China's top diplomat summarizes six highlights of China's diplomacy in 2023

Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi, also a member of the Political Bureau of the Communist Party of China Central Committee, addresses the symposium on the international situation and China's foreign relations in 2023 in Beijing, capital of China, Jan. 9, 2024. [Xinhua/Zhai Jianlan]

BEIJING -- Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi on Tuesday said the year 2023 has been a year of exploration and harvest for China's diplomacy, summarizing six highlights.

Wang, also a member of the Political Bureau of the Communist Party of China Central Committee, made the remarks when addressing the symposium on the international situation and China's foreign relations in 2023.

He said firstly, China's head-of-state diplomacy has been immensely successful, achieving new milestones in major-country diplomacy with Chinese characteristics.

Secondly, solid progress has been made in building a community with a shared future for mankind, lending new impetus to efforts to build a brighter future for humanity.

Thirdly, the Belt and Road Forum for International Cooperation was successfully held, taking Belt and Road cooperation to a new stage of high-quality development.

Fourthly, the BRICS mechanism achieved a historic expansion, adding new strength to unity and cooperation in the developing world.

Fifthly, a successful China-Central Asia Summit was held, creating a new platform for good-neighbourliness and friendly cooperation in the region.

Sixthly, China facilitated the historic reconciliation between Saudi Arabia and Iran, setting a new example of political settlement of hotspot issues.

The highlights demonstrate distinct Chinese characteristics, style, and ethos, and speak to China's enhanced international influence, stronger capacity to steer new endeavors, and greater moral appeal in the new era, Wang added.