Editor’s Note: The 20th National Congress of the Communist Party of China (CPC) held a press conference on China's diplomatic policy on Thursday. Ma Zhaoxu, member of the CPC Central Committee of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Vice Minister, reiterated that China has always been committed to the goals of upholding world peace and promoting common development and China stands firmly against all forms of hegemonism and power politics. CGTN anchor Xu Qinduo points out this policy has been in place for decades. He believes domestic issues are the priority of the Chinese government. It aims to become a better self than it was yesterday, not competing with, or out-competing, any other country.

As CPC delegates gather in Beijing to discuss the future of the nation, many people are asking: what will be China's foreign policy for the next five years?

For those who've seen the just-concluded press conference on China's diplomacy, you may already know the answer.

But for those who didn't, here is what I want to share.

To put it simply, China has a set of consistent principles it follows when engaging with other countries.

For example, Xi Jinping pointed out in his report that China never seeks hegemony or engages in expansionism.

It's not the first time China has made such a commitment. In fact, this policy has been in place for decades.

If you think it's just rhetoric, remember: words matter in international relations. And what other countries have also publicly committed themselves to no “expansionism or hegemony?” 

You probably can't think of many.

Xi has said China opposes hegemony in all forms, opposes power politics, opposes a Cold War mentality, opposes interference in other countries' internal affairs, and opposes double standards. In fact, most countries today are against such practices.

But there is one who clearly isn't.

In the world, which country is pushing for a new Cold War that will force countries to choose sides and create a lose-lose situation for everyone?

The relationship between Beijing and Washington is one of the most important in the world, and China stresses the two countries must get along.

On this, let's listen to what Ma Zhaoxu, Vice Minister of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs said during the press conference on the principles of China's diplomacy：

“China has always been committed to its foreign policy goals of upholding world peace and promoting common development, and it is dedicated to building a humankind community with a shared future.”

For those who follow Chinese affairs, they understand well that domestic issues are the priority of the Chinese government, such as the well-being of the 1.4 billion Chinese people, along with the peace, security, and development of the nation.

China aims to become a better self than it was yesterday. It shows little interest in competing with, or out-competing, any other country. If it does, it is simply a byproduct of its own development.