Beijing Declaration, Platform for Action milestones in global women's cause: spokesman

Beijing Declaration and Platform for Action are milestones in the development history of global women's cause, Foreign Ministry spokesman Lin Jian said at a press briefing in Beijing on Wednesday.

The 58th session of the United Nations Human Rights Council held a high-level meeting on the 30th Anniversary of the Beijing Declaration and Platform for Action on Monday. Liu Yang, China's first female astronaut in space, delivered a keynote speech at the panel discussion via video link.

"This year marks the 30th anniversary of the World Conference on Women in Beijing. On February 24, according to the resolution jointly proposed by China and relevant countries, a panel discussion themed on 'commemorating the thirtieth anniversary of the Beijing Declaration and Platform for Action adopted at the Fourth World Conference on Women' was held at the 58th session of the UN Human Rights Council in Geneva. Several female heads of UN agencies delivered remarks as panelists. Liu Yang, China's first female astronaut in space, delivered a keynote speech via video link as a representative of outstanding women in the world, sharing China's visions and achievements in the high-quality development in women's cause in the new era," said Lin.

"In her speech, Liu Yang noted that she is a beneficiary and practitioner of the spirit of Beijing Declaration, and as well as a witness of women empowerment through technology. When the engine of the Shenzhou spacecraft was ignited, she felt not only the shock of 600 tonnes of thrust, but also the power of hundreds of millions of Chinese women backing it up. The concept that 'standards know gender in the selection and training of Chinese astronauts' reflects the core logic of women's cause in China, that is to institutionalize a fair and equitable competition environment for both men and women. This is also a concrete realization of the spirit of the Beijing Declaration," said the spokesman.

"The adoption of Beijing Declaration and Platform for Action marks a milestone in the development of women's cause globally and has had a positive and profound influence on the protection and advancement of women's rights. As we mark the 30th anniversary of the adoption of the Beijing Declaration and Platform for Action, China will work with the international community to inject strong new impetus to the development of women's cause globally at this new historical starting point," said the spokesman.

Beijing Declaration, Platform for Action milestones in global women's cause: spokesman

China is willing to strengthen communication, enhance trust, eliminate interference, and deepen cooperation with Canada to bring bilateral relations forward on a steady and sound track in solid strides under the new circumstances, said Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi on Thursday.

Wang, also a member of the Political Bureau of the Communist Party of China Central Committee, met with Canadian Foreign Minister Anita Anand in Beijing on the day.

Referring to Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney's visit to China, the first by a Canadian prime minister in eight years, Wang said the trip marks a milestone in bilateral ties and signals a turning point in the relationship.

The leaders of the two countries will hold meetings and talks, which are expected to open up new prospects for bilateral relations, said Wang.

The world today is undergoing profound and complex changes, and the impact of China-Canada relations transcends the bilateral scope, Wang noted.

Wang said that China and Canada have different social systems, stemming from different historical and cultural heritage, and based on the choices of their respective people.

He urged both sides to view each other in a rational and amicable manner with an inclusive mindset, handle issues on the basis of mutual respect, focus on the agenda of cooperation, and send positive messages so as to foster optimism, inject greater confidence into the development of bilateral relations, and jointly build a new type of strategic partnership between China and Canada.

Anand said the new Canadian government attaches great importance to relations with China. She also added that Prime Minister Carney looks forward to engaging in in-depth exchanges with Chinese leaders during the visit to set the course for the development of bilateral relations, resume dialogue in various fields, pursue more mutually beneficial outcomes, enhance coordination and cooperation in multilateral affairs, and further advance the strategic partnership between the two countries.

China ready to work for steady, sound ties with Canada: FM