It's March 8th, 2026, and the air at the Media Center, amidst the Fourth Session of the 14th National People’s Congress, is buzzing. Foreign Minister Wang Yi steps up to the podium, not just to discuss policy, but to offer a perspective on China's place in a world that feels, as he puts it, like it's undergoing "changes unseen in a century." He begins with a warm greeting, acknowledging International Women's Day, a touch that immediately humanizes the weighty subject of international relations.
Wang Yi paints a picture of a world in flux – "transformation and turbulence are intertwined, and wars and conflicts keep flaring up." Yet, against this backdrop, he asserts China's steady progress: "our national rejuvenation is unstoppable, and our country’s international influence is rising steadily." This isn't just rhetoric; it's a statement of intent, guided by the CPC Central Committee and Xi Jinping Thought on Diplomacy. The core tenets are clear: safeguarding national interests, upholding international law, opposing unilateralism and power politics, and standing "on the right side of history." He positions China as a "force for peace, for stability and for justice," ready to work towards a "community with a shared future for humanity."
The conversation naturally turns to the past year, 2025, which Wang Yi describes as "most extraordinary" for China's diplomacy. He highlights the pivotal role of head-of-state diplomacy, with President Xi Jinping charting a course through challenging international waters. This involved strategic communication with global leaders, fostering dialogue between major powers, and significant visits to regions like Southeast Asia, Russia, and Central Asia, all aimed at building "good neighborliness and friendship." Hosting key summits, such as the Shanghai Cooperation Organization Summit and the China-CELAC Forum, further solidified China's role in championing the Global South. Even commemorations of historical wars were framed as a call to "safeguard peace and justice."
The impact of this diplomacy, Wang Yi suggests, is a growing understanding and trust in China. In a world craving stability, China's approach, under President Xi's guidance, is seen as an "irreplaceable mainstay." The initiatives and propositions put forth are characterized by "exceptional strategic foresight," offering a path forward amidst global shifts.
Looking ahead to 2026, the diplomatic calendar is already packed. President Xi is set to host international guests and major events like the APEC Economic Leaders’ Meeting and the second China-Arab States Summit, alongside important overseas visits. These engagements are expected to further strengthen China's global ties and create "new space for building a community with a shared future for humanity."
When asked about countering attempts to reshape international law and global trade rules, particularly in the context of China-Russia relations, Wang Yi emphasizes the significance of their strategic partnership. The 30th anniversary of this partnership, and the 25th anniversary of a related agreement, underscore a shared commitment to a stable international order. While the full details of their strategy remain to be elaborated, the implication is a united front against disruptive forces.
