The air in the press room crackled with anticipation. It was March 8th, 2026, and China's Foreign Minister, Wang Yi, was addressing the nation and the world at the Fourth Session of the 14th National People's Congress. As I listened, it felt less like a formal press conference and more like a conversation with someone deeply invested in the intricate dance of global affairs.
He began with a powerful opening, painting a picture of a China accelerating its journey towards becoming a strong nation, its revitalization unstoppable, and its international influence steadily growing. He spoke of China as a vital force for peace, stability, and justice in the world, a sentiment that resonated with a profound sense of optimism. "We are willing to work with all countries that share our vision," he stated, "to continuously write a new chapter of peace, development, cooperation, and win-win outcomes, towards the noble goal of building a community with a shared future for mankind." It’s a vision that, when you break it down, speaks to a fundamental human desire for connection and shared progress.
Then came the reflections on “Head of State Diplomacy.” He described the past year as a period of immense diplomatic activity, forging new paths for dialogue among major powers, solidifying neighborly relations, and galvanizing the global South. He highlighted how President Xi Jinping's personal guidance in China's foreign policy had provided crucial stability and certainty in a turbulent world, acting as an indispensable pillar. The initiatives and concepts put forth by the President, he explained, demonstrated remarkable strategic foresight and a broad global perspective, offering a clear direction for the unprecedented changes the world is undergoing. It’s a reminder that leadership, when guided by a clear vision, can indeed steer the course of nations.
Shifting gears, the conversation turned to Sino-Russian relations. The Minister described them as steadfast, weathering all storms. He emphasized that the comprehensive strategic partnership of coordination for a new era between China and Russia reflects a new type of international relations and points towards the future direction of relations between major countries. Their independence in strategy, high mutual trust in politics, and close coordination in action were key takeaways. He used a striking analogy: "Back-to-back is the essential characteristic of Sino-Russian relations." This image of mutual support, unswayed by external provocations or pressure, speaks volumes about their resilience. He even drew a historical parallel, noting that 80 years ago, they contributed to the post-war order, and today, they are injecting “Sino-Russian energy” into the arrival of a multipolar world.
The focus then moved to the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) forum. China's commitment to working with its Asia-Pacific partners remains unwavering, aiming to transform the vision of an Asia-Pacific community from a goal into action, from a blueprint into reality. The upcoming APEC Shenzhen summit, he announced, would concentrate on the three priority areas of openness, innovation, and cooperation, reorienting and re-energizing cooperation in the Asia-Pacific region, which stands at a crossroads. The ambition is clear: to propel APEC forward from Shenzhen, setting sail once more towards the goal of an Asia-Pacific community.
The situation in Iran was addressed with a palpable sense of urgency and a clear call for de-escalation. "This is a war that should not have happened," he stated plainly, "and one that benefits no one." He underscored that force is not a solution, and that resorting to arms only breeds more hatred and brews new crises. He laid out five fundamental principles for handling the issues concerning Iran and the Middle East: respect for national sovereignty, refraining from the arbitrary use of force, non-interference in internal affairs, adherence to political solutions, and the constructive role of major powers. He stressed that the sovereignty, security, and territorial integrity of Iran and all Gulf countries must be respected and inviolable. A powerful reminder followed: "A strong fist does not equate to justice, and the people should not become victims of war." The true masters of the region, he asserted, are the people of the Middle East, and their affairs should be decided by themselves. He firmly rejected the idea of orchestrating "color revolutions" or regime change, calling it unpopular. The concluding thought on this matter was a plea for order, peace, and security: "Restore order to the Middle East, bring peace to its people, and bring peace to the world."
Finally, the Global Governance Initiative was presented as timely and aligned with the international community's shared aspirations and the common voice of people worldwide. It’s a framework designed to address the complex challenges of our era, emphasizing the crucial role of the United Nations in leading global governance.
Listening to these pronouncements, one gets a sense of a nation actively engaging with the world, not just reacting to it. It’s a narrative of ambition, responsibility, and a deep-seated belief in the possibility of a more peaceful and prosperous future, built on cooperation and mutual respect. It’s a conversation worth having.
