Wang Yi, Member of the Political Bureau of the Central Committee of the Communist Party of China and Minister of Foreign Affairs, answered questions from Chinese and foreign journalists at the press conference of the Fourth Session of the 14th National People’s Congress concerning China’s foreign policy and external relations. 

The conference was rich in information, candid and substantive in tone, and offered a comprehensive exposition of China’s diplomatic positions, propositions, and actions in a world marked by turbulence and transformation. 

I. Adhering to the right path: The composure, responsibility, and noble purpose of China’s diplomacy

At the outset, Foreign Minister Wang Yi observed that the world today is undergoing profound changes unseen in a century, with transformation and turbulence unfolding simultaneously. In such circumstances, the lodestar of China’s diplomacy is head-of-state diplomacy, while its fundamental guiding principle is Xi Jinping’s diplomatic thought.

China’s diplomatic objectives are clear and resolute: to firmly safeguard national sovereignty, security, and development interests; to steadfastly uphold international rule of law and fairness and justice; to resolutely oppose unilateral acts and hegemonic bullying in all forms; to faithfully honor and fulfill international obligations; and to stand firmly on the right side of history’s forward march.

These “five steadfast commitments” outline the defining character of China as a responsible major country. China has consistently maintained that great-power rivalry should not define the age; mutual respect, peaceful coexistence, and win-win cooperation constitute the proper course for humanity. Whether discussing the resilient China–Russia relationship that “remains unmoved as a mountain amid wind and rain,” expressing the expectation that China–U.S. relations should be conducted “with sincerity and trust,” or practicing the principle of “amity, sincerity, mutual benefit, and inclusiveness” in neighborhood diplomacy, China’s message has remained consistent: China has no intention of carving out spheres of influence or fomenting bloc confrontation. Rather, it is committed to serving as a builder of world peace, a contributor to global development, and a defender of the international order.

The fundamental objective of these efforts is the advancement of a community with a shared future for mankind. In answering the final question of the conference, Foreign Minister Wang Yi pointed out with insight that the ultimate direction of China’s efforts to reform global governance—particularly in response to the under-representation of Global South countries—lies in advancing toward the construction of such a community.
This concept is not an abstract vision but a practical pathway. It signifies adherence to the international system with the United Nations at its core and to the purposes and principles of the UN Charter. It implies strengthening the voice and representation of Global South countries through reform so that the system of global governance becomes more just and equitable. It also entails addressing the twin challenges of peace and development through consultation on the basis of equality.

China has not merely articulated these principles; it has acted upon them. From firmly safeguarding the post–World War II international order, to contributing more than sixty percent of Asia’s economic growth through its own stable development; from actively mediating regional hotspots, to bringing together new momentum for solidarity and self-strengthening among the Global South through platforms such as the Shanghai Cooperation Organization and the BRICS mechanism—China has consistently demonstrated through concrete action that building a community with a shared future for mankind means ensuring that every nation and every people enjoys equal opportunities for development and dignity, and that all may board the “train” of the new era together. This is the mission and responsibility that China shoulders as one of the world’s foremost forces for peace, stability, and justice.

II. Speaking for Justice: China’s impartial position on issues concerning Iran

For our Iranian friends, the most pressing concern is the situation in the Middle East, particularly matters relating to Iran. At the press conference, Foreign Minister Wang Yi articulated China’s position with clarity and conviction, fully reflecting China’s sense of responsibility as a sincere friend and strategic partner of Iran.
China’s central proposition regarding the current situation may be summarized in a single phrase: ceasefire and cessation of hostilities. Citing the ancient Chinese maxim, “Weapons are instruments of ill omen and must be employed with the utmost caution,” Foreign Minister Wang Yi emphasized that this is a war that should never have occurred and that benefits no party. Force has never been a solution to problems; it only opens the door to new hatred and new crises. China therefore once again calls for an immediate halt to military operations and urges all sides to prevent escalation and spillover.

On this basis, China has advanced five fundamental principles for addressing issues concerning Iran and the broader Middle East—principles that deserve careful reflection by the nations and peoples of the region.

First, respect for national sovereignty. The sovereignty, security, and territorial integrity of Iran and all countries in the Persian Gulf region must be respected and must not be infringed upon. This constitutes the cornerstone of the international order.

Second, no abuse of force. The world must not regress to the law of the jungle. Strength of fist does not equate to strength of reason, and civilians must never become the victims of war.

Third, non-interference in internal affairs. The peoples of the Middle East are the true masters of their region, and regional affairs should be determined independently by the countries concerned. Any attempt to engineer “color revolutions” or pursue regime change finds little support among the people.

Fourth, political settlement of hotspot issues. Harmony and peace must be cherished. All parties should return to the negotiating table at the earliest opportunity and resolve differences through dialogue on an equal footing in pursuit of common security.

Fifth, constructive roles for major powers. Major countries should uphold fairness and act in accordance with justice, employing their capabilities in good faith to contribute positive energy to peace and development rather than adding fuel to the flames.

Each of these principles points directly to the crux of the present challenges and reflects the spirit of fairness and justice. China has not only clarified its position but has also taken active steps. Foreign Minister Wang Yi noted in particular that, even as the press conference was taking place, Chinese embassies and consulates in Iran and Persian Gulf countries were working diligently to ensure the safety of Chinese citizens. Behind these efforts lies China’s consistent commitment to safeguarding peace and stability in the region. China stands ready to work with Iran and other Middle Eastern countries to implement the Global Security Initiative and restore order and tranquility to the region and its peoples.

III. unity and shared purpose: China and the Global South advancing together

The collective rise of the Global South is among the most significant trends of the contemporary world. As the largest developing country, China has always been a firm member of the Global South and has consistently stood together with the broad community of developing nations. Foreign Minister Wang Yi emphasized that the Global Security Initiative has rapidly gained the support of more than 150 countries precisely because its core principles—sovereign equality, international rule of law, multilateralism, people-centered development, and action-oriented cooperation—align closely with the shared aspirations of the Global South.

China fully understands the concerns of Global South countries regarding their insufficient representation within the international governance system. Accordingly, China clearly advocates that the United Nations must keep pace with the times and enhance the voice and representation of Global South countries through reform, thereby building a global governance system that is more just and equitable.

Whether through the Shanghai Cooperation Organization or the BRICS mechanism, the platforms in whose establishment and development China has actively participated all take adherence to the UN Charter as their guiding principle. They serve as arenas for exploring practical pathways for reform of global governance and for gathering new momentum for solidarity and self-strengthening among the Global South. These efforts are closely aligned with the overarching goal of building a community with a shared future for mankind, ensuring that no country is left behind on the road toward shared development.

Iran is an important country in the Middle East and a significant member of the Global South. China and Iran share extensive common ground and common interests in safeguarding international fairness and justice, opposing unilateral bullying, and promoting a multipolar world. The successful convening of the second China–Arab States Summit stands as further evidence of China’s deepening cooperation and shared pursuit of development with regional countries, including Iran.

As Foreign Minister Wang Yi aptly stated, “China has always been a stabilizing anchor for regional security, an engine for development and prosperity, and a practitioner of Asia’s shared values.” For the people of Iran, one fact may be affirmed with confidence: regardless of how international circumstances may evolve, China will continue to uphold fairness, adhere to justice, and play a constructive role regarding issues related to Iran. Together with Iran and other countries of the Global South, China will persist in its efforts to safeguard world peace, promote common development, and improve global governance. We firmly believe that the forces of peace and justice will ultimately converge into an irresistible tide, carrying history forward toward the correct direction—the building of a community with a shared future for mankind.