China’s foreign policy to promote benevolent power while standing firm, Wang Yi says

Name: Chinese Communist Party resolution cements Xi Jinping leadership, putting him on par with Mao
Uploaded: 2022-07-25T14:30:21.000Z
Duration: 1 min 9 s
Description: Chinese Communist Party resolution cements Xi Jinping leadership, putting him on par with Mao

The country seeks a dual-track approach, Chinese foreign minister says during session on President Xi Jinping’s directives

Covid-19 and geopolitical conflicts show that traditional theory of international relations ‘no longer suitable’, according to Wang

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Foreign Minister Wang Yi says China has the “courage to fight a great struggle”. Photo: Reuters

Teddy Ng

Published: 10:30pm, 25 Jul 2022

China will pursue a dual-track approach in its foreign policy, based on the directives of President Xi Jinping, by promoting itself as a benevolent power while standing firm on core issues, Foreign Minister Wang Yi said.

Wang made the comments on Sunday during a session to deliberate on foreign policy guidance Xi has issued over the years.

Wang said a series of challenges triggered by the Covid-19 pandemic and geopolitical conflicts meant that foreign policy needed to be updated.

“Whether it is the global epidemic or the escalation of geopolitical conflicts, it is clear to the world that the traditional theory of international relations is no longer suitable for the common pursuit of development and progress of people of all countries,” Wang was quoted as saying by the foreign ministry.

“It is also difficult to cope with the emerging problems and challenges.”

Wang’s remarks came ahead of the 20th Communist Party congress to be held this autumn, when a major leadership reshuffle – including a third term for Xi as Communist Party chief – is expected. It is common for senior officials to deliberate on Xi’s policy directives in the run-up to the party congress.

Wang said China had portrayed itself as a power that sought to cooperate with other nations, but it would be firm to hit back if its sovereignty were infringed.

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Chinese Communist Party resolution cements Xi Jinping leadership, putting him on par with Mao

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