Foreign Minister Wang Yi took questions from reporters at the Two Sessions press conference and gave an insight into China’s policy and perspective on wide-range of issues
China’s biggest annual political gathering, the Two Sessions, is being keenly observed worldwide as statements from top Chinese diplomats will give an insight into the whys and hows of Beijing’s policies and perspectives.
On Thursday, Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi addressed the media during the Two Sessions. From the Russia-Ukraine war to Taiwan’s fight for independence, the diplomat touched upon subjects that made headlines across the world.
Here’s what Wang Yi said that grabbed global attention
1- When asked about ties with the US, Foreign Minister Wang Yi accused the Western country of “suppression”. He said that Washington’s misconceptions and unfulfilled promises continue to sour its relationship with Beijing, however, a meeting between Chinese President Xi Jinping and his American counterpart Joe Biden last year has borne some fruits and there has been “some improvement”
Terming its “unilateral” sanctions as “unfathomable and absurd”, Wang Yi said, “If the US says one thing and does another, where is its credibility as a major country?”
2- On questions about its continued conflict with Taiwan, which China claims as its own territory, Wang Yi reiterated its ‘One China Policy’ and said those who support Taiwan’s independence will “get burned for playing with fire”
3- As the war between Israel and Hamas continues with no end in sight, China has said it will continue to pitch Palestine’s full membership at the UN.
Wang Yi stated China will continue to advocate peace and coexistence between the two warring sides and will push for a two-state solution to bring “justice” to Palestinians and “end breathing ground of extremism”
4- The foreign minister defended its close ties with Russia and said that both countries show “a new paradigm of great power co-operation that is completely different from the Cold War era”. Notably, Russia and China’s bilateral trade reached a record $240bn in 2023.
Since the war began in Feb 2022, China has positioned itself as a neutral party in the Russia-Ukraine war
5- On being asked about its dispute with the Philippines in the South China Sea, Wang Yi said Beijing has exercised a “high degree of restraint” in its maritime disputes. While terming China’s approach as “optimistic”, he said China will not let its goodwill be “abused” and it will “legitimately defend its rights in accordance with the law.”
Tensions between Beijing and Manila have soared in recent months as ships and vessels from both countries have clashed with both sides contesting territory in the South China waters
