Global South key driving force in promoting multipolar world: Chinese FM

The Global South has become a key driving force in promoting a multipolar world, Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi said Sunday.

Wang made the remarks at a press conference on China's foreign policy on the sidelines of the fourth session of the 14th National People's Congress (NPC), China's top legislature.

"The collective rise of the Global South is the distinct hallmark of the great transformation unfolding in the world. Over the past 40 years, its share of global economy has grown from 24 percent to over 40 percent. It has become a key driver of multipolarity in the world," the minister said.

Right now, hegemonism and power politics are asserting themselves and dealing a heavy blow to the international order. The Global South countries should increase communication and coordination, jointly defend their legitimate rights and interests, and work together to expand the space for independent development, said Wang. Wang pointed out that the Global South is an emerging, positive force for good on the international stage. In a changing and more turbulent world, we should forge greater confidence and unity, pull together and jointly champion peace, development, cooperation and win-win outcomes. We should make good use of important platforms, such as the BRICS, the Shanghai Cooperation Organization and the Group of 77 and China, to speak up for peace and empower development, he said.

"Multilateralism is vital for Global South countries. We should encourage the international community to practice true multilateralism, and uphold the UN-centered international system and the law-based international order. We must always ensure that world affairs are discussed and handled by all nations, and international rules formulated by all countries. The Global South needs an open and cooperative international environment for development. We should advocate a universally beneficial and inclusive economic globalization, foster an open world economy, firmly uphold the multilateral trading system, and promote openness to share opportunities and achieve win-win outcomes," the minister said.

"China's heart is with the Global South, and China's root is in the Global South. We are ready to join hands with other Global South countries to journey on toward modernization and advance the building of a community with a shared future for humanity," Wang said.

The fourth session of the 14th NPC opened on Thursday and is scheduled to run till March 12.

Global South key driving force in promoting multipolar world: Chinese FM

Global South key driving force in promoting multipolar world: Chinese FM

Peace, cooperation and friendship should be the new narrative of the South China Sea, Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi said on Sunday.

Wang made the statement at a press conference in Beijing on the sidelines of the ongoing fourth session of the 14th National People's Congress (NPC), China's supreme organ of state power.

"The South China Sea is home to the world's busiest, safest and freest shipping lanes. Over the past year, cooperation in the South China Sea has maintained a sound momentum. China had in-depth discussions with Indonesia on joint maritime development. China held bilateral dialogue with Malaysia on maritime issues and carried out cooperation with Vietnam on sustainable fisheries development. Just recently, China Coast Guard successfully rescued over a dozen Filipino crewmen distressed at the South China Sea. All these are ample proof that peace, cooperation and friendship should be the new narrative of the South China Sea. Making waves wins no hearts and fermenting trouble finds no takers," said Wang.

To achieve lasting peace and stability in the South China Sea requires solid institutional support, noted Wang, highlighting that consultations on the Code of Conduct in the South China Sea (COC), a long-sought framework to manage differences, have now reached a critical juncture.

"To achieve lasting peace and stability in the South China Sea requires solid institutional support. As we continue with the full and effective implementation of the Declaration on the Conduct of Parties in the South China Sea, consultation on the Code of Conduct in the South China Sea, the COC, as you mentioned, has reached crunch time. All relevant parties look forward to wrapping it up this year. Together with the parties, China has the confidence and the resolve to remove interference, bridge differences, expand common ground and reach an agreement as soon as possible. The COC will provide the golden rules for the parties to effectively manage differences, build trust, and advance cooperation," he said.

The foreign minister called for the Philippines to fulfill its responsibility as this year's ASEAN chair and make positive contributions to regional peace and stability.

"We hope that as this year's ASEAN chair, the Philippines will recognize and fulfill its responsibility, resist the pull of self-interest, and play a positive and constructive role for peace and stability in the region," said Wang.

The fourth session of the 14th NPC opened on Thursday and is scheduled to run till March 12.

Peace, cooperation, friendship should be new narrative of South China Sea: Chinese FM