China looking to ‘shape new pattern’ for world relations, Foreign Minister Wang Yi says

Wang tells a seminar that the country is trying to promote ‘inclusive economic globalisation’ and justice and fairness in the face of multiple challenges

Wang pledges to ‘explore the correct way to get along with the US’ and says ‘Chinese wisdom’ could help solve conflicts in Ukraine and Gaza

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China’s Foreign Minister Wang Yi was speaking at a seminar organised by two think tanks. Photo: AFP

Published: 4:23pm, 9 Jan 2024Updated: 5:00pm, 9 Jan 2024

China hopes to shape “a new pattern” of international relations as it upholds peace and multilateralism in the face of global challenges, Foreign Minister Wang Yi said on Tuesday.

In a speech reviewing the past year’s diplomacy, Wang said Beijing had chosen a “cooperative” and “just” path instead of confrontational “power politics”.

“In today’s world, new and old contradictions are intertwined, unilateralism is on the rise, domestic priorities are highlighted, and the international community’s governance deficit and trust deficit continue to increase,” Wang, who is also the country’s diplomatic chief, said.

“[China] will always adhere to win-win cooperation, actively promote inclusive economic globalisation, and resolutely oppose all forms of unilateralism, protectionism and reverse globalisation.

“We will always adhere to fairness and justice, advocate the construction of an equal and orderly multipolar world, and practice true multilateralism.”

Wang told the event, which was organised by two think tanks, the China Institute of International Studies and China Foundation for International Studies, that the country’s diplomacy would enter a more “accomplished” new stage, echoing comments by President Xi Jinping last month.