China consolidates its position on the world stage

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Over the past five years, China has striven to make itself a major maritime power and consolidate its position on the world stage.

The country has showcased its determination in protecting its sovereignty, ensuring peace and stability in the region, and cooperating internationally to combat corruption.

Defending South China Sea sovereignty

In January 2013, in response to the start of the so-called "Arbitration on the South China Sea," China demonstrated its resolve to maintain its sovereignty and territorial integrity. "The South China Sea islands have been China's territory since ancient times," President Xi Jinping said.

Chinese soldiers on patrol on a breakwater on the Yongshu Jiao in the South China Sea on January 6, 2016‍. /Xinhua

"It is the duty of the Chinese government to uphold China's territorial sovereignty and legitimate maritime rights and interests."

With the support of international law and public opinion, China has defended its sovereignty over the South China Sea through maritime patrols and diplomacy.

History is littered with examples of territorial disputes that have escalated into international conflicts.

Today, China is opening up a new path, where disputes can be turned into opportunities for cooperation.

The South China Sea issue, in China's opinion, can be resolved peacefully through dialogue and cooperation.

Chinese President Xi Jinping addresses the opening ceremony of the fifth foreign ministers' meeting of the Conference on Interaction and Confidence Building Measures in Asia (CICA) in Beijing on April 28, 2016. /Xinhua Photo

“China is willing to work with the ASEAN countries to make the South China Sea a sea of peace, friendship and cooperation,” Xi said at the fifth foreign ministers' meeting of the Conference on Interaction and Confidence Building Measures in Asia (CICA) in Beijing.

On September 11, 2012, the Japanese government claimed to have "purchased" the Diaoyu and affiliated islands. Confronted with this grave violation of its territorial sovereignty, China responded immediately and resolutely.

An aerial view of Diaoyu Island. /Photo from China.org.cn

Xi said at the 95th CPC Founding Anniversary on July 1, 2016: "Other countries should not expect us to trade away our core interests nor should they expect us to swallow the bitter fruit of damage to our sovereignty, security and development interests."

'Double suspension' on Korean Peninsula crisis

Time and again, storm clouds have gathered over the Korean Peninsula, the place known as the last outpost of the Cold War.

"As a close neighbor, we will never allow war or chaos on the Korean Peninsula, as this serves nobody’s interests," Xi said at the fifth Meeting of CICA Foreign Ministers.

Against the backdrop of the most recent tensions on the Korean Peninsula, China has made relentless efforts to promote regional peace and stability through contact and coordination, including proposing the "double suspension."

"China calls on the DPRK to suspend its nuclear and missile activities and the US and ROK to suspend large-scale joint military exercises," said Zhang Yesui, Chinese executive vice foreign minister,

Over the past five years, China has been more focused on protecting its overseas interests. China is now an active participant in international humanitarian and peace-keeping activities. In regions where the security situation is deteriorating, they are facing unprecedented risks and challenges – as are the country's law enforcement officials who operate overseas.

Anti-corruption operations

No one can escape justice. In the fight against corruption, significant results are being achieved in repatriating fugitives and recovering their illegally-held assets.

Yang Xiuzhu, a former Interpol “Red Notice" fugitive, said: "Despite being the No. 1 fugitive on the list, I've been treated with dignity and respect by our motherland. I hope others find the courage to return."

Yang Xiuzhu (C) is escorted off a flight at Beijing Capital International Airport on November 16, 2016. /Xinhua Photo

Through its global anti-corruption operations, China is safeguarding its interests, and those of its people.

In its international relations, under the leadership of President Xi Jinping, the country is demonstrating strength and courage in dealing with regional and global issues and in protecting its national sovereignty, security and development.

Previous episodes:

Episode I: Chinese Dream powers approach to major-country diplomacy

Episode II: Can China and US avoid Thucydides Trap?

Episode III: What is China doing to raise its global influence?