Beijing is gathering momentum for its diplomatic approach, as the nation will celebrate its 70th anniversary since the founding of the People's Republic of China in 1949. The world is also observing how the world's second largest economic power defines its role, as we are navigating the once-in-a-century changes on a planet full of unprecedented uncertainties for humanity.

Under this circumstance, Chinese State Councilor and Foreign Minister Wang Yi held a press conference on the sidelines of the second session of the 13th National People's Congress. Chinese and foreign scholars gave their opinions on how China elaborated its foreign policy championing peace, development, cooperation and multilateralism, providing certainty to a world full of uncertainties.

He Wenping, a senior research fellow from the Chinese Academy of Social Sciences, said China is a firm advocate of globalization. She echoes Wang Yi's remarks of promoting inclusive and high-quality cooperation through the Belt and Road Initiative.

She also said a "China First" policy would be a nice slogan, like U.S. President Donald Trump's "America First" policy, but China doesn't want to go that way and get isolated. "China still needs to take the responsibility to bring China's experience for development to other countries."

Einar Tangen, an American author and columnist, agrees with He Wenping's comment on China's global leadership, saying the U.S. has withdrawn on many fronts, "this has put China in a position where it's been pulled into this leadership vacuum." But at the same time, he also warned China about the risks it might face in the leadership role.

Meanwhile, China's control against possible ethnic unrest, separatism and terrorism in Xinjiang has raised some controversy overseas. Hua Liming, China's former Ambassador to Iran and the Netherlands, touched upon the controversy, saying the crackdown has been quite effective.

"China has provided the world with experience in fighting against terrorism, the Chinese government has created a new style to fight against terrorism… Saudi Arabia and most Middle East countries would agree with Chinese policy in Xinjiang."

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