We start in Beijing, where Chinese officials gathered on Tuesday for the 2018 Symposium on International Development and China's Diplomacy. They welcomed diplomatic progress made this year, but said the momentum must carry on into 2019. CGTN's Su Yuting reports.

Six key steps China took in its 2018 diplomacy journey were outlined by State Councilor and Foreign Minister Wang Yi on Tuesday.

He said they were expanding the nation's opening-up process, strengthening cooperation, maintaining steady progress, playing a leading role, taking responsibility, and safeguarding national interests.

And the 40th anniversary of China's Reform and Opening Up coincides with the same anniversary of diplomatic relations between China and the US. Wang says while bilateral ties have endured ups and downs, it shows that cooperation is beneficial to both sides, and confrontation is not.

WANG YI STATE COUNCILOR AND FOREIGN MINISTER "If China and the US cooperate, it will benefit both countries and the world. If China and the US confront one another, there will be no winner and the whole world will suffer. The US should get rid of zero-sum game thinking, take a more positive view of China's development, and expand the space and prospects for mutual benefit. It's not necessary to create new opponents artificially, and also avoid the realization of self-prophecy."

Wang also said that the safety and security of every Chinese citizen overseas is a top concern.

WANG YI STATE COUNCILOR AND FOREIGN MINISTER "For any bullying behavior that infringes on the legitimate rights and interests of Chinese citizens, China will never sit by idly. We'll do our best to safeguard the legitimate rights of Chinese citizens and the justice of the world."

Experts and former ambassadors said against the backdrop of protectionism and unilateralism, China supports globalization and aims to safeguard multilateralism.

HUANG PING, DIRECTOR OF INSTITUTE OF EUROPEAN STUDIES CHINESE ACADEMY OF SOCIAL SCIENCES "China is one of the emerging yet still developing economies. We want not only to enjoy ourselves with such achievements, but share these benefits with others."

SU GE, CHAIRMAN CHINA NATIONAL COMMITTEE FOR PACIFIC ECONOMIC COOPERATION "China, as minister Wang has indicated very clearly, is going to continue to open to the outside world, this is a set direction."

SU YUTING BEIJING "2019 marks the 70th anniversary of the founding of the People's Republic of China. And the nation will soon host the Second Belt and Road Forum for International Cooperation. State Councilor and Foreign Minister Wang Yi said China is willing to cooperate with other countries around the world to maintain regional and global peace and stability, adding that the major power diplomacy with Chinese characteristics will start a new historical journey. Su Yuting, CGTN, Beijing."