China News Service, Beijing, March 8. Title: Citing ancient teachings to talk about history, Wang Yi discusses the diplomacy of major powers.
China News Service reporter Zeng Yue and Guo Chaokai
The diplomatic-themed press conference of the Fourth Session of the 14th National People's Congress was held on the 8th. Wang Yi, member of the Political Bureau of the CPC Central Committee and Foreign Minister, answered questions from Chinese and foreign reporters. In the 21 questions and answers, he frequently quoted ancient sayings and talked about history, bringing the approximately 85-minute press conference into a longer time and space.
"Soldiers are deadly weapons and cannot be used without caution", which expresses China's position of ceasefire and war; "If benevolence and righteousness are not exercised, the offensive and defensive momentum will be different", emphasizing that great powers should abide by justice and follow the right path. Wang Yi used these two ancient sayings to respond to the current situation in Iran. The wisdom of the ancients warns today's people what they should not do.
Two ancient sayings directly point to the key issues in today's international relations. War is never a good way to resolve conflicts. Resorting to force will only expand conflicts, while the loss of justice and rules will eventually make the situation spiral out of control.
Wang Yi conveyed this concept through ancient teachings. The more tense and turbulent the situation is, the more all parties should exercise restraint, return to the track of dialogue and negotiation, and maintain regional stability with rationality and rules.
Last year marked the 80th anniversary of the victory of the Chinese People's War of Resistance Against Japanese Aggression, and this year marks the 80th anniversary of the opening of the Tokyo Trial. On the occasion of a special historical year, Wang Yi once again quoted an ancient saying on Sino-Japanese relations: "Lake history as a mirror to know the ups and downs; remembering the past is the guide for the future."
80 years ago, after two and a half years of court trials, judges from 11 countries exposed the numerous crimes of Japanese militarism with a massive amount of irrefutable evidence. At the press conference today, Wang Yi clearly stated that "no one will ever be allowed to defend colonization or overturn the verdict of aggression."
Ancient precepts often contain reflections on history. This kind of historical consciousness that runs through ancient and modern times makes China's diplomacy pay more attention to distinguishing right from wrong and clarifying directions from history when facing complex international situations, and also allows the outside world to better understand China's foreign policy choices.
If you know where you are from, you will know where you are going.
From the "Cairo Declaration" and "Potsdam Proclamation" to the "Japanese Instrument of Surrender" and UN General Assembly Resolution 2758, Wang Yi used history to clarify the reality – a series of international legal documents have firmly locked in Taiwan's status.
He once again emphasized that the historical process of resolving the Taiwan issue and realizing the complete reunification of the motherland is unstoppable, and quoted the ancient saying that "those who follow the trend will prosper, and those who go against it will perish." This is not only a historical law, but also a warning to all "Taiwan independence" separatist forces and external interference.
When talking about the concept of building a community with a shared future for mankind, Wang Yi also used ancient teachings to clarify China’s proposition. Today, the concept of building a community with a shared future for mankind has received support from more than 100 countries and international organizations. In this regard, Wang Yi said that this once again proves that "where there is truth, there is much help", and a just cause will definitely receive support from all countries and gather the power of the people.
At a time when the world is facing many common challenges, adhering to win-win cooperation and joint development is becoming the common choice of more and more countries. Looking at the future through history can help us better understand the value orientation of China's diplomacy.
Regarding neighboring countries, "It is China's tradition to help each other, and it is China's culture to be kind and kind to neighbors." When it comes to China-Africa relations, the Chinese Foreign Minister has insisted on visiting Africa for the first time in the New Year for 36 years, "consistently, rain or shine." Looking back on the development of APEC, 25 years of ups and downs have "witnessed that China and the Asia-Pacific colleagues have not changed their original aspirations"…
At a time when global conflicts are becoming increasingly acute and competition and confrontation are intensifying, Wang Yi once again clarified China's responsibility as a major country and its historical mission to the world. The image of a stable, open and responsible China is clearly presented. (over)
