Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi (Photo/CGTN)
During the two sessions, China's diplomacy is one of the leading topics attracting global attention. The world is expecting China to become the engine of economic development and stabilizer of international peace. So what has China achieved diplomatically over the past year? What impact will its foreign policies have? [Special coverage]
China has set out a vision for its diplomacy in the new era. The country is set to contribute to reforming the global governance system, as well as world peace and development.
Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi said: "2017, both for the world and China, was a year of symbolic significance. This year, the international situation continues to undergo profound changes and adjustments. Our world is once again at a critical juncture. Is it open or closed, progressive or conservative, rational or extreme? It's about the future and the destiny of mankind. It needs countries to make choices."
China's diplomatic agenda has advanced, and its philosophy received around the globe. From the World Economic Forum in Davos to the United Nation's headquarters in Geneva, the G20 Summit in Hamburg to the APEC Leaders' Meeting in Vietnam, Chinese President Xi Jinping delivered speeches. He emphasized that China will promote economic globalization, build an open world economy, and enhance economic integration in the Asia Pacific region.
China last year hosted the Belt and Road Forum for International Cooperation, to gain consensus from participants to work together under the Belt and Road Initiative. The country also hosted the BRICS Summit in Xiamen in September, building a new platform for South-South Cooperation.
China also pushed towards improving relations with major countries such as the US and Russia. Xi met with US President Donald Trump three times in one year to boost bilateral ties.
As for regional stability, Beijing worked hard towards the peaceful settlement of pressing issues, such as tensions on the Korean Peninsula.
Deputies to the 13th National People's Congress (NPC) say China has increased cooperation with major powers, neighboring partners, and developing countries. This means the country now bears more responsibility on global affairs.
Wang Jiapeng, an NPC deputy from eastern China's Jiangsu Province, said: "As a global village, since we only have one goal and one planet, we should act together and build a peaceful future with President Xi's efforts on calling for global actions. It's almost as if we are building a big family together. "
In 2018, China will host many diplomatic events, including the annual conference of the Boao Forum for Asia, the Shanghai Cooperation Organization Summit, and the Summit on China-Africa Cooperation, and the first China International Import Expo. Many believe China stands ready to work with other countries to build a common community with a shared future for mankind.
