Ren Siqi
Party School of the Sichuan Provincial Committee of the C.P.C.(Sichuan Institute of Administration)
Abstract: China,under the guidance of Xi Jinping Thought on Diplomacy,is making all-round efforts to pursue major-country diplomacy with Chinese characteristics and has achieved a series of historical achievements.Majorcountry diplomacy with Chinese characteristics significantly diverges from conventional Western major-country diplomacy.It is characterized by a vision that prioritizes national rejuvenation,aims to advance human civilizations,emphasizes the establishment of a new type of international relations,and strives for the building of a human community with a shared future.
Keywords: major-country diplomacy with Chinese characteristics,a new type of international relations,mutual learning among civilizations,a human community with a shared future
As a vital component of Xi Jinping Thought on Socialism with Chinese Characteristics for a New Era,Xi Jinping Thought on Diplomacy represents his firm standpoint and effective approaches to upholding Marxism and also a major theoretical outcome of his scientific analysis of global changes of a magnitude not seen in a century.It embodies distinct Chinese characteristics and reflects the spirit of our times,offering Chinese wisdom and solutions for addressing global issues while fundamentally guiding China’s foreign diplomacy in the new era.During the great changes in the first decade of the new era,China,under the guidance of Xi Jinping Thought on Diplomacy,is making all-round efforts in the pursuit of major-country diplomacy with Chinese characteristics.This unique approach has helped China open new vistas amidst global changes and turn crises into opportunities in a complex world,thereby achieving comprehensive and groundbreaking accomplishments.Xi Jinping,general secretary of the Communist Party of China Central Committee,stated in his report to the 20th National Congress of the Communist Party of China (CPC) that “we have pursued major-country diplomacy with Chinese characteristics on all fronts.We have promoted the development of a human community with a shared future and stood firm in protecting international fairness and justice” (A Compilation of Documents of the 20th National Congress of the Communist Party of China.2022,p.11).Recognizing the current state of global development and the trends in international affairs through thorough research and assessments,China,standing at the forefront of the times,highlights that humanity is facing significant challenges across various aspects and that the world is facing a pivotal crossroads for development.Therefore,China appeals to the global community that the Chinese people are willing to work with the world’s people to create a brighter future for humanity (A Compilation of Documents of the 20th National Congress of the Communist Party of China.2022,p.52).TheResolution of the Central Committee of the Communist Party of China on the Major Achievements and Historical Experience of the Party over the Past Century,adopted at the sixth plenary session of the 19th CPC Central Committee,summarized the great significance and global influence of majorcountry diplomacy with Chinese characteristics,pointing out that “major-country diplomacy with Chinese characteristics aims to serve national rejuvenation,promote human progress,and facilitate efforts to foster a new type of international relations and build a human community with a shared future ” (People’s Daily,2021,November 17).This statement scientifically expounds the salient features of major-country diplomacy with Chinese characteristics.In addition,it reveals the interplay between Xi Jinping Thought on Diplomacy and the great rejuvenation of the Chinese nation as well as the development and progress of human civilizations,effectively showing the synergistic effect of China’s diplomacy choice on the destiny of other countries in the world.Therefore,it is necessary to have a comprehensive,profound,and accurate understanding of it.
Since its founding,the CPC has undertaken the significant historical task of realizing the great rejuvenation of the Chinese nation.Through unremitting struggles over the past century,the CPC has led the Chinese people in creating social,material,institutional,and spiritual conditions for the great rejuvenation of the Chinese nation.At present,China has ushered in a new era of socialism with Chinese characteristics,making the great rejuvenation of the Chinese nation an irreversible course of history.To further uphold and develop socialism with Chinese characteristics in the new era and transform the promising vision of the great rejuvenation of the Chinese nation into a tangible reality,it becomes increasingly imperative to foster effective collaboration among all parties within the society.Major-country diplomacy with Chinese characteristics constitutes an integral component of this endeavor.The utilization of major-country diplomacy with Chinese characteristics to serve the great rejuvenation of the Chinese nation involves prioritizing all those that contribute to national rejuvenation as the fundamental basis and primary objective for formulating foreign policy decisions and planning diplomatic policies.
The CPC has always been the most determined force in defending the independence of the Chinese nation and safeguarding its interests due to the significant historical missions and tasks it undertakes.The diplomatic history of the People’s Republic of China reveals that the CPC has consistently strived to eliminate obstacles and foster a favorable environment for the great rejuvenation of the Chinese nation in the field of diplomacy.In the period of socialist revolution and construction,the CPC,guided by the diplomatic policies proposed by Chairman Mao Zedong,aimed to completely sever the old diplomatic relations between China and other countries,eliminate imperialist privileges and forces in China,and firmly stand on the side of the socialist camp and the camp that advocates for world peace and democracy,successfully ended the humiliating diplomatic relations established by China with other countries in the past.The diplomatic principles established after the founding of the People’s Republic of China firmly uphold national independence,state sovereignty,and national dignity.Through persistent diplomatic endeavors and with the firm support of developing countries,China has successfully reclaimed all of its legitimate rights within the United Nations (UN).In the new period of reform,opening up,and socialist modernization,faced with the complex and volatile international environment,the CPC has accurately grasped the changes in the world situation,responded to a series of risks and tests in a calm and effective manner,and proactively established various partnerships with other countries,achieving positive interactions with the international community and striving to promote the building of a fairer and more equitable international order.China also wholeheartedly supports and actively participates in UN peacekeeping operations,resolutely opposes and condemns all forms of terrorism,and advocates for the building of a harmonious world.The diplomatic practice of the People’s Republic of China,under the strong leadership of the CPC,has provided substantial support for China’s development,reform,and opening up.It has also made significant contributions to improving the Chinese nation’s standing from a nation that was once looked down upon by others.
Currently,China has ushered in a new era of socialism with Chinese characteristics,while the world is facing global changes of a magnitude not seen in a century.The international situation has once again become complex,and external risks and challenges remain significant.China has emerged as a prominent player on the global stage that can profoundly influence world development.Xi Jinping,general secretary of the Communist Party of China Central Committee,highlighted that the effective promotion of major-country diplomacy with Chinese characteristics requires a comprehensive,multi-level,and multi-dimensional approach.This means that achieving majorcountry diplomacy with Chinese characteristics involves employing different strategies in various fields to accomplish specific objectives.We must always bear in mind that the top priority in these rich and complex diplomatic goals should always be the great rejuvenation of the Chinese nation.In addition,we must ensure that the pursuit of any other objective does not come at the expense of our nation’s interests,particularly its fundamental interests.As Xi stated,“China does not covet other countries’ rights and interests or become jealous of their achievements,nor do we give up our legitimate rights and interests.Saber rattling cannot scare us Chinese.We do not make trouble,but when it comes,we will not back away.We will not let any country force us to betray our core interests or undermine our country’s sovereignty,security,and developmental interests” (Xi,2017,p.42).
The utilization of major-country diplomacy with Chinese characteristics to serve national rejuvenation also entails creating a favorable external environment for the development of the Chinese nation through diplomatic means and striving to safeguard the overall security of our country.China cannot develop without the rest of the world.To achieve modernization with Chinese characteristics,we must further enhance openness and make new ground in pursuing opening up on all fronts.Moreover,we must implement a range of measures to contribute to this endeavor,such as significantly easing market access,actively creating a world-class business environment,proactively expanding imports,and facilitating the in-depth development of multilateral,bilateral,and regional opening up and cooperation.This requires China to exert full efforts in securing a favorable international environment,which entails cultivating friendly relations with neighboring countries,fostering a positive and unbiased public opinion atmosphere,promoting an open and inclusive cooperation climate,and maintaining a stable and orderly security environment.National security is a top priority,especially in an external environment featuring complexity,transnationality,diversity,and interconnectivity,where the likelihood of international risks transforming into domestic risks is increasing.In this context,China’s diplomacy should focus more on safeguarding its political security,sovereignty,territorial integrity,economic and financial security,cyber security,biological security,and the security of overseas interests,thereby contributing to the great rejuvenation of the Chinese nation.
In addition,the realization of the great rejuvenation of the Chinese nation is also a fundamental prerequisite for achieving other diplomatic goals and effectively implementing important international initiatives.It entails China possessing enhanced influence,voice,appeal,and public trust in participating in international affairs and global governance.It also involves China having greater strength and confidence to oppose hegemonism,unilateralism,protectionism,and power politics while fulfilling its historical responsibilities and contemporary missions more effectively.
Marxism believes that only the proletariat can undertake the historical mission of liberating all humankind.InThe Communist Manifesto,Marx and Engels also stressed,“They (the proletarians)point out and bring to the front the common interests of the entire proletariat,independently of all nationality” (Marx &Engels,2012,p.413).Xi also stated,“Marxism,though wide-ranging and profound,can be summed up in a sentence—the pursuit of the emancipation of humankind” (Xi,2018,May 5).As a Marxist political party,the CPC has had a strong global vision since its founding.Over the past century,it has not only striven for the happiness of the Chinese people and rejuvenation of the Chinese nation but also worked towards enhancing the well-being and common interests of all humankind.
The Chinese civilization,which has endured for approximately five millennia,has engendered remarkable accomplishments and made significant contributions to the advancement of human civilizations.In modern times,despite facing significant challenges,the Chinese nation has once again risen with remarkable resilience and determination under the leadership of the CPC.This not only transformed the global landscape but also served as an inspiration for other oppressed countries and nationalities worldwide,thus advancing the progress of human liberation.Each generation of the CPC leadership possesses a forward-thinking perspective on global affairs,as well as a deep empathy for the progress of humanity.Shortly after the founding of the People’s Republic of China,Chairman Mao Zedong said,“China ought to make a greater contribution to humanity” (Party Literature Research Office of the CPC Central Committee,2003,p.927).Comrade Deng Xiaoping once stated that the leadership of the CPC is crucial in China’s efforts to promote its modernization drive and secure an important position in the international struggle against hegemonism,as well as strive for the cause of human progress (Deng Xiaoping’s View on Adhering to the Four Cardinal Principles and Combating Bourgeois Liberalization,1989,p.57).Comrade Jiang Zemin pointed out that the CPC is eager to collaborate with the rest of the world in creating a brighter future for all humankind (Jiang,2001,p.182).Comrade Hu Jintao has extended the idea of building a harmonious society in the field of diplomacy and proposed building a harmonious world of lasting peace and common prosperity.
Comrade Xi Jinping acutely realized that the world today is experiencing a period of significant changes and adjustments characterized by notable instability and uncertainty.It is a time when opportunities and risks coexist,while deficits in governance,development,peace,and trust constitute the realistic predicament of the world.Currently,Western thoughts on the “Clash of Civilizations”remain loud,and the fallacy that a strong country must seek hegemony persists.In this context,humankind finds itself once again at a critical crossroads.Our choices between cooperation or confrontation,conflict or dialogue,openness or isolation will directly shape the progress of human civilization.The key lies in whether human beings can overcome the trap of the “Clash of Civilizations.” To view the exchanges in today’s world from the perspective of dialogue and exchanges among civilizations is a major innovative contribution of Xi Jinping Thought on Diplomacy.Meanwhile,it also demonstrates the CPC’s firm determination and sense of responsibility to make more and greater contributions to the prosperity and progress of human civilizations.
On the one hand,Xi,utilizing Marxist historical materialism,further stressed that exchanges and mutual learning are indispensable prerequisites for the advancement of civilizations.He also revealed the law of cultural exchanges and mutual learning in driving progress and development in human civilizations.Marx and Engels emphasized that whether productive forces,particularly inventions,created in a specific location,will disappear relies on to what extent they are spread (Marx &Engels,1956,p.61).In other words,through exchanges and mutual learning among civilizations,the accomplishments of human civilizations will be preserved,enabling their continuous progress without repetition.In the course of their long development,different civilizations have achieved diverse accomplishments due to their unique natural and social environments.By exchanging ideas and learning from one another,civilizations can draw upon each other’s strengths and tap into the wisdom of diverse cultures to promote their own growth and maintain a strong vitality.Such exchanges and mutual learning among different civilizations will serve as a powerful driving force for the collective progress of human civilizations.
On the other hand,Xi also emphasized the crucial prerequisite for human civilizations to embrace exchanges and mutual learning.That is,we must recognize the concepts of diversity and equality and approach different civilizations with an inclusive attitude.Human civilizations are inherently colorful.They cannot and should never be limited to one monotonous color since diversity is the “inherent feature of human civilization” (Xi,2021,February 8),and “such diversity has made exchanges and mutual learning among civilizations relevant and valuable” (Xi,2014,p.258).The colorful human civilizations,born from the exceptional wisdom and spiritual pursuit of their creators,possess unique values that deserve recognition and respect.The development level and scale may vary among different civilizations,each with its own strengths and weaknesses regarding their achievements.However,all human civilizations are equal in terms of value,and no civilization can be judged superior to another.“The thought that one’s own race and civilization are superior and the inclination to remold or replace other civilizations are just stupid.To act them out will only bring catastrophic consequences” (Xi,2019,May 16).We should always embrace an inclusive attitude when approaching other civilizations.Xi explicitly refuted the argument of the “Clash of Civilizations” advocated by the West,stating that,“If all civilizations can uphold inclusiveness,the so-called ‘clash of civilizations’will be out of the question and the harmony of civilizations will become reality” (Xi,2014,pp.259–260).The exchange and dialogue among civilizations have the power to break down barriers between diverse cultures,while mutual learning among civilizations can transcend the “Clash of Civilizations.”Through exchanges and mutual learning,the diversity and differences among civilizations can be transformed into a driving force for the development and progress of human societies,as well as the coexistence and advancement of humanity.
Comrade Zhou Enlai said that diplomatic work is all about the relationship between countries(Ministry of Foreign Affairs &Party Literature Research Office of the CPC Central Committee,1990,p.52).Since the founding of the People’s Republic of China,in pursuit of the great rejuvenation of the Chinese nation and to safeguard China’s international interests,the Chinese Communists have always been exploring the question of what kind of international relations we should establish through diplomatic activities.
In various historical periods,the CPC has adopted different foreign policies by studying and assessing the international environment and trends,with the aim of fostering international relations conducive to our country’s development.In the period of socialist revolution and construction,in the face of the Cold War,the CPC adhered to an independent foreign policy of peace,advocating the Five Principles of Peaceful Coexistence.China has placed special emphasis on maintaining close ties and cooperation with developing countries.These efforts have been warmly embraced by these countries,nurturing robust international relations.In the new period of reform,opening up,and socialist modernization,the international landscape is transitioning from bipolarity to multipolarity.Faced with significant challenges,the CPC actively cultivates various friendly partnerships with countries around the world while adhering to an independent foreign policy of peace and embracing non-alliance and non-confrontation as its fundamental principles.As a result,it gradually establishes a robust framework for its foreign relations and fosters positive interactions with the international community.Meanwhile,as China’s diplomacy continues to make progress on all fronts,its voices on the international stage have been gradually amplified.China has also actively assumed its due international responsibilities and garnered widespread recognition for its proactive initiatives in global governance.
In the face of global changes of a magnitude not seen in a century,Xi believes that all countries in the world should work together to cope with the profound changes in the international situation.He proposed the idea of establishing a new form of international relations while consistently upholding the diplomatic principles that have long been advocated by the CPC.In his report to the 20th National Congress of the Communist Party of China,Xi Jinping,general secretary of the CPC Central Committee,pointed out,“China will continue to hold high the banner of peace,development,cooperation,and mutual benefit and uphold its fundamental foreign policy goal of preserving world peace and promoting common development.China remains firm in its commitment to strengthening friendship and cooperation with other countries on the basis of the Five Principles of Peaceful Coexistence,and to forging a new form of international relations featuring mutual respect,fairness,justice,and win-win cooperation” (Xi,2020,p.45).
The building of a new type of international relations should,above all,be founded on mutual respect.Marx and Engels pointed out inThe Communist Manifestothat the bourgeoisie compels all nations to develop in their own way,trying to “create a world after its own image” (Marx &Engels,2012,p.404).The countries around the world,however,have distinctive historical and cultural backgrounds,which have led them to adopt diverse social and political systems as well as pursue their own paths of development.This is the choice made by the people of different countries themselves.Others should adopt an inclusive and tolerant attitude towards it,seek common ground while shelving differences,and consider others in their own place.We must recognize that all countries in the world,despite differences in strength,size,and wealth,should be respected equally as international participants.In particular,their core interests,such as national sovereignty and territorial integrity,should be respected without violation,and their internal affairs should not be interfered with by other nations.As members of the international community,all countries have equal rights to participate in international affairs and global governance,and these rights should also be respected by all.In addition,the splendid and diverse cultures of all countries,along with their respective social values,should also be respected.This is an important foundation for the establishment of close multilateral cooperation between countries.
In building a new type of international relations,we should also abide by the principles of fairness and justice.The pursuit of fairness and justice is a shared value among all civilizations.However,it has not yet been truly achieved in international relations.Hegemonism and power politics are the biggest obstacles to achieving international fairness and justice.Situations where the strong oppress the weak,where wealth inequality persists with the rich becoming even wealthier while the poor continue to struggle,or where certain countries’ voices and views are intentionally disregarded all represent apparent violations of fairness and justice.Xi has repeatedly mentioned on international occasions that we should uphold the principles of pursuing the greater good and shared interests when addressing international relations,and world affairs should be managed through extensive consultation.We should advance democracy and the rule of law in international relations so that the legitimate interests of all countries can be effectively safeguarded while the appeals of emerging markets and developing countries can be heard and cared about.
The key to building a new type of international relations lies in achieving the goal of winwin cooperation.Xi clearly stated that many of the ideas and principles in traditional international relations are no longer congruent with the current global trends and should be discarded,particularly the “Law of the Jungle,” where the strong prey on the weak and the winner takes all.It is imperative to acknowledge that the zero-sum game is not the sole viable option.The core of the new type of international relations lies in win-win cooperation.It is both feasible and necessary for all countries to continue to look for the widest possible converging interests in development.In this way,the interests of all parties can be effectively integrated,the scope of cooperation can be further expanded,and coordinated actions in various fields can be enhanced,thereby achieving mutual benefits and win-win and all-win outcomes.The world today faces numerous global issues that require collective efforts from all countries.No single nation can tackle these challenges alone.It is the shared responsibility of all nations to protect our common home.
The building of a human community with a shared future is the core concept underlying Xi Jinping Thought on Diplomacy.It is also a major initiative launched by China to the international community,and functions as the key to understanding the original contributions of Xi Jinping Thought on Diplomacy.In 2017,in a speech at the United Nations Headquarters,Xi raised the question,“What is wrong with this world,and what should we do about it?” He emphasized that to answer this question,we must figure out where humanity will move forward.For these issues concerning the future of humankind,Xi offered a unique answer,that is,to “build a human community with a shared future.”
In 2013,during a speech at the Moscow State Institute of International Relations,Xi initially presented this idea on the global stage.He emphasized that the interconnections between nations are growing stronger than ever before and that humankind has “increasingly emerged as a community with a shared future in which everyone has in himself a little bit of others” (Xi,2014,p.272).Since then,on various international occasions,he has also proposed to build a “China–Africa Community with a Shared Future,” a “China-Arab Community with a Shared Future,” a “China–ASEAN Community with a Shared Future,” a “China–Latin America Community with a Shared Future,”and an “Asia–Pacific Community with a Shared Future.” At the Boao Forum for Asia in 2015,Xi introduced the proposal of building a “human community with a shared future.” He then elaborated on the concept comprehensively and systematically for the first time during his speech at the General Debate of the 70th Session of the UN General Assembly in September of that same year.Since then,the concept of building a human community with a shared future,which serves as China’s approach to guiding global development and shaping the world’s future,has also emerged as a distinctive banner of major-country diplomacy with Chinese characteristics.It is evident that the building of a human community with a shared future is a new concept and ambitious goal proposed after extensive theoretical and practical preparation.This includes his commitment to the Marxist position,viewpoint,and method,the CPC’s longstanding diplomatic experience,the rich traditional culture of China,as well as the current realities of both China and the world.
In terms of its scientific connotation,the concept of building a human community with a shared future highlights the universally acknowledged direction of human civilizations.The building of a human community with a shared future contains an abundance of connotations.The key lies in what Xi Jinping,general secretary of the CPC Central Committee,said in his report to the 20th CPC National Congress,“China is committed to building a world of lasting peace through dialogue and consultation,a world of universal security through collaboration and shared benefits,a world of common prosperity through mutually beneficial cooperation,an open and inclusive world through exchanges and mutual learning,and a clean and beautiful world through green and low-carbon development” (A Compilation of Documents of the 20th National Congress of the Communist Party of China,2022,p.52).Only in this way can humankind collaborate in addressing global risks and challenges and building the earth as a beautiful abode.Only through close unity among all nations can we foster a brighter future,achieve a better destiny for ourselves,and live a more fulfilling life.This initiative has been increasingly recognized by numerous countries and individuals,and it has been repeatedly incorporated into significant resolutions of the United Nations.The reason lies in that it not only charts a course for human progress but also contains the common values of peace,development,fairness,justice,democracy,and freedom pursued by all humankind.
In terms of its theoretical basis,the concept of building a human community with a shared future is a practical application of Marxist universal communication theory in the current era.The Marxist perspective holds that communication is a fundamental practical activity of human beings.With the advancement of productive forces,particularly the progress in transportation means,the realm of human communication will continue to expand from local interactions to global connections.Engels pointed out that “big industry has brought all the people of the Earth into contact with each other,has merged all local markets into one world market,has spread civilization and progress everywhere and has thus ensured that whatever happens in civilized countries will have repercussions in all other countries” (Marx &Engels,2012,p.299).Marx and Engels believed that the formation of world communication is an inevitable historical law,indicating the irreversible trend of globalization.However,they also recognized that the communication form of the bourgeoisie may give rise to conflicts on a worldwide scale.They emphasized that socialists in all nations advocate for peace (Marx&Engels,1965,p.298),and only through universal communications can world peace be achieved.The building of a human community with a shared future entails calling on all nations to foster stronger bonds and facilitate broader exchanges,thereby advancing the progress of human society.
In terms of its cultural sources,the concept of building a human community with a shared future has drawn inspiration from the rich traditional culture of the Chinese nation.This concept offers a Chinese approach for global development.It encompasses profound Chinese wisdom rooted in the rich traditional culture of the Chinese nation.Xi said,“Any civilization,no matter which country or nation it originated from,is fluid and open.This is an important rule for the spread and development of civilizations” (Xi,2014,September 24).He pointed out that we should embrace the principles of living in harmony with nature and fostering unity between humanity and the universe,promote green and low-carbon development,and build a clean and beautiful world.It can be seen that the philosophy of “living in harmony with nature” has provided a solid foundation for the development of the concept of building a human community with a shared future,as it emphasizes respecting both social and natural rules.Xi pointed out,“We Chinese believe that peace is most precious and that there should be harmony among all nations” (Xi,2017,November 11).We will not resort to beggarthy-neighbor practices or bully the weak.We always prioritize effectively managing conflicts and differences and striving for long-lasting peace.The philosophy of “fostering unity between humanity and the universe” has injected fresh blood into the development of the concept of building a human community with a shared future,which advocates for a philosophy of multiple development that deviates from egocentrism.Xi also noted,“The Chinese people not only pursue a good life for themselves,but also work for common interest and harmony of the world” (People’s Daily,2019,April 27).It is evident that the philosophy of pursuing the common interest and harmony of the world has provided valuable inspiration for the development of the concept of building a human community with a shared future in terms of promoting synergetic development.These ideas and concepts rooted in the fine traditional Chinese culture have gained recognition from individuals with insightful perspectives worldwide.Xi has also frequently referenced Chinese classical literature on international occasions,creating a unique discourse system with distinct Chinese characteristics and styles.
Xi Jinping once again stressed in his report to the 20th National Congress of the Communist Party of China that,“The CPC is dedicated to pursuing happiness for the Chinese people and rejuvenation for the Chinese nation.It is also dedicated to human progress and world harmony” (A Compilation of Documents of the 20th National Congress of the Communist Party of China,2022,p.18).The Party’s centennial struggle has not only transformed the destiny of the Chinese nation but has also had a profound impact on the course of world history.This is not just a summary of the historical significance of the CPC’s centennial struggle,but also a vivid description of the current era.Moreover,it provides a scientific prediction for future development.Under the guidance of Xi Jinping Thought on Socialism with Chinese Characteristics for a New Era,particularly Xi Jinping Thought on Diplomacy,China will advance major-country diplomacy with Chinese characteristics in a comprehensive and in-depth manner,providing a robust external force for China to achieve the Second Centenary Goal.This diplomatic philosophy will also serve as a powerful driving force for the great rejuvenation of the Chinese nation and contribute to improving the global environment for human development.Moreover,it will demonstrate China’s responsible role as a major country and proclaim to the world that China will continue taking the lead in shaping the trends of the times and advancing human civilization progress while tirelessly working towards human progress and the common interests of the world.
Contemporary Social Sciences2023年5期