Chinese FM hails President Xi's leadership in diplomacy

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Chinese President Xi Jinping is the chief architect of China's major-country diplomacy, Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi said on Thursday, highlighting Xi's "leadership and charisma" that have boosted the country's diplomatic drive.

Wang made the remarks at a press conference in Beijing on the sidelines of the first session of the 13th National People's Congress (NPC), answering questions on China's foreign policy and external relations.

"President Xi's leadership and charisma have earned him and his country many good friends, among foreign leaders who represent a diverse range of cultures and social systems," he said.

Xi has been personally involved in planning and conducting "brilliant" head-of-state diplomacy, Wang noted, adding that the Chinese president has visited 57 countries and received more than 110 foreign heads of state over the past five years.

During the press conference that lasted more than two hours, Wang answered a total of 22 questions.

China to host four major events in 2018

This year China will host four major international events, Wang noted.

First, the Boao Forum for Asia annual conference will take place in south China's Hainan Province in April, and focus on reform and opening-up.

Second, the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) Summit will take place in Qingdao in east China's Shandong Province in June, and focus on revitalizing the Shanghai Spirit.

Third, the Forum on China-Africa Cooperation (FOCAC) Summit will take place in Beijing next September, and focus on the Belt and Road Initiative.

Fourth, the First China International Import Expo will take place in Shanghai in November, and focus on further market opening.

In response to a question on China-Africa relations asked by a CGTN reporter, Wang said the FOCAC Summit will give "wings" to cooperation between the two sides.

"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 and take a front seat," he noted.

'China has no need or intention to replace US'

China is on a long march to modernization and it has no need or intention to replace the United States' international role, the Chinese foreign minister said.

"Some Americans allege that China will replace America's role in the world. This conclusion is fundamentally wrong," Wang told reporters.

November 8, 2017: Chinese President Xi Jinping (R2) and his wife Peng Liyuan (R1) welcome US President Donald Trump (L2) and his wife Melania Trump at the Palace Museum in Beijing. /Xinhua Photo

On trade frictions between the two countries, he said that trade war is never the right solution, as it will harm both the initiator as well as the target country in a globalized world.

"In the event of a trade war, China will make a justified and necessary response," Wang said. "We hope China and the US will have a calm and constructive dialogue as equals, and find a win-win solution."

He stressed that ties between the two countries are defined more by partnership, not rivalry.

Chinese proposal 'right prescription' for DPRK crisis

Commenting on the recent ease of tensions on the Korean Peninsula, Wang described it as a proof that China's "suspension-for-suspension" proposal has worked.

China has been urging the Democratic People's Republic of Korea (DPRK) to halt its nuclear and missile activities in exchange for the suspension of large-scale US-ROK military exercises.

"China's suspension-for-suspension proposal has proven to be a right prescription for the problem," he stressed. "It has created the basic conditions needed for improving inter-Korea relations."

He urged all relevant parties to "demonstrate their seriousness about resolving the issue" and bring the situation back to the track of peaceful dialogue.

DPRK leader Kim Jong Un (R) shakes hands with ROK Chief Envoy Chung Eui-yong in Pyongyang, March 5, 2018. /VCG Photo

China's 'peaceful, justifiable and constructive' global approach

As a permanent member of the United Nations Security Council, China takes responsibility in maintaining world peace, Wang said, adding that the country is now better positioned to help settle global and regional disputes.

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

China rejects the use of force and the imposition of one's will on others, and calls on handling disputes in a fair way through dialogue, according to Wang.

November 19, 2017: Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi (L) meets with Myanmar's State Counselor Aung San Suu Kyi in Nay Pyi Taw, Myanmar. China has proposed a three-phase approach to solving the Rohingya refugee crisis involving Myanmar and Bangladesh. /Xinhua Photo

The Chinese foreign minister also responded to questions about the country's Belt and Road Initiative and its ties with Japan, Russia, India, the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN), Europe and Latin America.

(Top photo: Chinese President Xi Jinping attends the APEC CEO Summit in Bali, Indonesia, October 7, 2013. /Xinhua Photo)

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