Building a community of shared future

The first sessions of the 13th National People's Congress, China's top legislature, and the 13th National Committee of the Chinese People's Political Consultative Conference, the country's top advisory body, will be held soon. Again, the eyes of the world will be on China. Over the past year, under the strong leadership of the Communist Party of China Central Committee with Comrade Xi Jinping at its core, China's diplomacy has honored its solemn commitment with real actions to serve the Chinese Dream of national rejuvenation with a strong sense of mission and contribute to the world dream of lasting peace and shared prosperity in a pioneering spirit. We have forged greater synergy for the Belt and Road Initiative. The first Belt and Road Forum for International Cooperation yielded over 270 outcomes and facilitated a number of major cooperation projects, creating a strong momentum of extensive participation from around the world. Today, the Belt and Road has become the biggest platform for international cooperation and a most welcomed international public good. We have made great efforts to steer globalization in the right direction. On various occasions from Davos to Geneva in Switzerland, and from Hamburg in Germany to Danang in Vietnam, President Xi Jinping presented to the world China's vision of greater balance in economic globalization and of a community with a shared future for humankind. He also elaborated on China's proposals for an open world economy and for greater economic integration in the Asia-Pacific. Those remarks instilled confidence and positive energy into the international community. We have explored more avenues to advance our mutually beneficial relations with other countries. New progress has been made in our coordination and cooperation with other major countries such as the United States and Russia, and with Europe. Mutual trust and cooperation with our neighbors has been strengthened, and more substance has been added to our partnerships with other developing countries. China's preference for dialogue and partnership over confrontation and alliance has created greater resonance, which opens up exciting possibilities for this new approach to state-to-state relations. We have initiated a new model for BRICS cooperation. At their summit in Xiamen, Fujian province, BRICS leaders decided to forge a closer, broader and more comprehensive strategic partnership and to further upgrade BRICS cooperation. The new "BRICS plus" approach of the summit will turn BRICS into a new platform for South-South cooperation with global influence. MORE COOPERATION, FEWER FRICTIONS EXPECTED THIS YEAR The year 2018 is the first year following the 19th CPC National Congress and marks the 40th anniversary of China's reform and opening-up policy. The world is watching closely how China will handle its relations with other countries in this new era. My message is, China's diplomacy will follow the guidance of Xi Jinping Thought on Socialism with Chinese Characteristics for a New Era, stay committed to peaceful development, work with other countries to build a new form of international relations and a community with a shared future for humankind, and make new progress in major country diplomacy with Chinese characteristics. In 2018, we look forward to a world of greater openness and less isolation. The green shoots in the new round of global growth must be nurtured by all countries. What China has learnt in its 40 years of reform and opening-up is that prosperity only comes to those who embrace the world with open arms. China will remain committed to opening-up as a fundamental policy and a mutually beneficial strategy. We will get more in line with international economic and trade rules, significantly widen market access, open the services sector, especially the financial sector, wider, and create a more appealing investment environment. We will promote trade and investment liberalization and facilitation, and develop the global governance system to make economic globalization more open, inclusive and balanced so that its benefits can be shared by all. We will work on the Belt and Road Initiative by implementing the deliverables of the first forum and starting preparations for the second one. This will enable us to break new ground in opening-up. We will host a number of events, including the annual conference of the Boao Forum for Asia, the Summit of the Shanghai Cooperation Organization, the Summit of the Forum on China-Africa Cooperation, and the China International Import Expo, to add momentum to the trend of openness and development. In 2018, we look forward to a world of more cooperation and less friction. In this age of globalization, the world is in fact a global village. Instead of showing off power by flexing muscles, countries should embrace cooperation to face common challenges and make the pie of shared interests larger. In that spirit, China will expand its global network of partnerships and build a framework for major country relations featuring overall stability and balanced development. With regard to our relations with neighbors, we will follow the principles of amity, sincerity, mutual benefit and inclusiveness. We will broaden cooperation and narrow differences with them to jointly build a community of shared future in Asia. We will uphold justice while pursuing shared interests for greater solidarity and cooperation with other developing countries. We will add new dimensions to our cooperation mechanisms with Africa, Latin America and the Caribbean, and Arab countries to keep the mechanisms vibrant in changing circumstances. Such efforts will enable us to set an example for a new type of international relations. With a commitment to extensive consultation, joint contribution and shared benefit, we will take an active part in multilateral cooperation and the establishment of a global system of governance. FINDING SOLUTIONS TO THORNY ISSUES In 2018, we look forward to a world of more trust and less estrangement. To navigate the complicated international landscape, countries need to have more mutual trust and less suspicion. Efforts must be made to find political solutions to long-running hotspots and thorny issues and bring about outcomes that are in the interest of all parties. The current momentum of de-escalation on the Korean Peninsula presents all parties with an opportunity to demonstrate greater sincerity for dialogue and negotiation and to facilitate constructive interactions. To put it more broadly, as a partner that all sides can count on, China will continue to uphold the equality of countries regardless of their size, strength and wealth, stand for dialogue and consultation as the only approach to solving disputes and differences, support political settlement to regional hotspots and act constructively to that end. It is our sincere hope that dialogue and cooperation will prevail in our world. Given that China is still the world's largest developing country, serving development at home remains the top priority on its diplomatic agenda. We will act upon the new development philosophy, present Chinese provinces, regions and cities to the world under the theme "China in the New Era", and contribute to the coordinated development of the Beijing-Tianjin-Hebei region, the planning and development of the Xiongan New Area and the hosting of the 2022 Winter Olympics. We will explore a mechanism for protecting the safety and security of Chinese nationals and entities abroad to effectively safeguard our legitimate rights and interests. China will work with the parties involved to properly address trade disagreements on the basis of mutual respect, equality and mutual benefit. The year 2018 is the Year of the Dog. In another Year of the Dog 120 years ago, when China was poor and weak because of domestic turmoil and foreign aggression, a group of patriotic Chinese pushed for a "Hundred Days' Reform". They tried but eventually failed to find a way to national rejuvenation and prosperity. Today, 120 years on, China has not only found a path of socialism with Chinese characteristics but also achieved a remarkable transformation－it has stood up, grown rich and is becoming strong. A sea change has taken place in China, which represents new opportunities for the peace and development of the world. The world that we look forward to is what we will strive for in our diplomatic work in 2018. I encourage our friends around the world to continue to follow China's development and diplomacy. Together, let us write a new chapter in the win-win cooperation between China and the rest of the world. The author is minister of foreign affairs of China.   

Building a community of shared future

The first sessions of the 13th National People's Congress, China's top legislature, and the 13th National Committee of the Chinese People's Political Consultative Conference, the country's top advisory body, will be held soon. Again, the eyes of the world will be on China. Over the past year, under the strong leadership of the Communist Party of China Central Committee with Comrade Xi Jinping at its core, China's diplomacy has honored its solemn commitment with real actions to serve the Chinese Dream of national rejuvenation with a strong sense of mission and contribute to the world dream of lasting peace and shared prosperity in a pioneering spirit. We have forged greater synergy for the Belt and Road Initiative. The first Belt and Road Forum for International Cooperation yielded over 270 outcomes and facilitated a number of major cooperation projects, creating a strong momentum of extensive participation from around the world. Today, the Belt and Road has become the biggest platform for international cooperation and a most welcomed international public good. We have made great efforts to steer globalization in the right direction. On various occasions from Davos to Geneva in Switzerland, and from Hamburg in Germany to Danang in Vietnam, President Xi Jinping presented to the world China's vision of greater balance in economic globalization and of a community with a shared future for humankind. He also elaborated on China's proposals for an open world economy and for greater economic integration in the Asia-Pacific. Those remarks instilled confidence and positive energy into the international community. We have explored more avenues to advance our mutually beneficial relations with other countries. New progress has been made in our coordination and cooperation with other major countries such as the United States and Russia, and with Europe. Mutual trust and cooperation with our neighbors has been strengthened, and more substance has been added to our partnerships with other developing countries. China's preference for dialogue and partnership over confrontation and alliance has created greater resonance, which opens up exciting possibilities for this new approach to state-to-state relations. We have initiated a new model for BRICS cooperation. At their summit in Xiamen, Fujian province, BRICS leaders decided to forge a closer, broader and more comprehensive strategic partnership and to further upgrade BRICS cooperation. The new "BRICS plus" approach of the summit will turn BRICS into a new platform for South-South cooperation with global influence. MORE COOPERATION, FEWER FRICTIONS EXPECTED THIS YEAR The year 2018 is the first year following the 19th CPC National Congress and marks the 40th anniversary of China's reform and opening-up policy. The world is watching closely how China will handle its relations with other countries in this new era. My message is, China's diplomacy will follow the guidance of Xi Jinping Thought on Socialism with Chinese Characteristics for a New Era, stay committed to peaceful development, work with other countries to build a new form of international relations and a community with a shared future for humankind, and make new progress in major country diplomacy with Chinese characteristics. In 2018, we look forward to a world of greater openness and less isolation. The green shoots in the new round of global growth must be nurtured by all countries. What China has learnt in its 40 years of reform and opening-up is that prosperity only comes to those who embrace the world with open arms. China will remain committed to opening-up as a fundamental policy and a mutually beneficial strategy. We will get more in line with international economic and trade rules, significantly widen market access, open the services sector, especially the financial sector, wider, and create a more appealing investment environment. We will promote trade and investment liberalization and facilitation, and develop the global governance system to make economic globalization more open, inclusive and balanced so that its benefits can be shared by all. We will work on the Belt and Road Initiative by implementing the deliverables of the first forum and starting preparations for the second one. This will enable us to break new ground in opening-up. We will host a number of events, including the annual conference of the Boao Forum for Asia, the Summit of the Shanghai Cooperation Organization, the Summit of the Forum on China-Africa Cooperation, and the China International Import Expo, to add momentum to the trend of openness and development. In 2018, we look forward to a world of more cooperation and less friction. In this age of globalization, the world is in fact a global village. Instead of showing off power by flexing muscles, countries should embrace cooperation to face common challenges and make the pie of shared interests larger. In that spirit, China will expand its global network of partnerships and build a framework for major country relations featuring overall stability and balanced development. With regard to our relations with neighbors, we will follow the principles of amity, sincerity, mutual benefit and inclusiveness. We will broaden cooperation and narrow differences with them to jointly build a community of shared future in Asia. We will uphold justice while pursuing shared interests for greater solidarity and cooperation with other developing countries. We will add new dimensions to our cooperation mechanisms with Africa, Latin America and the Caribbean, and Arab countries to keep the mechanisms vibrant in changing circumstances. Such efforts will enable us to set an example for a new type of international relations. With a commitment to extensive consultation, joint contribution and shared benefit, we will take an active part in multilateral cooperation and the establishment of a global system of governance. FINDING SOLUTIONS TO THORNY ISSUES In 2018, we look forward to a world of more trust and less estrangement. To navigate the complicated international landscape, countries need to have more mutual trust and less suspicion. Efforts must be made to find political solutions to long-running hotspots and thorny issues and bring about outcomes that are in the interest of all parties. The current momentum of de-escalation on the Korean Peninsula presents all parties with an opportunity to demonstrate greater sincerity for dialogue and negotiation and to facilitate constructive interactions. To put it more broadly, as a partner that all sides can count on, China will continue to uphold the equality of countries regardless of their size, strength and wealth, stand for dialogue and consultation as the only approach to solving disputes and differences, support political settlement to regional hotspots and act constructively to that end. It is our sincere hope that dialogue and cooperation will prevail in our world. Given that China is still the world's largest developing country, serving development at home remains the top priority on its diplomatic agenda. We will act upon the new development philosophy, present Chinese provinces, regions and cities to the world under the theme "China in the New Era", and contribute to the coordinated development of the Beijing-Tianjin-Hebei region, the planning and development of the Xiongan New Area and the hosting of the 2022 Winter Olympics. We will explore a mechanism for protecting the safety and security of Chinese nationals and entities abroad to effectively safeguard our legitimate rights and interests. China will work with the parties involved to properly address trade disagreements on the basis of mutual respect, equality and mutual benefit. The year 2018 is the Year of the Dog. In another Year of the Dog 120 years ago, when China was poor and weak because of domestic turmoil and foreign aggression, a group of patriotic Chinese pushed for a "Hundred Days' Reform". They tried but eventually failed to find a way to national rejuvenation and prosperity. Today, 120 years on, China has not only found a path of socialism with Chinese characteristics but also achieved a remarkable transformation－it has stood up, grown rich and is becoming strong. A sea change has taken place in China, which represents new opportunities for the peace and development of the world. The world that we look forward to is what we will strive for in our diplomatic work in 2018. I encourage our friends around the world to continue to follow China's development and diplomacy. Together, let us write a new chapter in the win-win cooperation between China and the rest of the world. The author is minister of foreign affairs of China.   

What is a community with a shared future for mankind?

(BRF2023) Xi says humankind is a community with shared future

BEIJING, Oct. 18 (Xinhua) -- Chinese President Xi Jinping said on Wednesday that humankind is a community with a shared future."China can only do well when the world is doing well. When China does well, the world will get even better," Xi said.He said that through Belt and Road cooperation, China is opening its door even wider to the world, with its inland regions turning from "fullbacks" into "forwards," and coastal regions scaling new heights in their opening-up.China has become a main trading partner of more than 140 countries and regions and a primary source of investment for more countries. Both Chinese investment overseas and foreign investment in China have boosted friendship, cooperation, confidence and hope, according to Xi.  

Xi proposes building maritime community with shared future

Chinese President and Central Military Commission Chairman Xi Jinping holds a group meeting with the heads of foreign delegations invited to the multinational naval events marking the 70th anniversary of the founding of the Chinese People's Liberation Army Navy in Qingdao, east China's Shandong Province, on April 23, 2019. (Xinhua/Li Gang) Chinese President Xi Jinping Tuesday called for concerted efforts to safeguard maritime peace and build a maritime community with a shared future. Xi, also chairman of the Central Military Commission, made the remarks during a group meeting with the heads of foreign delegations invited to participate in the multinational naval events marking the 70th founding anniversary of the Chinese People's Liberation Army (PLA) Navy. Oceans are of great significance to the survival and development of humanity as they breed life, connect the world and promote development, Xi said. "The blue planet humans inhabit is not divided into islands by the oceans, but is connected by the oceans to form a community with a shared future, where people of all countries share weal and woe," he said. Xi said maritime peace and tranquility concern the security and interests of all countries and need to be jointly maintained and cherished. JOIN HANDS FOR MARITIME PEACE "The peace-loving Chinese people long for peace and will unswervingly stay on the path of peaceful development," Xi said. China pursues a national defense policy that is defensive in nature and champions new thinking on common, comprehensive, cooperative, and sustainable security, he noted. "Holding high the banner of win-win cooperation, the Chinese military is committed to creating a security environment featuring equality, mutual trust, fairness and justice, joint participation and shared benefits," he said. As the mainstay of forces at sea, the navies shoulder heavy responsibilities for safeguarding maritime peace and order, Xi said. Nations should enhance mutual respect, equal treatment and mutual trust, strengthen maritime dialogue and exchanges, deepen practical naval cooperation, and pursue a mutually beneficial and win-win approach to maritime security, he said. Xi called for joint efforts to address common threats and challenges at sea, and safeguard maritime peace and tranquility. At present, ocean-based cooperation in market, technology, information, culture, and other areas is steadily deepening, Xi said. The reason for China to propose jointly building the 21st Century Maritime Silk Road, Xi said, is to facilitate maritime connectivity, pragmatic cooperation in various fields, and the development of the "blue economy," as well as to promote the integration of maritime cultures and to improve maritime wellbeing. "The Chinese armed forces are willing to work with their foreign counterparts to actively contribute to maritime development and prosperity," Xi said. "We should cherish oceans as we treat our lives," Xi said. He noted that China has fully participated in the formulation and implementation of maritime governance mechanism and related rules within the UN framework, and implemented the goal of sustainable marine development. China pays great attention to the building of marine ecological civilization, persistently intensifies the prevention and treatment of marine pollution, protects marine biodiversity and orderly exploits the marine resources in order to leave a blue sky and clean ocean for future generations, he said. Xi also said that the Chinese PLA Navy will continue to strengthen exchanges and cooperation with foreign navies, actively shoulder its international responsibilities, safeguard the security of international waterways and provide more public goods for maritime security. MARITIME COMMUNITY WITH SHARED FUTURE "The sea is vast for it embraces so many rivers," Xi cited, calling for more and better consultations when there is an issue, instead of resorting to violence or threatening with violence. All countries should consult as equals, improve the mechanism for communication in face of crises, strengthen regional security cooperation, and promote the proper solution to maritime disputes, according to Xi. A high-level seminar on building a maritime community with a shared future will be held as part of the multinational naval events, he said. Xi expressed hope that the delegations would gather their ideas, build consensus and contribute their wisdom to building a maritime community with a shared future. Commander-in-Chief of the Royal Thai Navy Admiral Luechai Ruddit, on behalf of the heads of foreign delegations, thanked Xi for the meeting and congratulated the PLA Navy on its 70th founding anniversary. He also thanked the Chinese government, military and navy for their contributions to and efforts in advancing a community with a shared future for humanity, including a maritime community with a shared future. He expressed belief that the concept and proposal of a maritime community with a shared future will promote cooperation among navies and contribute to maritime peace and prosperity. Xi took a group photo with the heads of foreign delegations before the meeting. Xu Qiliang, Ding Xuexiang, Wei Fenghe and Wang Yi were present at the meeting.

Building a Community of shared future for mankind critical for world peace and development

(Pakistan's ambassador to UN Maleeha Lodhi) Building a community of shared future for mankind is "critical for world peace and development, and represents a vision for promoting international cooperation in a world where nations are interdependent and interlinked," Maleeha Lodhi, Pakistan's ambassador to UN said here Wednesday. It is the most important and ambitious 21st century idea aimed at promoting global peace and sustainable development, she said. In our interconnected world, no single country or a group of countries can on their own address the complex transnational security and development challenges confronting us, Lodhi said, adding that this concept presents an innovative approach by seeking to build an international community based on the convergence of interests and cooperation rather than competition. Such an approach is also designed to ensure that the international system becomes more just and equitable, she said. We believe the idea of creating a "community of shared interests" is critical to promote economic prosperity and development for all and not some, and where nations complement each other to realise the shared objectives of eliminating poverty and achieving lasting prosperity. In addition to traditional challenges, newer security threats like transnational terrorism and cyber crime transcend national borders and disrupt global security, thus making it impossible for any single country to tackle them alone, she said. The community of shared interests represents an effective response to threats in a world characterised by an increasingly complex and multidimensional security environment, the ambassador said. Moreover, promoting regional and global cooperation for development in a fair and equitable manner also reinforces security, as it bridges gaps between countries and reduces disparities, thus overcoming confrontation, she said. In this regard, the Belt and Road Initiative - running across three continents, involving over 60 countries and around 4.4 billion people - stands out as the most significant initiative of our times for promoting transnational connectivity, enhancing trade and investment and facilitating cooperation to fully utilize the economic potential of the participating countries. The China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC), regarded as a flagship project of the Belt and Road Initiative, is being implemented jointly by the two countries, she said. The CPEC will open up new opportunities for development, enhanced connectivity and greater people-to-people contacts between the two countries, she said, adding that it would thus boost and accelerate regional and global economic growth, she said. By promoting regional connectivity, enhancing trade and investment and stimulating regional growth, CPEC can be expected to help improve the lives of an estimated 3 billion people in China, South Asia and Central Asia, who would benefit from the economic corridor, Lodhi said. The idea of creating a community of shared future for mankind represents an effective approach to addressing new and emerging security threats in an increasingly interconnected world, where regional and international cooperation is essential to address common threats in a comprehensive manner, she said. In the realm of security, a "community of shared future," based on common interests and shared responsibilities, would entail building trust and confidence among nations. Such an approach would significantly contribute towards enhanced global security, and greater regional peace and stability, said the ambassador.

Build a community with shared future for mankind to seek happiness for all

There is only one world where all countries live in. All the countries are closely intertwined with each other as the globe is increasingly becoming a community with shared future. In face of complicated world economy and global issues, no country can manage alone. Against such backdrop, Chinese President Xi Jinping’s proposal to build a community with shared future for mankind aims to seek happiness for people around the globe. The Belt and Road Initiative, for instance, is a concrete action to realize win-win and shared development through enhanced cooperation. In line with the principle of wide consultation, joint construction and shared benefits, the initiative will benefit all the participating countries and even the world at large, and improve people’s well-being. In this sense, the amazing Belt and Road Initiative is of epoch-making significance. Japan, as a neighbor of China, should join this great initiative and work together with China to bring benefits to people of all countries. Xi’s proposals of building a community with shared future for mankind, the Belt and Road Initiative and the new type of international relations are closely related, forming an organic system. With the continuous development of China, I had been expecting clear views on international relations from Xi. To my pleasure, he did raise the theory on a new type of international relations. The theory, featuring mutual respect, fairness and justice and win-win cooperation, shares the same core with the concept of building a community with shared future for mankind. Its ultimate goal is to achieve lasting peace and common prosperity. I couldn’t agree more with him on this point. Nowadays, China’s rapid progress in many fields has narrowed its gap with the US, and as a result put pressure on the latter. It is exactly what Japan had experienced before. Japan had a large trade surplus with the US in 1980s, but a fast appreciation of Japanese yen came after the US forced it to sign the Plaza Accord. The dramatic change brought huge negative impacts on Japan’s market, industries and economy. China should learn from this painful experience and stay vigilant and prudent. The US is not the only country with which China has trade surplus. It indicates that China has done a good job in globalization and its enterprises have taken the essence of the trend. Globalization aims to produce the best quality products at the lowest costs. Any countries that are capable of producing such products will naturally see trade surpluses, as such products are welcomed everywhere. What the US should do is to reflect on its own manufacturing model since such trade deficits partially came from the popularity of such China-made products among American consumers. Given the all-recognized importance of free trade, the world is amid the worries over the rising tide of trade protectionism. China and the US have already become inseparable partners. Many industries in the US depend on the imports from China, and the US agriculture and some other industries rely heavily on the Chinese market. The trade protectionism of the Trump administration, which aims to achieve quick results, may reduce the US trade deficit in a short term, but the problem cannot be solved radically if no change takes place on the country’s industrial structure. It’s believed that there will be more voices from the US that urge the Trump administration to stop the current trade protectionism policy, and the US government should make adjustment in time. China’s continuous growth has brought many opportunities to the world. However, the rise of China has triggered concerns of some countries over where the country would go with its enhanced strength. Xi’s proposal to build a community with shared future for mankind and a new type of international relations, which came rightly at this critical moment, tells the world China’s determination to insist on a road of peaceful development, never seek hegemony or engage in expansion. His diplomacy bears a huge significance to ease the concerns of the international community. Last October, Xi, also the general secretary of the Central Committee of the Communist Party of China (CPC), depicted China’s future development and contributed Chinese solutions to global issues in his wonderful speech at the 19th CPC National Congress. The international community hopes to hear more views and proposals from China, and the 2018 annual conference of the Boao Forum for Asia (BFA) remains a very important chance. I believe that countries around the world can know more about China through the objective and accurate media coverage. The author is chairman of the Board of Directors of the Boao Forum for Asia and former Japanese Prime Minister.

Xi's 'Community of shared future' has global implications

In his speech at the closing session of this year's National People's Congress, Chinese President Xi Jinping reiterated the two centenary goals and emphasized a vision of a "Community of Shared Future for Mankind". The aspects of this vision have global meaning, and observers have taken great interest in this philosophy within the context of China's internal and external circumstances. With confidence and a pragmatic vision for the nation, Xi called on all efforts to tackle challenges and realize the Chinese Dream of national rejuvenation. He took the historic example of four great Chinese inventions — paper, printing, the compass and gunpowder — and encourage all NPC members to work hard for new achievements in a new era to build a strong, modern, socialist nation and also contribute to the peace, stability and development of the world. In the presence of more than 2,900 lawmakers, Xi asserted the Chinese people are striving for the goal of the building of a moderately prosperous society in all respects by 2020 and to tackle the unprecedented challenges ahead through a huge united effort, hard work and scientific vision. In this speech Xi, also General Secretary of the CPC Central Committee, outlined his vision for the world community, too. He assured us there is no reason to see China as a threat, as proved by China's efforts since its reform and opening-up policy started in 1978. Some Western scholars still try to use the phrase "China threat" and give pressure to their leadership not to accept China's rise. But history has clearly shown today's global challenges were created by the domineering approach of the western countries. With China's development and relevant stake in the international arena, developing world-seeking contribution of China for more a equal and balanced international world order. On the issue of building a favorable environment for world peace and development, Xi's speech has actually given a tangible overview for building a community of shared future for mankind. From Asia to Africa and Europe to Latin America, China's partnerships are increasing in new dimensions under Xi's guidance The last five years have shown China can maintain a harmonious relationship with the rest of the world based on mutual trust and win-win cooperation. China's contribution to the United Nations peacekeeping mission is highly admired by UN leadership and the world community. China's assistance to underdeveloped and developing countries has started to have positive effects for the political stability and economic prosperity of the recipient nations. This is one reason why many countries are attracted to the China-led Belt and Road Initiative and the Asian Infrastructure and Investment Bank. To seek resolution to international conflicts and disputes, Xi has always focused on comprehensive dialogue and negotiations between conflicted parties. China's approach to settling conflicts has demonstrated China wants peaceful resolution of any international conflict and urges all parties to contribute to peace. In his speech, Xi said China will continue to participate in reform and development of world governance as well as contribute more "Chinese wisdom, Chinese solutions and Chinese strength" to promote lasting peace and stability in the world. China's domestic development will have direct impact on the global sphere. A country with a history of more than 5,000 years has a lot to contribute to the rest of the world when it comes to peace and development. There is no doubt the targeted centenary goals of the Chinese leadership will be fulfilled. A strong and prosperous China will be supportive of world peace and development. Now the rest of the world is watching the newly elected Chinese leadership for more comprehensive efforts in building mutual trust and understanding to create a safe, clean and harmonious world. Buddhi Prasad Sharma is a Ph.D candidate at the Communication University of China. He is the president of the Himalaya Dialogue and Leadership Foundation.

All of humanity now belongs to one community with a shared future: Kishore Mahbubani

A student receives the second dose of COVID-19 vaccine at the Beihang University in Beijing, capital of China, March 24, 2021. (Xinhua/Xu Qin) "Covid-19 did real damage to the global economy. The world should send a thank you note to China for succeeding in achieving positive economic growth in 2020. China saved the world economy in 2020." Kishore Mahbubani, a Distinguished Fellow at the Asia Research Institute, National University of Singapore, and author of the book, Has China Won? (which will soon be published in China), told the People's Daily in a recent written interview. "Covid-19 has had a massive impact on humanity," Mahbubani noted, adding that the pandemic reinforced the message: All of humanity now belongs to one community with a shared future. As he documented in his book "The Great Convergence“, before modern globalization, when humanity lived in 193 separate countries, it was like living in 193 separate boats. But now, "we no longer live in 193 separate boats. Instead, we live on 193 separate cabins on the same boat. It would be suicidal for us to only take care of our cabins only. We also have to take care of the boat as a whole because if the boat sinks, our cabins will sink," he said. Mahbubani praised China's efforts to integrate with the world. China has continued to join the Free Trade Agreements, like the Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership (RCEP). It has also indicated that it may join the Comprehensive and Progressive Agreement for Trans-Pacific Partnership (CPTPP). "This is the best contribution that China can make to uplifting and improving the human condition: to keep its economy open and continue integrating with the world," he said. Mahbubani believes that countries around the world should uphold and strengthen multilateralism to address global challenges. "It was a huge mistake for the US (with the complicit support of some European countries) to progressively weaken the UN multilateral system, especially by depriving it of funding," he said. In his new book, Has China Won?, Mahbubani concluded that a rational and objective analysis of the core interests of the US and China will show that there are at least five non-contradictions between the US and China. "For example, if the core goal of the US government is to improve the well-being of the American people (as it should be), and if the core goal of the Chinese government is to improve the well-being of the Chinese people (as it should be), there is no contradiction between American and Chinese interests here. Similarly, both US and China share common interests in dealing with common global challenges like Covid-19 and global warming," he said, hoping that his book will help to improve mutual understanding between the US and China. However, "the Biden Administration has not worked out a coherent and sensible balance between competition and cooperation in managing relations with China," Mahbubani said, adding that the US should halt the trade war and withdraw all the trade tariffs and sanctions to improve the livelihoods of the American workers. As Covid-19 is still raging across the world, Mahbubani found that some countries, including China, have handled the pandemic well and competently, while others have not. Mahbubani believes China's success lies in its quality of governance. "China, learning from its East Asian neighbors, regenerated a culture and system of meritocracy in its government agencies. Hence, the quality of mind of government administrators in China has been going up," he explained. "The best formula for any country to apply to improve its governance was to implement meritocracy, pragmatism and honesty (MPH). This MPH formula explains Singapore's extraordinary success. It is also being implemented in China. Hence, I am optimistic that the quality of governance in China will continue to improve," he believes. A rigorous academic study of the Harvard Kennedy School of Government has documented how support for the Chinese government has gone up from 86% in 2003 to 93% in 2016. Similarly, last May, an Edelman Trust Barometer trust and credibility survey showed that trust in government in China has surged to 95 percent. Mahbubani quoted from a Stanford University psychologist, Jean Fan, saying "China's culture, self-concept and morale are being transformed at a rapid pace – mostly for the better" Mahbubani believes that China will play an even more important role in the coming decade. "Countries all over the world, especially in the poor developing countries, will be looking for export markets to boost their economic growth. This is where China can play an important role. It can open its markets faster, especially for poor developing countries. History has taught us that trade is more effective than aid in promoting economic growth and reducing poverty. The world will be truly grateful if China can import more from the rest of the world," he said.

All of humanity now belongs to one community with a shared future: Kishore Mahbubani

A student receives the second dose of COVID-19 vaccine at the Beihang University in Beijing, capital of China, March 24, 2021. (Xinhua/Xu Qin) "Covid-19 did real damage to the global economy. The world should send a thank you note to China for succeeding in achieving positive economic growth in 2020. China saved the world economy in 2020." Kishore Mahbubani, a Distinguished Fellow at the Asia Research Institute, National University of Singapore, and author of the book, Has China Won? (which will soon be published in China), told the People's Daily in a recent written interview. "Covid-19 has had a massive impact on humanity," Mahbubani noted, adding that the pandemic reinforced the message: All of humanity now belongs to one community with a shared future. As he documented in his book "The Great Convergence“, before modern globalization, when humanity lived in 193 separate countries, it was like living in 193 separate boats. But now, "we no longer live in 193 separate boats. Instead, we live on 193 separate cabins on the same boat. It would be suicidal for us to only take care of our cabins only. We also have to take care of the boat as a whole because if the boat sinks, our cabins will sink," he said. Mahbubani praised China's efforts to integrate with the world. China has continued to join the Free Trade Agreements, like the Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership (RCEP). It has also indicated that it may join the Comprehensive and Progressive Agreement for Trans-Pacific Partnership (CPTPP). "This is the best contribution that China can make to uplifting and improving the human condition: to keep its economy open and continue integrating with the world," he said. Mahbubani believes that countries around the world should uphold and strengthen multilateralism to address global challenges. "It was a huge mistake for the US (with the complicit support of some European countries) to progressively weaken the UN multilateral system, especially by depriving it of funding," he said. In his new book, Has China Won?, Mahbubani concluded that a rational and objective analysis of the core interests of the US and China will show that there are at least five non-contradictions between the US and China. "For example, if the core goal of the US government is to improve the well-being of the American people (as it should be), and if the core goal of the Chinese government is to improve the well-being of the Chinese people (as it should be), there is no contradiction between American and Chinese interests here. Similarly, both US and China share common interests in dealing with common global challenges like Covid-19 and global warming," he said, hoping that his book will help to improve mutual understanding between the US and China. However, "the Biden Administration has not worked out a coherent and sensible balance between competition and cooperation in managing relations with China," Mahbubani said, adding that the US should halt the trade war and withdraw all the trade tariffs and sanctions to improve the livelihoods of the American workers. As Covid-19 is still raging across the world, Mahbubani found that some countries, including China, have handled the pandemic well and competently, while others have not. Mahbubani believes China's success lies in its quality of governance. "China, learning from its East Asian neighbors, regenerated a culture and system of meritocracy in its government agencies. Hence, the quality of mind of government administrators in China has been going up," he explained. "The best formula for any country to apply to improve its governance was to implement meritocracy, pragmatism and honesty (MPH). This MPH formula explains Singapore's extraordinary success. It is also being implemented in China. Hence, I am optimistic that the quality of governance in China will continue to improve," he believes. A rigorous academic study of the Harvard Kennedy School of Government has documented how support for the Chinese government has gone up from 86% in 2003 to 93% in 2016. Similarly, last May, an Edelman Trust Barometer trust and credibility survey showed that trust in government in China has surged to 95 percent. Mahbubani quoted from a Stanford University psychologist, Jean Fan, saying "China's culture, self-concept and morale are being transformed at a rapid pace – mostly for the better" Mahbubani believes that China will play an even more important role in the coming decade. "Countries all over the world, especially in the poor developing countries, will be looking for export markets to boost their economic growth. This is where China can play an important role. It can open its markets faster, especially for poor developing countries. History has taught us that trade is more effective than aid in promoting economic growth and reducing poverty. The world will be truly grateful if China can import more from the rest of the world," he said.