China is reaffirming its commitment to global influence and diplomatic engagement as it outlines its foreign policy priorities for the upcoming year. During an annual seminar held in Beijing on December 18, 2024, senior Chinese diplomat Wang Yi emphasized the nation’s role as a stabilizer amid increasing global uncertainties.
Wang Yi stated, "China's stability and its policy consistency are of the greatest certainty for the world," highlighting the nation's approach to dealing with through international discourse and diplomacy. The seminar focused on the overarching theme of peace, development, and cooperation, stressing China's intent to hold high the banner of multilateral dialogue.
Among the significant events on China’s diplomatic agenda for the upcoming year are the Summit of the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO), which China will host as it holds the presidency, and the upcoming Asian Winter Games, both of which are anticipated to showcase China's growing international presence.
Wang noted the importance of commemorative events scheduled for 2025, including the 80th anniversaries of both the founding of the United Nations and the victory of the Chinese People's War of Resistance Against Japanese Aggression. He remarked, “We will solemnly commemorate the 80th anniversary of the victory,” emphasizing the continuation of historical perspectives within today’s global diplomacy.
The Chinese government is actively working to bolster its relationships with Global South nations, seeking to strengthen cooperation through initiatives like the Global Development Initiative. Currently, 82 countries have joined this initiative, signaling substantial international interest and support for China's leadership in development issues.
China's support for the unity and self-reliance of developing nations highlights its commitment to fostering greater equitable relationships across multiple regions, including Africa, Latin America, and the Caribbean, as well as strengthening ties with Middle Eastern nations through infrastructure development and military assistance.
Wang Yi stressed the importance of maintaining stability amid geopolitical chaos: "Mitigatin conflicts is still the top priority for hotspot issues, and development is key to this end," he declared. This remarks reflect China's strategic stance on managing global crises, including conflict areas such as the Ukraine crisis, the Palestinian-Israeli conflict, and the situation on the Korean Peninsula.
He went on to declare, “China will continue playing a constructive role” on these issues, advocating for collaborative security frameworks and dialogue among the involved parties. This approach reinforces China's assertion of multilateralism as fundamental to resolving conflicts and building lasting peace.
The global interplay of power dynamics necessitates such diplomatic efforts, especially as historical tensions continue to cascade through international relations. Wang Wen, dean of the Chongyang Institute for Financial Studies at Renmin University of China, supports this stance by stating, "China is not a destroyer of the world order and it seeks to reform the world order,” reiteratively highlighting China's commitment to global stability.
Wang Yi's address not only articulated China’s current and upcoming diplomatic objectives but also set the tone for the country's foreign relations strategy moving forward, focusing on inclusive growth and development for all nations. He emphasized China's role in maintaining peace and stability in tumultuous times, indicating, “We will work with our friends from around the world to build bridges of amity and bonds of affinity.”
Such sentiments are indicative of China's strategic vision, aligning with its broader goal to constructively engage with multiple nations and address the collective concerns of the Global South. By advancing its Belt and Road Initiative and offering extensive development cooperation packages, China aspires to redefine its influence abroad.
The strategic engagement with the Global South exemplifies China's forward-thinking diplomacy, where nations recognize and increase their assertiveness to secure their national interests. The world is watching as China claims its position on the global stage, potentially altering traditional power balances.
Looking to the future, China's diplomatic endeavors aim at fostering long-term partnerships grounded on respect and mutual interest. Wang Yi encapsulated these ambitions succinctly, reinforcing China's dedication to what he describes as “a new type of international relations featuring mutual respect, fairness and justice, and win-win cooperation.”
This multilateral approach, especially with the increasing winds of discontent against the Western-dominated international order, hints at how China is moving beyond traditional alliances to shape partnerships based on regional contexts and specific needs.
With growing support for its strategic initiatives, China is poised to influence the outcomes of major global issues, offering itself as both mediator and partner, all the time refining its enrollment with countries investing wealth against the backdrop of shifting global alignments.
