In a volatile world, China's steadfastness -- like Mount Tai, as a Chinese saying goes -- is a blessing for both its people and the world, says a China Media Group commentary published on Sunday.
An edited English version of the commentary is as follows:
At a press conference on the sidelines of the fourth session of the 14th National People's Congress (NPC) in Beijing on Sunday, Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi, also a member of the Political Bureau of the Communist Party of China Central Committee, presented China's foreign policy while taking 21 questions in nearly 90 minutes.
Key takeaways from Wang's press briefing included: "Might does not make right;" "Major countries should set an example of observing rules, honoring commitments and upholding international law;" "Creating parallel structures outside the UN or, worse still, putting together various exclusive blocs and circles is unpopular and unsustainable;" "China does not subscribe to the logic that the world can be run by major countries; and "China will never allow anyone to justify colonialism or reverse history's verdict on aggression."
Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi's relevant remarks at the press conference directly targeted the dangerous rise of hegemonism and power politics, and made clear the position and propositions of China as a responsible major country, namely safeguarding the central role of the United Nations in the international system, defending the outcomes of the victory in World War II, and building an equal and orderly multipolar world.
At present, the post-WWII international order is being severely disrupted, and the central role of the United Nations in the international system is being constantly weakened.
Chinese President Xi Jinping put forward the Global Governance Initiative at the "Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) Plus" Meeting in September last year, stressing the five tenets of adhering to sovereign equality, abiding by international rule of law, practicing multilateralism, advocating the people-centered approach and focusing on taking real actions. The initiative received quick support and response from over 150 countries and international organizations. United Nations Secretary-General Antonio Guterres said that the Global Governance Initiative's core concepts align closely with the values upheld by the UN.
China has lived up to its words. In the past year, from launching the initiative to establishing the International Organization for Mediation to engaging in mediation efforts for peace between Cambodia and Thailand, and then to promoting the Global South's self-reliance and strength through platforms such as the SCO and BRICS, China devoted its efforts to maintaining world peace and improving global governance.
On Iran, China's stance is clear, calling on the relevant sides to stop the war. China established close communication with multiple countries in the Middle East, announced that it will send its special envoy on the Middle East issue to the region to conduct mediation efforts, and provided five fundamental principles for finding the right and proper solution to issues relating to Iran and the Middle East.
"A country's greatness lies in serving the greater good;" "Alone, one is helpless; united, we can have great strength;" "Encourage countries to draw on each other's strengths and share opportunities through economic openness, and pursue common development and mutual success through converging interests," with these words at the press conference, the Chinese foreign minister elaborated on the major content of promoting universally beneficial and inclusive economic globalization as proposed by President Xi Jinping, showing China's unwavering determination to advance opening-up and cooperation for mutual benefits.
The ongoing "two sessions" are examining and discussing the draft outline of the 15th Five-Year Plan (2026-2030) for national economic and social development. The 15th Five-Year Plan will be a new blueprint for China's growth, and also a new vision for global cooperation.
In fact, as the world's second largest economy, China focusing on managing its own affairs well is in itself the greatest stability in a turbulent world. China seeks to deliver a good life to its own people and at the same time hopes for a good life for people across the world.
Over the past five years, China's economy grew at an average annual rate of 5.4 percent, accounting for around 30 percent of global growth, greater than the contribution of the Group of Seven (G7) combined. In the next five years, China will expand high-standard opening up, act not only as "the world's factory" but also "the world's market", and remain the most stable driving force for global growth.
In a volatile world, China as firm as Mount Tai is a blessing not only for the Chinese people, but also for people across the world.
China as firm as Mount Tai a blessing for world: commentary
