Quotes from Chinese FM's briefing on foreign policy

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Foreign Minister Wang Yi talked about China's foreign policy at a press conference on the sidelines of the first session of the 13th National People's Congress in Beijing on Thursday. Here's an extraction of his remarks.

Click to watch the live rebroadcast of Wang's meeting with the press.

On the Korean Peninsula:

"China's suspension-for-suspension proposal has proven to be a right prescription for the problem in creating the basic conditions needed for improving inter-Korea relations."

"There is light at the end of the tunnel, but it cannot be all smooth sailing ahead of us."

"Here comes another moment of truth for the parties to demonstrate their seriousness about resolving the issue. Peace is something we need to strive for. We must not let the opportunity slip by."

"Let us work together to bring the situation on the Peninsula to peace, and the nuclear issue back to the track of dialogue."

On China-US relations:

"Despite element of competition, China-US ties are defined more by partnership, not rivalry."

"The more China develops, the more it can contribute to the world."

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

On China-Russia relations:

"We believe the Russian people will again make a right choice."

"China-Russia comprehensive strategic partnership of coordination is as stable as Mount Tai."

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

On the Pacific and the Indian Ocean:

"There's never a shortage of headline-grabbing ideas. They're like sea foam in the Pacific or Indian Ocean. They may get some attention but will be short-lived."

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

On China-Africa relations:

"Changes in the world will not break China-Africa friendship or China's promise of sincerity, real results, friendship and good faith to Africa."

"As we work together for a community of shared future for mankind, African brothers and sisters are welcome to get on board China's fast train of development."

"The Forum on China–Africa Cooperation Summit will give wings to China-Africa cooperation and help it soar to greater heights."

On China-ASEAN code of conduct talks:

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

"China follows a responsible approach to the South China Sea issue, taking into account interests of Chinese people, historical facts, regional peace and the international rule of law. China's position is firm and consistent."

On China's participation in regional flashpoints:

"In helping to settle regional flashpoints, China has its do's and don'ts. The Chinese approach is peaceful, justifiable and constructive."

On the "China threat theory":

"As China grows, the 'China collapse theory' has collapsed and become an international laughing stock. Meanwhile, the 'China threat theory' with its various sensational versions is losing market."

"It's time the 'China threat theory' was laid to rest."

On the Belt and Road Initiative (BRI):

"The Belt and Road Initiative is a transparent initiative from China. It follows the 'golden rule' of extensive consultation, joint contribution and shared benefits."

"Everything is in the open. No country is dominating the process; every party has an equal say. There's no backroom deal; every step is transparent. There's no 'winner takes all'; every project delivers win-win results."

"Over 140 countries participated in the Belt and Road Forum for International Cooperation last May. The turnout is a clear vote of confidence from the international community."

"The BRI is a global public good that follows international rules. It is an international cooperation platform that follows market principles."

"China sincerely asks for ideas from all parties to make the BRI a success. We will work on both hardware connectivity of infrastructure and software connectivity of policy, regulation and standard. We hope it will be high-standard as well as results-oriented, high-quality as well as economically viable, beneficial to the world as well as to China."

On Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MFA)'s service to domestic development:

"In the new era, the MFA aims to be a pacesetter of China's international engagement and a solid contributor to domestic development."

On China-Japan relations:

"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 the relationship to health and steady growth."

"Never forget why you started, and you can accomplish your mission. At this important juncture, we ask Japan to have political credibility and act accordingly to cement the political foundation of its relations with China and give effect to the political understanding that 'China and Japan see each other as partners, not threats'."

On China-India relations:

"The Chinese 'dragon' and the Indian 'elephant' must not fight but dance with each other. One plus one will equal not only two, but also eleven."

"Mutual trust is the most precious commodity in China-India relations. With political trust, not even the Himalayas can stop us from friendly exchanges; without it, not even level land can bring us together."

"China and India need to be free from mental inhibitions and meet each other halfway. The two countries must replace suspicion with trust, manage differences through dialogue and build a future through cooperation."

On Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) Summit in Qingdao

"SCO, welcome to China again. Qingdao will be a new springboard."

On China-Latin America relations:

"China and Latin America are helping and supporting each other as fellow developing countries. China-LAC cooperation does not target or replace anyone. China will not move anyone's 'cheese'."