Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi, in the press conference he held on March 7, 2025, explained the evolution of the country’s foreign policy and its future strategic orientations. This press conference not only reflects China’s current situation in international relations but also its long-term strategic vision regarding global power dynamics. Wang Yi, emphasizing the importance of head-of-state diplomacy, detailed the diplomatic achievements China obtained throughout 2024 and their global impact, as well as the goals set for 2025.
Wang Yi particularly highlighted President Xi Jinping’s understanding of “head-of-state diplomacy,” focusing on how this diplomatic model has increased China’s effectiveness at the international level and how it has become a tool in achieving global objectives. The series of events hosted by China last year not only reinforced China’s role as a global power but also aimed to promote international solidarity and cooperation. [i] Initiatives such as the Peaceful Coexistence Conference and the China-Africa Cooperation Forum demonstrate that China offers a multilateral approach to global issues and, through this, follows a more inclusive diplomacy by increasing its soft power. Such events enable China to emerge as an influential actor not only in economic and trade relations but also in critical matters such as global security, peace, and development.
Wang Yi, in his remarks on United States President Donald Trump’s “America First” policy, pointed out the negative impacts of the unilateralist approach on the global order, criticizing this situation with the analogy of “jungle law.” The senior Chinese diplomat emphasized that prioritizing only one country’s interests would lead to instability worldwide and that especially smaller countries could suffer serious harm due to this situation.[ii] These statements point to one of the most fundamental principles in China’s foreign policy: China adopts a multilateral approach instead of unilateralism and strives for global peace, stability, and equality.
The Chinese Foreign Minister’s evaluations are particularly significant in the context of the tense relations recently experienced between the US and China, such as the trade war. The Trump administration’s decision to impose additional tariffs on imports from China has led to major tensions not only in the economic field but also in international relations. Wang Yi stated that such unilateral policies damage trust both in relations with China and at the global level. He noted that this approach, which was described as “hypocritical,” would contribute nothing to the stability of bilateral relations and would undermine mutual trust.
China’s strategy becomes distinct through its advocacy of a multipolar world order against a unipolar world order. Unlike hegemonic powers such as the US, China focuses on the construction of a fair and equal order that will ensure global peace and stability. This approach demonstrates that China follows a policy that considers not only its own interests but also the interests of all countries in foreign policy. Wang Yi’s statements reveal China’s worldview, which prioritizes global cooperation, mutual respect, and international equality. This strategy embodies the principle of “sovereignty, equality, and mutual respect,” which is one of the fundamental principles in China’s foreign policy. By defending these principles in its foreign relations, China supports not only its national interests but also global development.
Wang Yi, on the Israel-Palestine issue, clearly stated China’s stance, emphasizing that the rights of both sides must be protected and that the problem must only be resolved through peaceful means, expressing support for Palestine’s independence.[iii] Similarly, regarding the Ukraine Crisis, China stated that it supports dialogue and negotiations to end the conflict and expressed that in such matters, it aims to be only a neutral mediator. Wang Yi emphasized that China supports peace efforts and welcomes and supports all peace efforts in this direction. However, he also stated that the complexity of the causes of the crisis must be taken into account. Recalling a Chinese proverb, he said, “Freezing three feet of ice does not happen in one cold day; similarly, melting that thick ice is not possible in one night.”[iv] This approach reflects multilateralism as China’s fundamental principle in foreign policy and the necessity of a patient, long-term approach in resolving issues.
China’s stance on these two critical issues demonstrates that it prioritizes neutrality and balance in its foreign policy. In particular, China’s approach to crises through peaceful solutions and negotiations reveals its determination to ensure global security and stability. Such a stance by China not only increases its influence on regional issues but also encourages major global powers to establish relationships based on mutual understanding.
Wang Yi also made statements regarding the Taiwan issue. Wang firmly stated that China is absolutely opposed to violations of its sovereign rights and emphasized that Taiwan is an inseparable part of China. Wang, displaying a determined stance in defending China’s national unity, stated that any external interference would be considered an intervention in China’s internal affairs. In this context, he explicitly stated that Taiwan’s movements toward independence pose a threat to China’s national security and that China will not make any concessions on this matter. He emphasized that China insists on seeing Taiwan as a single country under the “One China” policy and that it will stand against any external support initiatives toward Taiwan.[v]
Wang Yi’s statements regarding Taiwan once again reveal how important sovereignty and territorial integrity hold in China’s foreign policy. China’s stance on Taiwan has become not only a matter of domestic policy but also a factor determining the balance in international relations. The acceptance of Taiwan as a part of China continues to be one of the most distinct and resolute aspects of China’s foreign policy.
In conclusion, Wang Yi’s statements emphasize how consistent and determined China is in its foreign policy, as well as its commitment to achieving its strategic objectives on a global level. While China strengthens its position as a global power, it also continuously prioritizes multilateralism and the pursuit of peaceful solutions. This approach allows China to emerge not only as an economic actor but also as a significant player in ensuring global peace, stability, and security.
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[i] “Wang Yi: Through head-of-state diplomacy, China’s relations with the world have undergone positive and profound changes”, Ministry of Foreign Affairs The People’s Republic of China, https://www.fmprc.gov.cn/mfa_eng/wjbzhd/202503/t20250307_11570104.html, (Date Accession: 10.0.2025).
[ii] “China slams Trump’s return to the ‘law of the jungle’ “, CNN, https://edition.cnn.com/2025/03/07/china/china-wang-yi-press-conference-trump-intl-hnk/index.html, (Date Accession: 10.03.2025).
[iii] “Wang Yi on the Israeli-Palestinian conflict: The will of the people must not be defied, and the principle of justice must not be abandoned”, Ministry of Foreign Affairs The People’s Republic of China, https://www.mfa.gov.cn/eng/wjbzhd/202503/t20250307_11570217.html, (Date Accession: 10.03.2025).
[iv] “Wang Yi on the Ukraine Crisis: No one wins in a conflict, but everyone gains in peace”, Ministry of Foreign Affairs The People’s Republic of China, https://www.fmprc.gov.cn/mfa_eng/wjbzhd/202503/t20250307_11570143.html, (Date Accession: 10.03.2025).
[v] “Wang Yi: Taiwan’s return to China forms an important part of the post-war international order”, Ministry of Foreign Affairs The People’s Republic of China, https://www.fmprc.gov.cn/mfa_eng/wjbzhd/202503/t20250307_11570237.html, (Date Accession: 10.03.2025).