卡内基国际和平基金会-Xi-Jinping-s-Address-to-the-Central-Conference-on-Work-Relating-to-Foreign-Affairs_19页_288kb

Xi Jinping's Address to the Central Conference on Work Relating to Foreign Affairs: Summary

Core Content

Xi Jinping's speech at the Central Conference on Work Relating to Foreign Affairs (FAWC), held in November 2014, represents a significant shift in China's diplomatic approach. It outlines a more activist and security-oriented strategy for China's foreign policy, emphasizing the role of diplomacy in supporting the country's long-term goals of national rejuvenation and peaceful development. The speech is considered the most comprehensive and authoritative expression of the current Chinese leadership's vision for foreign relations.

Main Topics Covered in the Speech

1. Diplomatic Accomplishments

   • Xi highlighted China's efforts to build a "new type of international relations" based on win-win cooperation.
   • He emphasized the promotion of "common, comprehensive, cooperative, and sustainable security."
   • The concept of "neighborhood diplomacy" with the principles of amity, sincerity, mutual benefit, and inclusiveness was reaffirmed.
   • China's relations with Africa were framed around "sincerity, real results, affinity, and good faith."
   • These accomplishments are tied to the "China Dream" of national rejuvenation and the "Double Centenary" goals: doubling GDP and per capita income by 2020, and becoming a modern socialist country by 2049.

2. Key Features of the International Environment

   • Xi outlined the "underlying trend of our times" as peace and development.
   • He identified a multipolar world, continued economic globalization, and the general trend of prosperity and stability in the Asia-Pacific region.
   • A new emphasis was placed on China's deepening interdependence with the global economy, both in terms of China's influence on the world and the world's dependence on China.
   • This interdependence is presented as a key opportunity for China's diplomacy.

3. Future Elements of China's Diplomacy

   • Xi called for a "distinctive diplomatic approach" that reflects China's role as a major power.
   • He advocated for a new type of international relations, emphasizing cooperation over confrontation.
   • The promotion of multilateral diplomacy and reform of the international system were highlighted.
   • The establishment of the Silk Road Economic Belt and the 21st-Century Maritime Silk Road were presented as major initiatives.
   • He stressed the need to uphold China's sovereignty, maritime rights, and national interests, and to protect its overseas interests.
   • A "global perspective" and "overall approach to national security" were emphasized.

Key Views and Themes

• Peaceful Development and National Interests: Xi stressed the importance of balancing China's development goals with the protection of its national interests, a dual focus that has become a hallmark of his administration.
• Win-Win Cooperation: This is a central theme, applied across all aspects of China's foreign relations, from political to cultural.
• Non-Alliance Approach: China is promoting a "global network of partnerships" rather than traditional military alliances.
• Strategic Opportunity: The speech underscores that China is in an "important period of strategic opportunity" for its development.
• Role of the CCP: The leadership of the Communist Party is emphasized as the cornerstone of China's foreign policy.

Chinese Assessments of the Speech

Authoritative Assessments

• Foreign Minister Wang Yi and Foreign Ministry Spokesperson Hua Chunying provided detailed analyses.
• Wang Yi described the speech as a synthesis of new diplomatic theories and practices, emphasizing China's unique approach to international relations.
• Hua Chunying outlined the "six persistences" of China's major-power diplomacy with Chinese characteristics, including CCP leadership, peaceful development, and non-interference in other countries' internal affairs.

Quasi-Authoritative Assessments

• Xinhua News Agency and People's Daily commentaries emphasized the need for China to "win understanding and support" for the Chinese dream.
• They highlighted the importance of multilateral diplomacy, the promotion of win-win cooperation, and the expansion of China's influence in the Asia-Pacific and globally.
• The commentaries also stressed the cultural values underpinning China's diplomacy, such as equality, harmony, and justice.

Non-Authoritative Assessments

• Non-authoritative analyses generally viewed the speech positively, noting its comprehensive and strategic nature.
• Some pointed out the shift from Hu Jintao's more cautious approach to Xi's more assertive and innovative foreign policy.
• The speech was described as a "diplomatic manifesto" aimed at securing the "Chinese dream," with a focus on China's rising global role and its strategic objectives.

Significance and Implications

• The speech reflects a more assertive and strategic Chinese foreign policy, with a focus on using diplomacy to advance China's national interests and global influence.
• It signals China's intent to reshape international relations, particularly in the Asia-Pacific region, and to challenge the existing power structures.
• The emphasis on interdependence and the global role of China suggests a more active engagement in international affairs.
• The speech is seen as a foundational document for China's foreign policy under Xi Jinping, setting the tone for future diplomatic actions and international engagement.