Today at the Two Sessions: FM speaks on diplomacy priorities, CPPCC members talk about economic growth

World
Europe

We continue with our daily recap of the most important developments at the Two Sessions.

Today, a pair of press conferences on the sidelines of the National People's Congress -- one on "China's foreign policy", the other dealing with the drive for "high-quality" economic growth.

Foreign Minister Wang Yi laid out China's foreign policy priorities in 2018 at a morning press conference. Wang Yi said President Xi Jinping's personal diplomacy has enhanced China's image as a major-country entering a new era.

WANG YI CHINESE FOREIGN MINISTER "President Xi has visited 57 countries in different parts of the world and received more than 110 foreign heads of state. President Xi's leadership and charisma have earned him and the country many good friends, among foreign leaders."

Wang Yi said that in 2018, China will host four major diplomatic events: the annual conference of the Bo'ao Forum for Asia, a summit of the Shanghai Cooperation Organization, a summit of the Forum on China-Africa Cooperation and the first China International Import Expo in Shanghai.

Some of Wang's remarks on other major diplomatic issues:

WANG YI CHINESE FOREIGN MINISTER "Despite elements of competition, China-US ties are defined more by partnership not rivalry.

A trade war is not the right solution. In a globalized world, it harms the initiator as well as the target country.

China's suspension-for-suspension proposal has proven to be a correct prescription for the problem.

Here comes another moment of truth for the parties to demonstrate their seriousness about resolving the issue.

The sky is the limit for China-Russia cooperation. There is always room to make the relationship even better.

As China grows, the 'China collapse' theory has fallen apart and become an international laughing stock.

Everything is in the open. No country is dominating the process.

China has strong resolve and deep commitment to peace and stability in the South China Sea.

The FOCAC Summit will give wings to China-Africa cooperation and help it soar to great heights.

Stoking a new Cold War is out of sync with the times. Inciting bloc confrontation will find no market.

The Chinese 'dragon' and Indian 'elephant' must not fight but dance with each other.

If Japan does not prevaricate, flip-flop or backpedal and instead accepts and welcomes China's development, China is willing to work with Japan to restore their relationship to one of healthy and steady growth.

China-Latin America cooperation does not target or replace anyone. China will not move anyone's 'cheese'."

In the afternoon, members of the CPPCC held a press conference, highlighting the drive for "high-quality" economic growth.

YANG WEIMIN, DEPUTY DIRECTOR CENTRAL LEADING GROUP ON FINANCIAL AND ECONOMIC AFFAIRS "We don't need to be fuzzy about the ups and downs of economic growth."

"It is a long term effort to pursue high-quality development of the economy."

HU XIAOLIAN, CHAIRMAN EXPORT-IMPORT BANK OF CHINA "It is necessary to make full use of the Belt and Road Initiative in outbound cooperation."

CHEN XIAOHUA FORMER VICE MINISTER OF AGRICULTURE "For rural revitalization, we need policies to attract more migrant workers back to their home towns."

QIAN YINGYI DEAN, SCHOOL OF ECONOMICS AND MANAGEMENT TSINGHUA UNIVERSITY "We can be proud of China's economic achievements, while cautious about risks."

"We must continue with the policy of the reform and opening-up to ensure economic growth."

NING GAONING CHAIRMAN, SINOCHEM GROUP "There is a focus on upgrading Chinese manufacturing. Quality also needs to be improved."