On issues concerning China’s sovereignty and territorial integrity, we have no room for compromise. The principle is not to be distorted or altered, still less overturned. It is also theshared consensus, firmposition and common will of the international community. Let me make this very clear: the one-China principle is the political foundation of China's relations with other countries. Publicly and covertly,they are encouraging separatist forces on the island to challenge the red line of “one China”. Some forces in certain countries are trying to contain China by playingthe “Taiwan card”. In recent months, a disturbing trend may have caught your attention.

We never trade away our principles. This approach has earned us international understanding and respect it has also boosted the confidence and courage of other countries and nations that wish to maintain their independence. We never stand down when it comes toprotecting our sovereignty, security and development interest.

We always think on our own, follow our own path and keep our destiny in our own hands. Even in a complex and challenging international situation, and faced with external pressure and bullying, China never flinches or bends its knees. China never provokes trouble, but is not afraid of provocation. China never subordinates itself to others or coerces others into submission. In international affairs, China determines its position and policy based on the fundamental interests of the people both in China and around the world, and on the merits of the issue. The first watchword is independence.This is thecornerstone of China's diplomacy.Īncient Chinese philosophers observed that “as heaven maintains vigor through constant movement, a gentleman should continually strive for self-perfection”. In this context, let me share with you four watchwords for understanding China's foreign policy in the new era: By carrying forward our fine diplomatic traditions and breaking new ground in practice, we have forged anunyielding spirit and unique style in diplomacy, and opened up new horizons inmajor-country diplomacy with Chinese characteristics. Since the 18th Party Congress in 2012, General Secretary Xi Jinping has kept global and domestic developments in mind and provided overall leadership for the conduct of Chinese diplomacy. Under the strongleadership of the CPC Central Committee, China's diplomacy has traveled an extraordinary journey against great odds. Under the leadership of the CPC, the Chinese people have set outconfidently on a new journey toward realizing the Second Centenary Goal and the Chinese Dream of national rejuvenation.ĭiplomacy is an important part of the Party’s lofty cause and epic struggle. History is a mirror through which we can better understand the future.

It alsoreviewed the dedicated efforts and valuable ideas the Party has contributed to world peace, development and human progress. The plenary summed up the major achievements and historical experience of the Party over the past century, andlooked back on the great efforts the Party has madefor the happiness of the Chinese people and the rejuvenation of the Chinese nation. Three weeks ago, the CPC held the sixth Plenary Session of its 19th Central Committee. We wish your conference a complete success. In this connection, I bring the warm congratulations of State Councilor and Foreign Minister Wang Yi and the Chinese Foreign Ministry. This is a particularly important time for discussing“Whence and Whither-Unprecedented Changes in the World and China and the CPC”,the theme of this conference. TheCPC celebrates its centenary this year. In his video address, President Xi Jinping stressed that to understand China today, one must strive to understand the Communist Party of China (CPC). The Understanding China Conference, now in its fifth year, provides aforum forChinese and foreign participants to renew friendship and promote cooperation, and contribute their ideas and expertiseto enhancing mutual understanding and trust between China and the world. It gives me great pleasure to meet friends old and new in Guangzhou, the city of flowers. Chairman Zheng Bijian, Vice Minister Lv Yansong, Distinguished Guests, Ladies and Gentlemen,

Conference keynote speech