China's Diplomacy in the New Era*

December 28, 2017

Since the 18th CPC National Congress in 2012, under the leadership of the Party Central Committee and with the support of the people, we have forged ahead on the diplomatic front in the face of multiple challenges.

We have remained resolute in safeguarding China's sovereignty, national security and development interests. We have broadened our global diplomatic agenda, and played an active part in global governance. We have launched the Belt and Road Initiative (BRI) and moved it forward. We have achieved unprecedented successes, and created a favorable external environment for realizing the Two Centenary Goals and the Chinese Dream of national rejuvenation, thus contributing significantly to human progress. Our remarkable accomplishments in foreign affairs over the past five years have won plaudits from the whole Party and the people of China.

Chinese socialism has entered a new era. To improve our diplomatic work in the new era, we must get a solid grasp of the guiding principles established at the 19th CPC National Congress, and clearly identify the underlying trends of the times and international developments.

The world is undergoing momentous changes of a scale unseen in a century. Since the turn of this century, a significant number of emerging markets and developing countries have achieved rapid economic growth. The trend towards multi-polarity is gaining momentum and the configuration of international dynamics is moving towards balance. This is an irreversible trend.

Under the leadership of the CPC and with resolve and tenacity, our Chinese nation has stood up, become better off, and grown in strength. The prospects for China's rejuvenation are bright as never before. As long as we stay true to our vision and forge ahead on the path of building socialism with Chinese characteristics, we will make China stronger and even more prosperous. Our country will move closer to the center stage of the world and make a greater contribution to humanity.

Under the strong leadership of the Party, we Chinese are marching on the path of Chinese socialism, reform and opening up with pride, confidence and commitment. We refuse to return to the old path of a rigid closed-door policy or follow an erroneous path of abandoning socialism. Instead, we have endeavored to break new ground. As a result, we have made remarkable advances in building socialism with Chinese characteristics. Our future is bright.

China now faces both unprecedented opportunities and challenges. You and all those working on China's diplomatic front must gain a full understanding of and apply the guiding principles established at the 19th CPC National Congress and the Thought on Socialism with Chinese Characteristics for a New Era. You must remain true to our original aspiration and founding mission, and press ahead with determination. You should break new ground in diplomacy that befits China's status as a major country, and further contribute to the cause of the Party and the state.

First, remain loyal to the Party and dedicate yourselves to the nation. Strong commitment to your ideals and convictions and absolute loyalty to the Party, nation and people are the root and soul of a Chinese diplomat. You should enhance the Four Consciousnesses and reinforce the Four-sphere Confidence. You should keep in alignment with the CPC Central Committee in the way of thinking, in political principles and in actions. You should firmly uphold the authority of the Central Committee and its centralized, unified leadership. You should act on the principles and policies on foreign affairs formulated by the Central Committee, and resolutely safeguard China's interests and national dignity. Our diplomats should conduct diplomacy for the people and serve them wholeheartedly.

Second, be enterprising and have a stronger sense of mission. The CPC strives for both the wellbeing of the Chinese people and the progress of humanity. You should take a holistic approach to both the domestic and international situation, develop a global and strategic vision, and pursue the interests of both China and the world. We should promote a new model of international relations and a global community of shared future. You should endeavor to pursue a broad diplomatic agenda, expand the network of global partnerships, and make more friends across the world.

You should promote BRI, boost win-win cooperation between China and other countries, and pursue common development. You should become more actively involved in global governance and multilateral affairs to uphold the interests of the Chinese and humanity. You need to tell the world China's success stories, especially those of the Party and people, to promote mutual understanding and friendship between China and other countries.

Third, pursue continuous learning and self-improvement. China's diplomacy is taking on new and broader dimensions, and conditions are changing. This has raised new tasks and missions for you diplomats, and much more is expected of you. You should have both strong political commitment and professional competence. To this end, you should take a live-and-learn approach, and gain a keen understanding of the Party's theories, principles and policies, as well as Chinese laws and regulations. You should also enrich your knowledge of a range of subjects, enhance your professional caliber, and build up your capacity so that you will be better able to fulfill your diplomatic mission.

Fourth, remain committed to the principle that the Party must practice self-discipline and be strict with its members. The power to make foreign policy rests with the CPC Central Committee, which exercises centralized and unified leadership over China's foreign affairs. Party organizations must fulfill their principal responsibilities for enforcing Party discipline and conducting strict Party self-supervision and self-governance. You must see that the Party's leadership over foreign affairs is upheld, Party organizations strengthened, and the Party's political foundations reinforced. You must strictly comply with Party political discipline and rules, and the Central Committee's Eight Rules. You should build yourselves into a vigorous contingent of diplomats who have strong political commitment, are professionally competent, and are exemplary in conduct and well-disciplined.

It is my hope that you will live up to the trust of the Party and people, faithfully perform your duties, work creatively, and make your contribution to China's diplomatic work in the new era.

* Main points of the speech at the 2017 Meeting for Chinese Diplomatic Envoys.

(Not to be republished for any commercial or other purposes.)