Xi's diplomacy injects certainty, stability into turbulent world

CALLING FOR SOLIDARITY

This year marks the 80th anniversary of the victory of the World Anti-Fascist War and the founding of the United Nations. In response to the provocative actions of certain nations inciting great power strategic competition, China emphasizes the roles of major countries, the Global South and the UN in global peace and development.

Xi talked with Russian President Vladimir Putin via video meeting on Jan 21 and held a phone conversation with him on Feb 24, conducting in-depth strategic communication on major international and regional issues and steering China-Russia relations at a critical moment.

Despite changes in the international situation, China-Russia relations will proceed with ease, which will help each other's development and revitalization, and inject stability and positive energy into international relations, Xi said.

To develop relations with China is a strategic choice made by Russia with a long-term perspective, rather than an expedient measure, Putin told Xi, adding that the strategy is not subject to any temporary trend or external interference.

In his phone conversation with European Council President Antonio Costa on Jan 14, Xi said there exists no clash of fundamental interests or geopolitical conflicts between China and the EU, making them partners that can contribute to each other's success.

Both the EU and China respect the principles of the UN Charter, uphold multilateralism, safeguard free trade, and oppose bloc confrontation, and they should cooperate rather than compete, Costa said, adding that in this era full of challenges, the world needs closer EU-China cooperation to tackle global challenges such as climate change, and to contribute to world peace, stability and development.

Global South is also a priority in Xi's diplomatic agenda.

On April 29, Xi visited the New Development Bank in Shanghai and met with Dilma Rousseff, president of the institution, calling the bank "a pioneering initiative for the unity and self-improvement of the Global South" and noting that the Global South countries have risen collectively into an important force in maintaining world peace, promoting common development and improving global governance.

His other interactions on the Global South include sending congratulations respectively to the 38th African Union Summit and the 9th summit of the Community of Latin American and Caribbean States (CELAC), having in-depth exchanges on regional cooperation with leader of Malaysia, and hosting leaders of Grenada, Sri Lanka, Bangladesh, Azerbaijan and Kenya.

As the rotating chair of the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO), China will host an SCO summit this autumn in the northern city of Tianjin. China will also host the fourth ministerial meeting of the China-CELAC Forum in Beijing.

Xi delivered a speech via video link at the Leaders Meeting on Climate and the Just Transition on April 23. Calling for adherence to multilateralism, Xi said that all countries should firmly safeguard the UN-centered international system and the international order underpinned by international law, and firmly safeguard international fairness and justice.

"However the world may change, China will not slow down its climate actions, will not reduce its support for international cooperation, and will not cease its efforts to build a community with a shared future for mankind," Xi said.

"In these trying times, the world yearns for steadiness, reliability and purpose. We see this in China's conduct," said Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim. "Amid this turbulence, China has been a rational, strong and reliable partner. Malaysia values this consistency," he said.