economic and social development as a long-term policy. We will increase support for BRI green development and help participating countries continuously build internal momentum for green development. Thank you.

China Daily:

In recent years, the International Department of the CPC Central Committee has organized a number of global high-level party meetings and also a wide range of regional party exchanges and bilateral party dialogues. I would like to ask what achievements the CPC has made in party diplomacy, and what will you do next to further these efforts? Thank you.

Guo Yezhou:

Thank you for your questions. As you have observed, entering the new era, the CPC is actively engaged in foreign exchanges, emphasizing the crucial role of political parties, particularly ruling parties, in both national political life and international relations. This demonstrates that political parties are indispensable in advancing human civilization and progress, as well as in constructing a global community of shared future.

We are committed to leading the way and gathering party strength for building a better world. General Secretary Xi Jinping has convened and participated in various global party meetings, including the CPC in Dialogue with World Political Parties High-Level Meeting. He has engaged in extensive discussions with leaders of political parties from other countries and made sincere appeals for their participation in the construction of a global community of shared future. These efforts have ignited a sense of mission and responsibility among political parties of all kinds in different countries, inspiring them to collaborate in the pursuit of a better world.

We are committed to forging broader and closer friendships and harnessing the strength of political parties to create a new pattern of international exchanges. While deepening our relations with political parties in neighboring and developing countries, we consistently advance institutionalized exchanges with political parties in developed countries in a pragmatic manner. We also engage in innovative exchanges and cooperation among political parties within existing regional and international frameworks, actively promoting bilateral and multilateral political party activities at all levels. In doing so, the CPC's "circle of friends" has expanded. Foreign political party leaders and public figures from all sectors of society have, through various means, expressed a shared aspiration to advance the progress of human civilization and create a global community of shared future.

We are committed to deepening practical cooperation and harnessing the strength of political parties to promote global development and prosperity. Through exchanges and cooperation between political parties, we consistently advance practical collaboration in areas such as pandemic prevention and control, economic recovery, poverty reduction, food security, green development, and the digital economy. Additionally, we establish mechanisms for extensive consultations among political parties with BRI countries, promote exchanges between political parties, and create dialogue platforms between business communities across countries to achieve common prosperity.

We are committed to exchanging thoughts and ideas, pooling the strength of political parties to promote mutual learning and exchanges among civilizations. In this process, we actively respond to the expectations of political parties in different countries and promote both "welcoming in" and "going global" initiatives. We introduce Xi Jinping Thought on Socialism with Chinese Characteristics for a New Era comprehensively and systematically, share experiences in party and state governance, and learn from the beneficial achievements of human political civilization, in order to jointly improve leadership and governance capabilities. We are committed to promoting cultural and people-to-people exchanges organized by social groups under the leadership and influence of political parties, so as to achieve high-level development of people-to-people connectivity under the BRI.

On our new journey to build a stronger nation and realize the rejuvenation of the Chinese nation, we will collaborate with political parties from all countries worldwide to further enhance inter-party exchanges and mutual learning. Together, we aspire to become the guiding leaders in national development, pioneers in forging new paths toward modernization, and advocates and practitioners of the vision of a global community of shared future. Thank you!

Papua New Guinea Post-Courier: 

Poverty is an obstacle to global development and many third-world countries' populations are living in poverty still. So, what is China's approach to helping alleviate poverty in these countries? Thank you.

Zhao Fengtao:

Thank you. Eradicating poverty is a shared ideal of humanity and is also the primary goal of the United Nations' 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development. President Xi Jinping has always been dedicated to the global poverty alleviation cause, and the Global Development Initiative places poverty reduction at the forefront of its eight key areas. China has consistently aligned its own development with broader global development, consistently serving as an active advocate, robust promoter, and enduring contributor to the global effort to reduce poverty. We have focused our efforts on four main areas:

First, we have actively implemented demonstration projects to improve people's well-being and promoted poverty reduction experiences. China has assisted numerous developing countries by executing over 6,000 projects to improve people's well-being, effectively enhancing their local sustainable development capacities. We have introduced hybrid rice to nearly 70 countries across five continents. Meanwhile, Juncao technology has taken root in over 100 countries. Agricultural technology demonstration centers have been established and are operational in more than 30 countries. Poverty reduction demonstration cooperation projects have paved the way for impoverished rural areas to embark on the path to prosperity.

Second, we have strengthened transportation infrastructure construction to promote poverty reduction in the regions along the transportation facilities. "If you want to get rich, build a road first" is an essential aspect of China's poverty alleviation experience. Enhancing connectivity and promoting economic and social development are key priorities of the BRI. Over the past 10 years, the initiative has galvanized nearly $1 trillion of investment, and helped lift about 40 million people out of poverty. The China-Pakistan Economic Corridor has many highlights. Ethiopia now boasts the first expressway in East Africa, and the Maldives' cross-sea bridge has turned what was once considered an insurmountable barrier into a thoroughfare, fulfilling a century-old dream of the local people.

Third, we have extensively mobilized development resources to promote poverty reduction through development. President Xi Jinping proposed the Global Development Initiative and announced the integration of the Global Development and South-South Cooperation Fund, with total funding amounting to $4 billion. Under this initiative's framework, Chinese financial institutions have provided a dedicated fund of $10 billion. Furthermore, we have collaboratively established a high-quality global development project pool, accumulating over 200 projects, thereby significantly boosting global poverty alleviation efforts.

Fourth, we have shared governance experiences and promoted poverty alleviation through education. China believes "it is more important to teach people how to fish than to simply give them fish." Through education, training, and think tank exchanges, we have shared the Chinese modernization approach to poverty alleviation with other developing countries. Over time, we have trained nearly 20 million personnel for more than 160 countries. Notably, the Luban Workshop, which focuses on vocational education, has trained many new craftspeople in over 20 countries.

Dear journalists, when the world prospers, China can prosper, and when China thrives, the world becomes an even better place. China will invest more resources in global development cooperation, to accelerate the implementation of the UN 2030 Agenda and make a fresh contribution to building a global community of shared future. Thank you!

Phoenix Satellite Television:

We've noticed that recently, a batch of overseas cooperation projects has been completed and put into operation, receiving widespread acclaim from people in the related countries and regions. Can you tell us about the progress of China's overseas cooperation projects over the past decade? What roles have they played in promoting local economic and social development? What are the next steps to further promote overseas project cooperation? Thank you.

Cong Liang:

Over the past 10 years, we have adhered to Belt and Road cooperation as the main focus, followed market principles and international practices, given full play to the main role of enterprises, and jointly made positive progress in overseas cooperation projects. For example, the China-Laos Railway has been operating safely and stably for 21 months, handling more than 20.9 million passenger trips and transporting more than 25.36 million metric tons of cargo, and has been connected with the China-Europe Railway Express. Another example is the opening of the Jakarta-Bandung High-Speed Railway , which makes travel more convenient for more and more Indonesian residents and will greatly unleash local economic development potential. For another example, with investment from China Ocean Shipping Company, the cargo handling capacity of the Piraeus port in Greece increased from 880,000 TEUs in 2010 to over 5 million TEUs in 2022, and its comprehensive indicators returned to the top 10 shipping hubs in the world. For another example, since the launch of the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor, the Karakoram Highway Phase Two project has been progressing smoothly, and significant progress has been made in the joint construction of Gwadar Port. At the same time, we have jointly built hospitals, schools, water supply facilities and other livelihood projects with various countries, which have also been widely welcomed by local people.

Overseas cooperation projects have brought effective investment to host countries, promoted economic growth, spread technologies, created jobs and improved people's living standards. For example, the China-Laos Railway project has provided employment for 110,000 people in Laos, helped locals build nearly 2,000 kilometers of roads and canals, and trained a large number of technical and management professionals. For another example, Chinese investment in the Piraeus port in Greece has created 13,000 jobs and directly contributed 300 million euros to the local economy every year. For another example, the construction of the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor has laid a solid foundation for Pakistan's infrastructure connectivity and industrialization, and directly created 155,000 jobs for local people. At the same time, China has signed third-market cooperation documents with 14 countries to jointly promote the development of industries and improve people's livelihoods in third countries.

Going forward, the NDRC will continue working with relevant departments to strengthen policy, mechanism and project docking with relevant authorities of the countries we cooperate with, adhering to Belt and Road cooperation as the main focus, upholding extensive consultation and joint contribution for shared benefits, and pursuing high-standard cooperation to promote sustainable development and improve people's lives in the process. Continuous efforts will be made to build high-quality landmark projects and promote "small but beautiful" projects, and to deepen cooperation in key areas such as infrastructure and people's livelihood projects. We aim to achieve complementarity of strengths and win-win results so that the results of cooperation can better benefit the people of all relevant countries. Thank you.

Pakistan City News Network:

First of all, I would like to express my heartful thanks to the MFA for this valuable opportunity to participate into this press conference. My first question is what role does cultural exchange play in building a community with shared future of mankind? The second question is what challenges are there for building such a community? Thank you so much.

Li Qun:

Thank you for your questions. You may have noticed that at the recently concluded 45th UNESCO World Heritage Committee session, China's "Cultural Landscape of Old Tea Forests of the Jingmai Mountain in Pu'er" was inscribed on the UNESCO World Heritage List. This is also the first time that an intangible cultural heritage with the theme of Chinese tea culture has been included on the UNESCO World Heritage List. Of course, this is also the latest case of China's active participation in international cultural exchanges and contribution of Chinese wisdom.

Building a global community of shared future is the core idea of Xi Jinping Thought on Diplomacy , and enhancing people-to-people exchanges is an important way to build it. People-to-people exchanges put value in caring for and respecting people, which is a vital gene in China's fine traditional culture, and highly consistent with the philosophies of other countries and nations around the world. Therefore, people-to-people exchanges, together with political mutual trust and economic and trade cooperation, constitute important pillars of China's foreign policy. However, with the world now experiencing unprecedented changes, marked by a complex and fast-changing international environment and a once-in-a-century pandemic, the deficits in peace, security and governance have all hindered and posed challenges to international people-to-people exchanges.

President Xi Jinping has attached great importance to international people-to-people exchanges. He proposed the GCI and advocated the building of a global network for inter-civilization dialogue and cooperation to promote mutual understanding and friendship among people of all countries and jointly advance the progress of human civilization. China has actively participated in people-to-people exchanges. The country has signed cooperation agreements with 157 countries in the fields of culture, cultural heritage, and tourism, and signed bilateral agreements on the prevention of illegal entry and exit of cultural relics with 25 countries. Over the past decade, China has partnered with countries worldwide to organize more than 500 exhibitions showcasing cultural relics. Chinese experts have undertaken cultural relics preservation and restoration projects in 11 sites across six countries, including the ancient city of Khiva in Uzbekistan and Angkor Wat in Cambodia. Furthermore, 44 joint archaeological endeavors have been conducted with 24 countries, resulting in the repatriation of over 1,800 lost cultural relics to China. This year, China established the Alliance for Cultural Heritage in Asia, launched the Asian Fund for Cultural Heritage Conservation, hosted global cultural events such as "Happy Chinese New Year" and "Tea for Harmony" Yaji Cultural Salon, and carried out the "Nihao China!" tourism promotion event and the Cultural Silk Road program . All these efforts have significantly enhanced international communication in the realms of culture, cultural relics, and tourism, ultimately promoting socioeconomic development.

Chinese civilization is uninterrupted, innovative, unified, inclusive, and peaceful. The Chinese government has been committed to conducting international people-to-people exchanges, making a positive contribution to promoting diverse global cultures and fostering more inclusive and sustainable global socioeconomic development. Looking ahead, the Ministry of Culture and Tourism and the National Cultural Heritage Administration will actively implement the GCI, strengthen cooperation in cultural exchanges, and take necessary steps to promote world peace, cooperation, and the inheritance and development of human wisdom and civilization. Thank you.

Sun Yeli:

Thank you, Mr. Li. Due to limited time, we will have one more question. 

Bloomberg:

The United States will be hosting the APEC leaders' summit very soon in San Francisco in November. Will Chinese President Xi Jinping be attending? What will that suggest about the role and importance of multilateral advancement and how China carries out its head-of-state diplomacy?

Wang Yi:

As a responsible country, China consistently participates in significant multilateral forums. Regarding the arrangement of the APEC Economic Leaders' Meeting, we are maintaining close contact with relevant parties and will release information at an appropriate time.

You mentioned multilateral diplomacy, which is an important approach for China to engage in global governance and advance the building of a global community of shared future. It is also an essential platform for head-of-state diplomacy. President Xi Jinping has attached great importance to multilateral diplomacy, and China is playing an increasingly significant role in global governance.

We champion and practice genuine multilateralism in global governance. To build a global community of shared future, we must oppose all forms of unilateralism, camp confrontation, and power politics, firmly uphold the authority and status of the United Nations, and remain committed to the vision of global governance characterized by extensive consultation and joint contribution for shared benefits. Global affairs must be discussed by all, and the benefits of governance must be shared by all.

APEC is the highest-level and most influential economic cooperation mechanism covering a wide range of fields in the Asia-Pacific region. The 30th APEC Economic Leaders' Meeting, scheduled for the end of this year, should serve as a platform for cooperation rather than a stage for confrontation. As the world's largest developing country and a crucial member of APEC, China is willing to meet the international community's expectations and play a pivotal role in ensuring the success of this year's APEC meeting. Together with all parties, we anticipate that the U.S., as the host country, will assume its responsibilities and showcase openness, fairness, inclusiveness and responsibility to create more favorable conditions for the meeting to run smoothly. Thank you.

Sun Yeli:

Thank you, Mr. Wang. Thanks to all the speakers and friends from the media. Today's briefing is now concluded.

Translated and edited by Wang Qian, Zhou Jing, Wang Wei, Li Huiru, Zhang Rui, Yuan Fang, Yang Xi, Zhu Bochen, He Shan, Lin Liyao, Yan Bin, Liu Jianing, David Ball, Tom Arnsten, and Jay Birbeck. In case of any discrepancy between the English and Chinese texts, the Chinese version is deemed to prevail.