China is working to build a new type of international relations and a bond of a common future for humanity. The country is committed to a development path distinct from that followed by other traditional large nations, focusing on reform and opening up to development. This path emphasizes mutual benefit and win-win cooperation, a fundamental policy for China. Achieving development and progress is impossible without a peaceful international environment and a stable international system. Therefore, China adheres to the path of peaceful development, engaging in friendly cooperation based on mutual benefit and win-win principles, all grounded in the Five Principles of Peaceful Coexistence.
China’s independent and peaceful foreign policy is dedicated to peaceful development, opposing the Cold War mentality, interference in other countries’ internal affairs, and double standards. Chinese diplomacy has never sought hegemony and will never engage in foreign expansion. Remarkably, China is the only country to write its commitment to the path of peaceful development into its constitution.
The country actively participates in United Nations peacekeeping operations and international arms control and disarmament efforts, showcasing its dedication to building a world of lasting peace.
Pursuing an independent, peaceful foreign policy involves protecting national sovereignty, security, and development interests while opposing all forms of hegemony and power politics. China firmly defends the leadership of the Communist Party of China and the system of socialism with Chinese characteristics. The Chinese leadership resolutely opposes any calls for “Taiwan independence” and categorically rejects external interference in its internal affairs. Chinese diplomacy works steadily to strengthen international consensus on the China principle. Additionally, it implements the “one country, two systems” policy while advocating for the Hong Kong National Security Law.
In the new era, Chinese diplomacy has exposed American and Western lies with reality and truth, thwarting political plans aimed at using the Xinjiang region to control China. China remains committed to developing human rights while rejecting authoritarian orders from other powers and strongly opposes the politicization of human rights issues. At international forums like the United Nations, nearly 100 countries, including Egypt, have expressed support for China’s just position, opposing interference in China’s internal affairs under the pretext of human rights. Over 80 countries have also opposed the politicization of the Covid-19 pandemic.
Since the Eighteenth National Congress of the Communist Party held in November 2012, Chinese diplomacy has seen significant development amidst a turbulent global situation. China has advanced the diplomacy of “building a bond of shared future for mankind” and achieved initial successes with the Belt and Road Initiative. The concept of “major power diplomacy with Chinese characteristics” has also been comprehensively promoted, increasing China’s influence worldwide. The 19th National Congress of the Communist Party of China, held in October 2017, declared that “socialism with Chinese characteristics has entered a new era,” setting forth a governance policy and outlining a development plan for the next thirty years.
Chinese President Xi Jinping, in his report to the 19th National Congress, emphasized “peace, development, cooperation, and win-win” as essential to advancing new international relations and building a bond of a common future for humanity.
In 2023, major-country diplomacy with Chinese characteristics in the Middle East achieved fruitful results, fostering peace, reconciliation, and harmony in the region. President Xi Jinping hosted leaders from Iran, Palestine, Algeria, Mauritania, Syria, Kuwait, Egypt, and other Middle Eastern countries, consulting on cooperation and bilateral relations. Summit diplomacy has guided the deepening strategic trust between China and Middle Eastern countries, leading to the comprehensive and rapid development of relations. This reflects the new features of Chinese diplomacy in the Middle East, advancing rapprochement and opening broad horizons for these relations. The Middle East is of significant importance in Chinese foreign policy, with close strategic relations highlighted by political, economic, commercial, cultural, and technological cooperation.
China’s crisis diplomacy is a prominent component of its foreign policy, particularly towards the Middle East, where it stands as a loyal friend, providing support and assistance during crises. This positive impact extends beyond official relations to popular relations, enhancing mutual trust and cooperation. The Middle East’s geopolitical location, controlling vital shipping and commercial lanes, makes it a fundamental axis in China’s strategy to reshape the international economic system. This strategic importance drives China to include Middle Eastern countries in various groupings and mechanisms, notably the Belt and Road Initiative, BRICS, and the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO). China also supports Middle Eastern countries in global development, security, and civilization initiatives proposed by President Xi Jinping.
Eventually, China’s diplomatic approach represents a commitment to peaceful development, mutual benefit, and international cooperation. By building new international relations and fostering a shared future for humanity, China is reshaping global diplomacy and strengthening ties with countries worldwide, particularly in the Middle East. This approach reflects China’s vision of a harmonious global community grounded in peace, development, and shared prosperity.
Dr. Zukun Lyu is a research scholar in the Department of Political Science at the University of Siena. She has been to national and international conferences and written 21 research articles that have been published in international journals.