China's rising influence on intl affairs to be expected

Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi's speech at the General Debate of the 69th Session of the UN General Assembly on Saturday sent a clear signal to the world that it will take up a more active role in addressing international affairs and hot spot issues.

Wang expounded China's stance and proposals on almost every hot spot issue, including Ukraine, Iraq, terrorism, Syria, Palestine, Iran, South Sudan, Afghanistan, the Korean Peninsula, Ebola and climate change.

This demonstrates Beijing's commitment, readiness and devotion to acting as a responsible player and assuming more responsibilities in helping address international woes.

In the past year, the Asian giant has spoken out with a louder voice and involved more actively and constructively in addressing global and regional affairs, contributing Chinese wisdom, providing solutions, and offering developing countries with more help within its capacity.

In his speech, Wang laid out four basic principles in international relations: treat each other as equals, be open and inclusive, pursue mutually beneficial cooperation and uphold justice.

As every nation has the right to exist and develop, China believes that all countries should treat each other as equals and with respect regardless of their size; respect different religions, cultures and civilizations; and never inflict one's ideology on other countries.

In a globalizing world, China stands against hegemony and zero-sum game. Instead, it has always practiced win-win cooperation in interactions with other countries. The Silk Road Economic Belt and the 21st Century Maritime Silk Road initiatives are examples of China's emphasis on mutually beneficial cooperation.

The four principles, although deemed fundamental by many, were often neglected by some in dealing with disputes and conflicts.

To solve those problems, the Chinese foreign minister outlined Beijing's proposal: seek political solutions, accommodate the interests of all parties, promote national reconciliation and uphold multilateralism.

Being an influential and responsible player in international affairs, China believes that parties should tackle the roots of conflicts, reject outside interference unless with UN authorization, and help find peaceful, long-term solutions in a fair way.

China's rising influence is to be expected in the world. In contrary to the doubt of seeking hegemony by some, China's role will be to promote multipolarization, to advocate the leading role of the UN to better represent the will and interests of each country and the common interests of the international community as a whole, and to safeguard world peace and stability.