EXCHANGES

“No matter how the situation may evolve,China all along sees the European Union as a comprehensive strategic partner and supports European integration.We hope that Europe,with the painful Ukraine crisis in mind,will truly realize strategic autonomy and long-term peace and stability.We will work with Europe to uphold true multilateralism,and keep to mutual respect and winwin cooperation.We wish to work with Europe to overcome disruptions and challenges,keep deepening the China-EU comprehensive strategic partnership,and bring more stability,certainty,and positive energy to a world of change and disorder.”

Foreign Minister Qin Gang said when answering a question about China-Europe relations at a press conference for the First Session of the 14th National People’s Congress on March 7,2023.

“The FAO is the largest specialized agency for global governance of food and agriculture within the framework of the United Nations,and China supports FAO’s status and role,appreciates Director-General Qu Dongyu for his active leadership in overcoming the pandemic and contributing to global poverty reduction and food security.China stands ready to strengthen cooperation with the FAO to promote practical cooperation in key fields of the Global Development lnitiative,and build a beautiful homeland featuring zero poverty and zero hunger.”

Vice Foreign Minister Ma Zhaoxu made the remarks when meeting at request with Director-General Qu Dongyu of the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) on March 8,2023.

Xi Jinping Exchanges Congratulatory Messages with King of Spain Felipe VI on the 50th Anniversary of the Establishment of Diplomatic Relations between China and Spain

On March 9,2023,President Xi Jinping exchanged congratulatory messages with King of Spain Felipe VI on the 50th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between China and Spain.

Xi Jinping pointed out that over the past half-century since the establishment of diplomatic relationship between China and Spain,the two sides have deepened their friendship,promoted cooperation,and established and developed a comprehensive strategic partnership in the spirit of mutual respect,equality,and mutual benefit,bringing tangible benefits to the people of the two countries.

Xi Jinping stressed that he attaches great importance to the development of China-Spain relations,and stands ready to work with His Majesty King Felipe VI to take the 50th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relationship between the two countries as a new starting point to consolidate political mutual trust,expand mutually beneficial cooperation,and enhance people-to-people bonding,working together to write a new chapter of China-Spain friendly cooperation.

Felipe VI said that over the past 50 years Spain-China relations have been developing steadily and smoothly,with bilateral cooperation in various fields advanced and the friendship between the two peoples deepened.He expressed his confidence that the two countries will take the opportunity of celebrating the 50th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations to comprehensively expand friendly exchanges and practical cooperation,and join hands to tackle global challenges such as climate change.

Qin Gang Attends the G20 Foreign Ministers’ Meeting

Foreign Minister Qin Gang attended the G20 Foreign Ministers’ Meeting in New Delhi on March 2,2023.

Qin Gang said that we need to practice true multilateralism and follow the principles of dialogue on an equal footing and consensus-building through consultation,and no one should engage in power politics or even bloc confrontation.Qin Gang noted that we need to promote the sound development of globalization,reject unilateralism,protectionism and attempt to decouple or sever supply chains,and make global development more inclusive,resilient,and beneficial for all.

Qin proposed three suggestions.First,macro-economic policy coordination needs to be enhanced and food and energy security safeguarded.Second,global economic governance needs to be improved.Third,international development cooperation needs to be bolstered.

Qin emphasized that global development and prosperity cannot be achieved without a peaceful and stable international environment.With this in mind,China has put forward the Global Security Initiative,and issued the position paper on the political settlement of the Ukraine crisis.China will always stand on the side of peace,actively promote peace talks,and play a constructive role.

Qin stressed that the Chinese modernization will present new opportunities to the cooperation between China and other countries.China will continue to take an active part in the G20 agenda,and contribute more to promoting world peace and development and building a community with a shared future for mankind.

Wang Yi Chairs Closing Meeting of Talks between Saudi Arabia and Iran in Beijing

On March 10,2023,Wang Yi,a member of the Political Bureau of the Communist Party of China (CPC) Central Committee and director of the Office of the Foreign Affairs Commission of the CPC Central Committee,chaired the closing meeting of talks between Saudi Arabia and Iran in Beijing.Minister of State and National Security Advisor Dr.Musaad bin Mohammed Al-Aiban of Saudi Arabia and Secretary of the Supreme National Security Council Admiral Ali Shamkhani of Iran were present.

Wang Yi congratulated Saudi Arabia and Iran on taking a historic step and making great achievements in improving bilateral relations.He said that the two sides have reached common understandings on resolving their respective concerns and identified roadmaps and timetables,thus laying a solid foundation for follow-up actions of both sides.The talks in Beijing have turned a new page in Saudi Arabia-Iran relations.China supports both sides in making firm strides as agreed in the agreement to create a bright future with patience and wisdom.As a reliable friend of the two countries,China will continue its constructive role.

Wang Yi said that the improvement of relations between Saudi Arabia and Iran has paved the way for realizing peace and stability in the Middle East and set a fine example for resolving problems and disagreements between countries through dialogue and consultation.China supports countries in the Middle East in upholding strategic autonomy,strengthening solidarity and cooperation,getting rid of external interference,and really holding the future of the Middle East in their own hands.

On behalf of their heads of state,Al-Aiban and Shamkhani extended congratulations on President Xi Jinping’s re-election.They spoke highly of China’s fruitful major-country diplomacy,thanked China for hosting,supporting,and contributing to the success of the talks,and expressed readiness to continue constructive dialogues,follow through on the existing common understandings,and improve their bilateral relations.

“The establishment of the so-called AUKUS security partnership between the U.S.,the U.K.,and Australia to promote cooperation on nuclear submarines and other cutting-edge military technologies is a typical Cold War mentality.lt will only exacerbate arms race,undermine the international nuclear non-proliferation regime,and hurt regional peace and stability.Peaceloving countries have expressed grave concern and firm opposition for this action.The latest joint statement issued by the U.S.,the U.K.,and Australia shows that the three countries,for their own geopolitical interests,have totally disregarded the concerns of the international community and gone further down the wrong and dangerous path.”

Foreign Ministry spokesperson Wang Wenbin said at a regular press conference on March 14,2023.

“China disapproves of the Dutch side’s interference through administrative means in the normal trade between Dutch and Chinese businesses and have made démarches to the Netherlands.lt is hoped that the Netherlands will hold an objective and just position,adhere to market principles,respect the spirit of contract,refrain from abusing export control regimes,and work to safeguard the stability of global industrial and supply chains,the free and open international trade order,and the shared interests of the Netherlands and China and the companies of the two countries.”

Foreign Ministry spokesperson Mao Ning indicated at a regular press conference on March 9,2023.