How is China promoting global peace and development through major country diplomacy?

At the G20 Summit in Brazil, Chinese President Xi Jinping reaffirmed China's commitment to global development, declaring that China is ready to collaborate with all parties to build a just world of shared prosperity. He noted that humanity is navigating an era of rapid transformation on an unprecedented scale, presenting both significant opportunities and formidable challenges.

During his meeting with Brazilian President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva, Xi emphasized the importance of stronger voices advocating peace to resolve global hotspot issues. He highlighted the persistent conflicts and insecurity in various regions, stressing that universal stability can only be achieved through principles of common, comprehensive, cooperative, and sustainable security.

In 2014, at the Central Conference on Work Relating to Foreign Affairs, Xi proposed pursuing major country diplomacy with Chinese characteristics. Under this vision, China has steadily increased its global influence and strengthened its appeal, particularly among developing nations, according to Foreign Minister Wang Yi. Speaking after Xi's recent participation at the 31st APEC meeting and the G20 Summit, Wang credited this diplomatic framework for fostering deeper recognition of China's path on the international stage.

Last year at the 2023 Central Conference on Work Relating to Foreign Affairs, it was noted that despite navigating turbulent global challenges, China has expanded its strategic autonomy and initiative in diplomacy. The Chinese Foreign Ministry hailed the country's evolution into a responsible global power with great influence, leadership, and moral authority.

China's role in the fight against poverty

At the G20 summit, President Xi announced joining the Global Alliance Against Hunger and Poverty and called for building a just world of common development.

The Global Alliance against Hunger and Poverty was officially launched at the summit by Brazilian President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva. Hunger is the biological expression of social ills, said Lula at the summit. "It is the product of political decisions that perpetuate the exclusion of a large part of humanity."

According to the UN's State of Food Security and Nutrition in the World report, 733 million people faced hunger in 2023.

Always concerned about impoverished regions and families in straitened circumstances, Xi has directed the country's battle against poverty in person. Under his leadership, China launched a monumental anti-poverty campaign on a scale unseen anywhere in the world.

Global observers have noted China's significant role in alleviating poverty and advancing development across the Global South.

At Session I of the 19th G20 Summit on Fight Against Hunger and Poverty, Xi outlined China's eight actions for global development. 

With the eight initiatives, China demonstrates its responsibility for the international community, for common destiny, and for the fate of developing countries, which have a relevant role in global dynamics, said Eduardo Relagado, researcher at the International Policy Research Center of Cuba, following Xi's speech at the G20 summit.

China always 'promotes peace through talks'

On March 2, 2024, Li Hui, China's Special Representative for Eurasian Affairs, arrived in Moscow, initiating the second round of shuttle diplomacy to facilitate a political resolution to the Ukraine crisis. His itinerary, which included visits to the European Union headquarters, Poland, Ukraine, Germany, and France, reflected "China's efforts to build international consensus and contribute its wisdom to resolving the crisis," according to China's Foreign Ministry.

Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Mao Ning emphasized that over the past two years, China has engaged in deep communication with all parties, including Russia and Ukraine, to play a constructive role in de-escalating tensions. "China has not stood idly by, escalated tensions, or sought to profit from the crisis. Instead, it has actively mediated through diplomatic means, underlining its commitment to peace," Mao said.

Marking the one-year anniversary of the Ukraine crisis escalation, China released its position paper, China's Position on the Political Settlement of the Ukraine Crisis, which outlined 12 key points. These included respect for sovereignty, rejection of Cold War mentalities, a call for ceasefire and dialogue, resolution of humanitarian crises, and protection of civilians and prisoners of war. The document also highlighted the importance of safeguarding nuclear safety, reducing strategic risks, stabilizing global supply chains, and advancing post-conflict reconstruction.

China's constructive engagement in such issues is not limited to the Ukraine crisis. During a meeting in April with Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov in Beijing, Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi reiterated China's commitment to peace. 

On the Ukraine issue, he called for an immediate ceasefire and supported the convening of an international conference with equal participation of all parties to discuss peace plans fairly. Similarly, regarding the Palestinian-Israeli conflict, Wang underscored that UN Security Council resolutions are binding and should be effectively implemented to achieve an immediate, unconditional, and lasting ceasefire.

Constructive engagement in settling international hotspot issues is a due responsibility for China as a permanent member of the UN Security Council, Wang said during this year's two-session conference.

"On hotspot issues, China always promotes talks for peace and never adds fuel to the fire," he added. 

(With input from Xinhua)