Wang Yi talks about President Xi Jinping’s trip to the United States to hold the China-US Presidential Meeting and attend the 30th APEC Economic Leaders’ Meeting

Original title: Steering the wheel of Sino-U.S. relations and piloting Asia-Pacific cooperation – Wang Yi, member of the Political Bureau of the CPC Central Committee and Foreign Minister, talks about President Xi Jinping’s visit to the United States to hold the China-U.S. Presidential Meeting and attend the 30th APEC Leaders’ Informal Meeting.

Xinhua News Agency, Beijing, November 18. From November 14 to 17, 2023, at the invitation of US President Biden, President Xi Jinping went to San Francisco, the United States, to hold the China-US Presidential Meeting. He was also invited to attend the 30th Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) Leadership Summit informal meeting. At the end of the trip, Wang Yi, member of the Political Bureau of the CPC Central Committee and Foreign Minister, briefed the accompanying reporters on the visit.

Wang Yi said that currently, the world is undergoing major changes unseen in a century, and mankind is at a turning point in history. Where China-US relations go from here is of great concern to the people of both countries and to the international community. This year is also the 30th time that APEC leaders have gathered together. All parties are thinking deeply about where Asia-Pacific cooperation will go in the next 30 years. At this important juncture, President Xi Jinping flew across the Pacific and embarked on a trip to San Francisco. He held a meeting with President Biden to discuss the correct way for China and the United States to get along; interacted with all walks of life in the United States to gather consensus on friendly cooperation between the two countries; and attended the APEC leaders’ informal meeting to chart the direction of cooperation in the Asia-Pacific region. International public opinion generally believes that this visit is world-famous, fruitful and of far-reaching significance, adding stability to Sino-US relations, bringing new impetus to Asia-Pacific cooperation, injecting positive energy into the international and regional landscape, and demonstrating President Xi Jinping’s far-sightedness and broad-mindedness. The leadership style of a great country in the world.

1. Navigating and orienting China-US relations in the new era

Wang Yi said that since the beginning of this year, due to well-known reasons, China-US relations have experienced many twists and turns and faced difficult situations, which is not in line with the interests and wishes of the two peoples. With the joint efforts of both sides, Sino-US relations have recently stabilized and stabilized. In conjunction with the APEC meeting, President Biden issued a separate invitation to President Xi Jinping for a heads-of-state meeting. The United States specifically stated that this is a Sino-US “summit” and is different from the bilateral meeting arrangements during this APEC period. All walks of life in the United States and the international community are full of expectations for this, and generally hope that the two countries can “return to Bali and lead to San Francisco.” President Xi Jinping assessed the situation and accepted the invitation, once again promoting the stabilization and improvement of Sino-US relations at this historical juncture.

This is President Xi Jinping’s first visit to the United States in six years and the first face-to-face meeting between the two heads of state since their meeting in Bali last November. President Biden handpicked Fillori Estate as the venue for the meeting. In addition to the formal talks, President Biden hosted a luncheon for President Xi Jinping and invited him to take a walk on the estate. The meeting lasted 4 hours. In an atmosphere of candor and mutual respect, the two heads of state had a candid and in-depth exchange of views on strategic, overall and directional issues related to China-US relations, as well as major issues related to world peace and development.

President Xi Jinping profoundly pointed out that it is impossible for China and the United States not to deal with each other as two major countries. It is unrealistic to try to change each other. No one can bear the consequences of conflict and confrontation. Whether China and the United States choose to strengthen unity and cooperation or provoke confrontation will determine the future of mankind and the future of the earth. The United States must seriously consider the fundamental question of whether China and the United States are partners or rivals, and make the right historical choice. President Xi Jinping pointed out that for this meeting in San Francisco, both sides should set up a new vision: first, to jointly establish a correct understanding and hope that the two countries can be partners, respect each other and coexist peacefully; second, to jointly and effectively manage differences, understand each other’s bottom line of principles, and not Tossing, not provoking troubles, not crossing boundaries, communicating more, having more dialogues, and discussing more, and handling differences and accidents calmly; third, jointly promoting mutually beneficial cooperation and making full use of the restored or established relationships in the fields of diplomacy, economy, finance, commerce, agriculture, etc. mechanism to carry out cooperation in the fields of drug control, judicial law enforcement, artificial intelligence, science and technology; fourth, jointly shoulder the responsibilities of major powers, strengthen coordination and cooperation on international and regional issues, provide more public goods to the world, and coordinate and dock each other’s initiatives; fifth, It is to jointly promote cultural exchanges and encourage and support more exchanges and communication between the two peoples. These “five commonalities” have laid five pillars for Sino-US relations and opened up the “San Francisco Vision” for the future.

President Xi Jinping also focused on clarifying China’s solemn position on the Taiwan issue and science, technology, economic and trade issues, emphasizing that the United States should embody its stance of not supporting “Taiwan independence” in concrete actions, stop arming Taiwan, and support China’s peaceful reunification; he pointed out eloquently that suppressing Chinese technology is China will not agree to depriving the Chinese people of their right to development. We hope that the United States will take China’s concerns seriously, lift unilateral sanctions, and provide a fair and non-discriminatory environment for Chinese companies.

President Biden reiterated the five-point commitment made to President Xi Jinping during the meeting in Bali, namely: the United States does not seek a new Cold War, does not seek to change China’s system, does not seek to strengthen alliances against China, does not support “Taiwan independence”, and has no intention to Conflict with China. President Biden said that conflict between the United States and China is not inevitable. A stable and developing China is in the interest of the United States and the world. The United States is happy to see China develop and prosper, and does not seek to suppress or contain China’s development, nor does it seek to decouple from China.

Through the joint efforts of both parties, this meeting achieved more than 20 important results, including the establishment of an intergovernmental dialogue on artificial intelligence in response to the expectations of the international community; and the establishment of a Sino-US anti-drug cooperation working group to carry out anti-drug cooperation on the premise of lifting sanctions on relevant Chinese institutions. ; Restore high-level communication and institutional dialogue between the two militaries on the basis of equality and respect; Agree to significantly increase direct flights early next year; Expand exchanges in education, international students, youth, culture, sports and business circles; Welcome the launch of the China-U.S. “21st Century” Working Group on Strengthening Climate Action in the 2020s” to jointly promote the success of the United Nations Climate Change Conference in Dubai (COP28). In particular, the two heads of state recognized the efforts made by the two teams to discuss the guiding principles of Sino-US relations and the consensus reached since the Bali meeting, and emphasized the need for mutual respect, peaceful coexistence, maintenance of communication, prevention of conflicts, and abide by the United Nations Charter. Cooperation in areas of common interests and responsible management of competitive factors in bilateral relations provide guidelines for bringing Sino-US relations back on track.

International public opinion has paid close attention to and commented positively. It is generally believed that face-to-face communication between heads of state is crucial and plays an irreplaceable role in stabilizing Sino-US relations. This meeting demonstrated the positive will of both parties and achieved important results. It is of extraordinary significance and will play an important role in stabilizing Sino-US relations. The ups and downs of Sino-US relations have played a key leading role. President Biden also tweeted five times, saying that this was the most positive and fruitful meeting.

Wang Yi said that the meeting between the heads of state of China and the United States in San Francisco is a major event in the history of Sino-US relations and a major event in international relations. It is conducive to promoting Sino-US relations to move in a healthy, stable and sustainable direction. President Xi Jinping led the giant ship of China-US relations through the treacherous reefs and shoals from Bali to San Francisco, demonstrating the political responsibility and strategic courage of a leader of a major country. At the same time, we must also be soberly aware that the development of Sino-US relations has never been smooth sailing. There are still many deep-seated and structural problems, and there are still many risks and challenges that need to be jointly addressed. San Francisco is not the end, but a new starting point. Whether China-U.S. relations can consolidate their positive momentum depends on whether the United States can keep its promises, work with China halfway, and truly implement the important consensus reached by the two heads of state. Next year marks the 45th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between China and the United States. Both sides should start from San Francisco and promote the continuous improvement and development of Sino-US relations. This is in line with the interests and aspirations of the two peoples and the expectations of the world.

2. Gathering the power of the two peoples

Wang Yi said that in 2015, President Xi Jinping delivered a speech to the American people in Seattle, using simple words and vivid stories to bring the hearts of the two peoples closer. The lively scene at that time is still vivid in my mind. In recent years, the political atmosphere of Sino-US relations has undergone complex changes, and the COVID-19 epidemic has also blocked normal exchanges between the two peoples. Since the beginning of this year, new and old American dignitaries, business leaders, and people from the private sector have visited China one after another. President Xi Jinping has met with or sent letters to friendly people from the United States on many occasions and actively interacted with them. When President Xi Jinping recently met with California Governor Newsom, he pointed out that the hope of Sino-US relations lies in the people, the foundation lies in the people, the future lies in the youth, and the vitality lies in the localities. These four sentences are profound and enlightening, expressing the common aspirations of people from all walks of life in the two countries.

During this visit, President Xi Jinping was invited to attend a welcome banquet jointly organized by U.S. friendship groups. Leaders from all walks of life in the United States and important business leaders were present. Representatives from President Xi Jinping’s old landlord during his first visit to the United States, friends from Iowa who have continued friendship for 40 years, a 103-year-old veteran member of the Flying Tigers, descendants of General Stilwell, Guling, Washington State and other friendly people also came from the United States. People from all over the country rushed to meet in San Francisco. President Xi Jinping met with them cordially, recalled the past, and thanked them for adhering to the original intention of friendship between the Chinese and American peoples. The scene was very warm and touching.

President Xi Jinping delivered an important speech and mentioned the word “people” more than 60 times. He emphasized that the foundation of Sino-US relations was laid by the people, the door was opened by the people, the stories were written by the people, and the future was created by the people; he stressed that although the two countries have different histories, cultures, social systems, and development paths, The people are kind, friendly, hard-working and pragmatic. It is the two-way commitment between the people that has brought Sino-US relations back to the right track from the trough time and time again. Once the door of Sino-US relations is opened, it will never be closed again. The more difficult times are, the more we need to tighten the bonds between people and enhance people-to-people communication, and the more we need more people to stand up and advocate for Sino-US relations. President Xi Jinping’s sincere words and vivid stories deeply touched the hearts of the audience present and aroused strong resonance. More than 400 guests stood up twice and responded with nearly 20 long and warm applause. They all said that the United States and China are interdependent on each other and the people-to-people friendship is profound, which is the source of vitality for the long-term and stable development of U.S.-China relations. As two important major countries in the world, maintaining dialogue and cooperation between the United States and China is vital to both countries and the world. They will continue to work to promote mutual understanding between the two peoples and contribute to the improvement and development of U.S.-China relations.

Wang Yi said that after eight years from Seattle to San Francisco, President Xi Jinping once again interacted cordially with friendly people from all walks of life in the United States. We deeply felt that the foundation of China-U.S. friendship is still there, the motivation for exchanges still exists, and the prospects for cooperation are promising. . No matter how the situation changes, the fundamental desire of the Chinese and American people for exchanges and cooperation will not change. The bright future of China-U.S. relations must rely on the people. President Xi Jinping’s important speech will surely inspire the people of both countries to become more actively involved in the cause of Sino-US friendship and accumulate more positive energy for the stable and healthy development of Sino-US relations. This visit also reflects that attaching importance to love and justice is a traditional virtue of the Chinese nation and a warm foundation for China’s diplomacy. President Xi Jinping not only pays attention to enhancing the friendship between leaders, but also makes friends from all walks of life, giving China’s major-country diplomacy a style of common sense, sincerity and amity.

3. Carry forward the original intention of Asia-Pacific cooperation

Wang Yi said that APEC is the highest-level, broadest and most influential economic cooperation platform in the Asia-Pacific region. Thirty years ago, the APEC Leaders’ Informal Meeting mechanism was launched in Seattle, USA, helping the Asia-Pacific become the center of world economic growth and the anchor of global development and stability. Thirty years later, President Xi Jinping revisited the original intention of the APEC mechanism on the west coast of the United States, and once again pointed out the direction and drew a blueprint for Asia-Pacific cooperation.

President Xi Jinping profoundly summarized the useful inspiration from the history of Asia-Pacific cooperation, pointing out that openness and inclusiveness are the main theme of Asia-Pacific cooperation, common development is the overall goal of Asia-Pacific cooperation, and seeking common ground while reserving differences is a good practice in Asia-Pacific cooperation. Focusing on how to create the next “golden thirty years” in the Asia-Pacific, President Xi Jinping used a grand historical vision to ask questions and prescribe prescriptions. He proposed that we should adhere to innovation-driven, open-oriented, green development, inclusive sharing, and high-quality development. Quality growth promotes the building of an Asia-Pacific community with a shared future, allowing people of all countries to share the fruits of modernization. These four “persistences” are in line with China’s new development philosophy. They are all things that China is doing in a down-to-earth manner. They show that we are committed to better empowering the development of the Asia-Pacific with our own actions and working with all parties to promote high-quality growth in the Asia-Pacific. In response to certain countries’ blatant calls for division and confrontation and malicious suppression of other countries’ development, President Xi Jinping pointedly pointed out that development is the eternal theme of the Asia-Pacific region. Only cooperation can develop, non-cooperation is the biggest risk, and “decoupling and breaking links” will benefit no one. The Asia-Pacific cannot and should not be reduced to a battlefield of geopolitical games, let alone engage in a “new cold war” and camp confrontation.

The series of major initiatives proposed by President Xi Jinping are in line with the general trend and in line with the will of the people. They have important guiding significance and practical value for Asia-Pacific cooperation and global development, and have been highly recognized and responded positively by all parties present at the meeting. The leaders’ declaration adopted at the meeting fully reflects China’s ideas and propositions such as implementing Putrajaya’s vision, building an Asia-Pacific community, building the Asia-Pacific Free Trade Area, inclusive and sustainable development, and connectivity. International public opinion believes that at the critical juncture of the 30th anniversary of the first APEC leaders’ meeting, the world can see which countries adhere to the original intention of Asia-Pacific cooperation, adhere to openness, inclusiveness, mutual benefit and win-win, and which countries violate the original intention, engage in geopolitical confrontation and “decouple and break links”. Clearly. No matter how the international situation changes, China will follow the historical trend, continue to promote an open economy and Asia-Pacific economic integration, and be committed to realizing the Asia-Pacific dream of common development, prosperity and progress.

4. Explain the concept of China’s road

Wang Yi said that against the backdrop of sluggish world economic recovery and increasing uncertainties, the outside world is paying close attention to China’s performance as a major global economy, and generally expects China to continue to play its role as a “power source” and “stabilizer” for global growth. During this visit, President Xi Jinping delivered a written speech to the APEC Business Leaders Summit, and comprehensively and in-depth introduced the essential connotation of Chinese-style modernization and its global significance to all walks of life in the United States and APEC participants on multiple occasions.

President Xi Jinping pointed out that Chinese-style modernization is socialist modernization led by the Communist Party of China. Chinese-style modernization not only has the common characteristics of the modernization of all countries, but also has distinctive characteristics based on China’s national conditions. President Xi Jinping emphasized that we are committed to uniting and working hard to enable more than 1.4 billion Chinese people to move towards modernization together; we are committed to common prosperity so that every Chinese can live a good life; we are committed to all-round development so that people’s material and spiritual worlds are the same Prosperity; Committed to sustainable development, harmonious coexistence between man and nature; Committed to peaceful development, and promoting the construction of a community with a shared future for mankind. These five “commitments” explain the main characteristics of Chinese modernization in an easy-to-understand and simple way, allowing the outside world to further understand the mission and tasks of the Communist Party of China and China’s development path.

President Xi Jinping pointed out that China’s economy continues to rebound and its growth rate remains the leading among the world’s major economies. It is still the largest engine of global growth and will contribute one-third to global economic growth this year, which is the final message of China’s bright economic outlook. Strong sound. President Xi Jinping emphasized that China has the institutional advantages of a socialist market economy, the demand advantages of a very large market, the supply advantages of a complete industrial system, and the talent advantages of a large number of high-quality workers and entrepreneurs. He authoritatively discussed the inherent logic of China’s economic growth. and strong resilience. President Xi Jinping used vivid examples to illustrate China’s unswerving promotion of high-quality development and high-level opening-up, from the unprecedented grand occasion of hosting the 3rd “Belt and Road” International Cooperation Summit Forum to the recent hosting of the 6th China International Import Expo. The prosperous scene depicts a dynamic picture in which China opens its doors to construction, and its economic growth is more valuable and greener. President Xi Jinping emphasized that no matter how the international situation changes, China’s determination to create a market-oriented, rule-by-law, and international business environment will not change, and its policy of providing high-quality services to foreign investors without discrimination will not change. President Xi Jinping announced that China will host the second Global Digital Trade Expo. He also announced that China will further reduce the negative list for foreign investment access, fully guarantee the national treatment of foreign-invested enterprises, and promote the orderly and free flow of data in accordance with the law. President Xi Jinping’s “two unchanged” statement and a series of major policy announcements were sonorous and powerful, sending a strong signal of China’s high-level opening up to the outside world and boosting the confidence of all parties in continuing cooperation with China. U.S. Commerce Secretary Raimondo and business leaders have stated that the United States welcomes a stable and prosperous China. Economic and trade cooperation with China has created a large number of job opportunities for the United States. U.S. companies have a strong interest in the Chinese market and the United States is committed to developing with China. Long-term stable relationship.

During this visit, President Xi Jinping also held friendly bilateral meetings with Mexican President Lopez, Peruvian President Boruarte, Fiji Prime Minister Lambuka, and Brunei Sultan Hassanal to provide strategic guidance for the future development of relations. President Xi Jinping also met with Japanese Prime Minister Fumio Kishida at request. The leaders of the two countries reaffirmed their adherence to the principles and consensus of the four political documents between China and Japan, reaffirmed the positioning of bilateral relations in comprehensively promoting a strategic and mutually beneficial relationship, and committed to building a constructive and stable Sino-Japanese relationship that meets the requirements of the new era. These bilateral meetings, together with the meeting between the heads of state of China and the United States and attendance at the APEC meeting, have made important efforts to create a favorable external environment for promoting high-quality domestic development.

Wang Yi finally said that this visit is another successful practice of Xi Jinping’s diplomatic thoughts and a “big move” by President Xi Jinping in managing relations between major countries. From the meeting between the heads of state of China and Russia in Moscow at the beginning of the year to the meeting of the heads of state of China and the United States in San Francisco at the end of the year, China has unremittingly promoted coordination and cooperation among major powers and promoted the establishment of a framework for major-country relations with overall stability and balanced development, fully demonstrating China’s responsibility as a major power. This visit is also President Xi Jinping’s “final visit” to the multilateral summit he attended this year. From the first China-Central Asia Summit to the third “One Belt, One Road” International Cooperation Summit Forum, from the BRICS leaders’ meeting in Johannesburg to the APEC leaders’ informal meeting in San Francisco, China’s propositions and ideas have won the hearts of the people, and China has become a constructive major country. The role is more prominent. This visit once again proves that no matter how the international situation changes, President Xi Jinping always guides China’s diplomacy to overcome difficulties and move forward courageously with a lofty vision, strong determination, and outstanding wisdom, creating a proactive and favorable environment for realizing the great rejuvenation of the Chinese nation. external environment and make more and greater contributions to the progressive cause of promoting world peace and development. The east wind blows the rain across the green hills. We must deeply study and understand Xi Jinping Thought on Diplomacy, and under the strong leadership of the Party Central Committee with Comrade Xi Jinping at its core, and with the guidance of head-of-state diplomacy, we must continue to create a new situation in major-country diplomacy with Chinese characteristics.