Author's note: Since the 19th CPC National Congress in 2017, Xi's political theory is known as "Xi Jinping Thought on Socialism with Chinese Characteristics for a New Era," a long phrase with each word carrying weight of meaning. Since then, "Xi Jinping Thought on…" has been expanded and applied to the economy, rule of law, ecology, strengthening the military, and diplomacy. In these five commentaries, I address each of these areas, seek to discern its distinguishing characteristics. This background will enable a close reading of the political proclamations at the upcoming CPC National Congress. The fifth commentary features Xi Jinping Thought on Diplomacy . 

Why is Xi Jinping Thought on Diplomacy a central part of Xi Jinping's political philosophy? Here's the vision. During this time of international flux and turbulence, China is approaching the center of the world stage, and it is this unprecedented, historic transformation that requires a solid theoretical basis for China's diplomacy in order to develop deep insights into global affairs, original diplomatic strategies, and major ideas and proposals.

A primary principle is Party leadership. As President Xi said, "Diplomacy is the concentrated expression of the national will, and we must insist that the power of diplomacy rests with the Party Central Committee."

Here I summarize Xi Jinping Thought on Diplomacy, a systematic framework, as I see it, of goals, principles and strategies.

Diplomacy goals:

* To build an international community with a shared future for mankind, linking the happiness and interests of all humanity with the happiness and interests of the Chinese people for win-win mutual benefit.

* To provide action guidelines for fulfilling China's major country responsibilities and international obligations, improving the appeal and influence of Chinese ideas and Chinese solutions.

* To offer Chinese-style modernization as a resource for developing countries.

Diplomacy principles:

* Party leadership is the most distinctive feature of China's diplomacy. 

* Safeguard the dignity of the country and the security of the system.

* Strengthen top-level design, strategic planning, scientific thinking, historical thinking, innovative thinking; insist on hard work.

* Use dialectical materialism and historical materialism to assess correct views of history and development of human society. 

* Combine the Chinese dream with the world's dream, China's development with the world's development. 

* Contribute Chinese wisdom and Chinese strength to reform the global governance system; oppose unilateralism and promote multilateralism.

* Reject "superiority of civilizations" and "clash of civilizations"; promote equality, mutual learning, dialogue, and tolerance. 

* Reject traditional international relations, which cannot cope with today's problems and challenges; a strong country need not seek hegemony; a new type of international relations fosters mutual respect, fairness, justice, win-win, cooperation not confrontation, stability not conflict; transcend historical limitations of "universal values."

*Oppose cold war mentality, hegemonism, power politics and protectionism; oppose interference in the internal affairs of other countries under whatever pretexts; oppose politicizing and weaponizing economic, scientific, and technological issues.

* Resist arrogant preaching; learn from all beneficial achievements of human civilization; advocate mutual tolerance of different social systems and development paths. 

* Advocate extensive consultation, joint contribution and shared benefits; abandon outdated logic of "zero-sum games."

* On Taiwan, Hong Kong, Xinjiang, Tibet, and maritime affairs, defend China's core interests; thwart any attempt to undermine China's territorial sovereignty and interfere in China's internal affairs. 

Diplomacy strategies: 

* Offer big ideas: Belt and Road Initiative; Global Development Initiative; Global Security Initiative.

* Support multinational organizations — the UN, BRICS, Shanghai Cooperation Organization.

* Establish new international cooperation mechanisms, such as the Asian Infrastructure Investment Bank and the BRICS New Development Bank. 

* Establish partnerships with more than 110 countries and regional organizations, forming a "circle of friends" all over the world.

* Deepen bilateral relations with each great power and with major   regional groups.

* Promote key forums to explain China's diplomacy; for example,      Davos World Economic Forum and Boao Forum for Asia.

* Coordinate with other countries to address non-traditional security challenges such as terrorism and cyber security.

* Participate in UN peacekeeping operations.

* Encourage Chinese diplomats to assert confidence and display an energetic spirit, showing self-confidence.

* Leverage various platforms, from diplomatic organizations to research institutions, to create an accurate discourse narrative about China's diplomacy.

President Xi summarizes his diplomatic thought under Party leadership: "The CPC is a party that seeks happiness for the Chinese people, and it is also a party that strives for the cause of human progress. The CPC always regards making new and greater contributions to mankind as its mission."

I'm Robert Lawrence Kuhn.

Script: Robert Lawrence Kuhn

Editors: Yang Yutong, Qi Haiming

Producer: Wang Ying

Supervisors: Ge Jing, Adam Zhu

(If you want to contribute and have specific expertise, please contact us at opinions@cgtn.com.)

Read more:

Xi Jinping Thought on Strengthening the Military

Xi Jinping Thought on the Economy

Xi Jinping Thought on the Rule of Law

Xi Jinping Thought on Ecological Civilization