Nigeria Times

By Zheng Xiang, Wang Di, Wang Xiaobo, People’s Daily

The Boao Forum for Asia (BFA) Annual Conference 2024, themed “Asia and the World: Common Challenges, Shared Responsibilities,” was held in Boao, south China’s Hainan province from March 26 to 29.

In the face of a weak economic recovery, ongoing international instability, frequent extreme weather occurrences and natural disasters, as well as other severe challenges, the world is in urgent need of strengthening global cooperation.

BFA secretary general Li Baodong said the BFA hopes to contribute Asian wisdom and strength to the world economy and global development.

This year’s event was arranged around four major topics: the global economy, social development, international cooperation, and scientific and technological innovation, covering dozens of topics in some 40 sub-forums and relevant activities.

Nearly 2,000 participants explored how the world should unite and collaborate, face challenges together, jointly safeguard peace and stability, and achieve common development.

The conference also focused on discussions surrounding topics such as Asian economic integration, green development, technological innovation, and digital economy.

At the first press conference of the BFA Annual Conference 2024, the Asian Economic Outlook and Integration Progress Annual Report 2024 and the Sustainable Development: Asia and the World Annual Report 2024 were released.

The reports said the global economy would continue to experience uncertainties and divergence in 2024; nevertheless, the momentum of Asian economic growth and regional economic integration will remain robust, and a promising overall economic performance is on the horizon.

Participants in the event believe that the high-quality development of the Chinese economy and the cohesion of Asian development and cooperation have made various parties optimistic about the prospects for economic growth in the region, and confident in strengthening regional cooperation and sharing development opportunities.

According to the Asian Economic Outlook and Integration Progress Annual Report 2024, the Asian economy will still maintain a relatively high growth rate this year, which is expected to surpass that of 2023, reaching around 4.5 percent. In terms of purchasing power parity, Asia’s economic aggregate is expected to account for 49 percent of global GDP in 2024.

The process of regional integration in Asia continues to advance, playing a crucial role in promoting an equal and orderly multipolar world and a universally beneficial and inclusive economic globalization.

The Belt and Road Initiative, the Master Plan on ASEAN Connectivity 2025, and the Concept of Cooperation Between Shanghai Cooperation Organization Member States in the Development of Interconnectivity and the Creation of Efficient Transport Corridors have been deeply docked.

The China-Europe freight train service has become a major international transportation artery connecting Asia and Europe. The China-Laos Railway has seen a thriving flow of passengers and cargo. The Jakarta-Bandung High-Speed Railway has maintained a high level of passenger traffic.

Besides, the Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership and other trade agreements have been successfully implemented.

In the face of rising trade protectionism and economic fragmentation, the Asian economies have taken “hard connectivity” of infrastructure and “soft connectivity” of rules as key approaches to pragmatically promote regional economic integration, support economic globalization, and inject new impetus into the common development of regional countries.

Climate change is one of the major challenges that the world is facing today as a whole, and promoting energy transition and achieving low-carbon development has become a global trend. According to the Sustainable Development: Asia and the World Annual Report 2024, energy transition is the key to embracing the green industrial revolution and achieving green development in Asia.

Zhou Xiaochuan, vice chairman of the BFA, said that Asia possesses the world’s core technologies for clean production and has gathered global investments in clean energy. It is actively engaged in green production, infrastructure construction, and finance and technology cooperation, Zhou added.

Nishant Bhardwaj, Global Sector Lead – Renewable Energy at the Global Green Growth Institute, pointed out that China has provided significant support and assistance to other countries, particularly developing countries, in terms of clean energy technology, financing, and infrastructure. It is believed that through international cooperation, China will help these countries accelerate their energy transition, he said.

It is reported that this year’s BFA Annual Conference kept embracing a green conference concept and continuously improved its services. The Boao near-zero carbon demonstration zone officially started operation on March 18, integrating various systems into a near-zero carbon operation management system, achieving intelligent operation and management. It ensured that all venues were supplied with pure “green electricity” during the conference.

By He Yin, People’s Daily

On March 27, 2014, Chinese President Xi Jinping delivered a speech at the UNESCO headquarters, calling on the world to encourage different civilizations to respect each other and live in harmony, so that exchanges and mutual learning between civilizations will become a bridge promoting friendship between people around the world, an engine driving progress of human society, and a bond cementing world peace.

Ten years on, Xi’s proposals on exchanges and mutual learning between civilizations have gained increasingly more support from the international community, providing strong motivation for building a community with a shared future for mankind.

Human history is one of civilizations living and prospering together in diversity. There are more than 200 countries and regions, over 2,500 ethnic groups and multiple religions in our world. Diversity breeds exchanges, exchanges lead to integration, and integration brings progress.

Xi said civilizations have come in different colors, and such diversity has made exchanges and mutual learning among civilizations relevant and valuable; civilizations are equal, and such equality has made exchanges and mutual learning among civilizations possible; civilizations are inclusive, and such inclusiveness has given exchanges and mutual learning among civilizations the needed drive to move forward.

He said to promote exchanges and mutual learning among civilizations, the world must adopt a right approach with some important principles. His remarks have charted the course for human progress.

Irina Bokova, then director-general of UNESCO, noted that the vision of the Chinese leader aligns perfectly with the mission of UNESCO.

Over the past decade, Xi has elaborated on China’s perspective on civilization in the new era on various occasions, continuously contributing Chinese wisdom and solutions to promoting cultural exchanges, mutual learning, and the progress of human civilization.

When attending the general debate of the 70th session of the UN General Assembly in September 2015, he noted that peace, development, equity, justice, democracy and freedom are common values of all mankind. At the 18th Meeting of the Council of Heads of Member States of the Shanghai Cooperation Organization held in June 2018, he stressed the importance to champion equality, mutual learning, dialogue and inclusiveness between civilizations.

Speaking at the opening ceremony of the Conference on Dialogue of Asian Civilizations in May 2019, Xi emphasized the need to promote exchanges and mutual learning among countries, nations and cultures around the world, and strengthen popular support for jointly building a community with a shared future for both Asia and humanity as a whole.

In his key note speech delivered at the Communist Party of China in Dialogue with World Political Parties High-level Meeting in March 2023, Xi proposed the Global Civilizations Initiative, saying the world should advocate the respect for the diversity of civilizations, the common values of humanity, the importance of inheritance and innovation of civilizations, and robust international people-to-people exchanges and cooperation.

Through these important remarks by Xi, the international community sees China’s major country responsibility to promote human progress.

“As long as the idea of peace can strike deep roots and the sail of peace can be hoisted in the hearts and minds of people all over the world, a strong defense will be constructed to prevent and stop war.” What Xi said provides valuable guidance for navigating the current intricate and volatile international landscape.

Today, conflicts keep emerging in certain regions of the world, and terrorist attacks occur from time to time, while hegemonic thinking continues to erode the foundations of peace.

Bearing in mind the future of humanity and the well-being of the people, China will always stay on the right path of seeking solidarity and cooperation, and offer more solutions with Chinese wisdom to regional hotspots and global issues.

China is joining hands with various parties to implement the Global Civilizations Initiative, building a stage for peace-loving people around the world through multiple platforms and in different forms where they can showcase their diverse cultures and civilizations.

As the future of all countries are closely connected, tolerance, coexistence, exchanges and mutual learning among different civilizations play an irreplaceable role in advancing humanity’s modernization process and making the garden of world civilizations colorful and vibrant.

Over the past decade, China has been actively engaged in high-quality Belt and Road cooperation and implementing the Global Development Initiative, Global Security Initiative and Global Civilizations Initiative. It has exchanged governance experience with other countries and strengthened synergy among development strategies. The country has consistently advocated for inclusiveness and mutual learning among civilizations, reinforcing mutual understanding, respect, and trust among nations.

International observers believe that as long as countries around the world work together, they can make the world better, more peaceful and more prosperous.

“Indeed, we need a mind that is broader than the sky as we approach different civilizations,” Xi said. History tells us that only by interacting with and learning from others can a civilization enjoy full vitality. If all civilizations can uphold inclusiveness, the so-called “clash of civilizations” will be out of the question and the harmony of civilizations will become reality.

China will continuously uphold the values of equality, mutual learning, dialogue and inclusiveness among civilizations, and work with all parties to implement the Global Civilizations Initiative, to open up a new prospect of enhanced exchanges and understanding among different peoples and better interactions and integration of diversified cultures, and make contribution to building a community with a shared future for mankind.

By He Yin, People’s Daily

Chinese President Xi Jinping recently held talks with Nauruan President David Adeang, who was paying a state visit to China. The two heads of state had an in-depth exchange of views on growing China-Nauru relations and international and regional issues of common interests, and reached important consensus.

Friendship, no matter its beginning, will have a bright future, and cooperation, regardless of scale, will be productive as long as it is sincere, Xi said.

Xi’s remarks fully demonstrate China’s sincerity to work with Nauru to create a bright future for bilateral relations and bring more benefits to the two peoples.

Since 2016, eleven countries have established or resumed diplomatic relations with China. Taking the establishment or resumption of diplomatic ties as a new starting point, and in the spirit of seizing the day and giving full play to the late starter’s advantage, China and these countries have continuously deepened political mutual trust, actively promoted practical cooperation and achieved win-win results. It demonstrated China’s commitment to the principles of equality, mutual respect, and mutual benefit, and China’s firm resolution to remain a reliable friend and sincere partner of relevant countries on their path of development.

The fast growth of bilateral relations between China and these countries fully demonstrates that establishing and developing relations with China on the basis of the one-China principle is a right move that conforms to the trend of history and the times, as well as a correct choice that withstands the test of time and history.

China believes that a friend is a friend, regardless of when the friendship began, and cooperation should be valued, regardless of its size. This exemplifies China’s efforts to promote the building of a community with a shared future for mankind.

In October 2019, less than 20 days after China and the Solomon Islands formally established diplomatic relations, Xi met with the Solomon Islands’ Prime Minister Manasseh Sogavare in Beijing. He said that the friendship between the two nations will enjoy bright prospects although their diplomatic ties are newly forged. Since the two countries established diplomatic relations, their friendly cooperation has become a pacesetter for the relations between China and other island countries in the Pacific in spite of a relatively late start. Their cooperation is a paradigm of unity, cooperation and common development for countries of different sizes, and for developing countries.

In March 2023, China established diplomatic ties with Honduras, and three months later, Honduran President Iris Xiomara Castro Sarmiento paid a state visit to China. Under the guidance of head-of-state diplomacy, the bilateral relations between the two countries started to grow from a high level. The economic and trade cooperation and cultural exchanges between the two sides enjoy great dynamism and promise.

China resumed diplomatic ties with Nauru this January and two months later, President Adeang paid a state visit to China. The two countries signed bilateral cooperation documents in the fields of the Belt and Road cooperation, the Global Development Initiative, economic development and agriculture.

China always believes that all countries, big or small, strong or weak, rich or poor, are equal members of the international community. China has always been a member of the developing world, and China’s vote in the United Nations Security Council always belongs to developing countries.

China adheres to the principle of treating all countries as equals when developing relations with nations it has established or resumed diplomatic ties with, and is committed to carrying out practical cooperation in various fields with these countries on the basis of equality and mutual benefit.

President Castro said Honduras firmly sticks to the one-China principle and is willing to develop ties with China that feature independence and mutual respect.

President Adeang said Nauru highly appreciates China’s commitment to equality among all countries, no matter big or small, and is willing to abide by the one-China principle, and continuously deepen cooperation with China.

China sincerely makes friends and actively promotes cooperation. Along the coastline of Nauru, rows of blue solar panels stand neatly arranged. This is the first photovoltaic power generation and energy storage system project undertaken by a Chinese enterprise in Nauru. It is also Nauru’s largest solar power plant to date. Once connected to the grid, it will meet the entire nation’s electricity needs.

In the coming future, China is ready to carry out more practical cooperation with Nauru in trade, investment and infrastructure construction, and strengthen exchanges in education, culture, health, youth and other fields.

Less than four months after the establishment of diplomatic ties, China and Honduras started negotiations for a free trade agreement (FTA). This February, the two countries signed an early harvest arrangement for the FTA. At the recently concluded fourth round of the FTA negotiations, the two countries conducted comprehensive and in-depth consultations on fields such as trade in goods, trade in services, investment and rules, and have made positive progress.

In November last year, dozens of Honduran companies participated in the sixth China International Import Expo, where Honduran coffee and fruit wine received a warm welcome.

Fredis Cerrato, Hondura’s Minister of Economic Development, noted that China is undoubtedly a strategic and fundamental partner for Honduras, providing significant support for Honduras to expand exports, attract investments, and promote technological development.

China welcomes more countries to establish or resume diplomatic relations with it and will continuously strengthen the bond of friendship and cooperation with other developing countries, so as to contribute to the building of a community with a shared future for mankind.

By Wang Xiaobo, Gong Ming, Wang Yuan, People’s Daily

At the Boao Forum for Asia (BFA) Annual Conference 2024, participants discussed the development of Asia and the world, contributing wisdom and strength to regional and global peace, stability, and prosperity. They believe that carrying out pragmatic cooperation for win-win results is an inevitable choice for Asian countries to achieve sustainable development.

As an important country in Asia, China steadfastly promotes high-level opening-up, leads high-quality development with new quality productive forces, and actively advances regional cooperation, making significant contributions to building a bright future for Asia and the world.

Ban Ki-moon, chairman of the BFA, said that when the world economy was recovering slowly and protectionism was on the rise, China and other developing countries stayed committed to addressing development issues and promoting international cooperation, injecting impetus into world economic growth and common development.

A series of major initiatives put forward by China, including the Global Development Initiative, the Global Security Initiative and the Global Civilizations Initiative are in line with the general trend and aim to promote win-win cooperation among partners, he added.

“We must continue to unite and achieve synergy among all parties,” said Lee Hee-sup, secretary-general of the Trilateral Cooperation Secretariat. Over the past a few decades, China has been driving global economic growth, particularly in the East Asian region, the secretary-general noted.

He stressed that cooperation mechanisms such as the “10+3” cooperation mechanism(ASEAN plus China, Japan and the Republic of Korea), the ASEAN Regional Forum, the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation, and the Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership, the world’s largest free trade agreement, are valuable assets for the development of Asia and the world.

The Chinese government has implemented numerous measures to attract foreign investment, making the Chinese market highly appealing to foreign companies, said Andrew Forrest, executive chairman of Australian iron ore giant Fortescue Metals Group.

He further emphasized that Asia’s economic growth and regional economic integration continue to exhibit strong momentum, making Asia a crucial force driving global development and cooperation.

In terms of purchasing power parity, Asia’s economic aggregate is expected to account for 49 percent of global GDP in 2024, said Zafar Uddin Mahmood, policy advisor to the secretary general of BFA. Asia, as the most populous continent in the world, is witnessing even closer cooperation among its countries, which will further unlock its growth potential, Mahmood added.

Innovation serves as the primary driving force. China leads industrial innovation through technological advancements, actively nurtures and develops new quality productive forces, and promotes high-quality development, playing an active role in building shared prosperity for Asia and the world.

According to Michele Geraci, former undersecretary of state at the Italian Ministry of Economic Development, economic growth is closely related to technological innovation. China is accelerating the development of new quality productive forces, making innovation a new engine driving its development, which a necessary step for all economies to achieve sustainable development, Geraci said.

Ban stated that China’s economy is transitioning from high-speed growth to high-quality development. With the help of technological advancements brought by new quality productive forces, China’s development will become more balanced, inclusive, green, and open.

How Asia achieves energy transition and low-carbon development is crucial for the future sustainable development of all countries. China, through its own development, has provided support and assistance to other developing countries in achieving sustainable development, earning widespread recognition.

Frank Rijsberman, director-general of the Global Green Growth Institute, said that China’s experience and technology in environmental governance can serve as a valuable reference for other Asian countries. China’s strengthened green cooperation with neighboring countries in terms of technology and financing will contribute to these nations’ achievement of sustainable development.

Shi Bing, vice president of China General Nuclear Power Group, said China will continue to share its advantageous technologies and experiences in developing clean energy, and strengthen grid interconnectivity with other Asian countries, to promote the development and utilization of renewable energy in Asia, thus accelerating global green and low-carbon transformation.

By Chen Shangwen, Bao Han, Zhou Zhou, People’s Daily

Over the past 30 years, starting from the comprehensive treatment of the Yundang Lake, Xiamen in southeast China’s Fujian province has actively promoted ecological protection and restoration of sea, river basins, and the entire region. It has continually explored ways to establish a grand vision of environmental governance stretching from mountains to the ocean.

Today, the city flourishes under a fresh, azure sky, surrounded by a pleasing green landscape. Many foreigners who work, study, live or visit Xiamen have captured the beautiful scenery around them through their lens. Their photographs show a harmonious coexistence of man and nature, vividly illustrating the concept that “lucid waters and lush mountains are invaluable assets.”

By Huan Yuping, People’s Daily

Multipolarity is the general trend of the world today. However, the international community has yet to reach a consensus on how to advance the process of multipolarization in a drastically changing world, and in what way countries should participate in and facilitate this process.

China advocates an equal and orderly multipolar world, which meets the common aspirations of most countries and all people. This charts the course for the international community to move from turmoil to long-term peace and stability, and provides an important path to making the global governance system more just and equitable and building a community with a shared future for mankind.I.

In international relations, “pole” typically refers to a political and economic force with significant influence. Since the end of World War II, the world has once stuck in a long-standing pattern of bipolar antagonism, but the trend of multipolarity has already budded, undergoing a lengthy and intricate historical process.

As early as the 1950s and 1960s, a vast number of developing countries began to seek independence and autonomy, giving rise to the Non-Aligned Movement (NAM) and the Group of 77, which advocated the establishment of a new international political and economic order.

In the early 1990s, with the end of the Cold War and the complete dissolution of the bipolar pattern, the world accelerated its steps toward multipolarity. For more than 30 years, countries and regions around the world have aspired to gain a place in the international landscape and play a greater role in international affairs independently and autonomously through their own development.

The overwhelming majority of the international community calls for a multipolar world, opposing unilateralism and power politics. They reject the old path of bloc confrontation and zero-sum games.

The international balance of power is undergoing a profound shift, providing impetus to the process of multipolarization.

Since the end of the Cold War, a number of developing countries have seized historical opportunities to achieve rapid development, resulting in a significant increase in their comprehensive national strength and international influence.

Statistics show that in 2008, the GDP of emerging markets and developing economies accounted for 51.3 percent of the world’s total, surpassing the share held by developed economies. In 2022, this figure further increased to 58.3 percent, 16.6 percentage points higher than that of developed economies.

In addition to promoting their own development, developing countries have also continuously strengthened solidarity and cooperation over the past decades. The ongoing development of cooperation mechanisms, such as the ASEAN, the African Union, the Shanghai Cooperation Organization, BRICS, and the Community of Latin American and Caribbean States, has further enhanced the influence of developing countries in regional and global affairs.

There has been a profound change in the international balance of power, leading to a historic shift in the long-standing dominance of developed countries in international affairs. The process of multipolarization has become an irreversible trend.

In recent years, profound changes unseen in a century have been evolving rapidly in the world. The Global South is gaining a stronger momentum, gaining strength to multipolarity. Global South countries have continuously improved their voice and influence in international affairs, becoming a strong force driving the world’s multipolarity in the right direction.

Global South countries are actively defending their legitimate rights and interests, and promoting global governance reform. At the Munich Security Conference, they called for adherence to multilateralism and the strengthening of collective action. At the 3rd South Summit of the Group of 77, there was a call to change the unjust international order and break free from the disadvantaged position imposed by the West for centuries. The 19th Summit of Heads of State and Government of the NAM highlighted the need to fully respect international law, as well as international consensus and principles.

In recent years, faced with attempts by a few major countries to provoke bloc confrontation and create divisions, Global South countries have been adhering to strategic autonomy, firmly opposing taking sides, and supporting the promotion of a multipolar world.

Sarang Shidore, director of the Global South Program at the Quincy Institute for Responsible Statecraft, noted as the unipolar world that emerged after the Cold War gradually weakened, Global South countries have once again become active. They unhesitatingly emphasize national interests and condemn power politics, with a strong desire for strategic autonomy and a greater voice in the international system, he said.

Multipolarity is the general trend and direction of progress of historical development. Compared to a unipolar or bipolar world, a multipolar world better reflects the international community’s shared pursuit of justice, fairness, and win-win cooperation. It aligns with the practical need to safeguard global peace and development, and contributes to the reform and improvement of the global governance system. The international community should participate in and promote the process of multipolarization, steering the world toward a brighter future.

II.

The multipolar world should be based on equality, which means all countries, regardless of their size, are treated as equals.

Over 370 years ago, the Peace of Westphalia established the principle of equity and sovereignty. In the ensuing history, sovereign equality has evolved into the most important norm governing state-to-state relations.

Chinese President Xi Jinping has emphasized that the essence of sovereign equality is that the sovereignty and dignity of all countries, whether big or small, strong or weak, rich or poor, must be respected, their internal affairs allow no interference and they have the right to independently choose their social system and development path.

Both history and reality have proved that any deviation from the principle of sovereign equality in the practice of international relations leads to injustice and instability. In order to ensure equal rights, opportunities, and rules for all countries, it is crucial to adhere to the principle of sovereign equality in the process of multipolarization.

For a long time, the narrative of multipolarization has been regarded as a few major countries, which has once gained acceptance in the international arena. However, this narrative does not align with the expectations of the majority of the international community for a multipolar world.

What the majority advocate for is a multipolar world in which every country or group of countries can find their place in the global multipolar system. The aim is to enable more countries to actively contribute to international affairs, rather than creating hierarchies among different nations. The concept of “major powers dominating the world” is not the desired approach.

To promote an equal multipolar world, it is crucial to firmly oppose hegemony and power politics, reject the monopolization of international affairs by a few countries, and effectively advance the democratization of international relations.

All countries are equal members of the international community. No country has the right to dominate global affairs, control the destiny of others, or keep advantages in development all to itself. Even less should one be allowed to do whatever it likes and be the hegemon, bully or boss of the world.

A few major powers have long been inclined to interfere in the internal affairs of other countries in order to safeguard their own interests, imposing their own ideologies on others, and resorting to various coercive measures to restrain and suppress the development of other nations. These practices seriously deviate from the principle of sovereign equality and pose significant obstacles to an equal multipolar world.

To promote an equal multipolar world, it is important that global affairs should be handled through consultation and the future of the world should be decided by all countries together.

The principle of sovereign equality among all nations should not be an empty slogan but should be implemented in the practice of handling international affairs and improving global governance.

Certain or a few powers should not monopolize international affairs. Countries should not be categorized according to their strength. Those with the bigger fist should not have the final say. And it is definitely unacceptable that certain countries must be at the table while some others can only be on the menu.

It must be ensured that all countries, regardless of their size and strength, are able to take part in decision-making, enjoy their rights, and play their role as equals in the process toward a multipolar world.

In his book World Order, former U.S. Secretary of State Henry Kissinger expressed that “ultimately, all of the major players must have a stake in the new world order “. Only by working together to promote an equal multipolar world, ensuring the collective involvement and benefits of all countries, can the process of multipolarization embrace stable and long-term development.

III.

The multipolar world should be based on order, which means that the progress toward greater multipolarity should be generally stable and constructive.

Regarding the prospects of multipolarity, a researcher from the U.S. Council on Foreign Relations said that a more dangerous multipolar world is rapidly emerging, one that will play by the traditional rules of power politics. In the post-Cold War era, there has been minimal competition among major countries, and the undisputed hegemonic position of the United States has temporarily suspended geopolitical rivalries, the researcher added.

Such narratives that equate multipolarity with “disorder” emerge from time to time, closely tied to how certain major countries covertly propagate the so-called “hegemonic stability theory” to weave a rational cover for their dominance over international affairs.

As a matter of fact, the notion of “stability under hegemony” is not objective at all. It completely disregards the conflicts and turmoil caused by hegemonic powers in many countries and regions, and fails to meet the international community’s pursuit of equality and justice.

Multipolarity should be a historical process in which countries choose solidarity over division, communication over confrontation, cooperation over conflict, and win-win results over lose-lose situations.

Currently, there is a noticeable increase in international concerns over the “cooperation deficit” and the “order deficit.” The Munich Security Report 2024, titled “Lose-Lose?” highlighted the potential damage to global partnerships if countries prioritize relative gains.

In this era where countries see intertwined interests and shared destinies, promoting common development and progress through win-win cooperation and resolving conflicts and differences through dialogue and communication remains the only correct choice.

The process of multipolarization must align with the international community’s shared pursuit of solidarity, dialogue, cooperation and a win-win approach. Any approach that leads to division, confrontation, conflicts or lose-lose situations should be opposed. This is necessary to ensure that every country can benefit from an international environment that’s more conducive to its development during the process of multipolarization.

To promote an orderly multipolar world, it is crucial to adhere to the purposes and principles of the UN Charter and uphold the universally recognized basic norms governing international relations.

The purposes and principles of the UN Charter serve as the fundamental guidelines for managing international relations and the cornerstone of maintaining stability in the international order. They must be unwaveringly upheld in the process of multipolarization.

The surfeit chaos in the international arena, and the mounting challenges to world peace, development and international justice, are caused not because the UN Charter’s purposes and principles are outdated. Rather, the situation happens because these purposes and principles have failed to be effectively implemented.

UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres pointed out that if countries fulfilled their obligations under the UN Charter and international law, every person on Earth would live in peace and dignity. The problem is that many governments are ignoring these commitments, he added.

Only when all countries genuinely abide by the purposes and principles of the UN Charter can the international community prevent multipolarity from becoming an unregulated “jungle world” as some have depicted it.

To promote an orderly multipolar world, it is crucial to jointly practice true multilateralism and uphold extensive consultation, joint contribution and shared benefits in global governance.

The principle lying at the core of the existing international system and order is multilateralism. When multilateralism is well observed, the well-being of humanity gets preserved and advanced. When multilateralism is under attack, chaos breaks out and the law of the jungle returns.

Multipolarity doesn’t mean multiple blocs, fragmentation, or disarray. All countries must act within the UN-centered international system, and pursue cooperation under global governance.

In recent years, a few countries have pursued self-interest and established “exclusive clubs” under the guise of multilateralism, creating divisions and confrontations in the world.

Faced with the risks and challenges brought by unilateralism, the international community is yearning to strengthen multilateralism. Countries should adhere to true multilateralism, uphold the principle of extensive consultation, joint contribution and shared benefits, and make the global governance system more just and equitable. This will make the process of multipolarization a historical endeavor for the international community to collectively address the challenges of the time and achieve common development and prosperity.

Xi pointed out that the world today is not peaceful. Bearing in mind the future of mankind and the well-being of its people, China has, as always, endeavored to contribute its wisdom and solutions to the cause of peace and development of mankind, called for an equal and orderly multipolar world and an inclusive economic globalization beneficial to all, and promoted the building of a community with a shared future for humanity, so as to jointly build a better world.

Anchored in the direction of historical development and facing up to the challenges of the times, China will strengthen solidarity, coordination, and cooperation with all parties, to write a new chapter in the progress of world civilization, and make new and greater contributions to safeguarding world peace and promoting human progress.

By He Yin, People’s Daily

Recently, top executives from a number of big-name multinational corporations have come to China to open new stores, launch new products, and hold inaugural exhibitions, garnering widespread attention.

Foreign companies are optimistic about the development opportunities in the Chinese market and are increasing their investment in China, which highlights China’s significant advantages and vast potential in attracting foreign investment.

Since the beginning of this year, factors for a stronger Chinese economy have been accumulating. Statistics recently released by China’s National Bureau of Statistics showed that in the first two months of this year, the total value added of industrial enterprises above the designated size grew by 7 percent year-on-year; the total retail sales of consumer goods increased by 5.5 percent year- on-year; the investment in the manufacturing sector went up by 9.4 percent from a year ago; the total import and export of goods saw a year-on-year uplift of 8.7 percent.

China’s economy has not only achieved reasonable quantitative growth but has also effectively improved in quality. It has a solid foundation for stability and vast room for progress.

At the China Development Forum 2024, managing director of the International Monetary Fund Kristalina Georgieva noted that in the medium-term, China will continue to be a key contributor to global economic growth.

A series of policies introduced by China, which are aimed at stabilizing the economy, promoting opening-up, and attracting foreign investment, continue to take effect, creating more favorable conditions for attracting foreign investment.

Statistics recently released by China’s Ministry of Commerce showed that in the first two months of this year, 7,160 new foreign-invested enterprises were established nationwide, an increase of 34.9 percent year-on-year; the actual use of foreign direct investment in the Chinese mainland reached 215.09 billion yuan ($30.29 billion), of which 28.27 billion yuan was used in the high-tech manufacturing sector , up 10.1 percent from a year ago.

Top executives of international organizations and multinational companies believe that China will continue to be an economy that provides enormous opportunities for cooperation.

China is at a crucial stage of shifting from traditional drivers of growth to new ones and a key period of promoting high-quality development, containing tremendous development opportunities.

In China, Volkswagen has established its largest overseas R&D center; Schneider Electric has set up an AI innovation lab; Tesla has launched an energy storage super factory project. Many multinational companies believe that keeping pace with China means keeping pace with opportunities, and investing in China means investing in the future.

China sincerely welcomes enterprises from all countries to invest in China and continues to foster a market-oriented, world-class business environment governed by a sound legal framework.

Last year, China released 24 new guidelines to stabilize foreign investment and issued a set of measures on a trial basis in five pilot free trade zones and the Hainan Free Trade Port to deepen reforms in key areas by aligning with high-standard international economic and trade rules.

This year’s Chinese government work report proposed abolishing all market access restrictions on foreign investment in manufacturing, and reducing market access restrictions in services sectors such as telecommunications and healthcare.

The country issued an action plan to steadily promote high-level opening up and make greater efforts to attract and utilize foreign investment, which proposes measures across different aspects, including expanding market access, facilitating the flow of innovation factors, as well as better aligning domestic rules with high-standard international economic and trade rules.

Besides, China has also rolled out national and pilot free trade zone versions of negative lists for cross-border trade in services to boost opening up.

As macro-policies continue to be implemented, China will further release its development dividends to the international market. The person in charge of Siemens Healthineers said that China’s friendly attitude in creating a world-class business environment has boosted the confidence of foreign-invested enterprises in their further development in China.

Currently, with the slowing global economic growth and weak demand, the scale of global cross-border direct investment is facing significant downward pressure. Against such a background, it is remarkable that China has maintained overall stability in attracting foreign investment in recent years.

A few Western media outlets have hyped “challenges China faces in attracting foreign investment” and the so-called “risks” of investing in China, which is completely misleading with ulterior motives.

Foreign investment is a market behavior that values long-term returns, and fluctuations in data are normal phenomena that conform to market laws. In the past five years, the rate of return on foreign direct investment in China has been around 9 percent, which is relatively high internationally. In 2023, China’s share of global foreign investment was about 15 percent, ranking first among developing countries and in the forefront globally.

The fundamentals sustaining China’s long-term economic growth remain unchanged, and China’s comprehensive advantages in attracting investment, such as its enormous market size, complete supply chain, well-developed infrastructure, and abundant human resources, still remain outstanding.

Apple CEO Tim Cook noted that China’s rich talent resources and strong innovation vitality make it an important market and a key supply chain partner for Apple. Apple will continue to focus on its long-term development in China and increase investment in its Chinese supply chain, research and development, and sales, the CEO added.

Looking ahead, China will continue to link itself with the world through higher levels of openness. A more open China will undoubtedly bring more opportunities for win-win cooperation to the world and will continue to be a force for stability in promoting global growth.

Despite living at an average altitude of 5,373 meters, residents of Pumaqangtang township in Nagarze county, Shannan, southwest China’s Xizang autonomous region, can access live sports streaming on their mobile phones.

With the help of 5G technology, surgeons in Beijing can control robotic arms nearly 3,000 kilometers away in south China’s Hainan province, and perform challenging operations for patients with nearly zero network delay.

These scenarios couldn’t have been realized without China’s efforts to promote 5G technology. As of the end of 2023, China had built over 3.37 million 5G base stations and the number of 5G mobile phone users had reached 805 million. China is home to the world’s largest optical fiber and mobile broadband networks, which cover all prefecture-level cities and counties.

The applications of 5G technology have seeped into all industries, bringing profound impacts to people’s work and life.

According to an official of China’s Ministry of Industry and Information Technology (MIIT), over 90 percent of the existing 5G base stations across China are co-constructed and shared by telecommunication carriers, and 23.02 million ports are capable of providing gigabit network services.

The official said China has launched seven batches of pilot programs of universal telecommunication service, offering support to 130,000 administrative villages in building optical fiber networks and helping the construction of 60,000 4G base stations in rural areas. This has enabled the country’s vast countryside to enjoy high-speed and stable network services.

The network infrastructure is becoming increasingly developed, and new breakthroughs are being continuously achieved in key 5G technologies. In recent years, China’s 5G technology sector has consistently strengthened its innovation capabilities in areas such as technical standards, network equipment, and terminal devices.

China owns more than 42 percent of the standard essential patents for 5G technology, staying at the top of the world rankings. Mobile Internet of Things (IoT) terminal users account for 57.5 percent of the total number of mobile network terminal connections, which has laid a solid foundation for universal interconnectivity.

Lightweight 5G core networks and customized base stations have achieved commercial deployment. A batch of new terminals such as 5G industrial gateways and inspection robots have been successfully developed.

China has launched the world’s first smartphone with satellite communication, and further enhanced its innovation capabilities in areas like 6G, quantum communication, and artificial intelligence.

In the general assembly workshop of a smart factory of GAC Aion, a Chinese electric vehicle manufacturer, an intelligent carrier transporting a vehicle body glided into a workstation. Two seven-axis robots on both sides of the workstation then sprang into action. What used to require multiple operators to finish was automatically completed in just 53 seconds. What’s more important, key parameters were simultaneously uploaded to an intelligent production system, enabling full-lifecycle traceability of the products.

This intelligent connected vehicle exactly mirrors the rapid integrated development of 5G and industrial internet in China.

“Benefiting from 5G-powered industrial internet, we not only have achieved a 98.5 percent first-pass yield and maximum capacity utilization of 160 percent, but also offer users over 100,000 personalized configuration combinations across more than 20 dimensions including intelligent driving, wheels, exteriors, and interiors,” said Gu Huinan, general manager of GAC Aion.

At the end of last year, the smart factory of GAC Aion stood out from numerous new energy vehicle factories around the world and was listed as a Lighthouse Factory by the World Economic Forum, Gu added.

In recent years, the 5G-powered industrial internet has expanded its application scenarios from production to the entire industrial chain, effectively promoting the transformation of the manufacturing industry towards high-end, intelligent, and green development.

Behind the increasingly diverse application scenarios is the continuous development of digital technology. Currently, 5G applications have been integrated into 71 out of the 97 categories of the national economy, with over 94,000 application cases and more than 29,000 5G industry virtual private networks. 5G applications have been widely promoted in industries such as manufacturing, mining, power, ports, and healthcare. Over 10,000 5G-powered industrial internet projects have been launched.

“The number of 5G mobile phone users continues to grow, and the consumption of 5G data is rapidly increasing, which has promoted the flourishing development of emerging businesses such as naked-eye 3D and cloud phones, effectively expanding the development space of the mobile communication market,” said an official with the MIIT.

The integration of 5G and gigabit optical networks has been continuously expanding, driving China’s digital economy to a new level of development. By the end of 2023, 5G network access traffic penetration accounted for 47 percent. According to estimates by a research institution, 5G is expected to help create an economic output of 1.86 trillion yuan ($257.31 billion) in 2023, a 29 percent increase compared to 2022.

“Information technology is deeply integrated into various industries, reshaping the industrial structure and accelerating the upgrading of business models. It has become an important driver for the development of new quality productive forces,” said an MIIT official.

By Guo Jiping, People’s Daily

The Central Conference on Work Relating to Foreign Affairs was held in Beijing at the end of 2023, which pointed out that building a community with a shared future for mankind is the noble goal pursued by China in conducting major-country diplomacy with Chinese characteristics for the new era.

Since the 18th National Congress of the Communist Party of China (CPC), under the glorious banner of the vision of building a community with a shared future for mankind, China has opened up new prospects in major-country diplomacy with Chinese characteristics, and gained much more strategic autonomy and initiative in its diplomacy. China has become a responsible major country with enhanced international influence, stronger capacity to steer new endeavors, and greater moral appeal.

On March 23, 2013, Chinese President Xi Jinping delivered an important speech at the Moscow State Institute of International Relations, pointing out that the world is increasingly becoming a community with a shared future in which everyone’s interest is closely interlinked. Ever since, he has expounded on this vision multiple times to the world, constantly enriching the theoretical base of the community with a shared future for mankind.

In building a community with a shared future for mankind, the goal is to build an open, inclusive, clean and beautiful world of lasting peace, universal security and shared prosperity, the pathway is promoting global governance that features extensive consultation and joint contribution for shared benefit, the guiding principle is to apply the common values of humanity, the basic underpinning lies in building a new type of international relations, the strategic guidance comes from the implementation of the Global Development Initiative (      GDI), the Global Security Initiative (GSI) and the Global Civilizations Initiative (GCI), and the platform for action is high-quality Belt and Road cooperation. On this basis, China seeks to bring countries together to meet challenges and achieve prosperity for all.

Since the 18th National Congress of the CPC, Xi has visited more than 70 countries on the five continents during his more than 40 overseas visits, hosted and attended a series of important multilateral diplomatic activities, and received more than 100 international political dignitaries. He has maintained extensive contacts with various sectors of society in different countries, building a global network of partnerships for China.

China is committed to fostering major-country dynamics featuring peaceful coexistence, overall stability and balanced development, and acts on the principles of amity, sincerity, mutual benefit, and inclusiveness, and the policy of developing friendships and partnerships with neighbors. Guided by the principles of sincerity, real results, amity, and good faith and take the right approach to friendship and interests, China endeavors to strengthen solidarity and cooperation with other developing countries. It has constantly advanced its diplomatic agenda in a comprehensive, multilevel, and multifaceted diplomatic layout.

For more than a decade, under the guidance of Xi, the Belt and Road Initiative (BRI) has expanded beyond the borders of China to become an international effort. It has become a platform for building a community with a shared future for mankind, where relevant parties have been brought together, carrying out thousands of cooperation projects with solid deliverables.

Moreover, the BRI has built synergy with development strategies of multiple countries. It has been joined by more than 150 countries, and over 30 specialized multilateral cooperation platforms have been established under it. Besides, the initiative has been incorporated into important documents of the United Nations, the Forum on China-Africa Cooperation and other international organizations and mechanisms.

To promote the development and progress of human society, Xi has proposed the GDI, the GSI and the GCI in recent years, which point to the direction of human progress across the three dimensions and have built a broad consensus and strong force in the international community to strengthen cooperation, face challenges together, and create a better future.

So far, more than 100 countries and international organizations have voiced their support for the GDI, and over 70 countries have joined the Group of Friends of the GDI. The GDI has been incorporated into cooperation documents between China and dozens of countries and international organizations, with hundreds of cooperation projects having been implemented.

On March 10, 2023, Saudi Arabia and Iran reached Beijing agreement. China, Saudi Arabia and Iran issued a joint statement announcing that Saudi Arabia and Iran agreed to resume diplomatic relationship and engage in cooperation. Facilitating the restoration of diplomatic ties between the two countries exactly mirrored the efforts made by Xi to guide China to implement the GSI.

In March 2023, Xi proposed the GCI at the CPC in Dialogue with World Political Parties High-Level Meeting, where he advocated the respect for the diversity of civilizations, the common values of humanity, the importance of inheritance and innovation of civilizations, and robust international people-to-people exchanges and cooperation.

Xi noted that the CPC has led the Chinese people in not only bringing about the two miracles of rapid economic growth and enduring social stability, but also successfully pioneering a uniquely Chinese path to modernization, creating a new model for human advancement.

Chinese modernization, as a new form of human advancement, will draw upon the merits of other civilizations and make the garden of world civilizations more vibrant. When China and the rest of the world join hands on the path towards modernization in the new era, it will surely make new and greater contribution to promoting peace and development and building a community with a shared future for mankind.

The year 2024 marks the 75th anniversary of the founding of the People’s Republic of China and is critical for the realization of the goals and tasks set in the 14th Five-Year Plan (2021-2025). On the new journey, major-country diplomacy with Chinese characteristics will continue to forge ahead under the glorious banner of building a community with a shared future for mankind, bringing countries together to meet challenges and achieve common prosperity, and ushering in a bright future of peace, security, prosperity and progress for the world.

By Shao Yuzi, People’s Daily

After finishing housework at 2:30 pm, Xiao Zhirong changed into her athletic gear and hopped on her e-bike. Roughly a dozen minutes later, she arrived at the soccer pitch in Grand Canal Park of Cangzhou, north China’s Hebei province.

Xiao, 56, is the captain of the “50+ Soccer Team,” which consists of 19 players whose average age exceeds 50.

After getting warmed up, Xiao and her team took to the soccer pitch to face off against a youth soccer team. The green pitch was alive with shouts and laughter, drawing crowds of spectators.

None of Xiao and her teammates would miss their weekly soccer gathering on Saturdays, regardless of how busy they may be.

The story of the soccer team dates back to more than 40 years ago. In 1983, when the first women’s soccer team of Cangzhou was established. Two years later, it was crowned at a municipal soccer championship and won the seventh place in the soccer competition at the seventh Games of Hebei province.

After that, members of the team gradually retired from soccer. In the summer of 2022, Zhang Jinhong, one of the former team members, attended a soccer gathering and was inspired to re-establish the team. That evening, Zhang contacted the former team captain Xiao, and soon, the 19 team members who lived in the same city of Cangzhou but rarely kept in touch, gathered together again because of their love for soccer.

“Returning to the game, I’ve become the old me that always ran on the soccer pitch,” Xiao said. Though she’s not as physically capable and skillful as before, the excitement and joy the game brings to her remain the same.

In order to quickly adapt to the intensity of training, Xiao, who had rarely exercised previously, now goes for a morning jog with her husband every day.

Chen Guoxia, a 56-year-old forward of the team, also goes for brisk walks in the park with her friends. “Don’t be fooled by our age. Once we step onto the pitch, we are all full of energy,” Chen said.

Xiao told People’s Daily that most of the team members have multiple roles, as they have to take care of family matters and also busy themselves with daily work. Although the three-hour training session every Saturday afternoon is short, they feel relaxed and at ease.

“We focus on soccer, feel the joy, and forget our worries,” Xiao said.

“Stay safe, avoid injuries, and remember that we play soccer for fun.” This is what Xiao always says before every game.

Prior to the games, she leads the team to do warm-up exercises, and after the games end, she gathers everyone for a chat.

“We share our joys and troubles in life, encourage and support each other. Sports just enrich our lives,” Xiao told People’s Daily.

Now, the frequency of the team’s training has increased from once to four times a week, and the training facilities have also improved significantly.

The sports bureau of Cangzhou has provided strong support to this spirited senior women’s soccer team. It has designated a municipal-level stadium as the team’s training venue and arranged friendly matches in Cangzhou between the team and the provincial women’s soccer team of Hebei.

Cangzhou is actively promoting the development of senior sports associations, which have been established in almost every county-level region in the city. A network of senior citizens’ sports associations at the municipal and county levels has been formed.

The cheers and laughter on the green pitch are attracting more and more people. “Every time we train, there are always people watching, and some soccer fans would come and play with us together!” Said Zhang.

Zhang often arrives early at the stadium, and her husband Ma Chunli, influenced by her, always comes to cheer on the team. Now, he has become an “extra member” of the team, who is responsible for the team’s logistics and helps clean up the stadium after matches.

Zhang Yuying, a 55-year-old guard of the team, spends most of her time at home taking care of her grandson. Under her influence, her grandson has developed a strong interest in soccer.

“When my daughter saw me running on the soccer pitch, she was surprised, saying she didn’t expect me to be so cool,'” Zhang Yuying said, smiling. Her passion for soccer has inspired her family, and now they make time every week to exercise together.

“Soccer brings us joy, and we want to spread a positive attitude towards life to more people,” Zhang Jinhong said. The team has reached out to local primary and secondary schools, promoting soccer through school visits and games, with an aim to inspire more people to develop a passion for soccer and enjoy the fun of sports.

Zhao Guoyuan, director of the sports bureau of Cangzhou, said that the city is actively promoting the construction of intelligent sports equipment, elderly-friendly sports facilities, and barrier-free sports facilities to improve the sports environment for middle-aged and elderly people.

At the same time, regular sports events such as square dancing, table tennis competitions, and basketball matches are organized to provide a platform for middle-aged and elderly people to showcase their sporting talents and create a strong atmosphere of fitness for all, Zhao added.