外交部长王毅就中国外交政策和对外关系回答中外记者提问

Foreign Minister Wang Yi Meets the Press

 

2018年3月8日，十三届全国人大一次会议在两会新闻中心举行记者会，邀请外交部长王毅就中国外交政策和对外关系回答中外记者提问。

On 8 March 2018, the First Session of the Thirteenth National People’s Congress held a press conference. Foreign Minister Wang Yi answered questions on China’s foreign policy and external relations.

 

王毅：各位记者朋友，大家上午好！首先，我要向在场的女记者们并向所有女同胞们致以节日的祝福。同时，我也要借此机会向所有关心和支持中国外交的中外记者朋友们表示感谢，中国外交取得的成绩里有你们付出的一份辛劳和贡献。大家辛苦了！现在，我愿意回答大家的提问。

Wang Yi: Dear members of the press, good morning. At the outset, I wish to extend festive greetings to all women, particularly the female journalists in this room. I also wish to thank the press, Chinese and foreign, for having shown understanding and support for China’s foreign policy and external relations. Everything we have accomplished, you have played a part. Thank you! Now I am ready to take your questions.

 

《人民日报》记者：党的十八大以来，外交工作取得了前所未有的重大成就，赢得了全国人民普遍赞誉。2018年是十九大之后的开局之年，你能否透露今年的中国外交将有哪些亮点？

People’s Daily: Since the 18th National Congress of the Communist Party of China, China has made unprecedented progress in its foreign relations, which is widely praised across the country. Following the 19th Party Congress, what will be the highlights of China’s diplomatic agenda this year?

 

王毅：党的十八大以来，在以习近平同志为核心的党中央正确领导下，我们走出了一条具有中国特色、中国气派、中国风格的大国外交之路，为维护国家主权和人民利益，为服务国内改革发展大局发挥了重要作用，取得了历史性成就。去年10月，习近平总书记在中共十九大报告中强调，我们要同各国一道，共同建设新型国际关系、共同构建人类命运共同体，这就是新时代中国特色大国外交的目标。

Wang Yi: Under the outstanding leadership of the CPC Central Committee with Comrade Xi Jinping at its core since the 18th Party Congress, we have traveled on a road of major-country diplomacy that reflects China’s distinct vision, style and values. Producing historic accomplishments, our diplomatic efforts have been instrumental to upholding national sovereignty and interests, and to facilitating domestic reform and development. Last October, General Secretary Xi Jinping emphasized in his report to the 19th Party Congress that China will work with other countries to foster a new type of international relations and to build a global community with a shared future. This is the aim of China’s major-country diplomacy in the new era.

 

2018年是贯彻落实十九大精神的开局之年。中国外交将在习近平新时代中国特色社会主义思想指引下，拿出新作为，展现新气象。今年的中国外交亮点主要体现在四大主场活动上。

The year 2018 kicks off efforts to implement the decisions of the 19th Party Congress. Guided by Xi Jinping Thought on Socialism with Chinese Characteristics for a New Era, we in the diplomatic service will take new steps and make new strides. The main highlights of China’s diplomatic calendar will include the following four events we are going to host:

 

一是4月在海南举行博鳌亚洲论坛年会，主旋律是改革开放。今年恰逢中国改革开放40周年，本届年会将总结改革开放成功经验，展示新时代深化改革、扩大开放的新前景。

First, the Boao Forum for Asia Annual Conference, which will take place in Hainan this April and focus on reform and opening-up. In this 40th anniversary year of reform and opening-up, we will review China’s successful experience and sketch new possibilities for reform and opening-up in the new era.

 

二是6月在青岛举行上海合作组织峰会，主旋律是弘扬“上海精神”。扩员后的上合组织将重温互信、互利、平等、协商、尊重多样文明、谋求共同发展的“上海精神”，开启上合组织发展壮大的新征程。

Second, the Shanghai Cooperation Organization Summit, which will take place in Qingdao this June and focus on revitalizing the Shanghai Spirit. The expanded SCO will rededicate itself to the Shanghai Spirit of mutual trust and benefit, equal-footed consultation, respect for diversity of civilizations and pursuit of common development. The summit will set the SCO on a new journey of consolidation and growth.

 

三是9月在北京举行中非合作论坛峰会，主旋律是“一带一路”。非洲各国的兄弟姐妹将会以峰会为契机，全方位参与“一带一路”建设，为中非全面战略伙伴关系注入新动力。

Third, the Forum on China-Africa Cooperation Summit, which will take place in Beijing this September and focus on the Belt and Road Initiative. A great opportunity for our African brothers and sisters to participate fully in the BRI, the Summit will give new impetus to the China-Africa comprehensive strategic partnership.

 

四是11月在上海首次举行中国国际进口博览会，主旋律是市场开放。中国将向世界张开双臂，展现市场潜力，欢迎各国参与和分享中国发展的新机遇。

Fourth, the first China International Import Expo, which will take place in Shanghai this November and focus on further market opening. China will embrace the world with open arms and enormous market potential. All will be welcome to access and benefit from the new opportunities of China’s development.

 

2018年中国外交的大幕已经拉开，新时代的中国外交将为中国自身发展营造更好外部环境，为人类进步事业提供更多正能量。

China’s diplomatic agenda for 2018 are unfolding even as we speak. In the new era, we will work even harder to see that China will enjoy a better environment for development and make greater contributions to human progress.

 

路透社记者：中国可以发挥什么作用鼓励朝美进行直接谈判？中方是否认为美方应该撤离驻韩的美军？

Reuters: What role does China have to facilitate direct talks between North Korea and the United States? Does China believe that the US needs to withdraw its military forces in South Korea?

 

王毅：半岛问题是当前国际社会最关注的一个话题。朝韩双方抓住冬奥会契机，展开一系列密集互动，南北关系迅速解冻，为冰封已久的半岛局势注入了久违的暖流。发生这样的变化有人似乎感到困惑，其实是情理之中。冬奥会期间，朝鲜没有进行新的核导试验，美韩也暂停了针对朝方的军演。事实证明，中方提出的“双暂停”倡议是一剂对症下药的良方，为南北改善关系营造了最基本的条件。

Wang Yi: This is the hottest topic right now. Seizing the opportunity of the PyeongChang Olympics, the DPRK and the ROK have had a succession of interactions and achieved a rapid thaw in their relations, reversing the long-standing chill on the Korean Peninsula. The recent developments may seem baffling to some people, but are actually within the bounds of reason. During the Winter Games, the DPRK did not conduct any nuclear test and the US and the ROK suspended their joint exercises targeting the DPRK. This proves that China’s “suspension for suspension” proposal was the right prescription for the problem and created basic conditions for the improvement of inter-Korean relations.

 

现在，半岛问题的解决终于朝着正确方向迈出了重要一步。我们对朝韩双方为此作出的努力予以充分肯定和支持。接下来的关键，是各方积极呼应，形成合力，共同把半岛局势重新纳入和平稳定的轨道，把半岛核问题重新纳入对话解决的轨道。为此，我们呼吁各方尤其是美朝双方尽快进行接触和对话。各方沿着“双轨并进”的思路，既坚持半岛无核化目标，又积极构建半岛和平机制。在推进无核化的进程中同步对等解决各方包括朝方的合理安全关切。这既是中方的一贯立场，也是联合国安理会决议中确定的目标。

The Korean Peninsula issue has finally taken an important step in the right direction. China fully commends and supports the efforts made by the two Koreas. To return the Peninsula to peace and stability and the nuclear issue to the track of dialogue, these initial steps must be followed up by corresponding and concerted efforts by the parties. To this end, we call on the parties, particularly the US and the DPRK, to engage in dialogue sooner rather than later. We encourage all to follow the dual-track approach of remaining committed to the goal of denuclearization and working actively to establish a peace mechanism on the Peninsula. The parties’ legitimate security concerns, including those of the DPRK, can be addressed in exchange for and in tandem with progress towards denuclearization. This is China’s long-standing position and also the vision set forth in the relevant Security Council resolutions.

 

冰冻三尺非一日之寒。尽管隧道的尽头已经显露曙光，但前行的道路不可能一帆风顺。历史经验告诉我们，每当半岛局势出现缓和时，各种干扰就会如影随形，接踵而来。现在又到了检验各方是不是真心希望解决半岛核问题的关键时刻。和平必须争取，机遇需要把握。各方应以半岛和平大局为重，以本地区人民安危为重，拿出政治勇气，作出政治决断，尽快开展一切必要和有益的双多边接触，全力推动重启和平解决半岛核问题的对话谈判。中方将为此继续作出不懈努力。

Of course, it takes more than one cold day to freeze three feet of ice. Despite light at the end of the tunnel, the journey ahead won’t be smooth. History has reminded us time and again that whenever tensions subsided on the Peninsula, the situation would be clouded by various interferences. Now is a crucial moment for testing the sincerity of the parties. Every effort must be made for peace, and the opportunity must be seized. It falls to all parties to bear in mind the imperative of peace and the well-being of people in the region. All must demonstrate political courage and make a political decision to expeditiously carry out all necessary and useful engagements, both bilateral and plurilateral, and to do their best to restart dialogue and negotiation for the peaceful settlement of the nuclear issue. China will continue to make unremitting efforts for this outcome.

 

中央电视台记者：党的十八大以来，习近平总书记亲力亲为开展元首外交，推动我国国际地位和影响得到历史性提升。你怎么看待中国元首外交的重要作用和影响？

China Central Television: In the last five years, President Xi has been fully engaged in China’s foreign policy. His personal diplomacy has enhanced China’s standing and international influence like never before. How do you see the role and impact of the diplomacy conducted by President Xi as head of state?

 

王毅：元首外交是国际交往的最高形态，有着其他交往无法替代的重要作用和战略价值。党的十八大以来，习近平主席作为中国特色大国外交的总设计师，亲自擘画和推进了精彩纷呈的元首外交，遍访世界57个国家，接待了110多位外国元首访华。这些重大外交活动，不仅极大增进了国际社会对中国的了解，有效提升了中国的国际地位和影响，也为解决当今许多全球性问题指明了方向。而习主席本人的领袖风范和人格魅力，使许多不同社会制度、文化背景的领导人都成为了他的好朋友，成为了中国的好朋友。

Wang Yi: Head-of-state diplomacy as the highest form of state-to-state interaction plays a pivotal role and has irreplaceable strategic value. Since 2012, President Xi Jinping has been the chief architect of China’s distinctive major-country diplomacy. He was personally involved in the planning and conduct of head-of-state diplomacy, which by all accounts has been brilliant. To date, President Xi has visited 57 countries in different parts of the world and received more than 110 foreign heads of state. These important visits and meetings go a long way towards deepening the world’s understanding of China, enhancing China’s profile and influence, and facilitating the solution of many global problems. President Xi’s leadership and charisma has earned him – and his country – many good friends among foreign leaders who represent a diverse range of cultures and social systems.

 

2018年，除了主持四大主场活动之外，习主席还将赴南非、巴布亚新几内亚和阿根廷出席金砖国家领导人峰会、亚太经合组织领导人非正式会议以及二十国集团领导人会晤。我们相信，习主席亲力亲为的元首外交将会进一步展现为人民谋福、为国家负责、为世界担当的博大情怀，书写新时代中国特色大国外交的崭新篇章。

In the year ahead, President Xi will host the four diplomatic events I mentioned earlier, and he will also attend the BRICS Summit in South Africa, the APEC Economic Leaders’ Meeting in Papua New Guinea and the G20 Summit in Argentina. We believe that President Xi’s personal diplomacy will make a positive and responsible contribution to the well-being of his people, the interests of China and the welfare of the world. It will write a whole new chapter of major-country diplomacy with Chinese characteristics in the new era.

 

彭博社记者：关于美中贸易战，美方表示愿意采取一切工具防止中国破坏国际竞争。请问中国是否愿意采取一切工具反击？

Bloomberg: The US says it will use all available tools to prevent China from undermining international competition. Will China respond in kind?

 

王毅：作为外长，我有责任首先重申中方对美政策。中美双方达成的重要共识是，双方都认为，中美在维护世界和平、稳定、繁荣方面拥有广泛共同利益和重要责任。双方将在互利互惠基础上拓展各领域合作，在相互尊重基础上管控好分歧矛盾，加强两国人民之间的相互了解和友谊，合作应对重大地区和全球性挑战，推动中美关系持续健康稳定发展。

Wang Yi: Let me first reiterate China’s policy towards the United States. China and the US are agreed that we share broad interests and important responsibilities for global peace, stability and prosperity. Our two countries are to carry out broad-based cooperation on the basis of mutual benefit, manage our differences on the basis of mutual respect, deepen mutual understanding and friendship between our people, and work together to address major regional and global challenges. We ought to work for the sustained, healthy and steady growth of our relations.

 

中美之间主要是合作。两国人民之间有着非常广泛和密切的交往。美国盖洛普民调最新数字表明，美国民众对中国的好感度超过了50%，这是近30年来最高的。我希望大家更要看到这些积极因素。作为世界上最大的发展中国家和最大的发达国家，中美合作将造福两国，惠及世界。如果说中美之间有竞争的话，也应该是良性和积极竞争，这在国际交往中也是正常的。换句话说，中美可以有竞争，不必做对手，更需当伙伴。

Cooperation is the main thrust of China-US relations. Our people enjoy close and extensive exchanges. According to the latest Gallup poll, more than 50 percent of Americans have a favorable view of China, the highest rate in nearly three decades. I hope people will pay more attention to such positive things. As the largest developing country and developed country, China and America working together will benefit not just our own countries, but also the whole world. If there is any competition between us, which is natural, it has to be healthy and positive. We may have competition, but we don’t have to be rivals. Instead, we should strive to be partners.

 

中国将坚持走自己选择的发展道路，中国的发展振兴不可阻挡，这已是国际社会的普遍认知。美国一些人认为中国因此要取代美国在国际上的作用，这是根本性的战略误判。我们走的是中国特色社会主义道路，核心要义是坚持和平发展，成功之处在于合作共赢，这与传统大国曾经走过的路完全不同，正在得到越来越多国家的认同和欢迎。中国越发展，越能为世界做贡献。中国实现自身现代化的路还很长，不会也不必去取代美国的作用。双方应在遵守中美三个联合公报和双方各项共识的基础上相互尊重，优势互补，合作共赢。中美关系数十年来历经风雨，但对话与合作始终是主线，因为这是唯一明智也是现实的选择。

China is determined to stay on the path it has chosen, and China’s development and revitalization is unstoppable. This is the consensus of the international community. Some Americans allege that China will replace America’s role in the world. This strategic conclusion is fundamentally wrong. China is on the path of socialism with distinctive Chinese characteristics. Its success is underpinned by its commitment to peaceful development and win-win cooperation. China’s path is completely different from that of traditional powers and, as such, is commended and welcomed by a growing number of countries. The truth is, the more China develops, the more contribution it can make to the world. China is on a long march to modernization. It has no need or intention to displace America. China and America must respect each other, combine our strengths and pursue win-win cooperation on the basis of the three joint communiqués and our common understandings. China-US relations have gone through a lot in the past few decades, but dialogue and cooperation has always carried the day. It is the wise thing to do; there can be no alternative.

 

至于中美之间的贸易摩擦。历史的经验教训证明，打贸易战从来都不是解决问题的正确途径。尤其在全球化的今天，选择贸易战更是抓错了药方，结果只会损人害己，中方必将作出正当和必要的反应。作为两个利益高度融合的大国，作为世界第一和第二大经济体，中美既要对两国人民负责，也要为世界各国负责。双方还是应当心平气和地坐下来，通过平等和建设性对话，共同找出一个互利双赢的办法。

As for our trade frictions, history teaches that trade war is never the right solution. In a globalized world, it is particularly unhelpful, as it will harm the initiator as well as the target country. In the event of a trade war, China will make a justified and necessary response. The bottom line is, as the world’s largest economies, China’s and America’s interests are deeply entwined. We must bear in mind not just the interests of our own people, but also the well-being of the world. When all is said and done, we hope China and America will have a calm and constructive dialogue as equals, and find a win-win solution.

 

《中国日报》记者：外界议论说中国已经改变了不干涉内政原则，将更多干预他国和地区事务，这是否正成为中国外交新趋势？

China Daily: We hear a view that China has abandoned its long-standing policy of non-interference in favor of a more interventionist approach. Are we seeing a new trend in China’s foreign policy?

 

王毅：作为安理会常任理事国，中国始终把维护国际和平作为自己应尽的责任。早在上世纪50年代，我们就为和平解决印度支那问题作出过重要贡献。而今天的中国，更应为解决地区和国际热点问题积极发挥作用。这既是我们应该做的，也是各方的普遍期待。

Wang Yi: As a permanent member of the UN Security Council, China takes seriously its responsibility for maintaining international peace. Even in the 1950s, we made an important contribution to the peaceful settlement of the Indochina issue. Today, China is in a much better position to help resolve various regional and international issues. We are ready to play our part; indeed, the world expects no less from us.

 

中国参与解决热点问题，有着鲜明的中国特色，始终坚持有所为也有所不为。归纳起来有三条，即和平性、正当性和建设性。和平性就是坚持政治解决方向，主张通过对话谈判解决任何矛盾分歧，坚决反对使用武力；正当性就是坚持不干涉内政原则，尊重当事国的主权和意愿，坚决反对强加于人；建设性就是坚持客观公正立场，根据事情本身的是非曲直开展斡旋调停，坚决反对谋取私利。这三个特色，来源于中国优秀的文化传统，植根于中国外交的成功实践，符合联合国宪章的宗旨和原则，也为解决各种冲突和挑战提供了正确导向和积极借鉴。

In helping to settle various flashpoints, we follow a distinctly Chinese approach. There are things we will do and there are things we won’t do. Put simply, our approach is at once peaceful, justifiable and constructive. First, we prefer a political settlement of disputes through dialogue and negotiation, and firmly reject the use of force. Second, we respect other countries’ sovereignty and wish, and never meddle in their internal affairs. Indeed, we firmly reject imposing one’s own view on others. Third, we do our best to be fair and objective and proceed from the merits of the matter. We firmly reject pursuing private ends. Our approach is rooted in traditional Chinese culture and our successful diplomatic practice. In keeping with the purposes and principles of the UN Charter, it shows the right way and provides a good example for resolving conflicts and challenges in the world.

 

俄罗斯国际通讯社记者： 俄罗斯将于3月18日举行总统选举，你对选举结果有何预期？如何看待中俄关系前景？

RIA Novosti: Russia’s presidential election is scheduled for 18 March. What do you think the result is going to be? How does China view the prospects of China-Russia relations?

 

王毅：俄罗斯总统选举是俄罗斯国家和人民的大事。我们看到，在普京总统领导下，近年来俄罗斯的国家发展取得了重要成就，普京总统始终得到俄罗斯人民的坚定支持。我们相信，俄罗斯人民一定会再次作出正确的选择，俄罗斯民族也一定会在国家振兴道路上继续阔步前行。俄罗斯民族是一个有韧性、有坚持、能抗压的民族。我们祝福俄罗斯，祝福俄罗斯人民。

 

Wang Yi: The presidential election is of vital importance to Russia and its people. We note that President Putin has overseen important strides in Russia’s development and he has strong support from his people. We trust the Russian people will again make the right choice and advance steadily towards national revitalization. The Russian people are resilient, principled and resistant to pressure. Our best wishes for Russia and the Russian people!

 

至于中俄关系的前景，我们充满信心。我们的信心来自于两国元首结下的深厚友谊和互信，这将是继续引领两国关系发展的根本保障。我们的信心还来自于双方各领域务实合作的不断深化，来自于在彼此核心利益上坚定的相互支持，来自于在国际事务中的密切协作以及两国各界日益频繁的交流往来。总之，中俄全面战略协作伙伴关系稳如泰山。请你向俄罗斯的朋友们转达一句话，中俄深化合作没有止境，中俄关系没有最好只有更好。

We have great confidence in the future of China-Russia relations. Our confidence comes from the strong friendship and trust between our presidents, which is fundamental to the further growth of our relationship. It also comes from the deepening of our cooperation in so many fields, our firm support for each other’s core interests, our close coordination on international affairs and the growing exchanges between our two societies. In short, the China-Russia comprehensive strategic partnership of coordination is as unshakable as a mountain. I ask you to convey this to our friends in Russia: the sky is the limit for Sino-Russian cooperation, and we must continue to make the relationship even better than it already is.

 

《环球时报》记者：近年来，中国各领域影响不断上升，十九大后国人对未来更加充满期待，但国际上也有人炒作新一轮“中国威胁论”。你如何回应上述说法？

Global Times: China’s influence has been on the rise across the board. The 19th Party Congress gives Chinese people greater expectations about their future. However, some in the world are again trying to paint China as a threat. How would you counter this claim?

 

王毅：过去几十年，西方一直在对中国作出各种评判和预测，归纳起来无非一种是“中国崩溃论”，一种是“中国威胁论”。随着中国的持续发展，“中国崩溃论”自己先崩溃了，变成了一个国际笑柄。“中国威胁论”虽然有了新的翻版，但却更加不得人心。因为事实胜于雄辩。

Wang Yi: For decades, the West has made all kinds of assessments and predictions about China. To some Westerners, China is either “collapsing” or “threatening”. As China continues to grow, the first theory has collapsed and become an international laughing stock. Meanwhile, proponents of the second theory have conjured up new versions, which find dwindling support because facts speak louder than words.

 

事实是什么？那就是：中国是全球经济增长的主要贡献者，年均贡献率达到30%以上，超过美国、日本以及欧元区国家的总和；中国是全球减贫事业的主要贡献者，贡献率超过70%，创造了人类历史上的奇迹；中国是维护世界和平的主要贡献者，成为安理会五常中派出联合国维和人员最多的国家，维和经费出资居世界第二位；此外，在过去5年中，中国还通过提出共建“一带一路”等重大倡议，成为参与全球治理、维护贸易自由化和开放型世界经济的主要贡献者。

What are the facts? For years, China has been the leading engine of global growth. At more than 30 percent, China’s annual contribution is bigger than that of America, Japan and the Eurozone combined. China accounts for more than 70 percent of poverty reduction worldwide, a miracle in human history. As the largest source of peacekeeping personnel among the permanent members of the Security Council and the second largest contributor to the UN peacekeeping budget, China is bearing a weighty responsibility for maintaining world peace. Not to mention that in the last five years, with its Belt and Road Initiative and other major proposals, China has come to the fore in championing global governance, free trade and an open global economy.

 

对于这些事实，只要不怀有偏见，不奉行双重标准，从中看到的决不是什么威胁，而是满满的机遇。所谓“中国威胁论”可以休矣。

From these solid facts, those who do not have bias or practice double standards will see in China not a threat, but plenty of opportunities. It’s time the “China threat theory” was laid to rest.

 

哈萨克通讯社记者：5年来，“一带一路”倡议取得了很大进展。但有个别西方人也对倡议透明度及是否符合国际规则有疑虑。请问中方如何回应？

Kazinform: Since its launch five years ago, the Belt and Road Initiative has made a lot of progress. However, some Westerners seem to harbor doubts about its transparency and conformity with international rules. What is China’s response?

 

王毅：“一带一路”是中国提出的阳光倡议，共商、共建、共享是推进“一带一路”的黄金法则。这六个字决定了“一带一路”合作具有鲜明的平等性、开放性和普惠性。也就是说，无论是规划合作蓝图还是实施具体项目，都由参与方商量着办，一切都在阳光下运行。没有一家独大，而是各方平等参与；没有暗箱操作，而是坚持公开透明；没有赢者通吃，而是谋求互利共赢。

Wang Yi: The Belt and Road is a transparent initiative launched by China. It follows the “golden rule” of extensive consultation, joint contribution and shared benefits. Belt and Road cooperation aims to be equal-footed, inclusive and beneficial to all. The planning and implementation of BRI projects have been discussed by the participants in the open. No country is dominating the process; all parties have an equal say. There is no back-room deal; everything is transparent. There is no “winner takes all”; every project delivers win-win results.

 

去年5月，140多个国家的代表出席“一带一路”国际合作高峰论坛，这是国际社会对“一带一路”投出的“信任票”和“支持票”。迄今已有80多个国家和国际组织与中方签署了共建“一带一路”合作协议，一大批合作项目正在全面推进，为当地经济社会发展发挥了雪中送炭作用。比如，中国在巴基斯坦开工建设的十余座电站，将彻底解决巴国内缺电限电的历史困境，仅其中一座电站就满足了上千万民众的日常需求。中国企业收购陷入困境的塞尔维亚钢厂，不到一年就扭亏为盈，不仅保住了5000多人的就业，还使整个城市浴火重生。中国企业接手希腊最大港口的经营，货物吞吐量迅速回升，重新跻身欧洲大港行列。中国和法国联手在英国建设核电站，成为“一带一路”高新技术项目合作的典范。

Last May, the representatives of more than 140 countries participated in the Belt and Road Forum for International Cooperation. The turnout is a clear vote of confidence from the international community. To date, more than 80 countries and international organizations have signed BRI agreements with China. A large number of BRI projects are well underway and adding needed momentum to the economic and social development of our partner countries. For example, China is building over a dozen power stations for Pakistan, the largest of which is supplying electricity to tens of millions of Pakistanis. When all of them are completed, power cuts and shortages will be a thing of the past in Pakistan. In Serbia, a Chinese enterprise bought a troubled steel mill and turned it around in less than a year, both saving more than 5,000 local jobs and helping to re-energize the city in which the steel mill is located. In Greece, a Chinese group took over the operation of its largest seaport, ramped up the container volume and put it back in the same league as Europe’s largest ports. China is also partnering with France to build a nuclear power plant in the UK, a stellar example of high-tech cooperation under the BRI.

 

“一带一路”是全球公共产品，当然遵守国际规则；“一带一路”是国际合作平台，自然按照市场规律行事。去年高峰论坛发表的联合公报已对此作出公开承诺，并且强调要统筹好经济、社会、金融和环境之间的关系，增强合作项目的可持续性。我们真诚欢迎各方为“一带一路”建言献策，共同把“一带一路”建设好，推进好。不仅加强各国基础设施的“硬联通”，也要开展政策、规则和标准的“软联通”；不仅接地气，还要高标准；不仅效益好，而且高质量；不仅惠及中国，更要造福世界。

As a global public good, the BRI of course abides by international rules. As a platform for international cooperation, it naturally follows market principles. The joint communiqué of last year’s forum committed to this and emphasized the importance of economic, social, fiscal and environmental sustainability of projects. We sincerely ask for ideas from all parties, so that we will together make a success of the Belt and Road Initiative. Our goal is not only to strengthen the physical connectivity of infrastructure, but also to improve the institutional connectivity of policies, rules and standards. BRI projects must be high-standard as well as results-oriented, high-quality as well as economically viable, beneficial to the world as well as to China.

 

北京电视台记者：李克强总理在政府工作报告中指出，今年是贯彻十九大精神开局之年，是改革开放40周年，是决胜全面建成小康社会、实施“十三五”规划承上启下的关键一年。请问外交部在服务国家发展方面会有哪些举措？

Beijing TV: Premier Li Keqiang emphasized in his government work report that 2018 will kick off efforts to put the decisions of the 19th Party Congress into action. It is the 40th anniversary of reform and opening-up, and a crucial year for securing a decisive victory in establishing a moderately prosperous society in all respects and for implementing the 13th Five-Year Plan. What will the Ministry of Foreign Affairs do in 2018 to facilitate China’s development goals?

 

王毅：中国仍是发展中国家，服务国内发展是中国特色大国外交分内的事。面对新的历史使命和时代要求，外交部将按照中央的统一部署，更加积极有为地做好服务发展这篇大文章。

 Wang Yi: China still being a developing country, facilitating domestic development is part and parcel of major-country diplomacy with Chinese characteristics. Keeping in mind our new mission and what is expected of us, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs will implement the decisions of the central leadership and be more active in facilitating domestic development.

 

我们将适应新形势，按照高质量发展的需要，为“走出去”、“引进来”，扩大对外合作创造更有利条件，为国内发展营造更良好国际环境。

 We will adapt to the new landscape of high-quality development to create a more favorable environment for external cooperation, including “bringing in” and “going global”, and for domestic development.

 

我们将破解新课题，紧扣社会主要矛盾变化，打造地方省区市全球推介活动的增强版，并将创办反映重大改革开放举措的专题推介，更有针对性地讲好中国的故事。比如今年我们将向全球推介雄安新区。扶贫工作外交部也从不缺位，将为打赢脱贫攻坚战贡献一份力量。

 We will tackle the new challenges presented by the evolution of the principal contradiction facing Chinese society. To tell China’s stories in a more compelling way, we will both upgrade the presentation of Chinese provinces and launch a new series on the major initiatives of reform and opening-up. For example, later this year we will host an event to present the Xiongan New Area to the world. In addition, the MFA has been and will continue to be fully engaged in poverty alleviation and do its bit for winning the nationwide battle against poverty.

 

我们还将落实新要求，发挥好外交部和驻外机构遍布全球的优势，为“一带一路”建设铺路架桥，维护好我国海外利益。

 We will meet the new requirements and leverage our diplomatic and consular assets across the globe to facilitate the Belt and Road Initiative and protect China’s overseas interests.

 

总之，推进新时代中国特色大国外交，我们既要当对外工作的“排头兵”，也要做服务发展的“实干家”。

All in all, in advancing major-country diplomacy with Chinese characteristics in the new era, we aim to be not just the pacesetter of China’s international engagement, but also a solid contributor to domestic development.