What diplomatic road will China's new leadership follow?

Every move of China attracts wide attention as it is the second largest economy in the world. Where will the new leadership lead China? And will policies be regulated? All these questions have become the focus of people from all walks of life. In response, the 18th CPC National Congress gave a clear answer, which not only reiterates China's long-standing diplomatic guidelines and policies, but also shows new development of China's diplomatic thoughts.

First, China keeps its fundamental diplomatic policy unchanged. Hu Jintao's report to the 18th CPC National Congress reiterates that China will adhere to an independent and peaceful diplomatic policy, unswervingly follow a road of peaceful development, always persist firmly in a mutually beneficial and win-win strategy of opening-up, and insist on the development of friendly cooperation with all countries on the basis of the Five Principles of Peaceful Coexistence, so as to build a harmonious world with lasting peace and common prosperity.

Facts have proved these are correct policies that meet China's actual conditions as well as current trend of development, reflecting the stability and continuity of China's foreign policy. To achieve the development in an open, cooperative and win-win manner, China develops itself by striving for a peaceful international environment, while in turn upholding and improving world peace with its development and expanding the convergence of interests with all circles. At the 18th CPC National Congress, China made a solemn commitment about which road it will follow.

Second, some policy declarations that attracted high attention from the outside world do not suggest any change in China's diplomatic policy. Hu's report to the 18th CPC National Congress points out that China will resolutely uphold its national sovereignty, security and development benefits, and never yield to any external pressure. This is China's consistent policy, which has not changed, and will not change in the future. Besides, China's adherence to the road of peaceful development does not mean that it gives up the right to uphold its national interests.

Third, the emphasis on the "win-win" concept is the new element in China's foreign policy.

The win-win concept that China advocates is not only an idea restricted to the economic sector, but also a strategy that is applied to all international affairs. In economy, it advocates common benefits and common development; in politics, it means mutual respect and equal treatment; in security, it emphases common security, collective security and cooperative security; and in culture, it focuses on inclusiveness, mutual appreciation and coexistence.

The world is changing, and so is China. However, China's commitment in the diplomatic policy of upholding and improving the peaceful development of the world will not change, while its commitment in the common pursuit of a bright future will not change. China's diplomacy will march forward during the course of inheritance and development, make due contributions to the peaceful development of the world and the prosperity and progress of all human beings, with an opener and more tolerant mentality as well as more active and effective efforts.