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Preface Xi Jinping’s Diplomatic Wit and Vision: Selected Quotations and Commentary is the latest installment of the Wit and Vision series. This book presents a fascinating survey of Xi Jinping’s mastery of diplomatic speech craft while offering readers a look under the hood of Chinese foreign policy. Xi Jinping’s style of communication is distinct – eminently thought-provoking, yet simple, accessible, and down-to-earth. Xi deftly applies literary quotations and sayings from China and other parts of the world to shed light on global megatrends and distill the essence of Chinese diplomacy. Memorable and packed with pearls of wisdom, Xi Jinping’s Diplomatic Wit and Vision is an excellent resource for anyone who wishes to gain a better understanding of Chinese diplomacy. This book contains excerpts from Xi Jinping’s diplomatic speeches and articles that highlight his distinctive use of language and provide a springboard for discussing the overall vision, innovative theories, and practical achievements the CPC Central Committee’s diplomatic efforts since the 18th National Congress. It is organized into four sections – Introduction, Imagery & Metaphors, Everyday Sayings, and Poetry & Prose. In this book, we have attempted to capture the eloquence and candor of Xi’s diplomatic language and unpack its meaning and significance. Our goal is to help readers understand the essence and essentials of Xi’s approach to foreign policy, as well as the logic and diplomatic art behind it all. Informative and easy to read, this book is an important study aid for understanding and implementing Xi Jinping Thought on Foreign Affairs. 平易近人：习近平的语言力量--英文-新.indd 5 20/10/15 16:34 Since the book’s completion, Xi Jinping has continued to season important diplomatic speeches with colorful language and word pictures. For example, he used the Chinese proverb “the tree with deep roots will bear much fruit, and a generous supply of oil allows the lamp to burn bright” to describe the long-term relationship between China and Africa. He also borrowed a line from Mencius – recounting how the Kingdom of Lu appeared small to Confucius when viewed from the top of Mount Tai – to highlight the importance of understanding global developments and underlying trends, and he quoted Nelson Mandela to express his optimism about the future of BRICS cooperation. Quotations such as these provide thoughtful footnotes on Xi Jinping Thought on Diplomacy and deserve our continued study. We would like to express our heartfelt gratitude to the Publicity Department of the Central Committee of the Communists Party of China (the State Administration of Press and Publication), the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the Publicity Department of the Shanghai Committee of the Communist Party of China, the Shanghai Press and Publication Administration, and Shanghai Jiao Tong University for their generous support throughout this project. The team of writers and editors at the China Institute of International Studies (CIIS) epitomize loyalty, mission, and dedication. They spared no efforts in reviewing and revising the manuscript and worked diligently to make this book the best it could be. We are indebted to former CIIS President Su Ge and Vice President Rong Ying for all their work, and to President Qi Zhenhong and Deputy Director Jiang Peng for their roles in getting this book to press. We would also like to thank Wu Baoan, deputy director of the STM Committee of the Publishers Association of China, for his excellent work in coordinating the book’s editing and publishing, as well as Liu Bangcheng, Chen Yao, Li Mingming, and others from the School of International and Public Affairs at Shanghai Jiao Tong University for their meticulous proofreading. Finally, we would like to acknowledge Zhu Jian, Gu Feng, Han Jianmin, Zheng Yihui, Liu Peiying, and others for 平易近人：习近平的语言力量--英文-新.indd 6 20/10/15 16:34 all the time and effort they put into this book. Our sincere thanks to all of you. We hope that our readers will excuse any omissions or imperfections which they may come across, and we gladly welcome your suggestions and feedback. Editorial Board September 2018 平易近人：习近平的语言力量--英文-新.indd 7 20/10/15 16:34 平易近人：习近平的语言力量--英文-新.indd 8 20/10/15 16:34 i Contents Introduction Introduction to Xi Jinping Thought on Foreign Affairs..................................3 Imagery and Metaphors The Greatest Common Factor for the Unity of the Chinese Nation – The Chinese Dream is anchored in the hearts of the Chinese people.............22 Peace Is Like Air and Sunshine – Understand the importance of peace and staying committed to the path of peaceful development....................................................................................28 It Is Not in the Genes of the Chinese Nation to Invade Other Countries Or Seek World Hegemony – China does not subscribe to the idea that a country is bound to seek hegemony when it grows strong....................................................................................32 Support Each Other on Stage to Deliver Excellent Shows – Work together to maintain peace and achieve coordinated development..........37 Just as Distance Tests a Horse’s Strength, Time will Show a Person’s Sincerity – Mutually beneficial cooperation will stand the test of time............................42 If We Learn to Appreciate the Merits of Other Cultures as We Value Our Own, We will Have Great Harmony under Heaven – Exchange ideas and learn from one another to promote cultural enrichment and advancement.........................................................................................47 平易近人：习近平的语言力量--英文-新.indd 1 20/10/15 16:34 ii Stick Together Like Passengers in the Same Boat, and Assume Both Rights and Responsibilities – Work together to build a global community of shared future .......................52 There Is Only One Earth in the Universe, and We Humans Have Only One Home – Foster a keen sense of a global community of shared future.........................56 Make the Cake Bigger and Divide It Fairly – Provide more equitable opportunities for development....................................60 Eat According to the Size of One’s Stomach and Dress According to the Size of One’s Figure – Development should be tailored to a country’s prevailing conditions...............64 Hold Fast to Development as Our Master Key – The solution to global challenges lies in development......................................68 Avoid a Palliative Approach That Treats the Symptoms Instead of the Disease – Adopt a comprehensive vision of security.....................................................72 Guard Against the “Spaghetti Bowl” Effect – Integrate demands and accelerate economic cooperation in the Asia-Pacific .........................................................................................76 The Pacific Ocean Is Big Enough to Accommodate Both China and the United States – China and the U.S. should view one another’s growth with a broad mind..............................................................................................80 “Thucydides’s Trap” Does not Inherently Exist – Build trust and avoid strategic miscalculation...............................................84 平易近人：习近平的语言力量--英文-新.indd 2 20/10/15 16:34 iii An “Action Team,” Not a “Talking Shop” – The vitality of the G20 lies in its pragmatic spirit.......................................89 Build a Common Circle of Friends That Is Inclusive Rather Than Exclusive – Pursue and enrich global partnership...........................................................94 We Must Choose Our Medicine Based on the Source and Symptoms of the Infection – Promote common development by understanding the issues underlying the world economy.......................................................................................98 The Wings and Arteries of a Soaring Asia – Connectivity is key to providing Asia with the economic resources it needs.....................................................................................................103 “Backyard Garden” Or “Public Park” – The Belt and Road Initiative seeks to promote common development rather than spheres of influence...........................................................................108 A “Chorus,” Not a “Solo” – The Belt and Road Initiative is about working together through consultation to meet the interests of all.........................................................................113 Learn to Swim While Swimming – Take the plunge and embrace the wave of economic globalization................118 Welcome Aboard the Train of China’s Development – Benefiting the world through China’s robust development............................122 Everyday Sayings Enhance the Prosperity of the Country and the Well-being of the People – The Chinese Dream is one of peace, development, cooperation, and mutual benefit....................................................................................130 平易近人：习近平的语言力量--英文-新.indd 3 20/10/15 16:34 iv The Chinese People Do not Make Trouble, But When It Comes, We Will not Back Away. – Pursue peaceful development and safeguard national core interests is an indivisible whole...................................................................................135 China Welcomes Other Countries to Follow the Same Path – Advance China’s positive engagement with the world..................................139 Feature Dialogue, Not Confrontation; Seek Partnerships, Not Alliances – Important developments in China’s non-alignment policy............................143 Those Who Are Like-minded and Follow the Same Path Can Be Partners; Those Who Seek Common Ground While Maintaining Differences Can Also Be Partners – Transcend social systems and ideologies to build a harmonious world...........148 Those Who Travel Alone Go Fast, But Those Who Travel in Company Go Far – Strengthen global partnerships and jointly address challenges to global development..............................................................................................152 Justice First, Interests Second – Major-country diplomacy guided by the proper approach to justice and interests....................................................................................................156 China’s Development Is an Opportunity for the World – Seek open development...............................................................................161 He Who Blows Out Another Man’s Candle Shall Burn His Own Beard – Develop common security...........................................................................165 The International Order and Global Governance System Should Not Be Determined by One Country – The people determine the world’s destiny by promoting the democratization of international relations..........................................................................170 平易近人：习近平的语言力量--英文-新.indd 4 20/10/15 16:34 v Doing Everything in One’s Power and Acting Within One’s Competence Are Both Vital – China’s role in global governance................................................................175 Neither Dismantling Existing Systems nor Returning to Square One – Constructively improving global governance systems through innovation.................................................................................................179 Oppose Exclusive Arrangements – Greater openness and mutual benefit are integral to new mechanisms of global economic governance........................................................................183 Do Not Engage in a Dominant or Winner-Takes-All Approach – Establish a global economic governance system based on equality, openness, cooperation, and sharing............................................................................187 Just as Members of a Family Wish Each Other Well, Countries that Are Neighbors Do the Same – A new chapter in neighborhood diplomacy based on the concepts of amity, sincerity, mutual benefit, and inclusiveness.................................................191 Similar Natures Seek Each Other Out and Are Guided by Common Aspirations – A common pursuit drives cooperation and development among BRICS countries......................................................................................196 Roads Across the World Only Become Broader When More People Travel on Them – Build partnerships and advance common interests.......................................201 We Cannot “Let Each Family Sweep the Snow from Their Own Doorstep and Disregard the Frost on Their Neighbor’s Roof ” – Promote a climate of mutual assistance, build partnerships, and work together to solve global challenges................................................................205 平易近人：习近平的语言力量--英文-新.indd 5 20/10/15 16:34 vi The Shrewd Attend to Trivial Matters, While the Wise Govern Institutions – Develop global economic governance that is more equitable, open, and just....................................................................................................209 No Reason to Write Economic Globalization Off Completely – Encourage humanity to thrive through the dialectics of political wisdom.....................................................................................................214 Treat Both the Root Causes and Symptoms of Terrorism and Reject Double Standards – The daunting task of counter-terrorism cooperation requires building a community of shared security in a responsible manner............................218 Unflagging Efforts Are Required for Lasting Success – The work of opening up mutual understanding must never slacken............222 The Trend of the World Is Surging Forward – China’s development and world peace are mutually reinforcing....................226 Enjoying a Few Beers Brings Friends Together; Savoring an Aromatic Pot of Tea Encourages Friends to Contemplate Life – Distinct cultures can be compatible and complementary..............................230 Evolve from “Seeking Common Ground and Shelving Differences” to “Consolidating Common Ground and Ironing Out Differences” – The development and evolution of the “Chinese approach”.........................234 Friendship Between Peoples Is the Key to Good Relations Between States – Public diplomacy bolsters international cooperation.....................................239 Great Visions Can Be Realized Only Through Actions – Flexible and pragmatic diplomacy..............................................................244 平易近人：习近平的语言力量--英文-新.indd 6 20/10/15 16:34 vii Quotations from the Classics If Poor, He Develops His Good Nature in Solitude; If Prosperous, He Promotes the Good Nature of All – The Chinese Dream is intertwined with the beautiful dreams of people around the world.......................................................................................252 Burdens Are Heavy When Lifted Alone; Journeys Are Faster When Shared with Others – Replace zero-sum games with win-win cooperation......................................257 A Tree That Can Fill the Span of a Man’s Arms Grows from A Downy Tip – Reinforce public support for state-to-state relations......................................261 Heed Not Selfish Interests But the Interests of All People – Be a strong voice for mutual benefit............................................................266 Wealth and Honors Attained Through Unjust Means Are No More Than Floating Clouds to Me – Reject “unjust acts” that seek only profit....................................................270 Only Friendships Based on Sincerity Have True Staying Power – Rapport is necessary for upholding justice while pursuing common interests....................................................................................................275 A Lone Twig Is Easily Snapped in Two; A Bundle of Lone Twigs Forms an Unbreakable Rod – Promote security through cooperation..........................................................280 A Growing Tree Has Strong Roots; A Far-Reaching River Needs an Unimpeded Source – Make security sustainable..........................................................................284 平易近人：习近平的语言力量--英文-新.indd 7 20/10/15 16:34 viii All Living Things Develop Together Without Harming Others; Different Ways Are Followed Yet They Are Never Contradictory – Equality and inclusiveness should be at the core of global governance.........289 A Country Should Reduce Tax, Improve Roads, and Facilitate Business Transactions and Agricultural Production – Maintain and build an open world economy...............................................293 Good Neighborliness Is a National Treasure – Promote China-Russia relations that are comprehensive, high-quality, and robust................................................................................................298 Wise People Build Common Ground While the Foolish Focus Only on Their Differences – Seek to break new ground in thinking and achieve progress in China-Europe cooperation .......................................................................303 Virtue Is Not Left to Stand Alone; He Who Practices It Will Have Neighbors – The key to strong Sino-Japanese relations lies in cultivating virtue..............308 A Man of Virtue, While Establishing Himself and Pursuing Success, Also Works to Establish Others and Enable Them to Succeed As Well – China looks forward to working with India to achieve national rejuvenation for both countries......................................................................................313 China’s Vision of Harmony and Peaceful Coexistence – Embrace a neighborhood diplomacy defined by peace, stability, and prosperity...........................................................................................317 It Is Good to Give Fish to a Man, But It Is Far Better to Teach Him How to Fish for Himself – Promote China-Africa cooperation in human resources and technology transfer.....................................................................................................321 平易近人：习近平的语言力量--英文-新.indd 8 20/10/15 16:34 ix Neither Mountain Nor Sea Can Separate Those Who Share a Common Vision – Work together to build a Chinese, Latin American, and Caribbean community of shared future......................................................................326 The More One Gives to Others, the More He Gains for Himself – Work earnestly to promote the development of island nations in the South Pacific.......................................................................................................331 When the Great Way Rules, the Land Under Heaven Belongs to the People – China takes seriously its responsibilities as a major country........................336 The Sea Is Fed by All Rivers; It Is Vast Because of Its Capacity – Inclusivity drives Chinese diplomacy...........................................................341 Mighty Feats Are Forged Through Aspirations and Dedication – Achieve the Chinese Dream with our feet planted firmly on the ground........346 A Smart Man Adapts to the Times, and a Wise Man Makes Rules According to Developing Trends – A Chinese approach to global governance reform........................................350 A Challenge Can Be Overcome So Long as One Has the Courage to Dare – Enthusiasm and confidence should be at the heart of Chinese diplomacy......354 A Tasty Soup Is Created by Blending Flavors – Address international conflicts by “pursuing harmony without uniformity” and “seeking common ground and shelving differences”..............................358 Become Established in the Proper Position of the World and Walk the Great Way of the World – Chinese diplomacy prizes international ethics and responsibility..................363 Appendix: Memorable Lines from Xi Jinping’s Speeches and Articles on Foreign Policy.................................................................................................366 平易近人：习近平的语言力量--英文-新.indd 9 20/10/15 16:34 平易近人：习近平的语言力量--英文-新.indd 10 20/10/15 16:34 Introduction 平易近人：习近平的语言力量--英文-新.indd 1 20/10/15 16:34 平易近人：习近平的语言力量--英文-新.indd 2 20/10/15 16:34 3 Introduction to Xi Jinping Thought on Foreign Affairs In a 21st-century world marked by profound changes, the influence is of China’s national strength steadily rising. Since the 18th National Congress of the Communist Party of China (CPC) held in 2012, the CPC Central Committee with Xi Jinping as the core has displayed sharp global vision and a keen sense of national responsibility as it has identified the underlying trends of the changing world, located China’s position on the broader canvas of history, balanced China’s overall domestic and international interests, and coordinated efforts in the important areas of development and national security. In so doing, the Central Committee has sought to realize the Two Centenary Goals and achieve the Chinese Dream of national rejuvenation. It has made advances in diplomatic theory and practice, put forward a series of new concepts, ideas, and strategies, and developed and codified Xi Jinping Thought on Foreign Affairs, which has become a guide to action as China seeks to advance major-country diplomacy with Chinese characteristics for the new era. I. The Chinese Dream: China’s historical mission The Military Anthem of the Chinese People’s Liberation Army (PLA) opens with a rousing call to “stand on the earth of the Motherland” and “carry the hope of our people.” In some sense, these words provide a window into the birth of Xi Jinping Thought on Foreign Affairs. Xi Jinping Thought on Foreign Affairs is rooted in the soil of 平易近人：习近平的语言力量--英文-新.indd 3 20/10/15 16:34 4 Xi Jinping Diplomatic Wit and Vision China’s millennia-long history and draws deeply from the well of China’s cultural heritage and beliefs. President Xi Jinping has laid out a path for achieving the Chinese Dream of national rejuvenation. It encapsulates Chinese nation’s pursuits over its long history and serves to strengthen national unity in the new era. Rich in ideology, the dream is infused with a sense of China’s historical mission – the fulfillment of the Two Centenary Goals. The first goal is to build an all-around moderately prosperous society by 2021, the centenary of the founding of the Communist Party of China. The second involves building China into a prosperous, strong, democratic, culturally-advamced, harmonious, and modern socialist country by 2049, the centenary of the founding of the People’s Republic of China (PRC). In pursuit of these goals, the CPC has led the whole Party and the people of China in promoting the Five-sphere Integrated Plan1 and the Four-pronged Strategy2 in a coordinated manner. In general, a country’s diplomacy may be understood as an extension of the way it governs its internal affairs. In this case, there is a vital connection between the Chinese Dream of national rejuvenation and China’s advancement of major-country diplomacy with Chinese characteristics. The Chinese Dream has taken on global dimensions. Since China’s former leaders passed the torch to the CPC Central Committee with Xi Jinping as its core, the global balance of power has continued to shift eastward, and the meteoric rise of emerging market economies and developing nations promotes a drastic change to the political and economic situations across the world. Meanwhile, multipolarity is a growing trend, and the double-edged sword of globalization looms large. The struggle 1 This refers to China’s overall plan for building socialism with Chinese characteristics, that is, to promote coordinated progress in the economic, political, cultural, social and eco-environmental fields. 2 This refers to China’s strategic plan for building socialism with Chinese characteristics, that is, to make comprehensive moves to complete a moderately prosperous society in all respects, to further reform, to advance the rule of law, and to strengthen Party self-governance. 平易近人：习近平的语言力量--英文-新.indd 4 20/10/15 16:34 Introduction to Xi Jinping Thought on Foreign Affairs 5 over unipolarity and multipolarity ensues as established powers eye rising economies with increasing worry and suspicion. Tensions swell in the area of political security. Economically, the world is characterized by competition and interdependence, and there is a growing call to make sustainable development a top priority. To improve global governance is a demanding task, and controversies are escalating over rulemaking and the future of the world order. Non-traditional security issues are becoming more prominent, and “soft power” competition is on the rise. Externally, China finds itself confronted with a growing number of factors, both positive and negative, and the country’s growth is closely watched for the way it impacts the rest of the world. At such a time, Xi Jinping understands the importance of identifying global trends and keeping one’s pulse on the times. As an old Chinese poem says, “We must not allow our vision to be blocked by passing clouds.” Applying the logic of dialectical and historical materialism, Xi has observed five general trends in the global landscape. First, we need to recognize the vast complexity of global change, and we should understand that the growing trend toward multipolarity is not going to change. Second, we should be fully mindful that ongoing global economic adjustment does not follow a straight line, and economic globalization is here to stay. Third, we should be fully aware of the intensity of international tensions and conflicts, and recognize that peaceful development will remain the call of the times. Fourth, we should be keenly aware of the protracted nature of disagreements over the international order, and we should understand that reform of the international system will continue its current trajectory. Fifth, we need to come to grips with the uncertainties in China’s geopolitical environment, but we should also understand that the general trend of prosperity and stability in the Asia-Pacific region is not going to change. According to Xi Jinping, China is still in an important period of strategic opportunity in which much can be accomplished. China’s biggest opportunity lies in its steady development and growth. With insight and 平易近人：习近平的语言力量--英文-新.indd 5 20/10/15 16:34 6 Xi Jinping Diplomatic Wit and Vision vision, Xi Jinping Thought on Foreign Affairs offers direction for the overall advancement of China’s major-country diplomacy. II. Staying true to our original aspiration and ushering in the future Since the founding of the PRC in 1949, Chinese diplomacy has made progress in spite of many difficulties and has shown the courage to explore and innovate while remaining committed to its national heritage. (1) The cornerstone of Chinese diplomacy. Mao Zedong developed the foreign policy of “leaning to one side,” which safeguarded China’s independence and allowed socialism to take shape. Later, when faced with national security threats, China adopted the “one line” strategy to ease tensions. And the Five Principles of Peaceful Coexistence1, put forward by Premier Zhou Enlai, provided China with a set of guidelines to govern its relations with other countries. (2) China’s foreign affairs blueprint since its policy of reform and opening up was adopted in 1978. In the early 1980s, China was faced with major shifts in the global landscape as well as new tasks of development. Domestically, the country turned its focus to socialist modernization. Internationally, China was led by Deng Xiaoping to adopt an indepen- 1 The Five Principles of Peaceful Coexistence are the principles of mutual respect for each other’s territorial integrity and sovereignty, mutual non-aggression, mutual non-interference in each other’s internal affairs, equality and cooperation for mutual benefit, and peaceful coexistence. From December 1953 to April 1954 delegates of the Chinese government and the Indian government held negotiations on China-India relations concerning the Tibet region of China. On December 31, 1953, the first day of the negotiations, Chinese Premier Zhou Enlai met the delegation from India, and first put forward the Five Principles of Peaceful Coexistence. Later, the five principles were officially written into the preamble to the Agreement on Trade and Intercourse Between the Tibet Region of China and India. During his visit to India and Burma (Myanmar) in June 1954, Zhou issued joint declarations with Indian Prime Minister Jawaharlal Nehru and Burmese Prime Minister U Nu successively, advocating the establishment of the Five Principles of Peaceful Coexistence as the basic norm governing relations between states. 平易近人：习近平的语言力量--英文-新.indd 6 20/10/15 16:34 Introduction to Xi Jinping Thought on Foreign Affairs 7 dent foreign policy of peace, aimed at preserving world peace, opposing hegemony, promoting common development, and ensuring a peaceful and stable geopolitical environment for China’s socialist modernization drive. Under the guidance of Deng Xiaoping Theory1, the theroy of the Three Represents2, and the Scientific Outlook on Development3, China maintained its independent foreign policy of peace and its diplomatic strategy of “keeping a low profile and being enterprising,” even as the world coped with the collapse of bipolarity and a wave of global turbulence near the turn of the century. In the process, China secured for itself a strategic opportunity for peaceful development. (3) The comprehensive guidance of Xi Jinping Thought on Foreign Affairs on major-country diplomacy with Chinese characteristics. As the global balance of power teetered in the first decade of the 21st century, China’s rise was inevitable. The country’s economy catapulted to the number two spot in the world, setting a historic milestone in global development. China was now faced with two unprecedented opportunities, as it inched closer to the center of the world stage and the goal of national rejuvenation was finally within reach. After the 18th National Congress in 2012, Chinese foreign policy found itself at a new historical starting point. Committed to the Party’s 1 Deng Xiaoping Theory is an important component of the system of theories of Chinese socialism, and the guiding thought of the CPC. For the first time, Deng Xiaoping Theory systematically answered a series of basic questions concerning the building of socialism in economically and culturally backward China, and the consolidation and development of socialism there. The principal proponent is Deng Xiaoping. 2 The Theory of the Three Represents is a major component of the system of theories of Chinese socialism, and the guiding thought of the CPC. This theory emphasizes that the CPC must always represent the requirements for developing China’s advanced productive forces, the orientation of China’s advanced culture, and the fundamental interests of the overwhelming majority of the Chinese people. The principal proponent is Jiang Zemin. 3 The Scientific Outlook on Development is an important component of the system of theories of Chinese socialism, and the guiding thought of the CPC. It gives top priority to development, puts people first and seeks all-around, balanced and sustainable development with a holistic approach. The principal proponent is Hu Jintao. 平易近人：习近平的语言力量--英文-新.indd 7 20/10/15 16:34 8 Xi Jinping Diplomatic Wit and Vision founding mission, President Xi has carried on and developed the diplomatic strategies which China had adopted since its founding in 1949, particularly after it had launched its reform and opening-up policy in 1978. According to Xi, China ncust develop its own distinctive brand of major-country diplomacy while remaining committed to the leadership of the CPC and socialism with Chinese characteristics. With its growing national strength and rising international status, China has become a pivotal force in effecting global change. As China has grown from a regional power into a global power, the country’s interests have both shifted and expanded. Xi Jinping has mapped out the future direction of China’s diplomacy and outlined the mission, objectives, principles, and strategies of its foreign policy in the new era: “We must stand firmly for peace, development, cooperation and win-win outcomes, give overall consideration to domestic development and international situation, and adopt a holistic approach to development and security. We must focus on the overriding goal of peaceful development and national rejuvenation. We must devote ourselves to safeguarding China’s sovereignty, security and development interests, foster an international environment that is friendly to our peaceful development, and take advantage of this important period of strategic opportunity for China. These efforts will ensure the realization of the Two Centenary Goals and the Chinese Dream of national rejuvenation.” Xi Jinping Thought on Foreign Affairs defines China’s historical position and provides a comprehensive safeguard for China’s core interests and major concerns. At the same time, it makes it clear that China’s development must be organically linked with the development of the rest of the world. The objectives of China’s major-country diplomacy are clear: national rejuvenation and human progress. These diplomatic goals have pushed China to the forefront of the times and provided it with the moral high ground in global governance and international rulemaking. 平易近人：习近平的语言力量--英文-新.indd 8 20/10/15 16:34 Introduction to Xi Jinping Thought on Foreign Affairs 9 III. Innovation at the top The strategy laid out by Xi Jinping has provided guidance and facilitated innovation for China’s foreign policy initiatives, both in theory and in practice. Since the 18th CPC National Congress, the CPC Central Committee has made progress and broken new ground in thinking through world development and international relations, providing China with its own complete and rational system of major-country diplomacy. (1) Enriching and developing strategies on peaceful development. Xi Jinping Thought on Foreign Affairs has deepened and refined the core tenets of the Five Principles of Peaceful Coexistence and advocated the “six adherences” – i.e. adherence to sovereign equality, common security, common development, cooperation and mutual benefit, inclusiveness and mutual learning, and fairness and justice. As President Xi put it, China’s path of peaceful development is “a combination of confidence in thought and readiness in practice,” and “China sincerely hopes that all countries will follow the path of peaceful development.” Indeed, Xi has encouraged all countries to bridge their differences and pursue peaceful development. Doing so will not only provide theoretical support for China’s peaceful development, but will also make new contribution to the theory and practice of world peace. (2) Promoting a new model of international relations. The new model of international relations is marked by mutual respect, fairness, justice, and mutually beneficial cooperation. To build this model of international relations, countries must respect one another and work together to uphold fairness and justice in international relations and the international order. They must link arms and share resources to meet challenges and achieve joint success. China’s major-country diplomacy is committed to opening up a new path of international relations, one in which countries reject the traditional law of the jungle, refrain from bullying the weak, and abandon zero-sum games. This model is based on mutually beneficial cooperation, where all countries are equal, irrespective of their size. It draws 平易近人：习近平的语言力量--英文-新.indd 9 20/10/15 16:34 10 Xi Jinping Diplomatic Wit and Vision on the achievements of human civilization and continues China’s legacy of following a path suited to its own national conditions. This model of international relations is based on historical experiences and keeps in step with the times, and is concerned not only with China’s interests, but also with the interests of the entire world. (3) Building a global community of shared future. The vision of a community with a shared future is a defining feature of Chinese diplomacy for the new era. In his report to the 19th CPC National Congress, Xi Jinping fleshes out what this community looks like: a world of “lasting peace, universal security, common prosperity, openness, inclusiveness, and a clean and beautiful environment.” The community envisioned by China’s Five-sphere Integrated Plan is rooted in China’s legacy of pursuing harmony, cooperation, and public stewardship. It provides a compelling answer to the major problems concerning the future of human society. The community is not restricted by national borders, party affiliations, or political systems. It serves the common interests of the international community by proposing Chinese solutions to global challenges. Building a global community of shared future is an ambitious undertaking. The entailments are manifold and far-reaching, and will require the dedication of multiple generations. It is a glorious undertaking, one that will bring benefit to human society and the world at large. To that end, the new model of international relations will create a path forward and provide the conditions and resources necessary to make this goal a reality. (4) Building a network of global partnerships. Zero-sum thinking did not dissipate in the wake of the Cold War. Alliances continue to exist along lines distinguishing friend from foe. According to Xi Jinping Thought on Foreign Affairs, China values partnerships over alliances. It seeks to build an open and inclusive network of partners and promote mutually beneficial cooperation around the world. What is a partner? Partners share the same ideals and follow the same path; they seek common ground while shelving their differences. As such, partnerships are char- 平易近人：习近平的语言力量--英文-新.indd 10 20/10/15 16:34 Introduction to Xi Jinping Thought on Foreign Affairs 11 acterized by equality, peace, and inclusiveness. They offer no place for hierarchy or subordination. Partners do not divide into opposing camps, set up hypothetical enemies, or target any third party. In this sense, China’s proposal to form a network of partnerships is a repudiation of the Cold War mentality and an attempt to move past a model of state-to-state relations defined by alliance or confrontation. (5) Implementing global governance through extensive consultation, joint development, and shared benefits, and upholding greater good and shared interests. In order to develop relations with one another, countries must find and cultivate areas of common interests. These interests, however, should not be narrowly defined in terms of material gain. As Xi Jinping explained, “In international cooperation, we must pursue both friendship and mutual interests.” Such a balanced understanding of greater good and mutural interests is central to China’s major-country diplomacy. China advocates political justice and economic collaboration, and in international affairs, it places a high premium on trust, friendship, justice, and integrity. Chinese foreign policy will continue to carry forward the nation’s traditional values, and, by way of extensive consultation, joint development, and shared benefits, have a positive and far-reaching impact on the drive for world peace and harmony. (6) Advocating the concept of common, comprehensive, cooperative, and sustainable security. Xi Jinping remarked: “We need to keep in step with the times. We cannot afford to live in the 21st century while holding on to outdated thinking from the Cold War era and zero-sum games.” For issues of international and regional security, Xi advocated “common, comprehensive, cooperative, and sustainable security.” “Common” means that the security of every nation is respected and protected. “Comprehensive” means defending against both traditional and non-traditional security threats. “Cooperative” security is promoted through dialogue and collaboration. And “sustainable” security involves placing due emphasis on development and security to ensure it is lasting. 平易近人：习近平的语言力量--英文-新.indd 11 20/10/15 16:34 12 Xi Jinping Diplomatic Wit and Vision IV. Comprehensive planning Under the guidance of Xi Jinping Thought on Foreign Affairs, China’s major-country diplomacy is defined, planned, and carried out according to the following tenets: Major powers are the key; neighboring regions are the priority; developing countries are the foundation; and multilateral relations are the platform. (1) Building a new model of major-country relations. According to the political report delivered by Xi Jinping at the 18th CPC National Congress, China aims to improve and deepen its relations with developed countries and promote a new model of major-country relations focused on healthy and stable development over the long term. Xi has also proposed a new model for China-U.S. relations. He stressed the importance of warding off conflict and confrontation and pursuing mutual respect and win-win cooperation, lest the two countries fall into “Thucydides’s trap,” the theory that armed conflict is an inescapable outcome when a rising power threatens to displace a ruling power. Xi’s model calls on the U.S. and China to enhance their strategic trust, deepen mutually beneficial cooperation, and manage their differences in an effective manner. In terms of China-Russia relations, the two countries have maintained excellent cooperation and have strengthened their comprehensive strategic partnership by relying on one another and working closely on major international and regional issues. Meanwhile, China and the EU are breaking new ground as the two sides seek to build a partnership for peace, growth, reform, and civilization. China has also made strides in its cooperation with emerging markets, such as BRICS countries, and major developing countries. (2) Pursuing stable and expanded friendships with neighboring countries. The Asia-Pacific region is the basis for China’s survival, success, and prosperity. China’s basic principle of diplomacy with neighboring countries is to treat them as friends and partners by upholding the principles of amity, sincerity, mutual benefit, and inclusiveness. China is working with its neighbors to build a Silk Road Economic Belt and the 21st Maritime Silk 平易近人：习近平的语言力量--英文-新.indd 12 20/10/15 16:34 Introduction to Xi Jinping Thought on Foreign Affairs 13 Road. In order to encourage extensive consultation, joint development, and the sharing of benefits from its Belt and Road Initiative (BRI), China has initiated and promoted the establishment of the Asian Infrastructure Investment Bank (AIIC) and the Silk Road Fund. China’s relations with ASEAN nations have entered a new stage. China has promoted the building of the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC). It has furthered its cooperation with South Asian countries and continues to deepen practical cooperation with Central Asia. In addressing regional difficulties and flashpoints, China has taken on the role of a responsible major country. With respect to the South China Sea and related issues, China stands firm in defending its national sovereignty, rights, and interests as it seeks to work out disputes through dialogue and consultation. (3) Strengthening friendly cooperation with developing countries. China has made remarkable progress in its relations with developing countries in Asia, Africa, Latin America, and the Caribbean. In terms of China-Africa policy, Xi Jinping expressed its commitment to the principles of sincerity, practical results, affinity, and good faith. China worked alongside African countries to organize the Forum on China-Africa Cooperation (FOCAC) in Johannesburg, and the two sides jointly launched ten major plans. China also announced its comprehensive cooperative partnership with Latin American and Caribbean countries – focusing on equality, mutual benefit, and common development – and a five-point roadmap for developing China-Latin American and Caribbean relations. China is working with Arab states to develop and carry out a “1+2+3” formula in an effort to raise China-Arab strategic cooperation to the next level. China has also forged a strategic partnership with Pacific island nations having formal diplomatic relations with China, expressing its commitment to uphold equality, shared benefits, mutual respect, and common development. And the steady growth of the New Development Bank has served to promote overall development of relations with countries in the Global South. (4) Guiding the process of multilateral diplomacy. Xi Jinping Thought 平易近人：习近平的语言力量--英文-新.indd 13 20/10/15 16:34 14 Xi Jinping Diplomatic Wit and Vision on Foreign Affairs recognizes the importance of the United Nations and other international organizations. They play a unique role in effecting change in the international system, and also help to strengthen the representation and voice of emerging markets and developing countries. China has made positive contributions to a host of global issues, including climate change and disease prevention and control. It has also played an important and constructive role in pressing issues related to Ukraine, Syria, Iran’s nuclear program, the Israeli-Palestinian conflict, Afghanistan, North Korea’s nuclear program, and South Sudan. China has furthered its collaboration with BRICS nations and has successfully hosted diplomatic initiatives including the Boao Forum for Asia, the 4th Conference on Interaction and Confidence Building Measures in Asia (CICA) Summit, and an APEC Economic Leaders’ Meeting. China also held the Belt and Road Forum for International Cooperation in Beijing on May 14-15, 2017, a pivotal moment for the world economy, Chinese economy, and Belt and Road Initiative (BRI). The forum sent out a positive signal and showed that BRI cooperation is widely supported by the international community. Indeed, Belt and Road participants are working together to build a community with a shared future, an undertaking that is strategically important for China and the world at large. V. Strategic blend of firmness and flexibility Xi Jinping Thought on Foreign Affairs brings together universally recognized principles of diplomacy with the best of traditional Chinese culture. Chinese diplomacy has shown itself to be highly adaptable even as it remains staunchly committed to established principles. An organic blend of firmness and flexibility, China’s brand of major-country diplomacy is unmistakably Chinese. As challenges take on increasingly global dimensions, there is growing demand to strengthen international cooperation and governance and introduce reform in the current international system. As Xi Jinping has 平易近人：习近平的语言力量--英文-新.indd 14 20/10/15 16:34 Introduction to Xi Jinping Thought on Foreign Affairs 15 pointed out, strengthening global governance and transforming the global governance system will impact how we address various global challenges and help to establish rules and direction for the international order and international system. It will have bearing on the way nations jockey for positions of control and influence, and will impact each nation’s standing and role in the international order and international system over the long term. Since the 18th CPC National Congress, China has seized the opportunity to pursue diplomatic initiatives. It has firmly upheld the international order embodied in the purposes and principles of the UN Charter and safeguarded the fruits of victory in World War II. China has put forward the Belt and Road Initiative, launched the Asian Infrastructure Investment Bank and other multilateral financial institutions, and facilitated the reform of the International Monetary Fund (IMF) quota and governance mechanisms. China has also helped to create governance rules in many fields, including the oceans and polar regions, the internet, outer space, nuclear security, anti-corruption, and climate change, and promoted reform to address areas of the current global governance system that are unfair and unreasonable. In so doing, China has adapted to the times and expanded the area of overlapping interests between itself and other countries. With bold and ambitious drive, Xi Jinping Thought on Foreign Affairs has properly handled the relations between peaceful development and core interests of the country, which has greatly enhanced China’s influence across the world. In response to theories of the so-called “China threat” propounded by certain voices within the international community, Xi has remained calm and controlled: “It is not in the genes of the Chinese nation to invade other countries or seek world hegemony.” On issues concerning China’s sovereignty and territorial integrity, China will never forfeit its own legitimate rights and interests. It does not begrudge the rights, interests, and development of other nations. In matters of principle, China is not afraid to confront power politics when it is used to destabilize the region and interfere in China’s own affairs. Xi’s approach 平易近人：习近平的语言力量--英文-新.indd 15 20/10/15 16:34 16 Xi Jinping Diplomatic Wit and Vision to conflict is calm and measured. He focuses on careful planning and is committed to upholding China’s principles, maintaining stability, safeguarding rights, and finding new ways to deploy China’s strategies of “not attacking unless attacked” and “taking the firewood from under the cauldron” (i.e., taking out an enemy’s resources rather than attacking head-on). In this way, Xi has promoted friendly and mutually beneficial cooperation, which has protected China’s sovereign rights and interests and helped to maintain regional stability. Xi Jinping Thought on Foreign Affairs guides the implementation of major-country diplomacy with Chinese characteristics with a balance of firmness and flexibility. When speaking to foreign audiences, Xi often intersperses his commentary on China’s policy of peace with philosophical insights such as: “Peace, like air and sunshine, is hardly noticed when we benefit from it. But we cannot live without it.” Xi is also well-versed in the Chinese classics, pulling out lines like “relations built on sincerity will stand the test of time” to stress the importance of putting justice first in state-to-state relations. To drive home the point that each country has the right to choose its own development path, Xi quipped, “Only the wearer of the shoes knows if they fit or not.” On the topic of China-U.S. relations, Xi remarked, “The Pacific Ocean is big enough to accommodate both China and the United States.” To countries situated along the Belt and Road, Xi announced: “Welcome aboard the train of China’s development!” Xi has emphasized the importance of drawing inspiration from other cultures. He frequently cites memorable one-liners from other cultures to connect with his listeners, like the Russian proverb “big ships sail far” or the Kazakh proverb “he who blows out another man’s candle shall burn his own beard.” With an open mind, a candid personality, and a special way with words, Xi Jinping has found it easy to connect with others. On one occasion, when speaking about the fact that he had visited almost every Australian state, Xi turned to his host and said, smiling, “Perhaps I should get an award for that.” Xi’s tact and good humor allow him to build rapport with 平易近人：习近平的语言力量--英文-新.indd 16 20/10/15 16:34 Introduction to Xi Jinping Thought on Foreign Affairs 17 his listeners and showcase China’s soft power in an engaging way. “The time will come to brave the wind and waves; then shall I set my billowing sail to traverse the deep blue waters.” Xi Jinping Thought on Foreign Affairs takes on the historical responsibility of ushering China into the future. With strategic perspective and global vision, Xi’s thoughts and strategies combine innovation, balanced and comprehensive planning, and a style of diplomacy that is both firm and resilient. Xi Jinping Thought on Foreign Affairs has become a guide to action for pursuing major-country diplomacy with Chinese characteristics for the new era. Under the leadership of the CPC Central Committee with Xi Jinping as the core, China has set its billowing sail and is advancing its major-country diplomacy with strategic resolve and confidence. Note: This chapter is adapted from the article “Comprehensive Guide by Xi Jinping Thought on Foreign Affairs”, written by Su Ge (cf. International Studies, No. 5, 2016.) 平易近人：习近平的语言力量--英文-新.indd 17 20/10/15 16:34 平易近人：习近平的语言力量--英文-新.indd 18 20/10/15 16:34 Imagery and Metaphors 平易近人：习近平的语言力量--英文-新.indd 19 20/10/15 16:34 平易近人：习近平的语言力量--英文-新.indd 20 20/10/15 16:34 The Chinese Dream embodies the values and aspirations of the Chinese people and nation. It is a dream of building China into a moderately prosperous society in all respects and rejuvenating the nation, a dream for everyone to make their own dreams come true. It is the greatest common factor for the unity of the Chinese nation, and it shows China’s sincere desire to make a greater contribution to the peace and development of mankind. – Speech given by Xi Jinping at the twelfth group study session of the Political Bureau of the CPC Central Committee, December 30, 2013 平易近人：习近平的语言力量--英文-新.indd 21 20/10/15 16:34 22 The Greatest Common Factor for the Unity of the Chinese Nation – The Chinese Dream is anchored in the hearts of the Chinese people The “greatest common factor” is a mathematical term referring to the largest number that can divide evenly into a group of whole numbers with a remainder of zero. As its definition implies, a greatest common factor cannot exist in isolation. It is only mentioned in reference to a group of two or more integers. The term has recently found its way into social and political discourse, where it has been used to refer to the largest consensus within a certain community. Such usage reflects the progress of the times. In contemporary China, the interests, values, and voices represented in society are growing ever more diverse, which has made it difficult to reach a consensus on certain issues. But as the use of this mathematical term illustrates, China is thinking carefully and strategically to identify shared interests and values and find common ground for society as a whole. Xi Jinping has said on numerous occasions that the locus of politics resides in the hearts of the people. To win over the hearts of the people, one must find the greatest common factor that unites the aspirations and needs of the society. The primary task of politics, then, lies in identifying the greatest common factor – a fitting summary of the mission and logic behind the CPC’s commitment to serve the people. “Every river is fed by a source, and every tree is supported by its 平易近人：习近平的语言力量--英文-新.indd 22 20/10/15 16:34 The Greatest Common Factor for the Unity of the Chinese Nation 23 roots.” Since its founding more than ninety years ago, the Communist Party of China has stood by the Chinese people through trial and hardship, through wind and rain, bound together as a community with a shared future. The CPC has been there during times of war and times of peace. It has seen the people from abject poverty to moderate prosperity, from backwardness to cultural advancement. The Party has remained radically dependent on the people throughout its history – from the democratic revolution and the drive to save the country, through the beginnings of socialism and the drive for national rejuvenation, to China’s economic reforms and the call to build China into a strong country. The Party has marshaled the wisdom and strength of the Chinese people and remained wholly committed to their well-being. The CPC listens to the people, welcomes their thoughts, and addresses their concerns. It is committed to working through difficulties and achieving victory on the path forward. In some sense, the Party and the people may be likened to fish in water or peas in a pod. There is a vital, flesh-and-blood relationship between the two. It is this bond between the Party and the people that makes it possible to identify the greatest common factor in society as a whole. Studying the past sheds light on what is to come. A nation that has gone through difficult times will yearn for renewal, just as one who has tasted suffering will long for a happy life. The Chinese are a resilient people. The fierce commitment of generations of Chinese has paved the way for the nation to pursue its dreams. China, along with the rest of the world, longs for world peace, social harmony, and material prosperity. In some sense, these hopes are the forces that turn the wheels of history. The Chinese Dream might therefore be regarded as Xi Jinping’s magnum opus. It has advanced China’s governance and united the Chinese people with a vision of national prosperity, strength, rejuvenation, and happiness for the people. As the CPC leads China into the future, the Chinese Dream is the call of the hour. On November 29, 2012, the Chinese Dream gained prominence in 平易近人：习近平的语言力量--英文-新.indd 23 20/10/15 16:34 24 Xi Jinping Diplomatic Wit and Vision the National Museum of China at a museum exhibition called the “Road to Revival,” where the term was introduced in a speech by Xi Jinping. Seven years later, the dream remains alive and well, and continues to point the way to a better future. It has come to represent the shared future of the Party and the people, and it embodies the responsibility and mission of the CPC. The Chinese Dream is the greatest common factor that will unite the Chinese people. “The fundamental principle of governance lies in enriching the people.” Huai Nan Zi, a philosophical work compiled by Liu An (179- 122BC), king of Huaian That is precisely what the Chinese Dream sets out to do – to benefit the Chinese people by fulfilling their dream for a happy life. China adopted its reform and opening-up policy over forty years ago, a brief moment in the grand sweep of history. And yet during this period more than 1.3 billion Chinese have bid farewell to material deprivation, and some 600 million have been lifted out of poverty. Indeed, we have witnessed the “Chinese miracle,” and learned amazing stories of millions of Chinese in pursuit of their dreams. As a Chinese saying goes, “There is no matter too small when it comes to caring for the needs of the people.” The Chinese Dream is not a hollow slogan or catchphrase, but is focused on the well-being of the people. It comprises the Two Centenary Goals1 and is supported by China’s commitment to secure, protect, and advance the fundamental interests of the largest majority. To realize the Chinese Dream, we need to marshal our resources from every walk of life. Regardless of their job description, every Chinese has a part to play in building the Chinese Dream – whether scientist, writer, artist, legal practitioner, journalist, economist, or diplomat. Geography is not a limiting factor. Chinese in Hong Kong, Macao, Taiwan, and overseas 1 The Two Centenary Goals were put forth by the CPC at its 18th National Congress for building socialism with Chinese characteristics. The two goals are to complete the building of a moderately prosperous society in all respects by the centenary of the CPC (founded in 1921) and to build China into a modern socialist country that is prosperous, strong, democratic, culturally advanced, and harmonious by the centenary of the PRC (founded in 1949). 平易近人：习近平的语言力量--英文-新.indd 24 20/10/15 16:34 The Greatest Common Factor for the Unity of the Chinese Nation 25 are standing in solidarity with the Chinese mainland in a spirit of mutual assistance and concern, like passengers in the same boat. In October 2013, at a ceremony marking the 100th anniversary of the Western Returned Scholars Association (WRSA), Xi Jinping expressed his earnest hope for all Chinese students and scholars studying abroad: “Make it your dream to join us in striving to turn the Chinese Dream into reality, and thereby write your names in the annals of China’s great rejuvenation.” The speech struck a chord with overseas students and scholars, as the desire to give back to one’s motherland has become part and parcel of the Chinese Dream. “A dream will light the path ahead and breathe wind into one’s sails.” Faced with complex challenges at home and abroad, Xi Jinping has assessed the situation from a strategic perspective and articulated the importance of pooling the strength and wisdom of the people. In order to accomplish this, China must first recognize the values and pursuits that represent the greatest common factor. During his inspection tour to Guangdong Province in December 2012, Xi said that “reaching a consensus is very important, and when there is a difference of opinion, we must identify the greatest common factor.” In May 2014, at a seminar with the faculty members and students of Peking University, Xi drew attention to the importance of “recognizing the values with the greatest common factor among all ethnic groups.” And at a celebration of the 65th anniversary of the Chinese People’s Political Consultative Conference (CPPCC) in September 2014, Xi remarked that “reaching the greatest common factor of the wishes and needs of the whole of society is the essence of democracy.” This is especially true given China’s sheer size, with more than 1.3 billion people and 56 ethnic groups. The Chinese Dream should first be internalized in the hearts of the people. With patriotism at its core, society as a whole should be committed to passing the dream to the next generation. But the Chinese Dream also has an outward component. Driven by reform and innovation, everyone in society should make a conscious 平易近人：习近平的语言力量--英文-新.indd 25 20/10/15 16:34 26 Xi Jinping Diplomatic Wit and Vision effort to put the dream into action. If there is one thing about China that has never changed, it is this: the perseverance of the people in pursuing their dreams. The glory of the past belongs to the people, and the journey ahead depends on them. Insofar as the Party remains in accord with the hearts of the people and toils alongside them, it will be able to unite the people, pool their strength, and achieve great rejuvenation of the nation. 平易近人：习近平的语言力量--英文-新.indd 26 20/10/15 16:34 Peace, like air and sunshine, is hardly noticed when people enjoy it. But none of us can live without it. Without peace, development is out of the question. – Keynote speech given by Xi Jinping at the Boao Forum for Asia Annual Conference 2013, April 7, 2013 平易近人：习近平的语言力量--英文-新.indd 27 20/10/15 16:34 28 Peace Is Like Air and Sunshine – Understand the importance of peace and stay committed to the path of peaceful development How important is peace to humanity? Xi Jinping answers that question by pointing us to the natural environment, where nothing can grow or survive without air and sunshine – not even humans. “Peace, like air and sunshine, is hardly noticed when people enjoy it. But none of us can live without it.” Xi’s analogy is a simple but powerful reminder that peace is essential for human survival. As history shows, humanity will pay a heavy price if peace is lost. During the 20th century, humanity suffered the scourges of two world wars that resulted in unprecedented devastation and countless stories of tragedy. The Cold War that followed left the world on edge, and fear of another world war hung over humanity like the Sword of Damocles, which hindered exchange and cooperation between nations. Once the threat of another world war subsided and humanity was loosed from the shackles of the Cold War, the global economy and human society turned a corner. Relative peace and stability in the international environment made it easier for countries to grow and thrive. They have become more connected and dependent on one another, and developing countries are now able to focus more on industrialization and modernization. The two sides of the human narrative show that the basis of development lies in peace and stability. Without peace, China and the rest of 平易近人：习近平的语言力量--英文-新.indd 28 20/10/15 16:34 Peace Is Like Air and Sunshine 29 the world would not be where they are today. That being said, a country or institution should never seek to undermine peace for its own selfish gain. The world we live in is generally peaceful, but certain regions and countries remain in a state of unrest, ravaged by turmoil and war. For such nations, peace is a luxury they long for but cannot afford. With all its comforts and enjoyments, peace is a common aspiration of all peoples of the world. China is a peace-loving nation. As Xi Jinping has observed, the country has cherished peace over the entirety of its 5,000-year history. Given China’s long legacy of peaceful development, the pursuit of peace, amity and harmony is an integral part of the Chinese psyche and runs deep in the blood of the Chinese people. The concept of he (harmony) lies at the heart of Chinese culture. The idea can be traced back to the Confucian understanding of man as an integral part of nature, and can be seen in China’s promotion of neighborliness with other countries, harmony without uniformity in society, and morality at the individual level. The Chinese people’s pursuit of peaceful development is a continuation of its traditional culture, and, given how much the Chinese people have suffered in modern times, it is the only natural choice. Indeed, as Xi Jinping has remarked, the sufferings of war in the country’s consciousness have given China a deep appreciation for peace and stability. If the Chinese are afraid of anything, they fear unrest; and more than anything else, they long for stability and world peace. As it follows the path of peaceful development, China has enjoyed some of the fruits of world peace while making its own contribution to world peace. To a large extent, the country was able to make such remarkable achievements since opening its economy to the world forty years ago because of the peaceful environment in the surrounding region and world, and China’s own development in turn has helped to reinforce the peace enjoyed in the region and beyond. As Xi Jinping pointed out, China’s decision to take the path of peaceful development was made in response to international concern about where the country was heading, and it reflects 平易近人：习近平的语言力量--英文-新.indd 29 20/10/15 16:34 30 Xi Jinping Diplomatic Wit and Vision the Chinese people’s confidence in and commitment to achieving its development goals. In an era when China’s relations with the rest of the world have changed profoundly, China has decided to follow a path that is both aligned with the trend of global development and suited to its own national conditions. China has played a positive role and stood firm in supporting world peace and stability. Sunshine and air are indispensable to human survival, and they are easily available. Peace, though as indispensable as sunshine and air, is much harder to come by; it requires serious and concerted effort. So while peace and development are the prevailing trend of our day, maintaining world peace and promoting common development is going to be an uphill battle. As Xi Jinping announced to the international community, China is a strong proponent and defender of world peace. It will staunchly safeguard the peace and development of humanity. To that end, China wishes to work together with all countries to build a world of lasting peace and common prosperity. As long as we cherish peace and attend to the lessons of history, we will be able to breathe in the fresh air of a peaceful world and bask in the bright rays of a happy life. 平易近人：习近平的语言力量--英文-新.indd 30 20/10/15 16:34 It is not in the genes of the Chinese nation to invade other countries or seek world hegemony. China does not buy into the outdated belief that a country is bound to seek hegemony when it grows strong. Committed to the path of peaceful development, China seeks a peaceful international environment for its development and also promotes world peace through its own development. – Speech given by Xi Jinping at a conference marking the 60th anniversary of the Chinese People’s Association for Friendship with Foreign Countries (CPAFFC), May 15, 2014 平易近人：习近平的语言力量--英文-新.indd 31 20/10/15 16:34 32 It Is Not in the Genes of the Chinese Nation to Invade Other Countries Or Seek World Hegemony – China does not subscribe to the idea that a country is bound to seek hegemony when it grows strong We normally talk about genes in the context of biology. A gene is a unit of heredity that is replicated and used to transmit hereditary information which can then be expressed in the next generation. The concept of genes has found its way into discussion of Chinese culture. Here, genes are used to refer to the basic cultural elements which were passed down through the generations to make China’s cultural tradition what it is today. Xi Jinping has applied the gene concept on various occasions when describing China as a peace-loving nation, particularly in the oft-quoted line: “It is not in the genes of the Chinese nation to invade other countries or seek world hegemony.” Xi has responded to talk of the “China threat” by drawing attention to the fact that peace is programmed into China’s DNA, a poignant reminder that China’s decision to follow the path of peaceful development was one of historical necessity. Since adopting its policy of reform and opening up in 1978, China has achieved remarkable economic development and boosted its all-around national strength, which has given the country significant weight and influence on the international stage. As China has grown, certain voices of public opinion, particularly in the West, have propounded different versions of the “China threat.” They argue that China’s meteoric rise poses a challenge to the current international order, and fear the country 平易近人：习近平的语言力量--英文-新.indd 32 20/10/15 16:34 It Is Not in the Genes of the Chinese Nation to Invade Other Countries Or Seek World Hegemony 33 may resort to “non-peaceful” means to secure a position of dominance and then use its muscle to seek world hegemony. This line of argument assumes that a major rising power will inevitably seek to displace the ruling power; hence, China is said to be at risk of falling into “Thucydides’s trap.” As a matter of fact, the notion that a country is bound to seek hegemony when it grows strong is stemmed from the experience of Western powers. This logic seems to have been at work in the rise of Western powers since the Age of Exploration some five hundred years ago. Spain and Portugal sought naval hegemony in the 16th century, only to be challenged by the Netherlands in the following century. Likewise, Britain and France competed for dominance over land and sea in the 18th and 19th centuries, and the rise of Germany and Japan in the late 19th and early 20th centuries eventually led to a world war. Later in the 20th century, the United States and the Soviet Union engaged in a struggle for world dominance. “Thucydides’s trap” seemed like an inescapable curse, and the progression of a major power into a global hegemon came to be regarded as an unbreakable law in international relations. But reinterpreting China’s past and present through the prism of Western experience leads to conclusions that are wildly distorted. During a visit to the U.S. in September 2015, Xi Jinping had this to say: “‘Thucydides’s trap’ does not inherently exist. But if major countries continue to make strategic miscalculations, they may end up creating such a trap for themselves.” To avoid strategic miscalculations, it is important to gain a broad and in-depth understanding of China’s culture, history, policies, and diplomacy. China has always been a peace-loving nation. For a long period of history, China was one of the most powerful countries in the world, yet it did not engage in any expansion, domination, colonization, or aggression. In the early 15th century, the Chinese navigator Zheng He led the world’s largest fleet in seven expeditions across the seas, visiting dozens of countries and regions along the way. Yet during these expeditions, the Chinese 平易近人：习近平的语言力量--英文-新.indd 33 20/10/15 16:34 34 Xi Jinping Diplomatic Wit and Vision did not engage in colonization, plunder, or oppression; instead, they left behind gifts of porcelain, silk, and tea. Harmony is very much cherished in Chinese culture. The concepts of ren (benevolence) and he (harmony) are readily apparent in the Confucian teaching that “peace is paramount,” as well as in Chinese historical texts that speak of promoting neighborliness within and outside of China’s borders. Imparted over countless generations, these concepts are an integral part of the Chinese soul and comprise some of the core values in China’s political and cultural traditions. Two thousand years ago, the Chinese were already well acquainted with the idea that “a warlike state, however big it may be, will eventually perish.” Looking back on history, we can see that the efforts of those who exercised aggression or sought expansion by force all ended in failure. This is a law of history. Moreover, China’s modern history tells the story of a country which for more than a century was racked by war and poverty. The pain and struggles have made Chinese firm believers of the Confucian maxim, “Don’t do unto others what you don’t want others to do unto you.” No matter how strong China may one day become, it will never seek hegemony. China refuses to walk that well-trodden path. It would be arbitrary and misguided to make a determination about whether a nation is likely to use its strength to seek hegemony solely on the basis of how powerful the country is. The measure of a country’s strength is not equivalent to the magnitude of its threat. The most important thing to consider is the country’s strategic intent and policy decisions. Over the past few decades, China has consistently followed an independent foreign policy of peace. It does not interfere in the internal affairs of other countries, and it opposes hegemony and power politics in all forms. China has stated on numerous occasions that it will never seek hegemony or expansion. China’s strategic aim is, above all, to continually provide for its people a better life, and it desires the same for the peoples of all nations. The world does not look kindly on those who seek their own well-being while disregarding the interests of others. Subjugation, seizing 平易近人：习近平的语言力量--英文-新.indd 34 20/10/15 16:34 It Is Not in the Genes of the Chinese Nation to Invade Other Countries Or Seek World Hegemony 35 opportunities and resources by force, and forming factions along ideological lines are no longer viable. They are outdated paths that lead nowhere. China has taken a different road. As the country’s diplomatic practice demonstrates, China does not seek hegemony or practice some Asian version of the Monroe Doctrine. The country does not assert dominance over others or exercise joint hegemony in the form of a G2 arrangement. Not only does China refuse to pattern itself after Western powers in their pursuit of aggression, plunder, war, and expansion, China seeks to use its strength and development to promote world peace and common development. Regionally, China is committed to fostering an amicable, secure, and prosperous neighborhood environment in keeping with the principles of amity, sincerity, mutual benefit, and inclusiveness. For developing countries, China is committed to pursuing the greater good and shared interests, with the former taking precedence. For major powers, China is promoting a new model of major-country relations characterized by non-conflict, non-confrontation, mutual respect, and mutually beneficial cooperation. As China focuses intently on its own domestic growth, it is also ramping up investment in international and regional affairs by taking an active role in developing international infrastructure and advancing programs for global development. In the future, China’s growing strength and influence will continue to play a positive and important role in maintaining world peace and stability. The world will see that the “historical law” of a powerful country’s craving for hegemony does not apply to China, a country with an unwavering commitment to peaceful development. As Xi Jinping said: “History shows that a country, for its prosperity, must recognize and follow the underlying trend of the changing world. Otherwise, it will be abandoned by history. What is the trend of today’s world? The answer is unequivocal. It is the trend of peace, development, cooperation and mutually beneficial progress. China does not subscribe to the outdated logic that a country will invariably seek hegemony when it grows strong.” 平易近人：习近平的语言力量--英文-新.indd 35 20/10/15 16:34 Every country – whether big or small, strong or weak, rich or poor – should work to maintain and enhance peace. Rather than undermining each other’s efforts, we should support each other on stage to deliver excellent shows. – Keynote speech given by Xi Jinping at the Boao Forum for Asia Annual Conference 2013, April 7, 2013 平易近人：习近平的语言力量--英文-新.indd 36 20/10/15 16:34 37 Support Each Other on Stage to Deliver Excellent Shows – Work together to maintain peace and achieve coordinated development In the world of theatre, things don’t always go as planned. If something goes amiss during a stage performance and threatens to derail the play, the performers on stage have to be ready to improvise and work as a team to smooth over any flub to ensure the performance is a success. That is the idea behind the phrase “to support each other on stage,” which is used to describe lending assistance to a particular undertaking or attempting to make it better. It involves working quickly to correct any deficiencies and devising solutions to help another party achieve success. The phrase “to deliver excellent shows” is used to connote a series of desirable scenes or outcomes. Xi Jinping mentioned the phrase in his remarks at the Boao Forum for Asia Annual Conference in April 2013, suggesting that the only way to achieve joint progress is for countries to “support each other on stage.” His point is that every country should do its part on the global stage to support world peace and promote common development. By actively lending support and assistance to one another, countries will be able to “deliver excellent shows,” or create mutual benefits. Conversely, a country should never seek to undermine collaboration or create roadblocks to peace and development, a point that Xi reiterated at the 60th anniversary of the launch of the Five Principles of Peaceful Coexistence in 2014 and again at the 60th anniversary of the Bandung Conference in 2015. 平易近人：习近平的语言力量--英文-新.indd 37 20/10/15 16:34 38 Xi Jinping Diplomatic Wit and Vision Countries should seek to “deliver excellent shows” by supporting one another on the international stage. The underlying assumption, of course, is that each country wants every other country to put on a good show. In this day and age, we all desire peace and development, and the peaceful development of one country is inextricably linked to the peaceful development of other countries. This idea is expressed in the Chinese saying, “All prosper when one prospers, and all fail when one fails.” Xi Jinping revisited this line a number of times when speaking at the 2013 APEC Economic Leaders’ Meeting, the Conference on Interaction and Confidence Building Measures in Asia (CICA) Summit in 2014, the General Debate of the 70th Session of the UN General Assembly in 2015, and the 2016 B20 Summit in Hangzhou. The saying points to the objective reality of the world as a community of shared future and underscores the critical importance of cooperation among all countries. One of the issues that humanity has had to wrestle with is the question of how nations should relate to one another. As the history of international relations shows, the international system must be constantly tweaked and updated to stay current with the times. With the goal of achieving joint peace and development, countries should support one another and work for joint progress, and they should promote common prosperity and ensure that no country suffers harm. Therein lies the essence of the new model of international relations: win-win cooperation. As Xi Jinping pointed out: “The world has never had a better opportunity to realize peace and development, and the only way to achieve such a goal is through mutually beneficial cooperation.” The new model presents a new way of thinking about international relations. Traditionally, people have understood countries to be fundamentally antagonistic toward one another and locked in a fight for survival. This view assumes that conflicts of interest between nations are irreconcilable, like a zero-sum game. Accordingly, countries form into different groups, and while they may take a united position on matters of foreign policy, they often involve unequal responsibilities and arrangements, taking 平易近人：习近平的语言力量--英文-新.indd 38 20/10/15 16:34 Support Each Other on Stage to Deliver Excellent Shows 39 the form of a “core-periphery” structure. This old model of international relations normalizes injustice in a variety of forms, including conflict between developed and less developed countries, power politics, and Cold War mentality, and it makes it easier for Western countries to maintain their positions of dominance. This model does not take into account the legitimate demands for peace and development of non-Western countries. It has widened the gap between developed and less developed countries and caused large amounts of resources to be squandered in unnecessary competition and confrontation between blocs of countries. The new model, however, places a high premium on the traditional Chinese values of harmony and unity. In keeping with China’s diplomatic tradition embodied in the Five Principles of Peaceful Coexistence, the new model holds that every country, regardless of size, is entitled to equal opportunities of development. It provides a new perspective on international relations by putting the focus on progress and development and encouraging countries to pursue common interests and mutually beneficial cooperation. The new model also presents a new way of practicing international relations. As Xi Jinping has pointed out, China should apply the idea of win-win collaboration to external relations in every field, including politics, economics, security, and culture. Politically, we must work to overcome the outdated practice in which countries are forced to choose between alliances or confrontation. China is committed to a new path of pursuing dialogue without confrontation and making partners without forming alliances. Economically, we need to address the issue of unbalanced growth and foster new prospects of common development. On the security front, we must continue to rid ourselves of all forms of Cold War mentality and commit ourselves to building a world of security for all. Culturally, we need to encourage an atmosphere of inclusiveness and mutual understanding where different cultures refuse to look down on or exclude one another. In practice, China has shown itself to be an important force for safeguarding world peace and promoting common development, and a 平易近人：习近平的语言力量--英文-新.indd 39 20/10/15 16:34 40 Xi Jinping Diplomatic Wit and Vision partner and friend that the international community can count on. The word pictures described here of “supporting each other on stage” and “delivering excellent shows” showcase Xi Jinping’s ability to adapt his style and present diplomatic ideas in clear and catchy language. Since the end of the Cold War, the level of mutual impact and interdependence among different countries, peoples, and individuals has continued to increase. The interests and destinies of countries have become deeply enmeshed as we rely more closely on one another and share in each other’s successes and failures. In this new global landscape, Xi has assessed the underlying trends and put forward the idea of “promoting a new model of international relations characterized by mutual respect, fairness, justice, and mutually beneficial cooperation.” Xi is a proponent of cooperation instead of confrontation, and win-win cooperation as opposed to power dominance. The new model has moved beyond traditional theories of international relations while promoting the mission and principles of the UN Charter. As such, the new model is expected to have a profound impact on the development of international relations in the future. 平易近人：习近平的语言力量--英文-新.indd 40 20/10/15 16:34 As a Chinese proverb goes, “Just as distance tests a horse’s strength, time will show a person’s sincerity.” The growth of Chinese-Latin American and Caribbean relations has proved and will continue to prove that ours is an open, inclusive, cooperative, and mutually beneficial relationship. – Speech given by Xi Jinping before the Mexican Senate, June 5, 2013 平易近人：习近平的语言力量--英文-新.indd 41 20/10/15 16:34 42 Just as Distance Tests a Horse’s Strength, Time will Show a Person’s Sincerity – Mutually beneficial cooperation will stand the test of time “Just as distance tests a horse’s strength, time will show a person’s sincerity.” This saying was taken from The Struggles to Repay Kindness, a play written during the Yuan Dynasty (1206-1368). To find out how much stamina a horse has, one must take it on a long journey. Similarly, in order to discern a person’s virtues and vices, one must spend extended time with him or her and experience life together. In other words, time is the ultimate test. Xi Jinping has quoted this saying on a number of occasions. For example, on the sidelines of the Boao Forum for Asia Annual Conference in April 2013, Xi used the saying at a meeting with Cambodian Prime Minister Hun Sen to express China’s friendship with Cambodia. In a world marked by constant change, the two countries “have always treated one another with sincerity, trust, and support, and have stood by one another in times of difficulty.” In a speech delivered before the Mexican Senate in June 2013, Xi once again used the quote to express his hope that China and Latin American and Caribbean countries would deepen mutual trust, strengthen communication, seek common development, and achieve mutually beneficial cooperation over the long term. Just as one cannot know the strength of a horse unless the journey is long and one cannot see into a person’s heart without spending many days together, countries need to have regular interaction over the long term if 平易近人：习近平的语言力量--英文-新.indd 42 20/10/15 16:34 Just as Distance Tests a Horse’s Strength, Time will Show a Person’s Sincerity 43 they are going to enhance their mutual understanding and build mutual trust. Due to the complexity of international affairs, one cannot fully grasp the ins and outs of a country’s international strategy or fundamental view of world politics simply by listening to a few speeches or reading about a policy decision made by a particular leader or administration. It is necessary to observe and interact with a country repeatedly over a long term to get an accurate picture of its diplomatic model and style – e.g., the country’s values and principles in foreign relations, its concern with the legitimate interests of other countries, its willingness to assume responsibility in international affairs, and so forth. Only then can one decide how to treat that country. As the saying goes, “Rome wasn’t built in a day.” China’s new model of international relations based on mutually beneficial cooperation did not materialize overnight. The model is based on its policies and principles, and its approaches toward international affairs that China has championed all along. It is rooted in China’s cultural and historical traditions and tailored to the immediate needs of international relations today. Logically, mutually beneficial cooperation is possible only when countries affirm equality in relations between states, recognize the legitimate right of every state to pursue its own interests, and take action in the form of mutual compromise and assistance so as to maximize common interests. Looking back on China’s cultural tradition, Confucianism calls for win-win cooperation as opposed to heedless competition. It advocates harmony and cooperation and encourages one to put oneself in the other person’s shoes and seek the interests of the group before one’s own interests. In terms of China’s historical tradition, not long after the founding of the People’s Republic of China in 1949, Premier Zhou Enlai put forward the Five Principles of Peaceful Coexistence, i.e., mutual respect for each other’s territorial integrity and sovereignty, mutual non-aggression, mutual non-interference in each other’s internal affairs, equality and cooperation for mutual benefits, and peaceful coexistence. The principles are consistent with the concept of mutually beneficial cooperation, and continue to 平易近人：习近平的语言力量--英文-新.indd 43 20/10/15 16:34 44 Xi Jinping Diplomatic Wit and Vision be observed today. In terms of immediate needs, the irreversible process of globalization has linked together the interests of all countries, and their global supply chains, industry chains, and value chains are now intertwined. As a result, challenges to peace and development are increasingly systemic, long-term, and global in nature, requiring all countries to work together like passengers in the same boat. China’s history shows that “mutually beneficial cooperation” is not empty talk; quite the opposite, it has long served as a solid basis for diplomatic initiatives. From China’s willingness (prior to adopting economic reforms in 1978) to tighten its belt so that it could help developing countries in Asia, Africa, and Latin America gain national independence and liberation, to its pledge of US$2 billion in 2015 to set up the Assistance Fund for South-South Cooperation in an effort to help developing countries implement the Post-2015 Development Agenda, and its decision to cancel outstanding debts on interest-free government loans owed at the end of 2015 by the least developed countries, landlocked developing countries, and small island developing states; from the toil and sweat of the 50,000 Chinese who built the 1,860-kilometer-long Tanzania-Zambia Railway (TAZARA) in the early 1970s, to the 2017 completion of the Mombasa- Nairobi Standard Gauge Railway, a project which required transplanting a wide range of Chinese railway hardware facilities and management models; from China’s commitment not to devalue the Renminbi during the Asian financial crisis of 1997 to its push to reform and improve global economic governance after the global financial crisis of 2009 – China has consistently implemented its vision of win-win cooperation and worked to “make the cake bigger” so that more people will benefit from it. Taking upon itself the responsibilities of a major power, China has, in a matter of decades, become the largest trading partner of more than 120 countries, and has played an irreplaceable role in promoting the stable development of the world economy. Bearing in mind its position as a developing country, China has never wavered in its commitment to practice neighborhood diplomacy characterized by amity, sincerity, mutual benefit, and inclusive- 平易近人：习近平的语言力量--英文-新.indd 44 20/10/15 16:34 Just as Distance Tests a Horse’s Strength, Time will Show a Person’s Sincerity 45 ness, and it has consistently treated developing countries in keeping with the principles of sincerity, practical results, amity, and good faith. China will never adopt a “beggar thy neighbor” policy or pursue its own development at the expense of other countries. China has remained keenly aware that its development over the years has depended not only on its own domestic markets and labor force but also on the capital and technological resources of developed countries. With this in mind, China has proposed a new model of major-country relations based on non-conflict, non-confrontation, mutual respect, and win-win cooperation. By promoting win-win cooperation, China aims to put an end to petty games of one-upmanship between major world powers. The saying “just as distance tests a horse’s strength, time will show a person’s sincerity” reflects Xi Jinping’s profound understanding of China’s diplomatic tradition and stands as a solemn and public pledge to all partnering countries. Looking forward, China’s diplomacy is confident and determined to uphold the fundamental interests of China and the rest of the world, with the aim that mutually beneficial cooperation might be widely embraced and dignity, security, and the fruits of development might be shared by all countries and peoples around the world. 平易近人：习近平的语言力量--英文-新.indd 45 20/10/15 16:34 We should champion a new vision of seeking positive outcomes for all, and reject the outdated thinking of zero-sum games or winner-takes-all. As a Chinese saying goes, “If we learn to appreciate the merits of other cultures as we value our own, we will have great harmony under heaven.” – Speech given by Xi Jinping at a celebration marking the 60th anniversary of the launch of the Five Principles of Peaceful Coexistence, June 28, 2014 平易近人：习近平的语言力量--英文-新.indd 46 20/10/15 16:34 47 If We Learn to Appreciate the Merits of Other Cultures as We Value Our Own, We will Have Great Harmony under Heaven – Exchange ideas and learn from one another to promote cultural enrichment and advancement “If we learn to appreciate the merits of other cultures as we value our own, we will have great harmony under heaven.” Introduced in 1990 by the Chinese sociologist Fei Xiaotong on his 80th birthday, the saying speaks to the coexistence of different civilizations. It affirms that every civilization is beautiful in its own right and has elements worthy of study and appreciation. Moreover, if we learn to appreciate the merits of other civilizations, we will be able to live in harmony and achieve common development. In Chinese, the saying includes the words “great harmony under heaven,” a phrase from the Confucian classic the Book of Rites describing a just and inclusive society. Xi Jinping has quoted Fei’s line to show that mutual respect and equality make it possible for different civilizations to live harmoniously and build a global community of shared future. One of the perennial issues that has plagued mankind is the question of how different civilizations should relate to one another. For thousands of years, different ethnic groups have engaged in countless wars and confrontations, a painful reminder to the world that peace, not war, is the only way forward. After the Cold War, a theory known as the “clash of civilizations” gained prominence and refueled the debate about wheth- 平易近人：习近平的语言力量--英文-新.indd 47 20/10/15 16:34 48 Xi Jinping Diplomatic Wit and Vision er different civilizations can peacefully coexist. The theory, introduced by American political science professor Samuel Huntington, argues that clashes of civilizations are set to replace ideological and economic interests as the primary source of conflict in the post-Cold War world. Conflicts between Western and non-Western civilizations, and tensions among non-Western civilizations, will be the spark that sets off the next round of international conflict. In Huntington’s opinion, it is futile to expect cultures to recognize and appreciate the merits of other cultures, much less contribute to the flourishing of all cultures. His logic suggests that nothing can be done to dial down competition and confrontation between civilizations; the clashes will continue and the possibility of armed conflict is ever looming. If this is indeed the case, humanity’s hope for peaceful development is nothing more than wishful thinking. Every civilization has its differences, but those differences do not need to become causes of conflict. It all comes down to the attitude with which one civilization treats another. Propagating racial discrimination and notions of cultural superiority will always lead to isolation and prejudice, which will ultimately end in conflict and war. But if we communicate and interact with one another in a spirit of mutual respect and equality, we can seek common ground while maintaining our differences and thereby achieve harmony without uniformity. Since the 18th National Congress of the CPC, Xi Jinping has taken the opportunity at various international events to encourage the world to build a global community of shared future. He has called on all countries to foster world peace and development by promoting cultural exchange and mutual learning on the basis of mutual respect, equality, openness, and inclusiveness. Civilizations become richer and more colorful through exchanges and mutual learning, which are important drivers of human progress and global peace and development. Mutual respect and equality are what make mutual exchange and interaction possible. As Xi Jinping has said, all civilizations are of equal value, and each has its strengths and weaknesses. There is no perfect civilization, 平易近人：习近平的语言力量--英文-新.indd 48 20/10/15 16:34 49 If We Learn to Appreciate the Merits of Other Cultures as We Value Our Own, We will Have Great Harmony under Heaven but neither is any devoid of merit. No civilization can be judged inferior to another. Therefore, we should learn about other cultures in a humble and equitable manner to uncover their beauty and explore their nuances and subtleties. Mutual respect means learning to respect the differences among civilizations instead of looking at them through tinted lenses or denying their worth due to personal preference. Equality means interacting with other civilizations in a non-discriminatory manner as opposed to looking down on them with disdain or feelings of animosity. Openness and inclusiveness have given exchanges and mutual learning the impetus to move forward. As a Chinese saying goes, “The sea is fed by all rivers; it is vast because of its capacity”. All achievements of civilizations deserve our respect and must be cherished. If we remain open-minded and inclusive, we will be able to respect what makes each civilization unique, avoid a senseless “clash of civilizations,” and appreciate the world in all its richness and color. Human society has endured millennia of wars and conflicts, and, in the 20th century alone, mankind suffered under two world wars and a Cold War that lasted more than fifty years. Such conflict can be attributed, at least in part, to a lack of openness and inclusiveness in the world, which instead bought into the law of the jungle and zerosum games. The goal of mutual learning and interaction is win-win cooperation. The sharing of ideas helps civilizations to grow in their understanding of one another and expand their convergence of interests, which in turn facilitates cooperation and desirable outcomes for all. Today, the prevailing trend toward peace, development, and mutually beneficial cooperation is gaining steam. Every country should have a vested interest in safeguarding world peace and stability, maintaining healthy and stable development of the global economy, and addressing global challenges such as climate change. Exchanges and mutual learning grease the skids, as it were, for global cooperation and give new impetus to building a global community of shared future. As an integral part of world civilization, China has always engaged in 平易近人：习近平的语言力量--英文-新.indd 49 20/10/15 16:34 50 Xi Jinping Diplomatic Wit and Vision friendly exchange with other civilizations in an open and inclusive manner. During the Han Dynasty (206 BC-AD 220), Zhang Qian, an imperial emissary, traveled westward on two missions to open an overland route linking the East and the West. Centuries later, during the Tang Dynasty (618-907), the capital Chang’an grew into a cosmopolitan city that attracted envoys and students from dozens of countries. During the Ming Dynasty (1368-1644), a famous navigator by the name of Zheng He made seven expeditions to the Western Seas, leaving behind a lasting legacy of cultural exchange. As China seeks to build a global community of shared future, it will remain committed, as always, to maintaining close relations with other countries and working with them in a spirit of equality and mutual respect to promote human flourishing. 平易近人：习近平的语言力量--英文-新.indd 50 20/10/15 16:34 We should align our own interests with those of other countries, expand areas of converging interests, and champion a new vision of seeking positive outcomes for all. We should stick together like passengers in the same boat and assume both rights and responsibilities. We should work together to tackle growing global issues such as climate change, energy and resource security, cybersecurity, and major natural disasters, in a joint effort to protect the planet on which our survival depends. – Article by Xi Jinping published in the Russian Gazette, May 7, 2015 平易近人：习近平的语言力量--英文-新.indd 51 20/10/15 16:34 52 Stick Together Like Passengers in the Same Boat, and Assume Both Rights and Responsibilities – Work together to build a global community of shared future The phrase “stick together like passengers in the same boat” comes from The Nine Situations in Sun Zi’s The Art of War. The analogy is used to encourage people in a trying situation to work together to overcome their difficulties. The phrase “assume both rights and responsibilities” is a reminder that enjoying rights and shouldering responsibilities go hand-inhand. Xi Jinping has used these everyday phrases to drive home the point that no country can remain on the sidelines or attempt to address global challenges on its own. Every country needs to have the courage to step up and address challenges together. We live in a world fraught with uncertainty. Global economic growth is sluggish, populism and protectionism are on the rise, the gap between the rich and the poor is widening, and unbalanced growth is growing more pronounced. Most of the world enjoys peace and stability, but local wars and regional conflicts break out from time to time, and regional tensions are constantly being stirred up by countries that cling to Cold War mentality and power politics. Non-traditional security threats, particularly terrorism, transnational crime, cybersecurity, and climate change, are spreading. Faced with such a slew of global issues and challenges, countries cannot afford to leave things to chance or adopt a “free rider” approach 平易近人：习近平的语言力量--英文-新.indd 52 20/10/15 16:34 Stick Together Like Passengers in the Same Boat, and Assume Both Rights and Responsibilities 53 by letting other nations do all the work. Every country should have the courage to step up and play an active role in addressing problems, and thereby contribute to the goal of building a global community of shared future. As a permanent member of the UN Security Council and the world’s second largest economy, China has played a constructive role in international affairs, upholding its historical mission through practical action and demonstrating itself to be a responsible major country. China has stayed committed to the path of peaceful development and has worked hard to safeguard global peace and stability. As a large country with a population of 1.3 billion, China has drawn a lot of speculation over what course it may take when it grows stronger. In response to China’s rise, the United States and Japan have begun to strengthen their military presence in the Asia-Pacific on the pretext of the “China threat.” China has responded to doubt and skepticism by reiterating its pledge to continue along the path of peaceful development, firmly safeguard regional peace and stability, and resolutely reject the old path of hegemony. In addition, as a permanent member of the UN Security Council, China has worked to address pressing regional issues. For example, it has acted as a mediator on the issue of North Korea’s nuclear program and has done everything within its power to maintain regional peace and stability and achieve denuclearization of the Korean peninsula. China has also been involved in negotiations on Iran’s nuclear program and played an important role in the signing of the Iran nuclear deal. And it has worked to address the conflict in Afghanistan and taken steps to promote national reconciliation. In addition, China has made efforts to reform the global economic governance system. At present, the structure of the world economy is undergoing major adjustment. Emerging economies are springing up in clusters, and their share in the world economy is growing. The old system of global economic governance, led by developed countries, is unable to keep up with current needs. China, as a representative of emerging economies and developing countries, has called for reform in the existing archi- 平易近人：习近平的语言力量--英文-新.indd 53 20/10/15 16:34 54 Xi Jinping Diplomatic Wit and Vision tecture to enhance the representation and voice of emerging economies in the International Monetary Fund and the World Bank. Meanwhile, China has championed new mechanisms such as the Asian Infrastructure Investment Bank, the New Development Bank, the Silk Road Fund, and the BRICS Contingent Reserve Arrangement, which has helped to improve the architecture of global economic and financial governance. In September 2016, Xi Jinping offered direction for improving the global governance system at the G20 Hangzhou Summit, where he gave a systematic rundown of a new vision of global economic governance, one that is based on equality and driven by openness, cooperation, and mutual sharing. In 2017, Xi hosted the Belt and Road Forum for International Cooperation, where he voiced support for openness, inclusiveness, and win-win cooperation and took solid steps toward the goal of building a global community of shared future. Finally, China has continued its campaign to address non-traditional security issues such as terrorism and climate change. Terrorism is the common enemy of humanity, which means that fighting terrorism is the responsibility of all countries. China has played a key role in fighting terrorism worldwide. It has remained resolutely opposed to terrorism in all its manifestations and has taken part in various international counter-terrorism efforts. Global warming is important for the survival and development of all mankind. The Chinese government has long recognized the importance of addressing climate change and has actively participated in global climate change talks. Even after the U.S. announced its withdrawal from the Paris Agreement, China has continued to hold up its end of the bargain. Unswayed by the decisions of other countries, China has demonstrated its role as a responsible major power. 平易近人：习近平的语言力量--英文-新.indd 54 20/10/15 16:34 There is only one Earth in the universe, and we humans have only one home. Stephen Hawking has raised the possibility of parallel universes and encouraged us to seek out another planet to call home. There’s no telling when that hope may come true. – Speech given by Xi Jinping at the United Nations Office at Geneva, January 18, 2017 平易近人：习近平的语言力量--英文-新.indd 55 20/10/15 16:34 56 There Is Only One Earth in the Universe, and We Humans Have Only One Home – Foster a keen sense of a global community of shared future “There is only one Earth in the universe.” In a plain language, Xi Jinping draws our attention to one of the most basic problems facing mankind: This planet is all we have, which means we have no choice but to cherish and protect it. Scientists have been trying to find other planets that may be habitable or show signs of life, but they have come up empty-handed. It does not appear that we’ll be finding another planet to call home anytime soon. One might ask, then, “Where do we go from here?” Xi provided China’s answer to that question in the form of a simple proposal: We should build a global community of shared future. “We humans have only one home.” As globalization continues to expand, the world is becoming more interconnected and interdependent as a global community of shared future. In the drive to safeguard world peace and address global challenges, a country cannot afford to distance itself from problems, nor will it be able to tackle them on its own. Instead, the world needs to foster a keen sense of a global community of shared future. We should aim to make our planet more peaceful and prosperous through cooperation that is based on mutual respect, equality, and mutual benefit. This is no small assignment. Building a global community of shared future is a systematic endeavor, one that requires the efforts of the entire international community in at least five areas: partnerships, security, economic development, cultural exchange, and ecological progress. 平易近人：习近平的语言力量--英文-新.indd 56 20/10/15 16:34 There Is Only One Earth in the Universe, and We Humans Have Only One Home 57 First, we need to build a global network of partnerships. Military alliances tend to be antagonistic and targeted in nature, and are no longer suitable for this day and age. After the Cold War, the two main alliance systems – the Western bloc and the Eastern bloc – failed to fully resolve regional security issues and even later proved to be hidden threats to world peace. In light of this, we should encourage countries to build partnerships both internationally and regionally. The world should embark on a new path of state-to-state relations by pursuing dialogue without confrontation and making partners without forming alliances. In this way, we can build a partnership network that spans the entire globe. Second, we need to adopt a better approach to security that focuses on the security of the entire world. In the 20th century, the world was marked by strife, enduring two bloody world wars and a Cold War that lasted more than fifty years. After the turn of the century, peace and development emerged as the trend of the times, but local wars and conflicts still persist. Major-power politics and geopolitical competition continue to add a great deal of uncertainty to world peace and stability. Non-conventional security issues are becoming more pronounced – particularly terrorism, refugee crises, transnational crime, and cybersecurity – and the global security outlook remains grim. The facts show that zerosum games, winner-takes-all logic, and parochialism are no longer viable. We must abandon outdated approaches to security and replace them with a new one that is common, comprehensive, cooperative, and sustainable. We should promote common security through dialogue, consultation, and mutually beneficial cooperation. Third, we need to promote the development of human society through openness and innovation. Economic globalization is an objective reality and inexorable trend, and it is aligned with the interests of all parties. But globalization is a double-edged sword, presenting both opportunities and challenges. After the 2008 financial crisis, the world economy was in a tangled mess. Some countries pointed fingers at globalization and resorted to trade protectionism to safeguard their own interests. But this is 平易近人：习近平的语言力量--英文-新.indd 57 20/10/15 16:34 58 Xi Jinping Diplomatic Wit and Vision not the solution, as it goes against the objective trend and cannot resolve the issues at hand. We live in an open world. We cannot afford to shut the door and close ourselves off to everyone else. It is critical that we remain open to new ideas, create new growth areas through innovation, and work together to pursue development for all humanity. Fourth, we need to promote our civilizations by strengthening cultural exchange and interaction. Diversity is a basic feature of human civilization. Each civilization represents the unique vision and contribution of its people, and no model is superior to others. They have objective differences, but such differences do not need to become sources of conflict. Indeed, such differences actually create space for cultural exchange and mutual learning, allowing civilizations to enrich themselves by drawing on each other’s strengths and thereby promote the flourishing of human civilization as a whole. Finally, we need to seek harmony between man and nature through a commitment to sustainable development. The world is confronted with a host of challenges including population growth, resource shortages, environmental degradation, and global warming. Industrialization has made life easier, and arguably more colorful, but it has also placed a great burden on our resources and environment. Pursuing economic benefit while ignoring environmental cost is not a sustainable path forward. If we violate the laws of nature, we will end up hurting ourselves, for nature retaliates against those who seek to destroy it. We need to transform the old development model and embrace a new way of work and life that is green, low-carbon, circular, and sustainable, and thereby make a concerted effort to protect the place that we all call home. 平易近人：习近平的语言力量--英文-新.indd 58 20/10/15 16:34 The global financial crisis of 2008 is a reminder that we need to strengthen coordination and improve governance to promote sound growth of the global economy and make it open, inclusive, balanced, and beneficial for all. We should make the cake bigger and divide it fairly to ensure fairness and justice. – Speech given by Xi Jinping at the United Nations Office at Geneva, January 18, 2017 平易近人：习近平的语言力量--英文-新.indd 59 20/10/15 16:34 60 Make the Cake Bigger and Divide It Fairly – Provide more equitable opportunities for development Cakes are often associated with birthdays. When a friend or loved one celebrates his or her birthday, we often go to the trouble of buying or baking a cake. At the birthday party, the cake is cut and distributed to everyone as a way of sharing the bounty. The same idea shows up in the field of Chinese economics, where “making a cake” is a metaphor for developing the economy and “cutting a cake” is a metaphor for distributing social wealth. The two images point to the economic concepts of productivity and equity. Xi Jinping has often turned to the analogy of making and cutting a cake to illustrate the importance of creating social wealth and promoting equity and justice in China’s context. In a speech at the UN Office at Geneva, he offered the same analogy but this time applied it to governance on a global scale, as he encouraged other countries to promote global development (“make the cake bigger”) and address issues of equity and justice in global economic governance (“divide it fairly”), and thereby provide more equitable opportunities for development. The world is constantly bombarded with news stories of a particular issue that continues to bedevil global development. We are living on the cusp of another technological revolution. The development of new technology, combined with the ubiquity of mass media and the rise of consumer culture, might lead one to believe that a life of plenty is waiting for all of us. It is easy to forget that some of history’s most tragic narratives – war, famine, slavery – are being played out in our time, and 平易近人：习近平的语言力量--英文-新.indd 60 20/10/15 16:34 Make the Cake Bigger and Divide It Fairly 61 the majority of the world’s population continue to spend their days in the clutches of poverty and want. While progress has been made in narrowing the overall economic gap between developing and developed countries, the disparity in per capital GDP is still massive. The technology R&D and innovation capabilities of developing countries are lagged far behind developed countries. In the field of high-tech, developing countries continue to rely on technology transfer and technology spillover from the developed world, and the technology gap continues to worsen. In today’s era of big data, secure and reliable internet access is a key factor in determining a country’s overall strength, but it remains out of reach for many in developing countries. The digital divide is going to make the global economic imbalance that much worse. Inequality in the rules of global economic governance has also contributed to the problem. Since the end of World War II, the U.S. and other developed countries in the West have leveraged their economic might to influence and even dominate global governance and rulemaking. The current rules were designed primarily with the interests of developed countries in mind. Over the last two decades, while the world’s economic landscape has shifted dramatically and the economic strength and influence of developing countries has multiplied, such changes have yet to be reflected in the architecture of global governance and rulemaking, which continue to be predominated by the West. In an effort to protect their vested interests, developed countries have sought to introduce new rules in multilateral and regional trade arrangements and bump up access thresholds to restrict and even exclude developing countries. If nothing is done to loosen the grip of developed countries on global governance and rulemaking, it will be impossible to properly address the imbalance of the global economy. These were some of the issues that Xi Jinping had in mind when he appealed to countries around the world to “make the cake bigger” and “divide it fairly.” China has a profound first-hand understanding of unbal- 平易近人：习近平的语言力量--英文-新.indd 61 20/10/15 16:34 62 Xi Jinping Diplomatic Wit and Vision anced global growth and injustice in the international order. To address these issues, China has proposed advancing both China’s interests and the interests of the world as a whole, taking a more active role in international affairs, global economic governance, and multilateral affairs, and working with other countries to tackle global challenges. In this way, we can foster an international order that is more equitable and rational. China has taken practical steps to accomplish these goals. As Xi Jinping has said, “Development, in its truest sense, must be inclusive.” In addition to its commitment to traditional forms of development aid, China has given the world a model of common development that draws on its own knowledge and experience. The country is working hard to “make the cake bigger” by encouraging economic integration, cooperation among BRICS countries, and development of China-ASEAN relations. It has promoted the realization of the Free Trade Area of the Asia-Pacific and the Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership agreement. China has also introduced the Belt and Road Initiative to share development opportunities with participating countries and achieve common prosperity. Meanwhile, China works hard to update and reform the rules and architecture of the global economy to make it more equitable and more rational. It has worked to increase the representation and voice of emerging economies in existing multilateral institutions, such as the World Bank and the International Monetary Fund, and has promoted the G20 – a body which includes key emerging countries – as a new platform for discussing and coordinating the economic policies of major powers. In so doing, China has elevated the position of emerging economies in global governance and rulemaking. It has also spearheaded the Asian Infrastructure Investment Bank, participated in the establishment of the New Development Bank, and set up the Silk Road Fund, which have provided a useful supplement to existing multilateral institutions. 平易近人：习近平的语言力量--英文-新.indd 62 20/10/15 16:34 As we Chinese say, “Eat according to the size of one’s stomach and dress according to the size of one’s figure.” Each country should tailor its development strategies to its own strengths and national conditions. The international community should help developing countries grow their capacity and provide them with support and assistance according to their actual needs. – Speech given by Xi Jinping at the UN Sustainable Development Summit, September 26, 2015 平易近人：习近平的语言力量--英文-新.indd 63 20/10/15 16:34 64 Eat According to the Size of One’s Stomach and Dress According to the Size of One’s Figure – Development should be tailored to a country’s prevailing conditions The advice to “eat according to the size of one’s stomach and dress according to the size of one’s figure” is recorded in an ancient philosophical text called the Mo Zi. In a section named “Lu’s Questions”, the Chinese philosopher Mo Zi tells his disciple Gongshang Guo that a person should eat according to his appetite and wear clothes that fit his own body. Mo Zi’s point is that a person should be realistic and consider his abilities and limitations before setting about some task, and exercise restraint accordingly. Similar expressions may be found in other ancient Chinese works, such as the Wen Zi and the Huai Nan Zi. Today, the phrases “eat according to the size of one’s stomach” and “dress according to the size of one’s figure” are metaphors for staying objective, practical, and grounded in reality. Xi Jinping used the phrases in his address at the UN Sustainable Development Summit 2015, an event that drew together various heads of state to evaluate progress on the Millennium Development Goals, which were set for 2015, and adopt the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development. Building on the Millennium Development Goals, the 2030 Agenda represents a broad consensus reached by the international community under the coordination of the United Nations, and its implementation will have bearing on the future and destiny of human development. While development is the aim and aspiration of every country, there 平易近人：习近平的语言力量--英文-新.indd 64 20/10/15 16:34 Eat According to the Size of One’s Stomach and Dress According to the Size of One’s Figure 65 isn’t a neat and definitive answer on how we ought to achieve it. But this much is clear: Each country must start with an accurate understanding of its prevailing conditions. Each country should take into account its own resources, capacity, development stage, and strengths and weaknesses when choosing its development path and model, formulating and adjusting its development strategy, and engaging in international development initiatives. Furthermore, when carrying out global development agendas, we should be aware of and recognize the differences among developed and developing countries, respect the development rights of developing nations, and provide them with targeted support and assistance according to their actual needs. This is the deeper and more subtle implication of “eating according to the size of one’s stomach and dressing according to the size of one’s figure.” Looking back at world history, we can say that there was no smooth sailing for any country in its development. Some were more skilled than others at leveraging the strength of their resources and seizing opportunities for development. They devised strategies suited to their own development, and thus experienced faster growth. Other countries chose to mechanically copy the economic models of other countries, which produced less-than-ideal results. Then there were nations that drew on the experience of others and carefully adapted it to their own conditions, applying what was useful and discarding the rest. They adjusted course based on the objective circumstances and charted their own path of development. For a time, China followed the planned economic model of the Soviet Union. The Soviet model was a good fit for the new China after its founding in 1949, when the country was focused on restoring function to industry and society. But as Chinese society developed, the Soviet model was no longer able to meet the country’s needs and even put a spoke in the wheels of social and economic progress. China decided to adjust course. After launching economic reforms in 1978, the country transitioned from a planned economy to a planned socialist market economy, and then to a socialist market economy with 平易近人：习近平的语言力量--英文-新.indd 65 20/10/15 16:34 66 Xi Jinping Diplomatic Wit and Vision Chinese characteristics, the system practiced in China to this day. In a matter of decades, China grew by leaps and bounds to become the world’s second largest economy after the United States. The plight of countries who followed the “Washington Consensus” to their own demise – particularly the Soviet Union and certain countries of Eastern Europe and Latin America – is a telling reminder that neoliberalism is not a remedy for every country’s economic ills. A country that blindly adopts another country’s model, without tailoring it to fit its own situation, is bound to go astray. Development doesn’t happen overnight. There is no sense in looking for shortcuts or one-size-fits-all solutions, and a country should never try to force its feet into shoes that do not fit. Whether a country is carrying on tradition, exploring something new, or assimilating another country’s model, one rule always applies: Every country should follow its own path – one that respects reality and historical law and reflects the country’s prevailing conditions. This is what it means for a country to “eat according to the size of one’s stomach and dress according to the size of one’s figure.” However perfect and polished a development model might appear, a country that fails to take into account its national conditions is bound to hit a wall. 平易近人：习近平的语言力量--英文-新.indd 66 20/10/15 16:34 At the global level, peace and development remain the dominant themes of our time. The fundamental solution to the global challenges we face, including the recent refugee crisis in Europe, lies in the pursuit of peace and development. Confronted by challenges and difficulties of every kind, we must hold fast to development as our master key, for only through development can we resolve the root cause of conflicts, safeguard the basic rights of the people, and fulfill the fervent hopes of the people for a better future. – Speech given by Xi Jinping at the UN Sustainable Development Summit, September 26, 2015 平易近人：习近平的语言力量--英文-新.indd 67 20/10/15 16:34 68 Hold Fast to Development as Our Master Key – The solution to global challenges lies in development “Confronted by challenges and difficulties of every kind, we must hold fast to development as our master key.” These words, spoken by President Xi Jinping at the UN Sustainable Development Summit on September 26, 2015, carry the resonant voice of China. Xi’s choice wording of “holding fast the master key” is a reminder of the importance of development in addressing global challenges. “Only through development can we resolve the root cause of conflicts, safeguard the basic rights of the people, and fulfill the fervent hopes of the people for a better future.” Looking down the corridor of history, we can see that development is a mighty force of human progress. Development was the key that enabled the global economy to grow, developing countries to boom, and 1.1 billion people to escape poverty. Yet, as we stand at a new historical starting point, it is clear that the road to human progress is lined with global challenges: (1) The world is far from tranquil, and the global security outlook remains grim. Traditional and non-traditional security issues are intertwined. Conflicts and wars persist in various parts of the world, and terrorism and violent extremism keep troubling the international community. (2) While the global economy is expanding, growth is increasingly unstable and uncertain. Global economic growth has slowed down considerably, particularly since 2008, and it has yet to fully recover from the aftermath of the global financial crisis. Amid the fallout, protectionism 平易近人：习近平的语言力量--英文-新.indd 68 20/10/15 16:34 Hold Fast to Development as Our Master Key 69 has gained traction. (3) Imbalances in development are becoming more acute. The status of emerging economies and developing countries has risen and they are making great contribution to the global economy. Indeed, they have become the main driver of global economic growth. Still, the absolute gap between developed countries and developing and least developed countries (LDCs) is large, and the imbalance in global development remains serious. (4) Climate change and environmental issues are becoming more pronounced, with profound repercussions on the survival and development of mankind. Carbon dioxide emissions continue to increase worldwide, and, while efforts are underway to develop renewable energy, there has yet to be any fundamental adjustment to the current energy structure, which continues to be dominated by coal. Ecological and environmental problems have grown in certain countries, particularly where economic development is achieved at the expense of environmental degradation and excessive consumption of natural resources. These environmental costs are key factors that undermine the ability of countries to achieve sustainable development. (5) While the growth rate of the world population is falling by the year, the population is still increasing. Population growth is impacting efforts to achieve sustainable development, both economically and socially. Many countries have to cope with an aging population, and the education level and health of residents in less developed countries are worrisome. The fundamental solution to the global challenges we face lies in pursuing peace and development. Indeed, a commitment to sustainable development is the “golden key” to resolving differences, challenges, and problems. As Xi Jinping proposed, we need to embark on a path of shared development that is equitable, open, comprehensive, and innovative. We should work to ensure that people have equal access to opportunities and fruits of development, and provide a more solid foundation for development so as to unleash our full potential. 平易近人：习近平的语言力量--英文-新.indd 69 20/10/15 16:34 70 Xi Jinping Diplomatic Wit and Vision By adapting to its national conditions, China has embarked on a development path that is distinctively Chinese. As a developing nation, China has achieved sustained and rapid economic growth that is nothing short of miraculous, and in the process has enhanced the well-being of more than 1.3 billion Chinese. The country has also made huge contribution to world economic growth and boosted global development. For example, China set up the Assistance Fund for South-South Cooperation, the Climate Change South-South Cooperation Fund, the Silk Road Fund, and the China-Africa Development Fund, and has ramped up investment in LDCs, cancelled the debts of certain nations, established the Center for International Knowledge on Development, and put forward a proposal to develop global energy interconnection. In so doing, China has actively taken on international responsibilities and obligations and translated its vision of inclusive development into action. In particular, the Belt and Road Initiative demonstrates China’s earnest desire to share development opportunities with other countries, as it helps to resolve issues such as imbalances in development, difficulties in governance, the digital divide, and income disparity. In all of these efforts, China has provided new opportunities for global development. Development is not just the natural way to address global challenges; it is the only way to uphold the shared interests of mankind. Indeed, as history surges forward, the trend toward peace and development cannot be stopped. The world should “hold fast to development as our master key” and work together to tackle challenges, build a global community of shared future, and usher in the world of the future. 平易近人：习近平的语言力量--英文-新.indd 70 20/10/15 16:34 We should take into full account the historical background and reality of Asia’s security issues, adopt a multi-pronged and holistic approach, and enhance regional security governance in a coordinated way. While working hard to tackle the immediate security challenges facing the region, we should also make plans to address potential security threats, and avoid a palliative approach that treats the symptoms instead of the disease. – Speech given by Xi Jinping at the 4th Summit of the Conference on Interaction and Confidence-Building Measures in Asia, May 21, 2014 平易近人：习近平的语言力量--英文-新.indd 71 20/10/15 16:34 72 Avoid a Palliative Approach That Treats the Symptoms Instead of the Disease – Adopt a comprehensive vision of security In The Conversations of Master Chu (published in 1270), we read of a physician who “treats the head when the head aches, and the foot when the foot aches.” The phrase was first applied to encourage good reading habits: One should read mindfully and take the time to work through the more difficult parts of a text. But over time the phrase took on an entirely different meaning. Today it is used to describe a myopic approach to solving problems – one that fails to take into account the big picture and instead focuses on issues of minor importance. The better approach, rather, is to seek to understand issues holistically, which will allow one to prioritize the issues and focus on the main sources of conflict. In his speech at the 4th Summit of the Conference on Interaction and Confidence-Building Measures in Asia, Xi Jinping used this expression when talking about comprehensive security, the second prong in China’s approach to security. Xi made the following comment: “While working hard to tackle the immediate security challenges facing the region, we should also make plans to address potential security threats.” This statement introduces at least three points of contrast. First, it uses the terms “tackle” and “make plans” to drive home the point that security issues should be approached with a view to the long term. They should not be treated merely on an individual basis, but should be viewed holistically, with a clear set of priorities. Second, the statement contrasts “immediate” and “potential.” Different security issues may vary in terms of their 平易近人：习近平的语言力量--英文-新.indd 72 20/10/15 16:34 Avoid a Palliative Approach That Treats the Symptoms Instead of the Disease 73 respective threat levels, but potential threats may become immediate threats, and vice versa. It is therefore important to remain vigilant and work to prevent all types of threats. The third and final contrast – ”security challenges” and “security threats” – is a reminder that our approach to security in Asia needs to be broad enough to address both the surface-level issues and their underlying causes. In the next line of his speech, Xi gives the ideas a finer rhetorical edge when he warns against taking “a palliative approach that treats the symptoms instead of the disease.” Comprehensive security is one of the key components of China’s approach to security in Asia. As Xi has said, Asia’s security challenges are extremely complex. The traditional security issues left over from the Cold War were challenging enough, yet they pale in comparison to the torrent of non-traditional security challenges bearing down on Asian countries in the new era. In the face of such complexity, China has adopted an approach to security that covers security issues of every kind. The chief reason for this approach is that security issues tend to be closely intertwined, such that dealing with one particular issue often requires untangling a whole string of issues. For example, terrorism is a threat to all of humanity and, as such, countries tend to agree on the importance of taking measures to eliminate threats. However, as a critical security issue, terrorism does not exist in isolation but is almost always linked to other non-traditional security issues, such as money laundering, drug and human trafficking, and organized crime. That said, if countries want to work more closely to combat terrorism, it is important that they grasp the bigger picture, understand the interconnectedness of security issues, and cooperate in anti-terrorism efforts in all fields. Doing so will allow the Asian countries to combat terrorism more effectively. China’s vision of comprehensive security is undergirded by a complete system of dialectical thought. Comprehensive security starts with the recognition that security issues are broadly interconnected. This means that each issue must be understood in relation to other issues; an 平易近人：习近平的语言力量--英文-新.indd 73 20/10/15 16:34 74 Xi Jinping Diplomatic Wit and Vision issue must not be isolated or dissected in a fragmented way. More importantly, comprehensive security must not stop at the cosmetic level. China is committed to digging beneath the surface of a security issue to eliminate the threat at its very roots – a point that often receives little attention in some other countries. In its efforts to combat the three forces of terrorism, separatism, and extremism, China has always stressed the need to eliminate hidden dangers by addressing both the symptoms and causes of a problem. Doing so requires more time and effort, of course. It may not bear fruit overnight, but it is doubtless the best way forward as China seeks to ensure peace and happiness for the people of the region. China has successfully applied its model of comprehensive security in several diplomatic contexts. In so doing, it has helped alleviate and resolve regional flashpoints, and thereby impacted the international community in important ways. The Iran nuclear deal reached on July 14, 2015 is a good example. China played a mediatorial role in discussions between Iran and the P5+1, and offered its insight in the form of specific proposals calling for a step-by-step approach and reciprocity. China encouraged the parties to reach a package solution within a reasonable time frame, which the parties could then implement in a step-by-step manner. This proposal met the security demands of all parties while providing a framework that helped to advance the negotiations. This idea of a package solution played a key role as the discussion entered the critical stage. The two sides were willing to make concessions in areas in which they were initially opposed to compromise. The end result was a win-win agreement for all parties. As Xi Jinping has pointed out, security is a growing issue in both its scope and implication. Zero-sum thinking from the Cold War era has all but lost its appeal. The times have changed. This is precisely why China has adopted its comprehensive approach to security. It is the result of forward thinking as China has carefully studied and adapted the security models of the past. In Xi’s words, we should “avoid a palliative approach that treats the symptoms instead of the disease.” A distillation of Chinese wisdom, the saying is a timely reminder to the international community. 平易近人：习近平的语言力量--英文-新.indd 74 20/10/15 16:34 China will commit itself to building a cross-Pacific regional cooperation framework that benefits all parties. The vast Pacific is free of natural barriers, and we should not erect any man-made ones. We should let APEC lead and coordinate our actions, and uphold the approach of openness, inclusiveness, and mutual benefit. We should enhance coordination on macroeconomic policies and regional free trade arrangements, promote regional integration, and guard against the “spaghetti bowl” effect, so as to build closer partnerships across the Pacific and jointly pursue the long-term development of the Asia-Pacific region. – Speech given by Xi Jinping at the APEC CEO Summit, October 7, 2013 平易近人：习近平的语言力量--英文-新.indd 75 20/10/15 16:34 76 Guard Against the “Spaghetti Bowl” Effect – Integrate demands and accelerate economic cooperation in the Asia-Pacific On November 19, 2016, Xi Jinping gave a talk at the APEC CEO Summit in Lima, Peru entitled “Enhanced Partnership for Greater Momentum of Growth.” In his speech, Xi stressed the importance of guarding against the “spaghetti bowl” effect while working to promote economic cooperation in Asia and the Pacific. The phrase “spaghetti bowl” effect was coined by the American economist Jagdish Bhagwati in his book US Trade Policy. The term refers to a phenomenon of regional economic cooperation in which trade partners engage in multiple bilateral or multilateral free trade agreements (FTAs). According to Bhagwati, the multiplication of FTAs results in a morass of preferential policies and rules of origin which, like the noodles in a tangled bowl of spaghetti, are difficult to trace and sort out. With the Asia-Pacific region being home to so many FTAs, Xi Jinping wanted to encourage his listeners to be vigilant and see to it that economic cooperation does not stall or deteriorate because of mutual conflict and constraint. Despite ongoing backlash against globalization, regional economic cooperation is growing stronger and the next wave of economic globalization is proving unstoppable. According to the latest World Economic Outlook (WEO) report released by the International Monetary Fund, the Asia-Pacific region remains an important engine of global economic development, and 30 of the 45 economies in the region are experiencing favorable growth. Collectively, APEC’s 21 member economies make up 56% of the world’s total GDP, which means economic cooperation 平易近人：习近平的语言力量--英文-新.indd 76 20/10/15 16:34 Guard Against the “Spaghetti Bowl” Effect 77 in the Asia-Pacific region will have a direct impact on global economic performance. At this time, however, the region sits under a cloud of political and economic unrest and uncertainty. Soon after taking office in early 2017, President Donald Trump announced his withdrawal from the Trans-Pacific Partnership (TPP), which set off a complex chain reaction in key Asia-Pacific economies and threatened economic cooperation in the region with a heightened sense of uncertainty. Nevertheless, as Xi Jinping has remarked: “We must steer the giant ship of the Asia-Pacific in the right direction. All economies in the region must act in a responsible manner and work in unison to promote global growth.” To promote economic cooperation in the Asia-Pacific, the region must first take steps to address the perennial spaghetti bowl effect. Since the founding of APEC in 1989, the Asia-Pacific has churned out a large number of new mechanisms for bilateral, multilateral, regional, and sub-regional cooperation, including at least 25 cooperation frameworks and 56 FTAs – which includes more bilateral FTAs than any other region. But coordination is desperately needed, as many of these mechanisms and agreements conflict with one another. For example, many of the favors promised in bilateral agreements go beyond the scope of most-favored- nation (MFN) treatment as defined under WTO agreements, which creates de facto inequality with other trading partners. Complex geopolitical entanglements, economic disparity, and cultural differences make it exceedingly difficult for the economies in the Asia-Pacific to reach a single, all-encompassing FTA that meets the needs of every party. In general, Asia-Pacific economies share a common vision of integrating the existing mechanisms of economic cooperation and promoting trade liberalization and investment. China is the region’s largest emerging economy, with 70% of the country’s trade and investment taking place in the region. The Chinese economy is thus deeply intertwined with and dependent on the other economies, and vice versa. As China has furthered its reform and opening up, China has grown stronger overall and its involvement in Asia-Pacific cooperation has shifted from a posture of 平易近人：习近平的语言力量--英文-新.indd 77 20/10/15 16:34 78 Xi Jinping Diplomatic Wit and Vision observation to one of active participation and leadership. At the 2014 APEC Summit in Beijing, Xi Jinping cut through the debate over mechanisms of regional cooperation by presenting his vision of the “Asia-Pacific Dream.” He emphasized commitment to the Asia-Pacific family as a community of shared future and the importance of adapting to the current trend of peace, development, cooperation, and mutual benefit. Based on this shared vision, China believes that Asia-Pacific economies should adopt a long-term perspective and seek to build a consensus as they discuss the feasibility of building the Free Trade Area of the Asia-Pacific (FTAAP). By promoting regional integration and cooperation, China hopes to curtail the spaghetti bowl effect caused by the indiscriminate use of existing mechanisms, with the goal of furthering economic and social development in the Asia-Pacific and beyond. Xi Jinping has said on many occasions that opening up is vitally important to the prosperity of the Asia-Pacific region, as remaining open-minded and adopting policy initiatives that are inclusive is important for guaranteeing economic integration in the region. There are currently two important FTAs being discussed for the Asia-Pacific region: the TPP and the ASEAN-led Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership (RCEP). After the U.S. withdrew from the former, China has continued to take part in high-level talks on economic integration in the region and has held candid discussions with TPP countries. The RCEP, which includes five “10+1” FTAs, is open, flexible, and carefully structured with regard to the different development levels of the economies. In 2017, RCEP negotiations made significant headway as China continued to work closely with the ASEAN. There are naturally differences in proposals and designs, revealing a diversity of values and interests. But China believes there can be unity without uniformity. Indeed, the country remains optimistic as long as efforts are taken to protect against fragmentation and politicization in the region. As far as China is concerned, these FTAs are an important step in implementing a free trade zone strategy and a key pathway toward building a framework for the Free Trade Area of the Asia-Pacific, with the goal of achieving sound economic cooperation in the region. 平易近人：习近平的语言力量--英文-新.indd 78 20/10/15 16:34 “Fish swim in the vast sea as freely as birds fly in the boundless sky.” I have always believed that the Pacific Ocean is big enough to accommodate both China and the United States. The two countries should strengthen dialogue, build trust, dispel doubt, and promote cooperation so as to ensure that China-U.S. relations stay on course for building a new model of major-couutry relations. – Speech given by Xi Jinping at the joint opening ceremony of the 6th China-U.S. Strategic and Economic Dialogue and the 5th China-U.S. High-Level Consultation on People-to- People and Cultural Exchange, July 9, 2014 平易近人：习近平的语言力量--英文-新.indd 79 20/10/15 16:34 80 The Pacific Ocean Is Big Enough to Accommodate Both China and the United States – China and the U.S. should view one another’s growth with a broad mind On July 9, 2014, at the joint opening ceremony of the 6th round of China-U.S. Strategic and Economic Dialogue and the 5th round of China-U.S. High-Level Consultation on People-to-People and Cultural Exchange (CPE), Xi Jinping delivered a speech entitled “Working Hard to Build a New Model of Major-Country Relations between China and the U.S.” He called on the two countries to overcome the law of conflict and confrontation that typifies relations between major countries, and set a new precedent through cooperation. Looking ahead to the future of China-U.S. relations, Xi offered four suggestions, the first of which is “enhance mutual trust and keep the right direction.” He believes that the way in which China and the U.S. interpret each other’s strategic intentions will directly affect the kind of policies they adopt and the type of relationship they develop. It is important to perceive one another rightly, for misunderstanding one another at a fundamental point will cause everything else to go awry. Now more than ever, China needs a peaceful and stable external environment as it works to realize its dream of national rejuvenation. As Xi has made clear, China will unswervingly follow the path of peaceful development, with the belief that “the Pacific Ocean is big enough to accommodate both China and the United States.” The quote says something of Xi’s broad mind and strategic vision 平易近人：习近平的语言力量--英文-新.indd 80 20/10/15 16:34 The Pacific Ocean Is Big Enough to Accommodate Both China and the United States 81 as a statesman. The French writer Victor Hugo once wrote: “There is one spectacle grander than the sea, that is the sky; there is one spectacle grander than the sky, that is the interior of the soul.” One cannot help but wonder whether China-U.S. interaction in the Asia-Pacific will strike a positive chord. Will the two countries embrace a new model of major-country relations without conflict or confrontation, marked by mutual respect and win-win cooperation? The answer will be found in the attitude of the two countries’ leaders, in particular whether they view the development of the other in the Asia-Pacific and beyond with an open mind. If one or both are narrow-minded and approach bilateral relations like a zero-sum game, then they may end up on the old path of hegemony and fall victim to the tragedy of great power politics. According to Western proponents of political realism, global resources are limited, so major powers have to compete for resources in order to secure greater opportunities for development. The rise of emerging powers, they argue, will inevitably threaten the position of established powers by stifling their opportunities and encroaching on their interests. As such, political realists believe that conflict between emerging powers and established powers is a foregone conclusion. There is apparently no room for trust, as major powers eye one another as enemies, and such distrust ultimately gives rise to strategic miscalculations. Xi Jinping’s words are a reminder that China and the U.S. should adopt a broader, more inclusive mindset – one that does not regard the development of the other as a threat. The Pacific Ocean is sufficiently vast, and the world sufficiently large, so there is no need for the two countries to fight over resources or contend for regional dominance. Instead, they should seek to ease distrust and overcome the skepticism that has resulted from narrow-mindedness and a failure to see the big picture. Thanks to economic globalization, China and the U.S. have developed a convergence of interests. According to U.S. statistics, in 2016, China was America’s largest trading partner, third largest export market, and largest source of imports; similarly, the U.S. was China’s second largest trading 平易近人：习近平的语言力量--英文-新.indd 81 20/10/15 16:34 82 Xi Jinping Diplomatic Wit and Vision partner, largest export market, and fourth largest source of imports. By the end of 2016, the U.S. had stakes in more than 67,000 investment projects in China, totaling US$79.86 billion, and Chinese investment in the U.S. continued to grow. In 2016, Chinese companies had US$19.5 billion of direct non-financial investments in the U.S., representing a year-overyear increase of 132.4%. China continues to be America’s largest foreign lender. As of June 2017, China’s holdings of U.S. Treasury bonds totaled US$1.15 trillion. An average of more than 14,000 people travel between the U.S. and China each day, with one flight taking off or landing every 17 minutes. As the two economies continue to grow, their convergence of interests will continue to expand and intertwine, and, ultimately, the development of the one will signify greater opportunities for the other. The overlapping interests between the U.S. and China extend even to the field of security. For example, as China strives to fulfill its dream of national rejuvenation, the country needs a peaceful and stable external environment now more than ever. The same could be said of the U.S., as it has sought to restore the nation’s economy and increase employment rates after the 2008 financial crisis. Simply put, maintaining world peace and stability is in the interest of both countries, and they also share common interests in non-traditional security areas such as counter-terrorism, cybersecurity, and climate change. As Xi Jinping has remarked, “The common interests between China and the United States far outweigh their differences, and China-U.S. cooperation can accomplish many great things that are beneficial to both countries and the world.” Indeed, the two countries should focus on cooperation, seek to manage their differences, and continue to foster bilateral relations characterized by soundness and stability. This will not only benefit the two nations, but will also further the peace, stability, and prosperity of Asia-Pacific and the world as a whole. 平易近人：习近平的语言力量--英文-新.indd 82 20/10/15 16:34 “Thucydides’s trap” does not inherently exist. But if major countries continue to make strategic miscalculations, they may end up creating such a trap for themselves. – Speech given by Xi Jinping at a welcome dinner co-hosted by the National Committee on U.S.-China Relations and the Washington State Welcoming Committee, September 22, 2015 平易近人：习近平的语言力量--英文-新.indd 83 20/10/15 16:34 84 “Thucydides’s Trap” Does not Inherently Exist – Build trust and avoid strategic miscalculation On January 22, 2014, Xi Jinping was featured in an interview published in the inaugural issue of The World Post, a subsidiary of The Huffington Post. In response to concerns about China’s rise, Xi stressed the importance of working hard to avoid falling into “Thucydides’s trap.” According to Xi, the claim that a major power is bound to pursue hegemony does not apply to China. It is not in China’s genes. In September 2015, at a welcome dinner co-hosted by the National Committee on U.S.-China Relations and the Washington State Welcoming Committee in Seattle, Washington, Xi discussed a number of priorities as China and the U.S. seek to advance a new model of major-country relations and promote world peace and development. In his first point, he stressed the importance of correctly discerning the strategic intentions of the other country: “We should base our judgment strictly on the facts, lest we become victim to hearsay, paranoia, or self-imposed bias. ‘Thucydides’s trap’ does not inherently exist. But if major countries continue to make strategic miscalculations, they may end up creating such a trap for themselves.” The idea of “Thucydides’s trap” originated from the ancient Greek historian Thucydides. In History of the Peloponnesian War, he recounts the story of conflict and war between Athens, an emerging maritime power, and Sparta, the reigning land power at the time, over the last two decades of the 5th century BC. In the author’s words, “It was the rise of Athens, and the fear that instilled in Sparta, that made war inevitable.” Fear and 平易近人：习近平的语言力量--英文-新.indd 84 20/10/15 16:34 “Thucydides’s Trap” Does not Inherently Exist 85 suspicion between the two city-states gave rise to separation and confrontation, which eventually boiled over into all-out war. Scholars have since used the term “Thucydides’s trap” as shorthand for armed conflict that breaks out between a rising power and an established power. In his speech, Xi Jinping made a reference to “Thucydides’s trap” to discourage the U.S. from looking at China’s rise with fear, worry, and doubt. He called on the two countries to avoid the mistakes of Athens and Sparta, and pointed out that the proverbial “trap” does not inherently exist. The “trap” is created, rather, when one country makes a strategic miscalculation of another country. In other words, “Thucydides’s trap” becomes a self-fulfilling prophecy when suspicion gives way to strategic miscalculation, which then escalates into open conflict. There are some people who insist on seeing things in a negative light. They view China through tinted lenses and propound theories of the so-called “China threat.” Such theories serve to cloud the strategic judgment of the two countries and set the stage for future conflict and confrontation. One particular camp in the political debate maintains that the only forces at work in the real world are self-interest and zero-sum thinking. They argue, therefore, what counts are nothing but power and hegemony, and a country should follow the principle of “an eye for an eye.” These thinkers cite a litany of historical examples as evidence, and even peddle their assertions as a sign of “mature” thinking. But true maturity is not thinking ill of another person. Maturity recognizes the dangerous tendencies and complexities of human nature, but it does not stop there. When a mature person becomes the target of distrust or ill-will of another, he or she should choose to trust the other and work to make the other to trust himself or herself. True maturity means being patient and level-headed, even when you are treated with suspicion or antagonism. At the end of the 1970s, the U.S. and China made significant headway in normalizing relations, even as U.S.-Soviet tensions continued to simmer. The United States agreed to end diplomatic ties with Taiwan, which helped thaw China-U.S. relations and bring greater stability to the 平易近人：习近平的语言力量--英文-新.indd 85 20/10/15 16:34 86 Xi Jinping Diplomatic Wit and Vision world. Global peace was a top priority for Deng Xiaoping, China’s leader at the time. Deng made a wise strategic judgment when he pointed out that a new world war could be avoided. He called on China to remove its philosophy of class struggle and shift the focal point of domestic work to economic development. Thus began China’s policy of reform and opening up, which set the stage for rapid economic development. In the following decades, mutual trust between China and the U.S. underwent a series of tests that would affect how the two countries perceived one another. In 1989, the U.S. responded to political incident in China by imposing economic sanctions. In 1995, Taiwanese leader Lee Teng-hui paid an official visit to the U.S., and in 1999, during the Kosovo War, U.S.-led NATO bombed the Chinese embassy in Yugoslavia. In 2001, soon after taking office, U.S. President George W. Bush redefined China as a “strategic competitor,” no longer the “strategic partner” it once was. And more recently the Obama administration spurred along efforts to further America’s “pivot,” or rebalancing, to the Asia-Pacific, and initiated a series of moves related to the East China Sea and the South China Sea. But while tensions in the Asia-Pacific have swelled, China has remained calm and collected. While resolutely safeguarding its own security and interests, and prompting the U.S. to make changes where it has erred, China has refrained from confrontation and remained confident in its relations with U.S. In so doing, China has displayed impressive strategic resolve and has provided a stabilizing force for China-U.S. relations. In recent years, with the rise of China’s overall strength, China and the U.S. have expanded their common interests and engaged in more frequent interaction. At meetings between the two countries’ heads of state, China has made it clear that it respects the existing international order and the influence and interests that the U.S. has held in the Asia-Pacific region, and it hopes to see the U.S. carry on the active and constructive role in the region’s affairs. Likewise, the U.S. has reiterated that it wants to see a strong, prosperous, and stable China play a more prominent role in global and regional affairs, and it supports Chinese stability and reform. 平易近人：习近平的语言力量--英文-新.indd 86 20/10/15 16:34 “Thucydides’s Trap” Does not Inherently Exist 87 We should choose to believe these statements. If both sides can interact with one another with a positive attitude, “Thucydides’s trap” will not be a present threat and strategic miscalculations can be successfully avoided. 平易近人：习近平的语言力量--英文-新.indd 87 20/10/15 16:34 Words should be matched with action. We need to adopt pragmatic actions. It is better to honor a single commitment than to make a thousand promises. We should make the G20 an action team instead of a talking shop. – Opening speech given by Xi Jinping at the 2016 G20 Hangzhou Summit, September 4, 2016 平易近人：习近平的语言力量--英文-新.indd 88 20/10/15 16:34 89 An “Action Team,” Not a “Talking Shop” – The vitality of the G20 lies in its pragmatic spirit Most of us are familiar with the old adage that something is “easier said than done.” It is not hard to talk about an idea or devise a plan; the difficulty, rather, lies in execution. Executing an idea is essential, as it is the only way to advance a cause and bring about change. One can have the noblest of ambitions and produce an endless stream of new ideas, but if these ideas never make it past the drawing board, they will remain empty talk. Execution is about translating an idea into action. It is thus the starting point and the guarantee for bringing a cause to fruition. Xi Jinping’s analogy of an “action team” and a “talking shop” gets at one of the most pressing issues facing the G20 today. As the Chinese saying goes, “Even the shortest of journeys cannot be finished without taking the first step.” If the G20 lacks the resolve to translate ideas into action, it will lose its vitality and be reduced to a mere “talking shop.” The G20 needs to have steady execution. Regardless of the diversity of opinions, ideas, and philosophies, if the G20 has the resolve to execute its resolutions, it will become an “action team” ready for combat. In 2016, China hosted the year’s G20 summit in Hangzhou, which was attended by leaders from the group’s twenty members as well as eight guest countries and seven international organizations. Keying off the theme “Towards an Innovative, Invigorated, Interconnected, and Inclusive World Economy,” the conference explored effective ways to boost the world economy and improve global governance. In his opening speech, Xi Jinping said that a key priority is ensuring the G20 functions as an “action 平易近人：习近平的语言力量--英文-新.indd 89 20/10/15 16:34 90 Xi Jinping Diplomatic Wit and Vision team.” Using clear and compelling language, Xi assured the world of China’s determination to engage in multilateral economic, diplomacy and global governance. As the year’s most important multilateral diplomatic event, the G20 Hangzhou Summit put its emphasis on action, inclusiveness, and openness. The conference included discussions on world economic growth, such as “Innovation-Driven Growth” and “Robust International Trade and Investment,” as well as the future of mankind, such as “Inclusive and Interconnected Development.” In addition to the main sessions, the agenda included discussions on industry, commerce, labor, think tanks, youth, and women, and featured voices from all walks of life. In preparation for the conference, China held talks with the United Nations, the African Union Headquarters, the World Economic Forum, and APEC to learn more about the demands of developing countries. By the end of the summit, the demands and voices of these countries were inscribed in a series of action plans, including the G20 Action Plan on the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development, the G20 Strategy for Global Trade Growth, and the G20 Guiding Principles for Global Investment Policymaking. China decided to zero in on practical action as the core issue at the G20 summit for three reasons. To begin with, the G20 has been confronted with new sets of opportunities and challenges since its founding. After the Asian financial crisis broke out in 1997, finance ministers and central bank governors from the Group of Seven sought ways to hold the crisis at bay. In the end, they proposed that representatives from twenty nations should gather in Berlin to discuss international economic and financial stability, which led to the formal establishment of the Group of Twenty. Initially, the G20 did not feature prominently in multilateral economic diplomacy, but the group took on a more central role after the global financial crisis, started first in the U.S., hit in 2008. The G20’s annual leaders’ summit, which debuted that same year, has since become a major forum for discussing international economic cooperation. It might be said, then, the impetus behind the emergence and growth of the G20 was 平易近人：习近平的语言力量--英文-新.indd 90 20/10/15 16:34 An “Action Team,” Not a “Talking Shop” 91 economic crisis. In today’s post-crisis era, global economic recovery continues to languish, trade and investment are weak, and the economies of developed and underdeveloped nations are beset by various bottlenecks. At such a time, G20 members have an important question to reckon with, that is, how to transform the G20 from a mechanism of crisis management to one of long-term economic governance. The answer lies in execution. By launching a series of robust plans and initiatives, the G20 can send a clear signal of where the world economy is heading and play a role in guiding and boosting economic development. Second, developments in the current global landscape and multilateral diplomacy have provided the G20 with a new mission. Since the turn of the century, multilateral diplomacy has taken on new features. On the one hand, developing economies (especially emerging economies) have grown rapidly and are already reshaping existing international institutions in profound ways. The emergence of the G20 is itself a testament to the rising status of developing economies, which now enjoy a stronger presence in international economic governance. The central task now involves taking action to bring about concrete change. On the other hand, global issues such as climate change, refugee crises, and terrorism have grown in prominence and now feature as key agenda items in multilateral diplomacy. The G20 represents the highest level of multilateral diplomacy, bringing together top leaders from all over the world. This unique platform should be leveraged to its fullest potential. Leaders should use it to translate propositions related to the future of humanity from slogans into action. Third, practical action is the principle that has guided China along its move from the periphery toward the center of international diplomacy. The narrative of China’s role in multilateral diplomacy is striking – from the founding of the People’s Republic of China in 1949 to the restoration of its legitimate rights in the United Nations in 1971; from the proposal of the Five Principles of Peaceful Coexistence to the pursuit of “peaceful development,” “a harmonious world,” and “a global community of 平易近人：习近平的语言力量--英文-新.indd 91 20/10/15 16:34 92 Xi Jinping Diplomatic Wit and Vision shared future”; from the establishment of the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) and China’s membership in the World Trade Organization in 2001 to its hosting of the 2014 APEC Economic Leaders’ Meeting and the G20 Hangzhou Summit in 2016. There was a time when China had little voice at the international stage. But then China took on limited responsibilities, and now it regularly contributes its insights and proposals as an active leader. All along, China has upheld the principles of pragmatism, progress, and the importance of being grounded in reality. Meanwhile, China has continued to promote the democratization of international relations and the development of the region and the world at large. 平易近人：习近平的语言力量--英文-新.indd 92 20/10/15 16:34 China and the U.S. share a large swath of common interests in the Asia-Pacific. The two countries should maintain frequent communication, engage in more cooperation, and jointly respond to challenges. We should work together to build a common circle of friends that is inclusive rather than exclusive, and endeavor to build and maintain prosperity and stability in the region. – Speech given by Xi Jinping at the joint opening ceremony of the 8th China-U.S. Strategic and Economic Dialogue and the 7th China-U.S. High-Level Consultation on People-to- People and Cultural Exchange, June 6, 2016 平易近人：习近平的语言力量--英文-新.indd 93 20/10/15 16:34 94 Build a Common Circle of Friends That Is Inclusive Rather Than Exclusive – Pursue and enrich global partnership Nowadays, people have come to rely on the widely popular messaging app WeChat for their social networking needs. The app has a builtin feature called “circle of friends”, designed to help users stay in touch. To join a person’s “circle of friends,” all you have to do is scan a QR code and add one another as friends. Once you become WeChat friends, you can visit your circle of friends to see what they are doing or feeling on a given day, and you can interact by “liking” a post, leaving a comment, or sharing a random thought. The “circle of friends” tool has become a new way of socializing, bringing people together and enriching their channels of communication. The term “circle of friends” – a notion deeply intertwined with our daily lives and online interactions – was given a new spin by Xi Jinping when he applied it to the subject of foreign affairs. He first employed the phrase at the Central Conference on Foreign Affairs in November 2014, and he has revisited the concept in a number of foreign policy speeches since. In his New Year’s address in 2016, Xi announced that “China will always hold its arms out to the world and make every effort to reach out to those who are facing difficulties, so that our ‘circle of friends’ will continue to grow.” Borrowing language from everyday life, Xi has given the world insight into an important component of China’s diplomatic work – growing and fostering the country’s circle of friends. What exactly does President Xi mean by “circle of friends”? In inter- 平易近人：习近平的语言力量--英文-新.indd 94 20/10/15 16:34 Build a Common Circle of Friends That Is Inclusive Rather Than Exclusive 95 national relations, a “circle of friends” refers to the more familiar concept of “partnerships,” which is essentially the same as “friendships.” “Partnership” has become an important buzzword in Chinese diplomacy since the mid-1990s. Usage of the term and its various collocations – such as “strategic partners,” “comprehensive partners,” and “comprehensive strategic partners” – have been keenly noted by many observers in the media and general public. This raises a helpful question: With the term “partnerships” so firmly entrenched in people’s minds, why introduce “circle of friends” into the discussion? The answer can be found by looking back at Xi Jinping’s first use of the term. In late November of 2014, in his speech at the Central Conference on Foreign Affairs, Xi said that China should “make more friends without pursuing alliances and build a network of partnerships that links all parts of the world.” Xi was making the point that in this new era of diplomacy, we should not only seek to forge friendships and partnerships with all countries, but we should also remember to view partnerships from a broader perspective. We should not be content with bilateral relations or exclusive partnerships; we should seek to link them together in a wider network of partnerships. We should seek to move past exclusive alliances and embrace a common circle of friends. Xi’s proposal to build a global network of partnerships was not a rhetorical accident. A distillation of China’s diplomatic success over the past 20 years, Xi’s proposal is helping the country to think through partnership-building from a more strategic and global perspective. Xi Jinping further defines China’s partnership network as a “common” circle of friends that is “inclusive and not exclusive.” In pursuing a network of partnerships, China is not seeking to carve out a sphere of influence. To assume such a motive is to look at Chinese diplomacy from the perspective of a zero-sum game, which is wrong and misguided. What China is pursuing is forming partnerships with countries based on the pursuit of common interests, regardless of their social systems and ideologies, hence a common and inclusive circle of friends. China is in the business of forming partnerships, not alliances. That is China’s prerequi- 平易近人：习近平的语言力量--英文-新.indd 95 20/10/15 16:34 96 Xi Jinping Diplomatic Wit and Vision site for building a global network of partnerships. Since Xi Jinping introduced the notion of building a global partnership network, China’s effort to expand its circle of friends has grown in both quantity and quality. On the one hand, China is forming partnerships with an increasing number of countries. By the end of 2014, when Xi first announced the vision, China had established 72 partnerships of varying shapes and sizes with 67 countries and five regions and regional organizations. By the end of 2016, the number of countries and international organizations in partnership with China had jumped to 97, an increase of more than one-third in two years. Moreover, China’s network of partnerships had taken on a truly global dimension, evolving from a “basic coverage” of key countries and regions in 2014 to a “comprehensive coverage” of major powers, neighboring regions, and developing countries in 2016. During this period, Asian nations such as Saudi Arabia, Iran, and Singapore; European countries such as the Czech Republic and Switzerland; African countries such as Egypt and Sudan; and Central and South American countries such as Costa Rica entered into partnerships with China and, in effect, joined China’s circle of friends. On the other hand, in addition to developing new partners, China has deepened its understanding of what partnerships entail. In recent years, Chinese partnerships have taken a greater variety of forms. In 2014, China announced the establishment of a “Closer Development Partnership” with India and an “All-Round Strategic Partnership” with Germany. In 2015, China and Pakistan upgraded their ties to an “All-Weather Strategic Cooperative Partnership,” and China and the U.K. determined to build a “Global Comprehensive Strategic Partnership for the 21st Century.” In 2017, China and Israel established an “Innovative Comprehensive Partnership,” which echoed the “innovative” partnership formed between China and Switzerland in 2016. These developments are a clear sign that China’s relations with its partners are growing deeper and more textured. They are not partnerships in name only. They are supported by practical experience, and provide tangible resources that can enrich both parties and promote further development. 平易近人：习近平的语言力量--英文-新.indd 96 20/10/15 16:34 We must choose our medicine based on the source and symptoms of the infection. As the premier forum for international economic cooperation, the G20 should identify its goals, set the direction, and exercise leadership. – Remarks on the world economy given by Xi Jinping at the first session of the 10th annual G20 Leaders’ Summit, November 15, 2015 平易近人：习近平的语言力量--英文-新.indd 97 20/10/15 16:34 98 We Must Choose Our Medicine Based on the Source and Symptoms of the Infection – Promote common development by understanding the issues underlying the world economy In a speech entitled “Innovative Growth That Benefits All,” Xi Jinping opened with the words of Ouyang Xiu, a writer-historian from the Northern Song Dynasty (960-1125): “It has been said that to cure a disease, one must treat its root cause; to fix a problem, one must identify its source.” This line, taken from a formal letter dating back to May 1042, was originally addressed to Emperor Renzong in response to the societal problems of his day. When Xi quoted this line, he changed the word “identify” to “address”. That signified that Beijing is working hard to find a solution for the global economic slowdown. China has a saying that “the greatest of doctors can cure a country,” but it is not merely talking about medicine. At a time when the global economy is losing steam, Xi has taken the world’s “pulse” to diagnose what is going on below the surface. As he put it, we must choose our medicine based on the source and symptoms of the infection. Much ink has been spilled discussing the reasons and solutions for the sluggish economic growth affecting our world. But much less attention has been given to diagnosing the source of the infection, as it were. To arrive at an accurate diagnosis, we need economists who can help us analyze the underlying issues. But that’s not all. We also need to have a broad understanding of history so that we can identify patterns and find points of commonality in various bouts of economic difficulty. Finally, we need 平易近人：习近平的语言力量--英文-新.indd 98 20/10/15 16:34 We Must Choose Our Medicine Based on the Source and Symptoms of the Infection 99 to coordinate our policies with the rest of the world and seek common development as we remember what’s on the line here: the common destiny of humanity as a whole. Our medicine – that is, the policies and measures we enact to address problems in the global economy – must target the symptoms and penetrate to the heart of the issue while also taking into account the interests of all parties. Our efforts must be well-coordinated, practical, and easy to implement. As Xi Jinping has pointed out, the global economy is facing a slew of challenges including sluggish growth, rising unemployment, soaring debt levels, weak trade and investment, deceleration of the real economy, excessive financial leverage, and turbulence in international financial and commodity markets. According to statistics published by the International Monetary Fund, the world economy grew by an average of 3.99% between 2012 and 2016, a significant drop from the 4.76% growth rate between 2003 and 2007. The slowdown has been especially pronounced in developed countries, where growth hovered around 1% to 2%. At the beginning of 2017, global debt levels had surged to US$217 trillion, more than three times the global GDP, and the numbers are only expected to climb. The global economic slump might be likened to a person who falls ill and runs a fever. The tendency is to chalk up the symptoms to a common cold, but in this case, there is a more fundamental disorder at work. Xi Jinping puts his finger on the factors underlying the sluggish economic growth: “Taking a closer look at today’s global economy, we can see that the momentum generated by the last wave of the scientific and industrial revolution is waning and the potential for growth under the traditional economic system and model of development is diminishing. In addition, the problem of unbalanced growth is far from being resolved, and cracks are appearing in the existing mechanisms and structures of economic governance. These factors have weakened the momentum of global growth and dampened effective demand.” From the symptoms to the source of the infection, Xi’s analysis provides a helpful summary of 平易近人：习近平的语言力量--英文-新.indd 99 20/10/15 16:34 100 Xi Jinping Diplomatic Wit and Vision how China sees the global economic downturn. Thus far we have covered the diagnosis. But what is there to be said about finding the right medicine? Xi has prescribed a four-pronged solution that attacks the issue from two fronts: stimulate internal drivers of economic development and innovate international economic mechanisms. In terms of stimulating internal drivers of economic development, Xi Jinping’s solution consists of two parts: promote reform and innovation, and implement the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development. First of all, reform and innovation help to drive the long-term development of the global economy. Advances in science and technology have created new industries and products, and institutional reform is set to unleash new dynamism and creative energy. These forces have been essential in enabling the global economy to turn the corner and recover from previous crises. A new wave of the technological and industrial revolution is creating historic opportunities. New ideas and business models are generating enormous business opportunities and demand, such as “Internet Plus,” the sharing economy, 3D printing, and smart manufacturing. There is also massive potential when it comes to upgrading traditional industries with new technologies. According to Xi, we should coordinate our efforts on both the supply and demand sides, accelerate the transition from old to new drivers of growth, work together to create global demand that is new, effective, and sustainable, and set the future direction of world economic growth. Second, in terms of implementing the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development, we should work to eliminate poverty and hunger and pursue equitable, open, comprehensive, and innovative development. This is our shared moral responsibility, and it will also open up a massive source of effective demand. Xi proposed that G20 members should develop their own plans for implementing this agenda, which will then be compiled into an overall action plan for the purpose of promoting strong, sustainable, and balanced growth of the global economy. In terms of innovating international economic mechanisms, Xi 平易近人：习近平的语言力量--英文-新.indd 100 20/10/15 16:34 We Must Choose Our Medicine Based on the Source and Symptoms of the Infection 101 Jinping offered two prescriptions: strengthen macroeconomic policy communication and coordination, and build an open and inclusive world economy. First, as the Chinese saying goes: “Burdens are heavy when lifted alone; journeys are faster when shared with others.” In this age of economic globalization, no country can prosper in isolation. Coordination and cooperation are the only natural choice. Major developed economies should focus on consolidating and strengthening recovery efforts, and emerging markets and developing countries should work to overcome downward risks and pressure to keep growth on track. At the same time, we should pay particular attention to communicating and coordinating our respective policies in order to avoid negative spillover. In particular, major countries which carry significant weight in the global economy should carefully think through the impact of their macroeconomic policies on others and increase the transparency of their policy-making process. Second, if the world economy is likened to the human body, then trade and investment are its lifeblood. If the blood vessels are blocked, the health of the world economy will be at risk. That being said, we should reject protectionism and uphold and strengthen the multilateral trading system in order to provide space and opportunities for other countries to develop. We should all work to ensure that regional free trade agreements serve to benefit, and not detract from, the multilateral trading system. By providing an accurate diagnosis and targeted medication, we can help a sick person make a healthy recovery. And so it is with the global economy. Using metaphors from the world of medicine, Xi Jinping has analyzed and identified some of the major issues plaguing the world economy, a reflection not only of Xi’s powerful use of language but also of China’s growing leading ability. 平易近人：习近平的语言力量--英文-新.indd 101 20/10/15 16:34 The Belt and Road Initiative and regional connectivity are compatible and mutually reinforcing. If the Belt and Road can be likened to the two wings of a soaring Asia, then connectivity represents its arteries and veins. – Speech given by Xi Jinping at the Dialogue on Strengthening Connectivity Partnership, November 8, 2014 平易近人：习近平的语言力量--英文-新.indd 102 20/10/15 16:34 103 The Wings and Arteries of a Soaring Asia – Connectivity is key to providing Asia with the economic resources it needs A wing is an appendage, located on either side of the body, that allows a bird or manmade object to fly. Interestingly, the words for wing have similar associations in almost every language, conjuring up images of flight, acceleration, power, and momentum. Visualizing the Belt and Road Initiative (BRI) as a pair of wings can help people, regardless of their language or ethnicity, to remember its physical shape and the role it has already begun to play in Asia and beyond. In terms of its geography, the Belt and Road Initiative can be thought of as having a northern wing and a southern wing. The northern wing consists of the Silk Road Economic Belt, which stretches out along the Eurasian Land Bridge connecting Europe to the rest of Asia, and the southern wing comprises the Maritime Silk Road, which follows along various coastlines. Chinese legend tells the story of a very large fish who is transformed into a bird by the name of “Peng.” The vast size of this creature is described in the chapter “Wandering Far” of Zhuang Zi: “This Peng has quite a back on him, stretching who knows how many thousands of miles. When he rouses himself and soars into the air, his wings are like clouds draped across the heavens.” However large this mythical creature might be, we can confidently say that the wingspan of the Belt and Road is even larger. In terms of economic development, many of the countries situated along the Belt and Road are lagging behind, and average income is low. What they need more than anything else is rapid development, and they 平易近人：习近平的语言力量--英文-新.indd 103 20/10/15 16:34 104 Xi Jinping Diplomatic Wit and Vision need it soon. That is precisely what the BRI is focused on – providing impetus for these economies so that they can move forward and take off. Traditional Chinese medicine focuses a great deal on the concept of “meridians” – essentially, the network of channels that connects every part of the body – and the importance of keeping good circulation. Good circulation means good health. Visualizing regional connectivity as the arteries and veins – or, better yet, the “meridians” – of the body helps to highlight the vital importance of efforts to improve regional and global connectivity. It is widely believed that pain can be relieved with improved blood flow. In the era of globalization, a country cannot develop its economy without integrating with the world economy and participating in the international division of labor. To integrate, we must first establish connectivity with other countries and regions. If we fail to do so, or if our connectivity is weak or obstructed, we will miss out on important opportunities for development. For example, Central Asia is known as a major producer of cotton, but the world’s textile industry has not shifted to Central Asia. An important reason has to do with poor road infrastructure, which makes transportation difficult. Feeling the pinch caused by this lack of connectivity, Central Asian countries have begun to invest heavily in improving road networks. Since the BRI was put forward, much progress has been made in building new and better infrastructure, with vast connectivity networks already beginning to take shape. (1) As Chinese have often said, “If you want to get rich, start by building roads.” Many countries have embraced the idea and are racing to stake their claim as the logistics center of their respective region. For example, Azerbaijan has built infrastructure to support two international transport corridors, one running north-south and the other running eastwest, in hopes of becoming a logistics hub in the Caucasus. And Kazakhstan has a similar ambition to become a transit hub for goods moving between Europe and Asia. Many countries have clearly caught on to the 平易近人：习近平的语言力量--英文-新.indd 104 20/10/15 16:34 The Wings and Arteries of a Soaring Asia 105 importance of the “wings” and “arteries” of regional development. (2) Work on the six economic corridors is progressing smoothly. The Belt and Road Initiative contains six major economic corridors – the China-Mongolia-Russia Economic Corridor, the New Eurasian Land Bridge, the China-Central Asia-West Asia Economic Corridor, the China-Indochina Peninsula Corridor, the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor, and the Bangladesh-China-India-Myanmar Economic Corridor. These economic corridors form the main arteries that connect all of Asia, and in recent years, significant headway has been made across the map. For example, China, Russia, and Mongolia signed the “Outline of Plans for the Construction of the China-Mongolia-Russia Economic Corridor,” which lays out a roadmap for collaboration. The China-Pakistan Economic Corridor is even further along, with construction already underway on Gwadar Port, Phase II of the Karakoram Highway, the Karachi-Lahore Motorway, and other major projects. And Iran, Central Asia, and Afghanistan are keeping a close eye on the China-Pakistan corridor, hoping to benefit from its positive impacts. It is clear that these main arteries are already promoting development in the region. (3) Progress has been made in terms of energy infrastructure. If energy resources are the lifeblood of industry, then pipe networks are its blood vessels. In recent years, a number of major pipelines have been completed, including the China-Russia and Kazakhstan-China oil pipelines and the China-Myanmar and China-Central Asia natural gas pipelines. Meanwhile, countries have stepped up construction of the China-Russia East Route natural gas pipeline and Line D of the Central Asia-China Gas Pipeline. China has successfully diversified its energy imports, and its partners now have a wider array of energy exports. (4) Communication networks are improving, providing the BRI with an enhanced “nervous system.” At the end of 2016, the Asia-Pacific Gateway, an undersea telecommunications cable linking South Korea, China, and Southeast Asia, was completed and put into service. In addition, increased efforts are being made to finish construction of four land-based 平易近人：习近平的语言力量--英文-新.indd 105 20/10/15 16:34 106 Xi Jinping Diplomatic Wit and Vision telecommunication network channels connecting Northeast Asia-Europe, Central Asia-Middle East-Europe, South Asia-Europe, and Southeast Asia-Europe. (5) A number of major infrastructure projects are in the works or have already become operational. For example, the Addis Ababa-Djibouti railway and the Mombasa-Nairobi railway are now in service. In addition, construction has begun on the Jakarta-Bandung high-speed railway, the China-Laos railway, the Hungary-Serbia railway, and the Tongjiang- Nizhneleninskoye railway bridge. Construction is set to begin on the China-Thailand high-speed railway, and the Moscow-Kazan high-speed railway has entered the design stage. In addition to these trunk lines, a large number of smaller projects are also in the works, including highways in Tajikistan and the Alternative North-South Road in Kyrgyzstan. These infrastructure projects are like “capillaries,” providing circulation and connectivity within China and the surrounding regions. (6) The soft environment is continuing to improve. Over the last few years, China has entered into more than 130 bilateral and regional transit agreements with Belt and Road countries in a number of areas including railways, roads, shipping, and aviation. China now has direct flights to 43 countries along the BRI routes, running over 4,200 flights per week. The Chinese passport is becoming increasingly desirable, with more than 60 countries now offering visa-free travel or visas on arrival to Chinese citizens. For most Chinese, traveling overseas has never been easier. As China’s foreign policy continues to focus on neighboring countries, China is more committed than ever to breaking the bottleneck in Asian connectivity. Increased connectivity will pave the way for optimal allocation of resources and efficient flow of people and goods, which will allow economies in the region to find their wings and take off. 平易近人：习近平的语言力量--英文-新.indd 106 20/10/15 16:34 China’s opening up is not a one-man show. It is an invitation open to all. It is a pursuit not to establish China’s own sphere of influence, but to support the common development of all countries. It does not set out to build a garden in China’s own backyard, but a public park that can be shared by all countries. – Keynote speech given by Xi Jinping at the opening ceremony of the B20 Summit, September 3, 2016 平易近人：习近平的语言力量--英文-新.indd 107 20/10/15 16:34 108 “Backyard Garden” Or “Public Park” – The Belt and Road Initiative seeks to promote common development rather than spheres of influence One of the main differences between a backyard garden and a public park is that, quite simply, one is private while the other is not. As a piece of private property, a backyard garden is of little benefit to outsiders, however beautiful it might be. Applying the image to the field of international relations, we might think of a backyard garden as a country’s sphere of influence. We see spheres of influence at play during the Age of Imperialism, for example, when certain Western powers were bent on global domination. These nations relied on gunboat diplomacy and comparative economic advantage to turn other nations into colonies or semi-colonies, and claimed exclusive rights to land that did not belong to them. These countries hurt others to better their own cause. Their spheres of influence were the result of hegemony and zero-sum thinking. This sort of thinking is manifested today when certain countries seek to wield special political, economic, and security influence in other countries. A public park is fundamentally different. In the public park analogy, every country is viewed as equal, regardless of its size. Different civilizations seek to complement and learn from one another. The public park leaves no room for zero-sum thinking. Everyone is invited to take part and share in the benefits. There is no place for one-upmanship or winner-takes-all logic. Mutual respect and win-win cooperation are basic principles, and everyone aspires to common development, common prosperity, equity, and justice. But there is another layer of meaning here. The 平易近人：习近平的语言力量--英文-新.indd 108 20/10/15 16:34 “Backyard Garden” Or “Public Park” 109 public park analogy reminds us that sustainable development is the best way forward. In cooperation with other countries, China is committed to promoting a green economy in which people work and live in a manner that is low-carbon, circular, and sustainable. In this way, all countries will achieve prosperity while retaining their clear water and green mountains. As modern history shows, the fight for competing spheres of influence has resulted in untold tragedy. The two world wars were triggered by imperialist powers intent on redefining their spheres of influence. The price of war has increased with time, with 70 million lives lost in World War II alone. It is only natural, then, that the world is moving from the law of the jungle toward a system of global governance. The establishment of the United Nations and the emergence of the U.N. Charter were landmark events, and many former colonies have since gained independence. In 1945, at the time of its founding, the U.N. had only 51 member states. Today, the number has grown to 193. However, certain Western powers will not take it lying down. Interventionism and hegemony can be found in almost every corner of the globe. As China has grown stronger and more Chinese companies are going global, the West has had to deal with a new crop of competitors. In response, Western media have cried foul, accusing China of engaging in neo-colonialism, exploiting resources, and exporting pollution, and some have even suggested the Belt and Road Initiative is a ploy for China to stake its claim in new markets. But to impute such motives to China is small-minded and hypocritical, a sign that some are controlled by the very thing they are calling out – the craving for spheres of influence. There are a number of reasons why China is so committed to building a public park as opposed to a backyard garden, including the country’s past wounds, its distinct values, and the trend of the times. First, China is a survivor of Western imperialism. It was once a semi-colony, as countries flocked to China to carve out their respective spheres of influence – Jiaozhou Bay was claimed by Germany, Japan occupied Taiwan, the Russian Empire took control of Lüshun, and Hong 平易近人：习近平的语言力量--英文-新.indd 109 20/10/15 16:34 110 Xi Jinping Diplomatic Wit and Vision Kong was ceded to Britain. Having been a victim of imperialism, China knows the pain it causes and therefore stands firmly against hegemony, power politics, and spheres of influence. Second, the Chinese people have a philosophy and system of values that is distinctly Chinese. “Be independent and strive for the better when you are poor; help and benefit others when you are rich.” “A man of virtue seeks harmony, not uniformity.” “When the Great Way rules, the land under Heaven belongs to the people.” These are but a few of the countless sayings that exhibit the inclusive and humanitarian spirit that has characterized China throughout history. In recent years, China has been busy about its development, contributing more than 30% to world economic growth. Inasmuch as it can, China is happy and willing to lend a helping hand to other countries so that they can share in the fruits of China’s economic and social development. Third, in this era of economic globalization, the world is inextricably connected. Countries rely more closely on one another and share in each other’s successes and failures. When global economic crisis hits, no country walks away unscathed. But the opposite is true as well. For example, China stands to benefit when its neighbors experience rapid growth. On the security front, unrest in one country never results in stability for another. Development, in its truest sense, is and must be inclusive – plain and simple. Finally, we live in a world of great diversity. The world is meant to be a public park. Historically, the greatest times of social flourishing have tended to coincide with eras in which intellectual debate and cultural exchange were widely embraced. Based on the current state of international relations, it is safe to say that unipolarity is on its way out and multipolarity is here to stay. This is a good thing. Just as the natural world brims with diversity of species, it is only natural to have a mixed bag of development models and political systems. To see the world as a public park, we need look no further than the trend toward global diversity. China’s BRI is a development mega-program that aims to bring 平易近人：习近平的语言力量--英文-新.indd 110 20/10/15 16:34 “Backyard Garden” Or “Public Park” 111 regional economic revitalization through the promotion of common development and prosperity. China has no agenda up its sleeve. “We do not seek to dominate regional affairs or build any sphere of influence.” These words, articulated by Xi Jinping when he first proposed the “Silk Road Economic Belt Initiative,” represent a basic principle of Chinese diplomacy – one that remains unchanged to this day. 平易近人：习近平的语言力量--英文-新.indd 111 20/10/15 16:34 In promoting the Belt and Road Initiative, China will follow the principles of extensive consultation, joint contribution, and shared benefits. The initiative will be open and inclusive, not exclusive. It will be a chorus of all participating countries, not a solo for China itself. – Keynote speech given by Xi Jinping at the Boao Forum for Asia Annual Conference 2015, March 28, 2015 平易近人：习近平的语言力量--英文-新.indd 112 20/10/15 16:34 113 A “Chorus,” Not a “Solo” – The Belt and Road Initiative is about working together through consultation to meet the interests of all A solo is a vocal or instrumental work that features a single performer, while a chorus is a collaborative effort consisting of multiple voices and parts. In a solo performance, a single voice or instrument takes the spotlight, while a choral production draws on the power of the collective, each voice carefully arranged to produce meaningful harmony. The image of the choral production, not the solo performance, should be used for understanding the Belt and Road Initiative, which follows the principles of extensive consultation, joint contribution, and shared benefits. The analogy is embedded with several layers of meaning, which we will look at in turn. First, the BRI resembles a choral production in that it is a collaborative platform which is open, voluntary, and inclusive. It is not designed with entry barriers to keep certain countries out, but welcomes the participation of all. Second, just as every member of a choir has the opportunity to sing, the BRI gives every participant the right to make its voice heard. The programs of development are not decided by China alone. Matters are discussed and decided jointly. Every country and region is invited to the negotiating table, where they can have a say and voice their thoughts and suggestions. Third, every country – whether big or small – has a part to play. Each and every participant is integral to the BRI and has an opportunity to contribute to regional development and prosperity. The most salient features of the BRI – openness and inclusiveness – 平易近人：习近平的语言力量--英文-新.indd 113 20/10/15 16:34 114 Xi Jinping Diplomatic Wit and Vision are in step with the times. Looking down the corridor of history, we can see that human progress is the result of mutual learning and integration. The Silk Road enabled China to share its “four great inventions” with the rest of the world, and also made it possible for other civilizations to share their achievements with China. Mutual sharing and learning benefits everyone. We live in a globalized world, one in which nations and people are tightly interconnected and dependent on one another. Despite ongoing backlash against globalization, no country is expected to fully “deglobalize” and close its door to the rest of the world. We cannot afford to do that. Humanity is faced with an increasing number of global issues, such as terrorism and climate change, which no country can manage on its own. The world needs to stay open-minded and inclusive as it seeks economic development and progress. The guiding principles of the BRI are extensive consultation, joint contribution, and shared benefits. The BRI is designed to be a team effort, which makes it possible to pool more resources and promote more balanced development in the region. Many Chinese are familiar with the Yellow River Cantata, a choral work composed during the War of Resistance against Japanese Aggression. The song, famous for its stunning harmony, is a powerful example of what can be accomplished when many voices come together. This synergy is precisely what the BRI sets out to achieve – the idea that one plus one can be greater than two. Extensive consultation is based on the principle of mutual respect. It implies a level playing field in which all countries are encouraged to seek out converging points of interest. Such consultation allows each member to have a say to ensure the trajectory and schedule of development meets the needs of that particular country. As of May 2017, more than 100 countries and international organizations had expressed their willingness to participate in the BRI, and some of the development programs have been incorporated into key resolutions passed by the U.N. General Assembly and Security Council. China has signed BRI collaboration agreements with more than 40 countries and international organizations, and launched 平易近人：习近平的语言力量--英文-新.indd 114 20/10/15 16:34 A “Chorus,” Not a “Solo” 115 projects on production capacity cooperation with more than 30 countries. The choir continues to grow and expand, a sign that China’s commitment to extensive consultation has been a resounding success. Joint contribution means that all parties should put their heads together and make a concerted effort to implement each project in the common interest. This will create a system that is better adapted to the needs and interests of all parties. But three points of clarification need to be made. First, joint contribution does not mean dismantling existing systems or returning to square one; rather, it seeks to establish new frameworks while remaining committed to existing ones, as seen in Kazakhstan’s “Bright Path” program and Turkey’s “Middle Corridor” initiative. Second, BRI collaboration draws together a diverse group of participating entities, including governments, enterprises, international financial institutions, and private equity investors, and not all are located in the same region. For example, the China-Myanmar oil and gas pipeline is a collaborative project involving six companies from China, South Korea, Myanmar, and India. Finally, efforts are being made to develop a unified system of standards and regulations. Such a system will ensure that the standards used for measurement, inspection, quarantine, and technical systems are consistent or compatible with one another and can be applied uniformly across the entire region. The achievements of the BRI have been impressive. Between 2014 and 2016, a large number of projects were launched to improve regional connectivity; China’s trade with Belt and Road countries topped US$3 trillion, and Chinese investment in the same countries exceeded US$50 billion; a variety of Silk Road-themed events were run, including cultural exchanges, “year of tourism” events, and art festivals; and various international leagues were established to facilitate collaboration among think tanks, media companies, and theatres. Finally, shared benefits means that all participating parties will benefit from BRI projects of development. The initial cooperation programs of the BRI are beginning to deliver results, benefiting people of the countries 平易近人：习近平的语言力量--英文-新.indd 115 20/10/15 16:34 116 Xi Jinping Diplomatic Wit and Vision along the Belt and Road. For example, Chinese companies have established 56 economic and trade cooperation zones in Belt and Road countries, generating nearly US$1.1 billion in tax revenue for the host countries and creating 180,000 local jobs. And thanks to China, the No. 2 Thermal Power Station in Dushanbe, the capital of Tajikistan, is capable of providing winter power and heat for 70% of the city’s residents. As more projects are completed, more people will benefit from the greater access and convenience provided by the BRI. 平易近人：习近平的语言力量--英文-新.indd 116 20/10/15 16:34 There was a time when China too had doubts about economic globalization, and was not sure whether it should join the World Trade Organization. But we came to the conclusion that integration with the global economy is a historical trend. To grow its economy, China must have the courage to swim in the vast ocean of the global market. Those who fear to face the storm and explore the new world will sooner or later drown in the ocean. Therefore, China took the bold step to embrace the global market. From time to time we have struggled to keep our heads above the water, and we have encountered whirlpools and choppy waves, but in the end we learned to swim by swimming. It has proved to be the right strategic choice. – Keynote speech given by Xi Jinping at the opening ceremony of the World Economic Forum 2017, January 17, 2017 平易近人：习近平的语言力量--英文-新.indd 117 20/10/15 16:34 118 Learn to Swim While Swimming – Take the plunge and embrace the wave of economic globalization In early 2017, at the World Economic Forum held in Davos, Switzerland, Xi Jinping gave a speech that caught the world’s attention. When discussing some of the drawbacks of economic globalization, Xi warned against cursing the whole enterprise: “Simply blaming economic globalization for the world’s problems is neither consistent with reality, nor helpful for finding solutions to the problems.” His comments were a major talking point among Western media and scholars, who said that China was now ready to take the reins of economic globalization. Looking back on China’s bold step to launch its reform and opening-up policy and its move to embrace economic globalization, Xi said, quite simply, “We learned to swim by swimming.” His words are a fresh reminder of the lessons China learned through its willingness to take the plunge. The era of globalization can be traced back to the maritime expeditions of the 16th and 17th centuries. Over time, the open sea became a symbol of the hopes and dreams of humanity in their quest for cultural exchange, and ocean voyages became the primary means of linking different parts of the world. China had its share of sea odysseys. During the Ming Dynasty (1368-1644), a famous navigator by the name of Zheng He embarked on seven ocean expeditions and left China’s footprint in the lands he visited en route. In the modern era, countless Chinese went abroad to study or do business in the hope of serving their own country. And in some sense, China’s decision to open up its economy to the world some forty years ago signified a voyage into the open seas, as the Chinese 平易近人：习近平的语言力量--英文-新.indd 118 20/10/15 16:34 Learn to Swim While Swimming 119 view the ocean as forward-looking, a symbol of hope. By embracing the vast ocean, China’s economy has embraced the world. In the process of opening up, China has had some doubts and disagreements. On the one hand, China recognized that the only way to break through its bottleneck was to step out into the vast global market, as the competitive pressure there would help to promote reform and innovation domestically. But opening the door to the outside world meant stepping away from the protective umbrella and safety net to which the country had grown accustomed. China understood that it would have a difficult time finding its footing in the global market, but it knew this was the only path forward if the country hoped to be competitive and pursue greater growth. China had a number of pressing questions to answer. How should it seek to leverage its strengths to improve its global competitiveness? What steps should the country take when opening up to the world, and how should it pace itself? Was there a way for China to promote economic reform without compromising its national interests? There were no quick and easy answers. China would have to learn some things the hard way. But China took decisive action and demonstrated its resolve to open up and integrate with the global economy. In July 1986, China requested resumption of its contracting party status to the General Agreement on Tariffs and Trade (GATT), and, in July 1995, Beijing made a formal request to accede to the World Trade Organization (WTO). China signed the WTO protocol of accession in November 2001, and was formally accepted in the WTO the following month. It was an uphill battle, but after 15 years, China had shown its determination to leap into the boundless ocean of the world economy. China did not remain a rookie swimmer for long. In a few short years, the country was gliding through the water like a veteran. The tide of history continued to surge. In September 2013, during a visit to Kazakhstan, Xi Jinping proposed the construction of the Silk Road Economic Belt, and in Indonesia the following month, he proposed the construction of the 21st Century Maritime Silk Road. These two 平易近人：习近平的语言力量--英文-新.indd 119 20/10/15 16:34 120 Xi Jinping Diplomatic Wit and Vision proposals, later referred to by the more familiar “Belt and Road Initiative,” generated major headlines around the world. In May 2017, the inaugural Belt and Road Forum for International Cooperation was held in Beijing, drawing together an impressive array of government and business leaders from all over the world. The BRI represents China’s latest commitment to promote openness and economic globalization, not only in neighboring countries along the ancient Silk Road, but also in the Americas, Europe, Africa, and the rest of the world. On the domestic front, China is faced with the tasks of balancing reform with stability and managing economic growth and resource allocation; internationally, the country continues to explore global markets and promote trade liberalization and facilitation while safeguarding its own national and economic interests. As the Chinese saying goes, “One cannot cross perilous waters without getting one’s feet wet.” It took more than three decades after requesting resumption of its status at the GATT to the time of hosting its first Belt and Road Forum for International Cooperation. If China was a newborn in the world economy thirty years ago, it has now passed into adulthood. There is a Chinese saying that the river flows thirty years to the East, and then turns and flows thirty years to the West. China’s role in the global economy has taken a fundamental turn. The country has witnessed an economic miracle and now finds itself at the front of the tide, leading the global economy through the breaking waves. From “getting its feet wet,” to “struggling to keeps its head above the water,” to “learning to swim,” we can see something of the Chinese spirit. China has never retreated in the face of difficulties, but is always ready to brave new challenges. Xi’s analogies also give us a picture of Chinese diplomacy, particularly in its forward-looking, courageous, and enterprising spirit. Over the past thirty years, China has not only learned to swim; it has become very adept in the water, and has even become a “swim coach” to other countries. As we can see, Xi’s simple analogy contains many profound truths. 平易近人：习近平的语言力量--英文-新.indd 120 20/10/15 16:34 We will continue to pursue a mutually beneficial strategy of opening up, share our development opportunities with the rest of the world, and welcome all countries aboard the train of China’s development. – Speech given by Xi Jinping at the United Nations Office at Geneva, January 18, 2017 平易近人：习近平的语言力量--英文-新.indd 121 20/10/15 16:34 122 Welcome Aboard the Train of China’s Development – Benefit the world through China’s robust development “Ride sharing” is a term that refers to an arrangement in which the owner of a vehicle offers a ride to a friend who is heading the same way. It not only helps to reduce traffic but is also more eco-friendly. In general, it requires the participation of two parties – one party to provide and operate the vehicle, and the other to sit along for the ride. In order for the trip to be successful, one must have the right resources and conditions. First, the vehicle itself must be drivable and have an adequate fuel supply and so on; second, the driver has to be willing to offer a ride, and he or she must be competent behind the wheel. In the field of international relations, the ride sharing analogy may be used in reference to a major country which provides public goods to a region or the whole world for the benefit of the people Xi Jinping has on numerous occasions offered a “ride” to the rest of the world, inviting them to come on board the train – or, more literally, take advantage of the “tailwind” – of Chinese development. The gesture is a clear sign that, as the country seeks to accelerate its own development, China is committed to the principles of openness and mutually beneficial cooperation, and it is willing to work with other countries to build a global community of shared future in order to share the fruits of its own development with the rest of the world. In recent years, a number of critics in the international media have lashed out at China for supposedly “free riding” over the past 30 years. 平易近人：习近平的语言力量--英文-新.indd 122 20/10/15 16:34 Welcome Aboard the Train of China’s Development 123 These accusations are biased, ungrounded, and unfair. Free riding is used to describe one who obtains some benefit at another’s expense. In international relations, the term implies that a country effectively games the system by shirking its international responsibilities and/or failing to deliver public goods while at the same time milking that system for its benefits. Over the last few decades, China’s integration into the global economy has been anything but a “free ride.” Quite the opposite, China has offered a free ride to the rest of the world by inviting other countries to benefit from its growth. First, China’s development has been remarkably uneventful. The stable growth of a country of 1.3 billion has proved to be an economic boon for the region and world at large. Second, China has become an important engine of global growth, providing impetus for the economic development of many other countries. Third, China has not set out to rock the boat or make the international establishment crashing down, but has advocated for slow and steady improvement in the existing international order. Fourth, China has increased its output of public goods to the international community. Again, it is decidedly wrong and unfair to claim that China has sought to sponge up the benefits of the international establishment while refusing to share in responsibilities and costs of the system. Over the past 30 years, China’s relationship with the rest of the world has been defined by mutually beneficial cooperation; it has never tried to have a free ride of another country’s train of development. China’s growth has depended on the world, and the world has benefitted as a result. Now that China is deeply integrated into the world, it has begun to influence the world in profound ways. As China invites the rest of the world aboard its train of development, what opportunities and public goods does it have to offer? To begin with, China actively participates in peacekeeping operations and contributes to the maintenance of international peace and security in accordance with the spirit of the U.N. Charter. Since 1990, the Chinese government has dispatched more than 30,000 personnel on 24 different 平易近人：习近平的语言力量--英文-新.indd 123 20/10/15 16:34 124 Xi Jinping Diplomatic Wit and Vision U.N. peacekeeping missions. President Xi attended the Leaders’ Summit on U.N. Peacekeeping in 2015, where he pledged to increase support for U.N. peacekeeping operations by assembling a standby peacekeeping force of 8,000 soldiers and providing relevant financial and technical support. China has taken on more international responsibility in the global fight to eliminate poverty and has worked hard to provide more practical support to developing countries. In September 2015, at a high-level roundtable on South-South Cooperation, Xi Jinping announced that China would be rolling out the “Six 100s” initiative over a period of five years to help developing countries, an initiative consisting of 100 poverty relief programs, 100 agricultural cooperation projects, 100 trade promotion programs, 100 environmental protection and climate change programs, 100 hospitals and clinics, and 100 schools and vocational training centers. At a U.N. Sustainable Development Summit, Xi announced that China would be setting up the Assistance Fund for South-South Cooperation, with an initial pledge of US$2 billion to support developing countries as they implement the Post-2015 Development Agenda. In addition, China committed to ramp up investment in the least developed countries, with the goal of contributing US$12 billion by 2030, and announced its decision to cancel outstanding debts on interest-free government loans (maturing by the end of 2015) owed by the least developed countries, landlocked developing countries, and small island developing states. In the U.S.-China Joint Presidential Statement on Climate Change, China promised to set aside RMB20 billion in support of other developing countries in the fight against climate change. The prominent feature of China’s train of development is the country’s commitment to pursue extensive consultation, joint contribution, and shared benefits through its Belt and Road Initiative (BRI). Since the proposal was first introduced, China has worked with other countries to hammer out scores of large collaborative projects that promise to enhance the lives of people in the region. Between 2014 and 2016, trade between China and BRI countries topped US$3 trillion, and Chinese investment in 平易近人：习近平的语言力量--英文-新.indd 124 20/10/15 16:34 Welcome Aboard the Train of China’s Development 125 the same countries exceeded US$50 billion. Chinese companies established 56 economic and trade cooperation zones in more than 20 countries, which has generated nearly US$1.1 billion in tax revenue and created 180,000 local jobs. The Asian Infrastructure Investment Bank (AIIB) is helping to finance infrastructure and economic development projects in various countries, putting up US$1.7 billion in loans for nine projects and contributing more than US$4 billion to the Silk Road Fund. At the Belt and Road Forum for International Cooperation in May 2017, Xi Jinping announced that China would support its pledge to build a global community of shared future by: contributing an additional RMB100 billion to the Silk Road Fund; setting up special lending schemes worth RMB250 billion and RMB 130 billion through the China Development Bank and the Export-Import Bank of China, respectively, to support cooperation in infrastructure, capacity building, and financing; providing RMB60 billion in assistance over a period of three years to launch projects aimed at improving the livelihood of people in developing countries and international organizations participating in the BRI; furnishing RMB2 billion in emergency food assistance to developing countries participating in the BRI; contributing an additional US$1 billion to the Assistance Fund for South-South Cooperation; and providing US$1 billion to relevant international organizations to implement cooperation projects that will benefit Belt and Road countries. And that’s just the Cliffs Notes version! China’s “train of development” contains the Chinese word for “tailwind,” which describes a favorable influence or a course of movement in the same direction as the wind. China’s train of development has been widely acclaimed for a number of reasons – it embodies a balanced understanding of shared interests and justice, it shows respect for the development needs of others, and it does not come with any political strings attached. In September 2015, following Xi Jinping’s speech to the U.N. General Assembly, dozens of heads of state lined the hallway waiting to shake hands with China’s president. Those who had accepted China’s 平易近人：习近平的语言力量--英文-新.indd 125 20/10/15 16:34 126 Xi Jinping Diplomatic Wit and Vision invitation and benefitted from the “tailwind” of China’s development had many heartfelt words to say: “Help from China is pure gold”; “China values solid work – they don’t waste their words, and they get a lot done.” Words of commendation also came from Ban Ki-Moon, former secretary- general of the United Nations: “China is bringing real and tangible benefits to the poorest and most vulnerable people of the world.” 平易近人：习近平的语言力量--英文-新.indd 126 20/10/15 16:34 Everyday Sayings 平易近人：习近平的语言力量--英文-新.indd 127 20/10/15 16:34 平易近人：习近平的语言力量--英文-新.indd 128 20/10/15 16:34 We are striving to achieve the Chinese Dream of national rejuvenation. The Chinese Dream is about enhancing the prosperity of the country and the wellbeing of the people. – Speech given by Xi Jinping before the Parliament of Australia, November 17, 2014 平易近人：习近平的语言力量--英文-新.indd 129 20/10/15 16:34 130 Enhance the Prosperity of the Country and the Well-being of the People – The Chinese Dream is one of peace, development, cooperation, and mutual benefit According to a Chinese saying, “One’s thoughts during the day fuel one’s dreams at night.” Dreams reflect the thoughts and hopes of the dreamer and, by extension, may be regarded as the aspirations of an individual and the social ideals of mankind. Everyone has their own ideals and pursuits – their own dreams. In his explanation of the Chinese Dream, Xi Jinping sparked endless conversations. What is the Chinese Dream? Chinese people from various ages, professions, and educational backgrounds have different answers. For some, it may be the small joys of leading a simple yet virtuous life or the lofty goal of facing mounting adversity with a steel will. For others it may be becoming a self-made success or assuming responsibility for the prosperity of society at large. The subtleties and specifics used to convey the Chinese Dream are unprecedented. Never has the Chinese Dream been expressed so vividly and impartially. In his examination of the line “And who his secret message hears?” from A Dream of the Red Mansions Lu Xun proposed, “Those who study the Confucian classics see the influence of the Book of Changes. Confucian moralists find it licentious. Gifted scholars consider it touching. Revolutionaries view it as critical of the Manchus. Those who spread rumors see it as a revelation of palace secrets…” The text is written by the author, but readers project their own sense of understanding on it, thus creating wildly different readings. Similarly, the international community’s interpre- 平易近人：习近平的语言力量--英文-新.indd 130 20/10/15 16:34 Enhance the Prosperity of the Country and the Well-being of the People 131 tations of the Chinese Dream run the gamut from those who can understand and identify with it to those who are puzzled and misinterpret it. There are those who think highly of China’s remarkable achievements in economic development, the rise in our people’s living standards, the depth of our rich culture and history, and the growth of our international influence. And there are still others who link the Chinese Dream to dreams of a celestial empire, nationalism, military hegemony, and East Asian domination to express their own sense of loss and helplessness, their suspicions about China, and their anxieties about the future. The Chinese Dream has encountered substantial political and cultural pressure from the international community in China’s efforts to convince people through facts and dispel doubts through sincerity. “Good wine goes unappreciated when far from reach.” At a time when international public opinion is dominated by Western discourse, we can no longer afford the luxury of assuming history will separate the wheat from the chaff. Xi Jinping has pioneered the idea of “telling China’s stories well.” Since the 18th CPC National Congress, Xi has utilized overseas visits as a platform for explaining and emphasizing the Chinese Dream, and, be it through discussions, exchanges, articles, or speeches, his words are explicit and convincing. Referring to the historical basis for the Chinese Dream, he said, “Universal peace and harmony is the ideal that Chinese people have cherished for several thousand years.” Discussing the fundamental meaning behind the Chinese Dream, he explained, “The Chinese Dream of national rejuvenation is about enhancing the prosperity of China and the well-being of the people.” Introducing the global effects of the Chinese Dream, he clarified, “The Chinese Dream is one of peace, development, cooperation, and mutual benefit” and is “for the well-being of people from all countries.” With acute foresight and attention to detail, these explanations have won increased international understanding and support of the Chinese Dream. “Adversity builds character just as polishing refines jade.” The healthy look of a person is inseparable from his or her rigorous physical exercis- 平易近人：习近平的语言力量--英文-新.indd 131 20/10/15 16:34 132 Xi Jinping Diplomatic Wit and Vision es. Similarly, the Chinese Dream is the inevitable fruition of painstaking exploration. On the one hand, we must be as resolute as the mountains if we are to realize the Chinese Dream. My report to the 18th CPC National Congress proposed Two Centenary Goals: building a moderately prosperous society in all respects by 2021 (100 years after the founding of the CPC) and building a prosperous, strong, democratic, culturally advanced, and harmonious modern socialist country by 2049 (100 years after the founding of the People’s Republic of China in 1949). The Two Centenary Goals express the top-level design of the Chinese Dream and serve as guiding stars that appeal to and inspire people to take action. On the other hand, the implementation must be as supple as water if we are to achieve the Chinese Dream. From “a science and technology powerhouse,” “a maritime power,” and “a cultural bastion” to “a strong and prosperous China,” “a beautiful China,” and “a harmonious China,” the Chinese Dream has been refined into a set of realistic objectives, tasks, and pathways. If we are to finally “reach the top and behold all mountains with a single glance,” we must seize every moment over the long haul and muster the courage to tackle difficulties head-on by prioritizing genuine actions over old routines, by resolving real problems instead of spouting rhetoric, and by uniting in our struggle and developing new ideas. Ultimately, the Chinese Dream is one of a developing nation that upholds national dignity and encourages personal happiness. An encapsulation of the philosophy behind the collective governance of the CPC Central Committee, it emphasizes that the Party must play the leading role, proceed from real conditions in China, and follow the Chinese path. It must carry the Chinese spirit forward and consolidate Chinese strength. The Chinese Dream represents the awakening and self-strengthening of an ancient nation and the impetus for Chinese people to tap into their imagination and creativity. It offers the opportunity for all Chinese people to lead rewarding lives and fulfill their dreams. Rooted firmly within Chinese soil, the Chinese Dream has surfaced to raise countless dreams of employment, education, housing, medical insurance, and culture. 平易近人：习近平的语言力量--英文-新.indd 132 20/10/15 16:34 Enhance the Prosperity of the Country and the Well-being of the People 133 “The strong pass of the enemy is like a wall of iron, yet with firm strides, we are conquering its summit.” Mao Zedong: Loushan Pass When the Nobel Prize is won by native Chinese writers and scientists, when the world’s largest single-dish radio telescope is operational in China, when our homegrown C919 jetliner soars overhead, when the Belt and Road Forum for International Cooperation opens in Beijing, the celebration of these milestones will signify that the Chinese Dream of the great rejuvenation of the Chinese nation has been established with greater clarity, specificity, and impact on the people. 平易近人：习近平的语言力量--英文-新.indd 133 20/10/15 16:34 China does not covet other countries’ rights and interests or become jealous of their achievements, nor do we give up our legitimate rights and interests. Saber rattling cannot scare us Chinese. We do not make trouble, but when it comes, we will not back away. We will not let any country force us to betray our core interests or undermine our country’s sovereignty, security and developmental interests. – Speech given by Xi Jinping at a celebration to mark the 95th anniversary of the establishment of the Communist Party of China, July 1, 2016 平易近人：习近平的语言力量--英文-新.indd 134 20/10/15 16:34 135 The Chinese People Do not Make Trouble, But When It Comes, We Will not Back Away. – Pursuing peaceful development and safeguarding national core interests is an indivisible whole “China does not covet other countries’ rights and interests or become jealous of their achievements, nor do we give up our legitimate rights and interests.” With these words, Xi Jinping shows China’s full determination and commitment to peaceful development. This means that China will never trade its legitimate rights and interests or national core interests for peaceful development. Other countries should refrain from adopting lopsided views of what China means by peaceful development and avoid the mistaken belief that China will compromise on issues involving core interests in return for a stable international environment in which to pursue development. Moreover, no country should misinterpret any step to safeguard Chinese core interests as a deviation from China’s declared path of peaceful development. For China, pursuing peaceful development and defending national core interests are an indivisible whole, not a matter of one or the other. Xi Jinping further explained, “Saber rattling cannot scare us Chinese. We do not make trouble, but when it comes, we will not back away. We will not let any country force us to betray our core interests or undermine our country’s sovereignty, security and developmental interests.” This firm position could not be clearer or more understandable. Xi Jinping not only declared to the world the path that China is pursuing but also clarified where the bottom line, and the red line, are drawn, helping the interna- 平易近人：习近平的语言力量--英文-新.indd 135 20/10/15 16:34 136 Xi Jinping Diplomatic Wit and Vision tional community gain a comprehensive and balanced understanding of China’s pursuit of peaceful development, lest China’s intentions and principles be misinterpreted. China does not “make trouble.” It chooses to act within the framework of international law and the United Nations Charter. China never provokes international disputes, profits at the expense of others, or shifts troubles elsewhere. Despite being a large country, China never seeks hegemony. It neither supplants large countries, bullies small countries, nor imposes its will on others. China does not infringe on the territorial sovereignty of other countries; it wants not an inch of foreign land. When controversial issues arise, China is committed to finding resolution through negotiation and consultation. It advocates shelving disputes that cannot be resolved in the short term to avoid harming other areas of cooperation. For example, China did not instigate any of the recent incidents that occurred near its periphery. China does not fear trouble. It absolutely will not exercise patience or make concessions on issues that go against its principles. Peace and development are the mantra today, and yet the harshness of international and political struggle continues unabated in some parts of the world. The possibility that certain countries and political forces seek to harm our core interests still exists, and our good intentions for peaceful development will not dispel it. Peaceful development is an ideal path, but it is not without bumps along the way. Especially now, when China is still in the process of rising and gaining strength, the ways in which we respond to international challenges, and indeed our capacity to do so, may be growing, but foreign pressure to contain China has kept pace. The pursuit of peaceful development inevitably requires that we employ both cooperation and confrontation. Through a lens of reason, benefits, and moderation, China has made it easier for the world to recognize its diplomatic goals and bottom line. We must convey an unequivocal message to the rest of the world: China seeks peaceful development without inflicting threats on anyone else or tolerating anyone else inflicting threats on China. The international community needs to be willing to conduct exchanges and cooperation 平易近人：习近平的语言力量--英文-新.indd 136 20/10/15 16:34 The Chinese People Do not Make Trouble, But When It Comes, We Will not Back Away. 137 with China without feeling surprised when China defends its core interests. “Saber rattling cannot scare us Chinese.” China has the confidence, ability, and determination to meet all challenges. From the War of Resistance against Japanese Aggression to the War of Liberation, from the War to Resist U.S. Aggression and Aid Korea to the fight against hegemonism, from upholding the sovereignty of the Diaoyu Islands to defending our sovereignty and maritime rights over the islands and reefs in the South China Sea, from combatting the three forces of terrorism, separatism, and extremism to improving our capacity to win informationized local wars, the Chinese people have never been ambiguous about defending our sovereignty, security, and development interests. China neither instigates trouble nor fears it. Instead, we are backed by our principles, determination, and growing overall national strength. Backward countries have always been targets of attack. The experience of being a backward country has been branded deep within the Chinese people’s collective memory. While China does not stir up trouble, certain countries are determined to provoke China or lay trouble at our doorstep. China does not fear any trouble, because it is backed by powerful national strength and early warning capabilities. We have beefed up our national defense, expanded our global partnership network, and enhanced our capacity to shape peripheral and international environments. Looking forward, the defining global trend of our time will be peaceful development, and China’s peaceful development strategy is aligned with this trend. We have full confidence in our ability to achieve our development goals and successfully pursue peaceful development. Indeed, peaceful development lays the foundation for China to safeguard national core interests, which eliminates obstacles toward peaceful development. The pursuit of peaceful development encourages friendships with other countries; the safeguarding of core interests is no impediment to true friendships. 平易近人：习近平的语言力量--英文-新.indd 137 20/10/15 16:34 China pursues peaceful development and welcomes other countries to follow the same path. Only when all countries are doing so, they will be able to acquire common development and peaceful coexistence. – Speech given by Xi Jinping while chairing the third group study session of the Political Bureau of the 18th CPC Central Committee, January 28, 2013 平易近人：习近平的语言力量--英文-新.indd 138 20/10/15 16:34 139 China Welcomes Other Countries to Follow the Same Path – Advance China’s positive engagement with the world Adhering to the path of peaceful development is a strategic choice and the objective of our efforts. “Our pursuit of peaceful development hinges to a great extent on turning opportunities that exist in other countries into opportunities for China, and vice versa, thus enabling China and all other countries to forge ahead in an environment of positive engagement and mutual benefit.” Focused on peace and development, Xi Jinping’s remarks fully express the relationship between China and the rest of the world. As he pointed out, the past few decades have seen dramatic changes in the international community. Peace, development, cooperation, and mutual benefit have become the defining trend of our times, and countries are more interconnected and interdependent than ever before. Yet, the world still presents humanity with difficulties and challenges. It is against this backdrop that Xi Jinping stressed the need to better integrate domestic development with opening up to the outside world, to link the development of China with that of all other countries, and to unite the interests of the Chinese people with those of people around the globe. In short, “China pursues peaceful development and welcomes other countries to follow the same path. Only when all countries are doing so, they will be able to acquire common development and peaceful coexistence.” China adheres to a path of peaceful development and encourages other countries to do the same, each reinforcing the other. China has inter- 平易近人：习近平的语言力量--英文-新.indd 139 20/10/15 16:34 140 Xi Jinping Diplomatic Wit and Vision ests in common with the rest of the world. Safeguarding China’s interests may be incorporated with advancing global common interests to avoid any pretense of playing a zero-sum game. Linking China’s development more closely with that of all other countries and integrating the interests of Chinese people with the common interests of all people will create more room for China’s peaceful development and greater prospects for peaceful development worldwide. What needs to happen for all countries to follow the path of peaceful development? First, we must solve the problem of perception by emphasizing that common ground and cooperation are integral to peaceful development. Peaceful development cannot be achieved in isolation. Looking at the world today, it is hard to imagine enjoying security while others have none, thriving while others are kept down, or being content while others live in misery. As it stands, the world is far from tranquil, development is hindered on many fronts, and global problems are all too prominent. This is not a struggle that any one country, no matter how strong, can fight alone. The effects from an event in one country can easily create ripples far beyond its borders. Disregarding the purposes and principles of the United Nations Charter, pursuing hegemonism and power politics, being quick to interfere in the internal affairs of other countries, provoking an arms race, and maintaining a double standard on the three forces (terrorism, separatism, and extremism) negatively impact the peaceful development of the world. Traditional and nontraditional security threats have become entwined, ensuring that safeguarding world peace and promoting common development will remain a daunting task for years to come. Our interests are best served when all countries stand together through difficult times, enjoy shared benefits, and shoulder joint responsibilities. Second, we must link development strategies by managing differences and finding more common ground. Since the general conditions of every country are different, their respective requirements and priorities for development, as well as their approaches to international issues, may 平易近人：习近平的语言力量--英文-新.indd 140 20/10/15 16:34 China Welcomes Other Countries to Follow the Same Path 141 also differ. Differences should serve as forces that drive the search for common ground, not impediments to win-win cooperation. China seeks and expands upon overlapping areas of interest with other countries. Among all overlapping areas, however, the most strategic, long-term, and promising is to link the development strategy of China with those of relevant countries and regions. This has become an especially effective way for China to practice diplomacy that features win-win cooperation. The general conditions and needs of different countries may be considered when linking up development strategies. Practices that gradually facilitate win-win cooperation for all countries will enable people from all countries to reap the benefits of peaceful development and win-win cooperation and will strengthen momentum for pursuing the common development and security of all countries. Xi Jinping emphasized that the shifting international landscape and the difficulty of getting the world to come on board mean that all countries should jointly promote the building of a new type of international relations centered on win-win cooperation. Moreover, people from around the world should work together to safeguard world peace and promote common development. Engagements between China and the rest of the world are occurring at a faster rate, enhancing our influence on one another. China’s pursuit of peaceful development will be a great benefit to all mankind because it enables one-fifth of the world’s population to enjoy a comfortable and stable life. Similarly, encouraging more countries to follow the path of peaceful development will be a boon to all countries because it promotes positive engagement between China and the rest of the world, thus reinforcing peaceful development for all. 平易近人：习近平的语言力量--英文-新.indd 141 20/10/15 16:34 We need to build a global partnership at the international and regional levels and embrace a new approach to state-to-state relations, one that features dialogue, not confrontation, one that seeks partnerships, not alliances. Relations among major countries should be based on the principles of no conflict, no confrontation, mutual respect, and win-win cooperation. – Speech given by Xi Jinping at the General Debate of the 70th Session of the United Nations General Assembly, September 28, 2015 平易近人：习近平的语言力量--英文-新.indd 142 20/10/15 16:34 143 Feature Dialogue, Not Confrontation; Seek Partnerships, Not Alliances – Important developments in China’s non-alignment policy The Chinese word for “partner” is derived from the term huo ban. In ancient military practice, five men formed a lie, and two lie formed a huo (literally “fire”), which was ten men grouped together to share a cooking fire. Men who used the same fire were known as huo ban (literally, “fire companions”), which referred to soldiers in the same military camp. Another example of huo ban appears in this line from the ancient folk song The Ballad of Mulan, “Out the door she meets her huo ban now staring in great surprise.” Huo ban has by extension come to mean companions who live or work together: partners. The Chinese word for “alliance,” tong meng, has an even longer history. It appears in the chapter “Ninth Year of Duke Xi” from Zuo’s Commentary on the Spring and Autumn Annals, “In autumn, the marquis of Qi concluded the alliance with the princes in Kuiqiu, saying, ‘We who have united in this tong meng shall hereafter all be reconciled.’” Here, tong meng refers to the custom of smearing one’s lips with blood to swear an oath. It was performed by feudal lords in ancient Chinese states to conclude an alliance. Nowadays, it refers to an alliance formed between countries or people. In modern international relations, a partnership is an independent relationship of international cooperation between countries. Based on common interests, it is established to achieve common objectives through joint actions. An alliance is a bloc forged for military security. It refers to a long-term political and military relationship that is established between 平易近人：习近平的语言力量--英文-新.indd 143 20/10/15 16:34 144 Xi Jinping Diplomatic Wit and Vision two or more countries to enhance security by gathering their national strength. In international environments where hegemonism and power politics prevail, history offers telling evidence that alliances tend to exacerbate tensions in international relations. Non-alignment aims to avoid these negative consequences. While addressing the 70th Session of the United Nations General Assembly on September 25, 2015, Xi Jinping proposed pursuing partnerships, not alliances. Partnerships safeguard world peace and development and create a positive international security environment. The preference for partnerships, not alliances, may be traced back to China’s non-alignment policy. In May 1984, while summarizing the guiding principles of Chinese diplomacy in the new era, Deng Xiaoping noted, “The foreign policy of China is independent and non-aligned.” In other words, without alliances, isolation, confrontations, or targeting third-party countries, China fully engages in diplomacy based on non-alignment. This policy was a deliberate decision to pursue development and safeguard independence within the gap between two superpowers, the United States and the Soviet Union. It was also the result of adjusting and rethinking the alliance with the Soviet Union. After the Cold War, China continued to pursue a non-alignment policy in the belief that alliances represented a Cold War mentality and a dated security concept. Under this policy, Chinese diplomacy has truly advanced peace and cooperation with other countries and shaped a positive external environment to facilitate China’s modernization. Since the 18th CPC National Congress, international circumstances have continued to undergo complicated and profound changes. The drive to create a more multipolar world that exists in an era of peace, development, and cooperation is growing, yet regional conflicts and wars still rage on, and development issues remain unsolved. At the same time, China’s overall national strength and international influence continue to increase. Within this context, how China engages with, integrates into, and shapes the world system has piqued everyone’s interest, with the subject of alliances constituting one of the foreign policy debates. Those in favor main- 平易近人：习近平的语言力量--英文-新.indd 144 20/10/15 16:34 Feature Dialogue, Not Confrontation; Seek Partnerships, Not Alliances 145 tain that, far from being a Cold War mentality, alliances are a means of balancing power. They are the only option for making diehard allies and responding to military pressure from certain countries. Those in opposition maintain that the line separating enemies from friends is blurring, globalization is increasing, and competition for overall national strength is intensifying, thus downgrading the importance of military power. Moreover, alliances would not only fetter China’s development but also worsen its security environment. Xi Jinping’s proposal for partnerships rather than alliances bridges the divide between the two sides. By making “diehard friends” based on non-alignment, China upholds its independence and gains reliable friends. It will have dependable partners to face challenging times without becoming entangled in a security dilemma. Seeking partnerships, not alliances, embodies a new vision for Chinese diplomacy in this new landscape, one that conforms to an understanding of peace that has been centuries in the making and a political stance that is appropriate for a socialist country. Seeking partnerships, not alliances, signifies an important development in China’s non-alignment policy, one that creates a new path for foreign interactions and a new type of international relations featuring win-win cooperation. Seeking partnerships, not alliances, is China’s response to the changing international landscape and a building block of major-country diplomacy with Chinese characteristics. First, non-alignment diplomacy is not equidistant diplomacy. Instead, it refers to making diplomacy more all-inclusive, multilayered, and focused. Current Chinese diplomacy may be characterized as comprehensive yet focused. The focus of an all-inclusive diplomacy is improved relations with neighboring countries, which is achieved by building a new type of major-country relations and placing value on developing countries and emerging market countries. Second, non-alignment diplomacy involves cultivating a wide range of friends and increasing the number of partners on the basis of non-alignment. During his visit to Bangladesh, Xi Jinping reiterated the famous words 平易近人：习近平的语言力量--英文-新.indd 145 20/10/15 16:34 146 Xi Jinping Diplomatic Wit and Vision of a Bangladeshi statesman, “Friendship to all, malice to none.” Chinese diplomacy is putting this vision into practice. To date, China has established partnerships with roughly 100 countries, regions, and organizations, including the bulk of the world’s major countries and important regions. Third, non-alignment diplomacy entails diverse partnerships. Rather than creating equally close partnerships with every country, China seeks to establish a broad range of partnerships that extend across a wide variety of areas based on the level of cooperation, area of interest, scope, and degree of closeness. Thus, diplomatic relations are “all-weather,” all-inclusive, comprehensive, reflective of friendly cooperation, etc. In short, it is partnerships, not alliances, that transcend the Cold War mentality, eliminate hegemonism, welcome all countries as equals, and avoid forming cliques. Partnerships, not alliances, are Chinese through and through. 平易近人：习近平的语言力量--英文-新.indd 146 20/10/15 16:34 We need to build an Asia-Pacific partnership of mutual trust, inclusiveness, cooperation, and mutual benefit. Those who are like-minded and follow the same path can be partners. Those who seek common ground while maintaining differences can also be partners. More friends mean more opportunities. – Speech given by Xi Jinping at the opening ceremony of the APEC CEO Summit, November 9, 2014 平易近人：习近平的语言力量--英文-新.indd 147 20/10/15 16:34 148 Those Who Are Like-minded and Follow the Same Path Can Be Partners; Those Who Seek Common Ground While Maintaining Differences Can Also Be Partners – Transcend social systems and ideologies to build a harmonious world “Those who are like-minded and follow the same path can be partners.” Partners are people who share similar aspirations, interests, ideals, and convictions. “Those who seek common ground while maintaining differences can also be partners.” In 1955, Premier Zhou Enlai proposed this idea for tackling international matters at the first Asian-African Conference held in Bandung. On November 9, 2014, Xi Jinping combined these two ideas and endowed them with new meaning in a speech he gave at the opening ceremony of the APEC CEO Summit. From the perspective of dialectics, he used colloquial language to outline China’s foreign policy of not to be based on social systems and ideologies, neither allowing the strong to oppress the week nor the rich to bully the poor, respecting the world’s diversity, and encouraging all nations to live together in peace to jointly build a harmonious world. During the Cold War era, the United States and the Soviet Union represented two ends of the international political spectrum. Each confident in its political model and development path, the two superpowers believed that their respective political systems and economic development models were applicable to other countries and regions. After the Cold War, the United States finally achieved economic, political, and military domi- 平易近人：习近平的语言力量--英文-新.indd 148 20/10/15 16:34 149 Those Who Are Like-minded and Follow the Same Path Can Be Partners; Those Who Seek Common Ground While Maintaining Differences Can Also Be Partners nance in the international community and, to a certain extent, monopolized the right to speak about values and culture. Its persistent attempts to impose its values and development model on a global scale are a source of tension in many countries and regions. As it turns out, a country’s choice of ideology and political system is shaped by the protracted struggle and exploration of its people. Moreover, it is the result of its historical development and reason. Competition enables different cultures and social systems to improve by learning from each other. The process of seeking common ground while maintaining differences provides opportunities to grow together. Failing to consider the general conditions and development stage of each country compels all countries to maintain the same ideology and political system. This is an affront to history that defies the reality and will only lead to catastrophe. We need only look to the crisis in Ukraine and the chaos gripping much of the Middle East for proof. Traditional Chinese philosophy and values promote concepts such as “harmony is to be cherished,” “different cultures should coexist,” and “seek harmony without uniformity.” Xi Jinping is being realistic about the international community when he proposes, “Those who are like-minded and follow the same path can be partners; those who seek common ground while maintaining differences can also be partners.” Respecting and upholding the world’s diversity offers a new perspective on how Chinese diplomacy properly handles the relationship between national interests and social systems and ideologies. It also provides a new argument for China to develop relationships of friendly cooperation with all nations and international actors. Indeed, China’s diplomacy is consistent with Xi Jinping’s proposal. By seeking friendly cooperation while transcending differences in social systems and ideologies, relationships based on good-neighborliness, friendship, and cooperation between China and its neighboring countries have been at their best since the founding of the People’s Republic of China in 1949. China has also enjoyed significantly improved relations with West- 平易近人：习近平的语言力量--英文-新.indd 149 20/10/15 16:34 150 Xi Jinping Diplomatic Wit and Vision ern developed countries. The building of a new type of major-country relations between China and the United States and the deepening of the China-EU Comprehensive Strategic Partnership reflect the effect of Xi’s proposal. The path to enhancing friendly cooperation between China and developing countries in Asia, Africa, and Latin America has widened to not only consolidate traditional ties of friendship but also ensure further deepening of bilateral relations. It is also important to note that friendly ties between the CPC and various types of political parties around the world have progressed significantly under this guiding ideology. The CPC maintains friendly relations with ruling and non-ruling parties. For example, after taking ideological divides out of the equation, it has been on increasingly friendly terms with nationalist parties in developing countries. It has also established friendly exchanges with some traditional right-wing parties in the West. Moreover, in accord with international consensus for respecting and safeguarding the world’s diversity, the APEC Approach and the Shanghai Spirit cultivated by all relevant parties fully demonstrate the prominent role that China, as a regional and world power, plays in democratizing international relations and diversifying development models. In short, Xi Jinping’s new approach to “seeking common ground while maintaining differences” represents a new development in the Marxist theory of international relations. Corresponding to the trends and requirements of contemporary international relations, it guides current diplomatic practice and the building of a new international order that is just and reasonable. 平易近人：习近平的语言力量--英文-新.indd 150 20/10/15 16:34 According to an Arabic proverb, “Those who travel alone go fast, but those who travel in company go far.” We Chinese have a similar saying, “A journey is easier with more friends.” Indeed, these are perfectly apt descriptions of China and Arab countries as we travel together to jointly face challenges on the road ahead. – Speech by Xi Jinping published in Egypt’s Al-Ahram, January 19, 2016 平易近人：习近平的语言力量--英文-新.indd 151 20/10/15 16:34 152 Those Who Travel Alone Go Fast, But Those Who Travel in Company Go Far – Strengthen global partnerships and jointly address challenges to global development An Arabic proverb advises, “Those who travel alone go fast, but those who travel in company go far.” Interpreted literally, it refers to someone acting alone, unfettered and uninfluenced by others. A person relieved of outside burdens naturally moves at a fast pace. When many people walk together, the individuals who form the group each bring their own experiences. The walking speed of each individual affects the overall speed of the group. With strength in numbers, however, the group can easily address challenges along the way, thus walking farther than any lone individual. This is as true for countries as it is for people. Within the international community, it is only by reinforcing the concept of working together that countries can defend against common external risks and further their own development. In a speech titled “Let China-Arab Friendship Surge Forward Like the Nile,” which was published in Egypt’s Al-Ahram, Xi Jinping quoted the Arabic proverb above to emphasize the need for China and Arab countries to travel together, come what may. Moreover, he reiterated to the world China’s firm rejection of the outdated mindset that foreign relations are a zero-sum game. China is willing to “walk together” with all countries by offering mutual aid and protection, cooperating on common goals, and jointly tackling the challenges that confront humankind. While an increasingly globalized and multi-polar world creates rare 平易近人：习近平的语言力量--英文-新.indd 152 20/10/15 16:34 Those Who Travel Alone Go Fast, But Those Who Travel in Company Go Far 153 opportunities that are welcomed by all, it also intensifies a growing number of challenges for international development, including climate change, environmental degradation, energy security, financial crises, widening economic disparity between North and South, and the spread of terrorism. These issues make it impossible for any country to remain on the sidelines, insensitive to the plight of others. However, a mix of uneven development and conflicting national interests has revealed that countries sometimes fail to come to a consensus on jointly addressing global challenges or disagree about aspects of their joint response. For example, the rise of protectionism in developed countries, the withdrawal of the United States from the Kyoto Protocol and the Paris Agreement, and the West’s double standards on anti-terrorism are detrimental not only to resolving global issues but also to promoting the development of the respective countries. In order to improve the international environment and minimize the impact of global issues on the development of all countries, including China, we should expand our circle of friends and enhance development and cooperation among global partnerships to jointly address these challenges. “Those who travel alone go fast, but those who travel in company go far.” With just a few words, Xi Jinping identified that China’s response to challenges that threaten global development is a manifestation of partnership diplomacy as well as a driving force behind its evolution. As Xi explained, “A journey is easier with more friends.” The implementation of global partnerships is conducive to creating room for diplomacy, resolving global issues, and safeguarding and promoting peace and development in the world. It will be an important engine for major-country diplomacy with Chinese characteristics and will energize the formation of a new phase of diplomacy. China has always integrated its own development with the common progress of humanity. We embrace the opportunities brought about by global peaceful development for our own development, which we then leverage to better uphold world peace and promote common development. 平易近人：习近平的语言力量--英文-新.indd 153 20/10/15 16:34 154 Xi Jinping Diplomatic Wit and Vision In recent years, China has relied on partnerships to enhance communication and coordination on global issues to deliver more public goods that promote world peace, stability, and prosperity. At the same time, China has also adhered to the concept of mutual benefit by reinforcing areas of practical cooperation, expanding the meaning and scope of cooperation, working together for results that meet people’s expectations, and jointly addressing challenges to global development. For example, China initiated the establishment of cooperative mechanisms, such as the Forum on China-Africa Cooperation and the China-Arab States Cooperation Forum. Enhancing collective dialogue and cooperation with developing countries not only spurred the comprehensive upgrading of cooperation with African and Arab states but also mitigated the economic difficulties of developing countries. China also works with the Group of 20 (G20). While hosting the G20 Hangzhou Summit in 2016, China pushed for effective communication between developed and developing countries, leading to the Hangzhou Consensus that focused efforts to tackle global economic issues. Moreover, China proposed the Belt and Road Initiative that not only advances the common development of countries along the Belt and Road but also rigs together a key platform for promoting international cooperation, thus encouraging all countries to address global challenges together. Over the course of human history, the fates of people across the globe have never been as interconnected as they are today. Our common goal is to link the countries of the world together; our common challenges demand the countries of the world rally together. “Those who travel alone go fast, but those who travel in company go far.” We have a similar saying in Chinese, “Burdens are heavy when lifted alone. Journeys are faster when shared with others.” China will continue to work together with all countries in taking real action to create a harmonious world of lasting peace and common prosperity. 平易近人：习近平的语言力量--英文-新.indd 154 20/10/15 16:34 Looking ahead, China will continue to pursue justice first and interests second and will join other countries in making concerted efforts to realize the post-2015 development agenda. – Speech given by Xi Jinping at the United Nations Sustainable Development Summit, September 26, 2015 平易近人：习近平的语言力量--英文-新.indd 155 20/10/15 16:34 156 Justice First, Interests Second – Major-country diplomacy guided by the proper approach to justice and interests From September 22 to 28, 2015, Xi Jinping made a state visit to the United States and attended summit meetings marking the 70th anniversary of the United Nations. On September 26, he delivered an important speech at the United Nations Sustainable Development Summit titled “Toward a Win-win Partnership for Sustainable Development,” wherein he explained China’s approach of pursuing justice first and interests second and expressed China’s willingness to be guided by this approach in working with other countries to promote tolerance, reciprocity, and sustainable development. The debate over the connection between yi (justice or righteousness) and li (interests or benefits) has a long history. In Book 4 of The Analects, Confucius (c. 551-479 BC) explained, “Wealth and high rank are what people desire, but if not obtained by means that conform to the Way, they are not accepted. Poverty and low position are what people detest, but if not avoided by means that conform to the Way, they are not rejected.” The Way (Dao) is the standard for determining whether to accept or reject that which is in one’s interest (li), i.e., for determining what is just (yi). In “Exposition of Canon II” from the Mo Zi, the philosopher Mo Zi (c. 468-376 BC) wrote, “To be benevolent means to love; to be just means to benefit.” Here, he clarified the dialectical unity between public interest (gong li) and justice (yi). In “Gaozi I” from the Mencius, the philosopher Mencius (c. 372-289 BC) declared, “I desire life; I also desire justice. If I 平易近人：习近平的语言力量--英文-新.indd 156 20/10/15 16:34 Pursue Justice First and Interests Second 157 cannot have both together, I will abandon life and choose justice.” Here, he elevated justice (yi) to a position higher than even life itself. These examples indicate that traditional Chinese philosophy does not reject the concept of pursuing one’s own interests when navigating the connection between justice and interests. Instead, it emphasizes that justice should be valued above interests. One should forego one’s own interests for justice. These ideas represent the ethical standards and code of conduct that have underpinned the Chinese nation for thousands of years. After the founding of the People’s Republic of China, when our own economy was weak, we put justice before our own interests by providing aid to Asian, African, and Latin American countries, supporting their struggle against oppression and colonialism in their bid for independence and liberation. The TAZARA Railway between Tanzania and Zambia and medical aid for foreign countries are just two of countless testaments to China’s determination to do what is right. Since the adoption of reform and opening up policy, as China’s overall national strength has continued to grow, so too have the scale, quality, and effectiveness of the aid sent to foreign countries. Mutual benefit and common development have always guided China’s cooperation with developing countries. Not content to simply “give a man a fish,” China places greater importance on “teaching a man to fish,” which has won the praise of those who live in partner countries. These acts of altruism and mutual benefit have enabled us to maintain the respect and confidence of developing countries throughout decades of tumultuous international relations. They have never wavered in supporting our stance on major issues that concern China’s core interests, such as Taiwan and Tibet. Pursuing justice first and interests second is the proper approach in the new era. Xi Jinping offered the following insight, “The pursuit of justice is embedded in our philosophy; it is embedded in the philosophy of Communists and socialist countries. It is unacceptable that only some people in this world are allowed to live the good life. True happiness is shared for the benefit of all. We hope that all countries, especially devel- 平易近人：习近平的语言力量--英文-新.indd 157 20/10/15 16:34 158 Xi Jinping Diplomatic Wit and Vision oping countries, will enjoy the full benefits of common development. The pursuit of interests must be aligned with the principle of mutual benefit; instead of becoming a zero-sum game, it needs to benefit all parties. We have an obligation to assist poor countries in any way we can. That means sometimes forgoing our own interests to pursue justice. We cannot be calculating and driven only by profits.” Conducting diplomacy with the proper approach to justice and interests means, “Politically, we must uphold fairness, justice, and equal treatment for all countries; abide by the basic principles of international relations; reject hegemonism and power politics; and oppose the pursuit of selfish interests over the greater good and the undermining of regional peace and stability. Economically, we must adhere to the principles of mutual benefit and common development. We need to consider the interests of neighboring and developing countries that have long been friendly to China but face a formidable challenge in their own development. We need to refrain from benefitting ourselves at their expense or shifting our problems onto them.” Xi Jinping proposed this approach to justice and interests as a way of continuing China’s long cultural heritage and the diplomatic traditions of post-1949 China. This idea conforms to the trend for peace, development, cooperation, and mutual benefit and answers the question of how a responsible major country should conduct diplomacy in a chaotic and perilous world. Xi Jinping introduced the idea of pursuing justice first and interests second during his visit to Africa in March 2013. He then referred to this idea more than 40 times in subsequent public speeches and articles that fleshed out and enriched its meaning. Meanwhile, China implemented this approach to diplomacy. At the United Nations Sustainable Development Summit, Xi announced that China would establish the South- South Cooperation Assistance Fund to increase investment in the least developed countries and write off intergovernmental interest-free loans owed to China at the end of 2015 by relevant least developed countries, landlocked developing countries, and small island developing states. These initiatives illustrate that China continues to fully embrace its responsibili- 平易近人：习近平的语言力量--英文-新.indd 158 20/10/15 16:34 Pursue Justice First and Interests Second 159 ties as a major country. “Pursuing justice first and interests second” is a natural expression of China’s concept of harmonious development and its confidence and generosity as a major country. This approach opposes the narrow self-centeredness of national egoism and transcends the dual obstacles of utilitarianism and duty-based ethics. It starts from a global community of shared future for all, evolving from a community that accepts cultural diversity to one that respects other cultures and realizes the importance of diversity. In an ever-changing world where backlash against globalization exists and setbacks plague many developing countries, the path forward appears all the more tortuous. In this environment, we can only uphold the peace and stability of the international community and defend our national core interests by maintaining the proper approach to justice and interests. We can only lead and work with other countries to extricate ourselves from the haze of economic crises and security dilemmas by integrating common prosperity into the pursuit of our own development and incorporating humanity’s common interests into the realization of our own. 平易近人：习近平的语言力量--英文-新.indd 159 20/10/15 16:34 China’s development is an opportunity for the world. China has not only benefitted from economic globalization but also contributed to it. China’s rapid economic growth has been a constant powerful driver of global economic stability and expansion. – Keynote speech delivered by Xi Jinping at the opening ceremony of the World Economic Forum Annual Meeting, January 17, 2017 平易近人：习近平的语言力量--英文-新.indd 160 20/10/15 16:34 161 China’s Development Is an Opportunity for the World – Seek open development “China’s development is an opportunity for the world.” Widely quoted in China and overseas, this line was declared by Xi Jinping during his keynote speech at the Davos World Economic Forum Annual Meeting in January 2017. China and the world, development and opportunity, beneath the plain language resounds an overriding message: China has confidence in the future, and now it is asking the world to have confidence in China. The achievement made by China is one of the greatest miracles in history. The world has been awestruck by China achievements in development since the founding of the People’s Republic of China in 1949, and since the launching of reform and opening up in 1978 in particular. The economy has continued to grow rapidly, and overall national strength has increased. Furthermore, the people’s welfare and living standards have remarkably improved. The 21st century has witnessed the overall rise of China with increasing clarity. When the 2008 financial crisis shrouded the world economy in bleak clouds, China broke through the darkness to drive the global economy forward and adopted a more open posture for its increasingly important role on the world stage. Despite some economic indicators that China has reached the level of an advanced economy, there is still unfinished business. The rising new wave of scientific and technological revolution and industrial transformation, as represented by the “Internet Plus” initiatives, has enabled some of Cjina’s industries and areas to get ahead of the curve. However, 平易近人：习近平的语言力量--英文-新.indd 161 20/10/15 16:34 162 Xi Jinping Diplomatic Wit and Vision development remains the main problem facing China. It should continue improving living standards and developing to meet the growing material and cultural needs of the people. “The tree that stands tallest is downed by the wind.” Brought together with the rapid development of China is the skepticism and criticisms leveled by the outside world, especially Western countries. This “noise” downplays China’s development prospects and disputes the positive impact of China’s development on the world. In recent years, the overall global economic outlook and the ongoing transformation of its own economy have been shifting China from a norm of high growth to one of medium-to-high growth. As long as there are groundless “signs of trouble” in China’s economy, there will be relentless debate out of the West about the risk of a hard landing. And yet the West remains skeptical about China’s global vision of development. It harbors doubts about whether China will remain open to the world, about China’s win-win philosophy, about whether China will trade the development of other countries for that of its own, about whether the “Great Harmony” of traditional Chinese philosophy obscures a secret agenda, etc. Xi Jinping’s statement, “China’s development is an opportunity for the world,” was a comprehensive response to all the “noise.” He offered a simple yet powerful summary: the fundamentals of China’s economy are sound and will continue to drive global economic development. The great strides that China has made will benefit the whole world. China will not only pursue its own development but also provide its insights to advocate for common development on a global scale. The immense opportunities that China’s sustained development has created for the world are readily apparent. Recent years have witnessed foreign goods play an increasingly greater role in everyday Chinese life. There are German cars on Chinese streets, Japanese and Korean cosmetics favored by young Chinese women, and New Zealand and Australian beef advertised to entice Chinese diners. The number of Chinese people who travel overseas has surged in just a few short years. There are introductory tours to Japan, Korea, Singapore, Malaysia, and Thailand, high- 平易近人：习近平的语言力量--英文-新.indd 162 20/10/15 16:34 China’s Development Is an Opportunity for the World 163 end tours to developed countries across Europe and America, and even small group travel to Latin America and the North and South poles. The wide range of Chinese tourists eager to trek to foreign lands offers ripe opportunities for foreign businesses. As Chinese living standards rise and the Chinese market opens up further, a growing number of foreign businesses and industries will strike gold in China. However, China does not simply regard the world through a monetary lens. For a significant portion of its 5,000-year history, Chinese civilization led the world and developed the philosophy, “if they achieve dignity, they should better the rest of the world.” After falling behind, the country has endeavored to catch up. The swells and dips of changing times have impressed the importance of development and the grueling process it entails on the Chinese people. China hopes to share its experience in development as a way of doing something good for the world. The world today needs more development opportunities. Over the past decade, the bottlenecks holding back global development have become increasingly clear: economic recovery and development are experiencing downturns; resources are allocated and used unfairly; economies in the developed world lack vitality, and growth in developing countries lacks momentum. The development model and game rules that have long been in place are facing changes. New mechanisms and new momentum that are more dynamic and aligned with the laws of human development are urgently needed. A global community of shared future needs to shift toward sound and rapid development. In recent years, China has introduced various proposals that fully reflect its commitment to the ideas and methods necessary for the common development of all countries. China has promoted the Belt and Road Initiative, the Silk Road Fund, and the Asian Infrastructure Investment Bank to support the common development of all countries and to integrate its own development with that of other regions for mutual assistance and advancement. The development approach and philosophy adopted by China are different from that of Western countries. They are China’s powerful response to global development requirements. 平易近人：习近平的语言力量--英文-新.indd 163 20/10/15 16:34 Security should be universal. We cannot allow one country to be secure while the rest are not. Nor can we allow some countries to be secure while the others are not. Moreover, we cannot seek our own “absolute” security at the cost of the security of others. Otherwise, as the Kazakh proverb aptly puts it, “He who blows out another man’s candle shall burn his own beard.” – Speech by Xi Jinping at the Fourth Summit of the Conference on Interaction and Confidence-Building Measures in Asia, May 21, 2014 平易近人：习近平的语言力量--英文-新.indd 164 20/10/15 16:34 165 He Who Blows Out Another Man’s Candle Shall Burn His Own Beard – Develop common security Common security is the first point of the Asian security concept proposed by Xi Jinping. The most prominent feature of the Asian security concept, it presents a stark contrast to the alliance system and friend vs. foe distinction that define the current antiquated security concept, offering an indispensable advantage. Xi Jinping has driven understanding of the Asian security concept by nimbly employing proverbs and conventional reasoning to interpret common security from multiple perspectives. He formally laid out this concept in his keynote speech at the Fourth Summit of the Conference on Interaction and Confidence-Building Measures in Asia (CICA), which was held in Shanghai on May 21, 2014. He quoted a Kazakh proverb to make his point about common security, “He who blows out another man’s candle shall burn his own beard.” This quote casts doubt on the feasibility of sacrificing the security of other countries to uphold the security of one’s own. Many similar expressions exist in Chinese, for example, “we rise or fall together” and “we lift a rock only for it to drop on our feet.” Why did Xi Jinping quote a Kazakh proverb? The CICA was originally established at the proposal put forward by Kazakh President Nursultan Nazarbayev, its secretariat was in the former Kazakh capital of Astana, and Kazakhstan chaired two previous CICA summits. Quoting a Kazakh proverb signified China’s respect for Kazakh- 平易近人：习近平的语言力量--英文-新.indd 165 20/10/15 16:34 166 Xi Jinping Diplomatic Wit and Vision stan’s efforts to establish the CICA and reflected Xi Jinping’s vision of the amity, sincerity, mutual benefit, and inclusiveness featured in neighborhood diplomacy. It also echoed the gratitude he expressed in the opening of his keynote speech for Kazakhstan’s trust and support as China assumed chairmanship of the CICA Summit. His unconventional word choice revealed the emotion underneath, recognizing not only the summit’s key participants but also China’s status as a great country. Common security means “respecting and ensuring the security of every country” with a focus on making security universal, equal, and inclusive. Since the end of the Cold War, countries in the Asian region have chosen different development paths. In terms of security, however, two competing paths have emerged, one is the American-led alliance system and the other is the Chinese-led non-aligned partnership network based on the Five Principles of Peaceful Coexistence. The alliance system defined by the friend vs. foe distinction prioritizes enemies before friends and differences before similarities. This adversarial system may have been valid during the Cold War, but in the post-Cold War era of peace and development, it has evolved into an antiquated system that is out of touch with the people. Under the alliance system, the United States is hostile for the sake of being hostile, even going so far as to invent enemies where none exist. Consequently, the old threats remain but now are exacerbated by fresh chaos, heaping misfortune upon the people. Common security goes in the opposite direction by transcending the Cold War mentality and zero-sum game. It emphasizes that security in this new era does not exist in isolation. Instead, the only real security is common security. Continuing to resort to factions and antagonism will not stem the tide of enemies but rather chip away at one’s own security. Therefore, China argues that ensuring regional security and a peaceful living environment requires that countries refrain from manufacturing unrest and threatening violence in exchange for their own security. They should adopt an open and inclusive mindset so that they might recognize that real security is jointly preserved and consolidated through the 平易近人：习近平的语言力量--英文-新.indd 166 20/10/15 16:34 He Who Blows Out Another Man’s Candle Shall Burn His Own Beard 167 vision of a community of shared future rather than being monopolized or enjoyed in isolation. In fact, the concept of common security proposed by Xi Jinping is a Chinese security policy, a tradition, and an innovation. China remains committed to upholding the Five Principles of Peaceful Coexistence and asserts their importance in security cooperation. However, China also maintains that times are changing and security needs have diversified. People “cannot live in the 21st century yet still embrace an antiquated mindset stuck in the Cold War playing zero-sum games.” A region as diverse as Asia cannot be measured by one set of standards or one system. Diversity should be converted into a sustaining force for cooperation. The recent success of China and ASEAN countries in law enforcement and security cooperation represents an important practice of the common security concept. China and ASEAN countries are interdependent, share land borders, and are connected by the sea. Varying capacities for social governance have meant that cooperation among countries has not gone far enough, allowing transnational organized crime to find weak spots where it proliferates and wreaks havoc. For example, problems involving narcotics in the Golden Triangle and piracy on the Mekong River have long plagued the countries concerned. Under the guidance of the Asian security concept of common security, China hosted the China-ASEAN Ministerial Dialogue on Law Enforcement and Security Cooperation with the theme “Security for Prosperity” and the Ministerial Meeting on Law Enforcement and Security Cooperation along the Mekong River, which is held every five years. China joined Laos, Myanmar, Thailand, Cambodia, and Vietnam to conduct anti-drug sweeps as part of the Safe Mekong Project, worked with Vietnam to conduct fugitive repatriation operations, and cooperated with Vietnam and Myanmar separately to conduct anti-human-trafficking operations. These successful examples of cooperation have not only restored the Mekong River to its title of the Golden Waterway and ensured border security but also further consolidated China’s image as a responsible major country. 平易近人：习近平的语言力量--英文-新.indd 167 20/10/15 16:34 168 Xi Jinping Diplomatic Wit and Vision In short, China continues to adhere to Xi Jinping’s concept of common security as a major security concept. The Kazakh proverb that Xi quoted in his speech encapsulates the concept of common security perfectly and offers a unique approach to popularizing and encouraging its universal acceptance. 平易近人：习近平的语言力量--英文-新.indd 168 20/10/15 16:34 The international order and global governance system that are best for the world and its people should be determined by all countries, rather than one country or a small minority of countries. – Speech given by Xi Jinping at a celebration marking the 95th anniversary of the establishment of the Communist Party of China, July 1, 2016 平易近人：习近平的语言力量--英文-新.indd 169 20/10/15 16:34 170 The International Order and Global Governance System Should Not Be Determined by One Country – The people determine the world’s destiny by promoting the democratization of international relations The democratization of international relations is a subject that President Xi Jinping has revisited on multiple occasions. In a 2014 speech marking the 60th anniversary of the launch of the Five Principles of Peaceful Coexistence, he said, “The destiny of the world must be decided by people of all countries, and world affairs should be charted through consultations among the governments and people of all countries.” On July 1, 2016, at a celebration commemorating the 95th anniversary of the establishment of the Communist Party of China, Xi Jinping explained, “The international order and global governance system that are best for the world and its people should be determined by all countries, rather than one country or a small minority of countries.” Matters that pertain to people across the world should be discussed and decided by the nearly 200 countries that make up the world. “When the Great Way rules, the land under Heaven belongs to the people.” This line from “The Conveyance of Rites,” a chapter in the Book of Rites, depicts an ideal vision of the world. Xi Jinping has frequently lamented the lack of fairness and justice in current international relations. We should respect the right of people from all countries to choose their own development path and refrain from imposing our will on others or bullying the weak, thus creating an environment in which all countries share benefits. 平易近人：习近平的语言力量--英文-新.indd 170 20/10/15 16:34 171 The International Order and Global Governance System Should Not Be Determined by One Country The world can be compared to an extended family composed of countries that, irrespective of size, wealth, or strength, are equal members of the international community and have the right to participate in international affairs. While the internal affairs of each country are determined by its government and people, international affairs are resolved through discussions among the governments and peoples of all countries. This is the democratization of international relations. What we call democracy is putting people in charge of their own country. The democratization of international relations is the sovereign equality of all countries and the opposition to hegemonism and power politics. The United Nations is the foremost venue for member countries to negotiate international affairs. Since the emergence of countries, the international community had long been under the shadow of the jungle law and bound to the practice of allowing the strong to dominate the weak within a state of anarchy. This occurred with the Versailles-Washington system after World War I and again with the American-Soviet stand off following World War II. Although the collapse of the Soviet Union brought about the end of the Cold War and ushered in a multipolar world order, institutional constraints and American hegemony remained intact. As early as 1648, the Treaty of Westphalia established equality and sovereignty as the basis for the norms governing international relationships. The struggles for national liberation after World War I also roused the democratic consciousness of the international community, yet a critical step in the democratization of international relations, the founding of the United Nations, did not occur until after World War II. Developing countries viewed the United Nations as a stage for promoting the democratization of international relations and establishing a new international political and economic order. In 1955, the Bandung Conference outlined the Five Principles of Peaceful Coexistence: mutual respect for the sovereignty and territorial integrity of other countries, mutual nonaggression, noninterference in the internal affairs of other countries, equality and mutual benefit, and peaceful coexistence. This marked a significant contribution toward the democ- 平易近人：习近平的语言力量--英文-新.indd 171 20/10/15 16:34 172 Xi Jinping Diplomatic Wit and Vision ratization of international relations by developing countries. After the Cold War, the vestiges of the bipolar system were superseded by globalization and multipolarization. On the one hand, economic globalization has magnified interdependence and interaction among countries, prompting the need for the international community to establish a coordination and governance mechanism for democratization to solve common development problems. On the other hand, multipolarization has compelled most countries to work toward the democratization of international relations and use it as a base upon which to establish a new international political and economic order. In 2000, the Forum on China-Africa Cooperation adopted the Beijing Declaration, which stated, “We reaffirm that the injustice and inequality in the current international system are incompatible with the trend of the times toward world peace and development, hinder the development of the countries of the South, and pose threats to international peace and security. We stress that the establishment of a just and equitable new international political and economic order is indispensable for the democratization of international relations and for the effective participation of developing countries in the international process of decision- making.” This declaration explains the reasoning behind China and African countries’ push for the democratization of international relations. Here, democratization may be summarized as four points. The first is the principle of the equality of states. Countries may differ in terms of size and strength, yet no country is above another. All countries are on an even playing field when it comes to national dignity. International affairs are resolved through the joint participation of all countries and should not be controlled and monopolized by one or two major powers. We cannot permit “the large to bully the small, the wealthy to oppress the impoverished, or the strong to humiliate the weak.” The second is respect for sovereignty and noninterference in internal affairs. Every country is entitled to independence, sovereignty, and the choice of its own social system and development path. These inviolable rights shall not be interfered with or infringed upon by any country in any way. The third is respect for the 平易近人：习近平的语言力量--英文-新.indd 172 20/10/15 16:34 173 The International Order and Global Governance System Should Not Be Determined by One Country diversity of civilizations. Mencius said, “The essential nature of things is to be of unequal quality.” The diversity of civilizations is not only an objective fact but an impetus for human progress. Civilizations should engage in mutual tolerance and learning and utilize the strengths of others to complement their own weaknesses for the betterment of everyone. Civilizations should not exclude or attempt to clash with others. The fourth is mutual cooperation and common development. The democratization of international relations includes the democratization of international economic relations and international political relations. The former requires the international community to strengthen two forms of cooperation based on equality and mutual benefit: North-South cooperation and South-South cooperation. Developed countries have an obligation to not only help developing countries achieve their development goals but also to avoid exacerbating the wealth gap and North-South conflicts. Our pursuit of “a world that belongs to all and exists in great harmony” in no way excludes or negates the importance of distinctions that exist among countries, nationalities, regions, religions, etc., and that help constitute people’s identities and affiliations. Instead, our pursuit aims to transform the world into an extended family so that everyone is part of a global community of shared future. This process requires all countries to work together to settle global issues through discussions among equals and engage in global governance. The democratization of international relations, i.e., opposition to power politics and unilateralism, addresses the current state of the world and shapes a path toward world peace. Without it, multipolarization and globalization will veer off course, a new international political and economic order that is just and equitable will be impossible, and the lofty goals of human peace and development will remain out of reach. 平易近人：习近平的语言力量--英文-新.indd 173 20/10/15 16:34 We need to not only participate in global governance and shoulder international responsibilities but also do everything in our power and act within our competence. – Speech given by Xi Jinping at the 35th group study session of the Political Bureau of the CPC Central Committee, September 27, 2016 平易近人：习近平的语言力量--英文-新.indd 174 20/10/15 16:34 175 Doing Everything in One’s Power and Acting Within One’s Competence Are Both Vital – China’s role in global governance The expression “do everything in one’s power” is derived from the following line from the chapter “Liang Hui Wang I” in the Mencius, “Engaging in the same behavior to realize your aspirations and doing everything in your power to achieve them.” It refers to fully extending oneself mentally and physically to reach a specific objective. The expression “act within one’s competence” is derived from the following line of the “Fifteenth Year of Duke Zhao” in the Zuo’s Commentary on the Spring and Autumn Annals, “to advance when I am able and to retreat when I am not, acting within my competence.” It refers to basing one’s actions on reality rather than taking on more than one is capable of doing. The expressions “do everything in one’s power” and “act within one’s competence” are grounded in dialectics and illustrate that initiative and practicality toward all things are an indivisible whole. “The global governance system is shaped by the balance of power at the international level and, therefore, is transformed through changes to this balance.” As backlash against globalization simmers, the global governance system is in a critical leadership transition. Developed countries are either withdrawing from leadership positions out of self-preservation or because they can barely manage their own affairs, which ebbs away at their willingness and capacity to lead on global governance. Global economic governance, climate change, and other key areas of cooperation are at risk of losing a guiding hand at the helm. The international community, 平易近人：习近平的语言力量--英文-新.indd 175 20/10/15 16:34 176 Xi Jinping Diplomatic Wit and Vision and developing countries in particular, are awaiting China to play a more active role in leadership. This represents an historic opportunity to change the global governance system and signifies greater responsibilities and challenges. China must not only engage in global governance and take on international responsibilities but also “do everything in our power” and “act within our competence.” Why should we “do everything in our power”? There are two reasons. The first is to uphold and reform the global governance system to safeguard the delivery of international public goods. Global governance is about how major countries work with non-state actors to provide the international community with international public goods aimed at addressing global problems. As developed countries in the West struggle with governance at home, their willingness and capacity to deliver international public goods has plummeted. Under their waning leadership, China engages in and leads global governance agendas following a new concept of extensive consultation, joint contribution, and shared benefits that not only stabilizes the delivery of international public goods, consolidates achievements in global governance, and ensures successful efforts are not wasted but also fosters a global governance system that is increasingly open, inclusive, and fair. The second is to ensure domestic development and stability. Economic globalization, climate change, terrorism, cybersecurity, nuclear proliferation, and other global issues are interconnected to both domestic and foreign affairs, and their very nature reflects a broader picture. The security and development of one country are increasingly subject to transnational factors, and China is no exception. Addressing global issues and improving global governance promote China’s image as a responsible country and remain the only way to deepen domestic reforms and transform models of economic growth. Why should we “act within our competence” when engaging in global governance? First, domestic development and the consolidation of national strength shall remain China’s central task for a long time to come. After all, China is a developing country, and our economy still lags behind devel- 平易近人：习近平的语言力量--英文-新.indd 176 20/10/15 16:34 Doing Everything in One’s Power and Acting Within One’s Competence Are Both Vital 177 oped countries in the West, especially in terms of per capita indicators. Therefore, our engagement in global governance is dependent on putting our own house in order and “acting within our competence” to coordinate domestic and international situations. Second, our relatively recent integration into the global governance system means that China has insufficient skills and experience in areas such as building international institutions and regulations, shaping values, and coordinating internal and external matters. On the long road ahead, China needs to draw on the experiences of other countries and learn through doing. We must maintain our strategic focus and explore extensive consultation and joint contribution as methods of preventing strategic recklessness. Therefore, “doing everything in one’s power” and “acting within one’s competence” are principles that complement one another, yet neither is indispensable. In practice, we must find a balance between the two and work toward the common good of all people by proactively and soundly promoting the transformation of the global governance system. In recent years, China has taken an active role in the global governance of climate change and has evolved from a follower into a leader. During the Obama administration, the United States joined the European Union to lead the building of a governance mechanism to address climate change. Since then, however, the European Union has been mired in internal crises that have monopolized its attention, and the Trump administration has announced its withdrawal from the Paris Agreement. Within this context, China has wholeheartedly embraced responsibility for leading the global governance of climate change. On the one hand, China has sought to improve the agreement and system for climate governance by increasing our discourse and highlighting the importance of environmental protection and sustainable development in the Belt and Road Initiative. On the other hand, China has sought to conserve energy, reduce emissions, and transition to a green and low-carbon economy, thereby honoring international responsibilities and furthering domestic development. This dynamic reflects the integration of the expressions “do everything in one’s power” and “act within one’s competence.” 平易近人：习近平的语言力量--英文-新.indd 177 20/10/15 16:34 Many visionaries believe that the evolution of the global landscape and the increase in transnational and global challenges facing humanity necessitate the adjustment and reform of global governance systems and mechanisms. Rather than dismantling existing systems or returning to square one, such reforms are intended to improve global governance systems through innovation. In China we have a saying, “Necessity leads to change; change leads to improvement.” The vitality of everything, from our country to the world, hinges upon the capacity to adapt to the times. – Statement made by Xi Jinping in a written interview with The Wall Street Journal, September 22, 2015 平易近人：习近平的语言力量--英文-新.indd 178 20/10/15 16:34 179 Neither Dismantling Existing Systems nor Returning to Square One – Constructively improve global governance systems through innovation “Dismantling existing systems” refers to sweeping away old frameworks and rebuilding new ones. “Returning to square one” refers to working neither with nor against old frameworks, but instead building completely separate new ones. Within the context of global governance, “dismantling existing systems” refers to confronting, destroying, and overturning current global governance systems dominated by the West and then establishing new systems in line with one’s own needs; “returning to square one” refers to building parallel global governance systems that are incompatible with current ones and that compete against them. This viewpoint, which Xi Jinping raised in his interview with The Wall Street Journal, sets out the principles and direction for constructively improving global governance systems through innovation. Existing global governance systems, such as the Group of 20 (G20), the World Bank, the International Monetary Fund, the Bank for International Settlements, the Financial Stability Board, and the United Nations consultative mechanism on climate change, have tended to be established and dominated by the United States and other developed countries in the West. This has laid the groundwork for the international community to tackle global challenges, but the systems remain highly flawed, especially in their capacity to adequately represent the interests of developing countries. 平易近人：习近平的语言力量--英文-新.indd 179 20/10/15 16:34 180 Xi Jinping Diplomatic Wit and Vision Recent years have laid bare the limitations and failings of Western- dominated global governance systems, which have made it difficult to address existing global issues and have even raised new challenges. As the international community, and developing countries in particular, increasingly call for reform, the time has come to strengthen global governance and reform global governance systems. Against this backdrop, China has committed to transforming the unjust and irrational arrangement of global governance systems. Time and again, we have safeguarded the interests of developing countries and championed their representation and voice. In recent years, China has pushed for quota and governance reforms in the International Monetary Fund, proposed the Belt and Road Initiative, and planned new multilateral financial governance mechanisms, such as the Asian Infrastructure Investment Bank. Moreover, we have helped formulate rules governing the oceans, polar regions, the Internet, outer space, nuclear safety, anti-corruption measures, climate change, and other emerging areas and have pushed to reform the unjust and irrational arrangement of global governance systems, becoming a constructive force in transforming such systems. However, these types of reform neither “dismantle existing systems” nor “return to square one.” Instead, they adapt to the times by improving existing governance systems through innovation, and they adjust and change global governance systems and mechanisms to better address global challenges. During this process, China has been open and candid, putting its focus primarily on dialogue rather than confrontation and choosing to cooperate rather than to undermine. China hopes to achieve practical cooperation and inclusiveness. Rather than seeking exclusive leadership or building rival parallel systems, we hope to establish inclusive mechanisms that promote equality and mutual benefit through dialogue and negotiation. As evident from the Belt and Road Forum for International Cooperation held in May 2017, the Belt and Road Initiative has engaged in close consultation and cooperation with existing mechanisms, such as the International Monetary Fund and the World Bank, thus demonstrating that 平易近人：习近平的语言力量--英文-新.indd 180 20/10/15 16:34 Neither Dismantling Existing Systems nor Returning to Square One 181 new governance mechanisms are compatible with existing ones. China’s secondary focus is to maintain a constructive attitude that prioritizes progressive reform over comprehensive revolution. Reform supplements and improves existing international mechanisms with the goal of achieving win-win cooperation, adapting to new circumstances, and complying with new requirements to better address global issues. Admittedly, global governance systems and mechanisms dominated by the West are flawed, but, they should not, need not, and cannot be completely overturned. China is a participant in current systems and mechanisms. Dismantling them would be hostile to the West, which runs counter to our long-term strategy and damages our own overall development. Since they play such indispensable roles, the overturning of current systems would likewise undermine any achievements in global governance. Similarly, “returning to square one” would be a risky and fruitless exercise because it would deter most outside support. Inevitably, whispers of a “China threat” theory and a “Chinese sphere of influence” would grow louder. “The sea is fed by all rivers; it is vast because of its capacity.” This is the strategic vision needed to transform global governance systems. This transformation requires that we abandon the zero-sum thinking of “dismantling existing systems” or “returning to square one” and instead consolidate possible support, expand the scope of cooperation, and seek mutual benefit. This transformation further requires adopting a mindset of seeking truth from facts and focusing on real issues and an approach of studying current global governance systems and mechanisms, separating the wheat from the chafe, and then set about reforming and improving them. 平易近人：习近平的语言力量--英文-新.indd 181 20/10/15 16:34 Global economic governance should be guided by a sense of openness and should approach changing times with concepts, policies, and mechanisms that embrace openness. It should be receptive to the advice, recommendations, and appeals that emanate from across society and encourage the active engagement and integration of all parties. It should oppose exclusive arrangements and guard against closed governance mechanisms and fragmented rules. – Keynote speech delivered by Xi Jinping at the opening ceremony of the B20 Summit, September 3, 2016 平易近人：习近平的语言力量--英文-新.indd 182 20/10/15 16:34 183 Oppose Exclusive Arrangements – Greater openness and mutual benefit are integral to new mechanisms of global economic governance The G20 Hangzhou Summit in September 2016, the APEC CEO Summit in November 2016, and the Belt and Road Forum for International Cooperation in May 2017 represent a handful of the many times that Xi Jinping has argued for “opposing exclusive arrangements” in the principles of global economic governance, the framework for economic cooperation in the Asia-Pacific region, and the proposal for the Belt and Road Initiative. Though the venues and audiences may have differed, Xi’s message has been consistently clear: the building of any mechanism in the global economic governance system must be “guided by a sense of openness” and “seek mutual benefit through openness and cooperation.” Exclusive arrangements of any type are antithetical to economic globalization. History and experiences have demonstrated that economic globalization significantly accelerates the cross-border movement of goods, technology, services, currency, people, and other production factors and allocates resources more reasonably and effectively on a global scale. This inevitability is driven by increased productivity and advanced technology, thus leading to a booming world economy. From 1950 to 2015, GDP of the whole world more than tripled to over US$74 trillion. Overall, most economies across the world have benefited from economic globalization. China’s reform and opening-up policy was introduced in the late 1970s, at a time when economic globalization was picking up speed. China’s development and economic globalization are mutually enhancing. China not 平易近人：习近平的语言力量--英文-新.indd 183 20/10/15 16:34 184 Xi Jinping Diplomatic Wit and Vision only benefits from but also contributes to the current round of economic globalization. China continues to play a powerful role in leading regional and global economic growth. Since the 2008 global financial crisis, some developed countries in the West have been quick to blame economic globalization for problems in global economic development, encouraging protectionist “anti-globalization” policies and measures that threaten the continued recovery of the global economy. Xi Jinping has responded by pointing out that the protectionist measures and other exclusive arrangements adopted by some countries “seek to artificially sever the flow of capital, technology, products, industries, and people between economies, amounting to a fruitless exercise that goes against the currents of history.” Any exclusive arrangement is detrimental to real economic cooperation in the Asia-Pacific region. Despite being the most dynamic region for global economic growth, the Asia-Pacific region has stumbled along the path of regional economic cooperation. Closed mechanisms and fragmented rules have been apparent for quite some time. In particular, the Trans-Pacific Partnership (TPP) promoted by the United States and Japan among others exemplifies exclusion and even exacerbated it for a time. President Donald Trump announced the abandonment of the TPP soon after he assumed office. Major economies in the Asia-Pacific region are grappling with the dilemma of whether to continue pushing for regional economic cooperation and promoting economic and social development, and the question of how to do so. Japan, Australia, and others will press ahead with the TPP and explore the feasibility of joining with other mechanisms, but the results remain to be seen. The negotiations behind the Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership have been repeatedly extended and are unlikely to conclude in the short term. The Free Trade Area of the Asia-Pacific is composed of many members with striking differences, making it difficult to move forward. Openness is the lifeline of the Asia-Pacific economy. Whatever the mechanism, it should encourage the active engagement and integration of all parties in the Asia-Pacific region and should not form exclusive arrangements. Xi Jinping’s response 平易近人：习近平的语言力量--英文-新.indd 184 20/10/15 16:34 Oppose Exclusive Arrangements 185 has been to assert China’s position, “China has always supported the forming of regional free-trade arrangements that are open, transparent, and mutually beneficial as opposed to those that resemble a small circle with an exclusive and fragmented membership.” Exclusive arrangements are not an option in China’s Belt and Road Initiative. In May 2017, China hosted the Belt and Road Forum for International Cooperation, which showcased China’s achievements since Xi Jinping propose the Belt and Road Initiative and highlighted a pattern of openness that focused on the world at large and sought common development. As of September 2017, more than 100 countries and international organizations around the world have actively supported and engaged in the Belt and Road Initiative, with China signing cooperation agreements with over 70 countries and international organizations and forging industrial cooperation programs with over 30 countries. From 2014 to 2016, trade between China and other Belt and Road countries exceeded US$3 trillion, and China’s investment in those same countries exceeded US$50 billion. However, some in the West have expressed growing anxiety and skepticism about China’s Belt and Road Initiative. While some say, for example, that China is using the Belt and Road Initiative as a pretext to shift steel, cement, and other outdated production capacities to other countries, others maintain that China is creating its own version of the Marshall Plan that seeks to shut out other countries or harbors other mysterious intentions. These speculations and misgivings are utterly baseless. Since its introduction, the Belt and Road Initiative has been an open and inclusive platform for cooperation among all countries. China has never considered nor attempted to appropriate this initiative for its own gains or use it to delineate a sphere of influence. The Belt and Road Initiative is part of China’s contribution to global economic governance. It is a public product that enables any country or region to engage in extensive consultation, joint contribution, and shared benefits. At the Leaders Roundtable of the Belt and Road Forum for International Cooperation, Xi Jinping made clear that the Belt and Road Initiative is open to all countries; it “neither keeps others out, nor erects high barriers, nor engages in exclusive arrangements.” 平易近人：习近平的语言力量--英文-新.indd 185 20/10/15 16:34 Global economic governance should be focused on sharing. It should encourage participation by all and benefits for all. Rather than engaging in a dominant or winner-take-all approach, it should seek shared interests and create mutual benefit. – Keynote speech delivered by Xi Jinping at the opening ceremony of the B20 Summit, September 3, 2016 平易近人：习近平的语言力量--英文-新.indd 186 20/10/15 16:34 187 Do Not Engage in a Dominant or Winner-Takes-All Approach – Establish a global economic governance system based on equality, openness, cooperation, and sharing On September 3, 2016, Xi Jinping delivered a keynote speech at the opening of the B20 Summit in Hangzhou titled “A New Starting Point for China’s Development and a New Blueprint for Global Growth.” In a pointed and profound speech, he said of prospects for the global economic governance system, “Global economic governance should be focused on sharing. It should encourage participation by all and benefits for all. Rather than engaging in a dominant or winner-takes-all approach, it should seek shared interests and create mutual benefit.” As it swept across the globe, the 2008 financial crisis that began on Wall Street devastated economic and social development. At the same time, it once more laid bare the pitfalls and imbalances of the existing global economic governance system, especially its sluggish and inefficient attempt to ward off and confront financial risk. The current global economic governance system is rooted in the international economic order established after World War II. This includes systems for money, trading, the division of labor, etc. This order has played an important role in driving the recovery and development of the once war-torn global economy and has provided basic institutional guarantees for subsequent waves of economic globalization. However, a state of international anarchy creates inefficient communication and coordination among mechanisms. Moreover, this order built and dominated by Western powers 平易近人：习近平的语言力量--英文-新.indd 187 20/10/15 16:34 188 Xi Jinping Diplomatic Wit and Vision is based on a zero-sum game mentality that has long prioritized serving the interests of a handful of Western powers and cementing their leadership. This advantage has enabled a few Western powers to monopolize their positions and exert their stronghold on the making of international economic and trade rules to obtain excess profits. It has also enabled them to use unfair game rules to restrict and stifle the reasonable demands of emerging market countries and developing countries, block any challenges to the existing order and system, and seek nothing more than to continue “exerting their supremacy and wielding a winner-takes-all approach.” Since the 1950s, the pitfalls of the global economic governance system have been subject to routine criticism. In particular, when the 2008 financial crisis struck, Western powers adopted selfish beggar-thy-neighbor policies and practices, abandoned their responsibilities, and even exported the crisis, triggering widespread outcry. In the decade since, major global economies have emerged from this low point and entered the recovery phase. However, this process remains both slow and fragile. Meanwhile, protectionism is gaining ground in some developed countries in the West. The existing global economic governance system can no longer guarantee to return the global economy to sustainable growth. Calls by emerging market countries and developing countries to adapt to the times and transform the global economic governance system are at an all-time high. Xi Jinping used the Group of 20 (G20), a major platform for international economic cooperation, to lay out China’s vision for a global economic governance system, “Global economic governance should be based on equality to better reflect the new reality of the global economy, increase the representation and voice of emerging market countries and developing countries, and ensure equal rights, opportunities, and rules for all countries that engage in international economic cooperation. Notably, the G20 Hangzhou Summit was not only hosted by China, the world’s largest developing country and emerging economy, but also attended by Laos, Chad, Egypt, Kazakhstan, Thailand, and other developing countries, thereby creating a summit environment that amplified the voices of devel- 平易近人：习近平的语言力量--英文-新.indd 188 20/10/15 16:34 Do Not Engage in a Dominant or Winner-Takes-All Approach 189 oping countries. This is also a response to the objective reality that global economic growth has been shifting toward emerging market countries and developing countries in recent years. As the host country and chair of the summit, China not only flexed its leadership but also served as a bridge. Propelled by China, representatives of developed and developing countries discussed the basic principles, framework, and direction of the future global economic governance system and proposed concentrating on four key themes of governance: finance, trade and investment, energy, and development. These themes are intended to turn a “dominant or winnertakes- all approach” into a new international economic order based on equality, openness, cooperation, and sharing and ultimately lay the foundation for common prosperity worldwide. In promoting the transformation of the global economic governance system, developing countries such as China are by no means seeking to erect a dominant new order or to replace the old hegemony with a new one, as speculated by some in the West. Xi Jinping’s conception of the future of this system reflects the courage and sense of responsibility that China, as a responsible great country in the international community, has embodied by contributing wisdom and approaches that address global economic governance. Unlike previous governance systems, China’s approach will halt the practice of allowing the strong to dominate the weak, which has long permeated international relations, and maintain a new system that “relies on partnerships and adheres to the concept of mutual benefit,” i.e., “consulting extensively about rules, contributing jointly to mechanisms, and working together to meet challenges.” The vision and mechanisms that China has proposed for global economic governance include the Belt and Road Initiative, the Silk Road Fund, the Asian Infrastructure Investment Bank, the Free Trade Area of the Asia-Pacific, and the New Development Bank. Based on the principle of building partnerships with relevant countries, these embodiments of innovative thinking have won the respect and support of the international community. 平易近人：习近平的语言力量--英文-新.indd 189 20/10/15 16:34 “Just as members of a family wish each other well, countries that are neighbors do the same.” China always engages in friendship and partnership with our neighbors. We seek to create harmony, security, and prosperity with our neighbors, practice the concepts of amity, sincerity, mutual benefit, and inclusiveness, and ensure that our development benefits Asian countries. – Speech by Xi Jinping at the Fourth Summit of the Conference on Interaction and Confidence-Building Measures in Asia, May 21, 2014 平易近人：习近平的语言力量--英文-新.indd 190 20/10/15 16:34 191 Just as Members of a Family Wish Each Other Well, Countries that Are Neighbors Do the Same – A new chapter in neighborhood diplomacy based on the concepts of amity, sincerity, mutual benefit, and inclusiveness The pursuit of peaceful relationships with our neighbors has always been a common theme in traditional Chinese culture. As an old folk saying goes, “Just as members of a family wish each other well, countries that are neighbors do the same.” This reflects not only the harmony, friendship, and concern that exists between relatives, friends and neighbors but also the importance that Chinese people place on peaceful relationships with neighbors. This folk saying applies to countries as well as individuals. In simple and direct language, it embodies China’s emphasis on good-neighborliness and friendship and lays out China’s foreign policy of neighborhood diplomacy. Sharing its land borders with more than 14 countries, China has more neighboring countries than almost any country in the world. In terms of geographic location, natural environment, and mutual ties, our periphery is of strategic importance. It is where Chinese people live and work and where China finds support to pursue prosperity and stability. In political terms, the peace and stability of neighboring countries benefit the political and social stability of China. In economic terms, neighboring countries are essential partners for China to open up to the outside world and conduct international trade and economic cooperation. In security terms, China’s 平易近人：习近平的语言力量--英文-新.indd 191 20/10/15 16:34 192 Xi Jinping Diplomatic Wit and Vision periphery serves as an important bulwark for maintaining national stability and ethnic harmony and ensuring successful undertakings. The Chinese people have long valued the fostering of friendly ties between China and neighboring countries and have encouraged concepts such as goodwill and harmony when interacting with neighboring countries. Since the founding of the People’s Republic of China in 1949, the CPC Central Committee has attached great importance to neighborhood diplomacy and has proposed strategic ideas and policies, including “engage in friendship and partnership with our neighbors” and “create harmony, security, and prosperity with our neighbors,” which have created an overall favorable environment on China’s periphery. Since the 18th CPC National Congress, the CPC Central Committee with Xi Jinping as its core has been strategizing the overall diplomatic environment and has highlighted the importance and primacy of China’s periphery in our overall development and diplomacy. The Symposium on Neighborhood Diplomacy, which was convened in October 2013, indicated that the guiding policy of China’s neighborhood diplomacy is to engage in friendship and partnership with our neighbors and work with them to create harmony, security, and prosperity, thus underscoring the concepts of amity, sincerity, mutual benefit, and inclusiveness. These concepts are further explained below. China will emphasize good-neighborliness and friendship, offer mutual aid and protection, conduct more visits to neighboring countries, and do more to gain their popular support and approval, thus increasing our approachability, appeal, and influence. China will treat neighboring countries with sincerity, insist that all countries are equal regardless of size, strength, or wealth, and use sincerity to win their respect, trust, and support, thus developing more friends and partners. China will cooperate with neighboring countries on the principle of reciprocity and integrate and promote the interests of both sides so that neighboring countries benefit from China’s development and China benefits from joint development with neighboring countries. Finally, China will champion inclusiveness and promote regional 平易近人：习近平的语言力量--英文-新.indd 192 20/10/15 16:34 Just as Members of a Family Wish Each Other Well, Countries that Are Neighbors Do the Same 193 cooperation by being more open and proactive. The concepts of amity, sincerity, mutual benefit, and inclusiveness represent a new vision for neighborhood diplomacy. Proposed by the CPC Central Committee with Xi Jinping as its core, these concepts integrate traditional Chinese culture and wisdom into a strategic analysis of China’s new periphery. The above concepts not only encapsulate China’s long-held policy of good-neighborly and friendly relations but also declare China’s engagement in friendship and partnership with our neighbors at a new historical starting point so that our development will further benefit neighboring countries. China is putting the concepts of amity, sincerity, mutual benefit, and inclusiveness into practice to build and enrich all types of partnerships with neighboring countries. We maintain high-level exchanges on par with “visiting family” and cooperate closely at all levels with neighboring countries in various fields, thus strengthening the deep bond between people who share the same region. We participate in regional economic cooperation and enhance the framework for mutual benefit to work with neighboring and regional countries to develop a more open and inclusive new phase in Asia-Pacific regional cooperation. As an important member of the region, China drives and stabilizes regional economic growth by maximizing our development to spur that of our periphery, the Asia-Pacific, and the world. As we know, “The vines of the sweet potato plant extend in all directions, but the tubers remain firmly in place underground.” Similarly, China is rooted in the Asia-Pacific, and we seek to build up and extend benefits to the Asia-Pacific. Over many years, China has become the largest trading partner, the largest export market, and an important investment source of many neighboring countries. In pursuing the Belt and Road Initiative, China has focused on mutual learning and harmonious coexistence, which are at the core of the ancient Silk Road; advocated for extensive consultations, joint contributions, and shared benefits; and worked with other Belt and Road countries to build a platform for openness and cooperation. Moreover, China 平易近人：习近平的语言力量--英文-新.indd 193 20/10/15 16:34 194 Xi Jinping Diplomatic Wit and Vision has founded the Asian Infrastructure Investment Bank, helped develop regional interconnectivity, and strived to build a secure, efficient and comprehensive connected network to ensure sustainable development in the Asia-Pacific region. In recent years, a stronger, increasingly developed China is forging even closer ties with neighboring countries, and the way neighboring countries view China is evolving. Increased cooperation, exchanges, and interdependence have brought about some Prominent problems between China and neighboring countries on topics such as security, territory, the economy, and trade. In this context, China engages in friendship and partnership with our neighbors and is guided by a policy of neighborhood diplomacy that seeks to create harmony, security, and prosperity with them. China strives to practice the concepts of amity, sincerity, mutual benefit, and inclusiveness and pursues common, comprehensive, cooperative, and sustainable security in Asia. These measures represent our efforts to adapt to the evolving environment along our periphery and indicate our hope for stronger ties, honest treatment, mutual benefit, and inclusive development in interactions with neighboring countries. In order to develop this new landscape, China is offering a new vision for our relationship with neighboring countries and is laying the groundwork for building a “neighboring community of shared future” and for achieving peace, stability, and prosperity in the Asia-Pacific region. 平易近人：习近平的语言力量--英文-新.indd 194 20/10/15 16:34 The past five years have demonstrated that harmonious voices resonate with each other and similar natures seek each other out. Despite the great distances separating our five countries, we are guided by common aspirations, and neither mountains nor seas can obstruct our path. – Speech given by Xi Jinping at the Sixth BRICS Summit, July 15, 2014 平易近人：习近平的语言力量--英文-新.indd 195 20/10/15 16:34 196 Similar Natures Seek Each Other Out and Are Guided by Common Aspirations – A common pursuit drives cooperation and development among BRICS countries “Harmonious voices resonate with each other, and similar natures seek each other out.” This line from the “Qian Hexagram” in the Book of Changes suggests that people with similar values and mindsets find it easier to reach a natural understanding. In quoting this line, President Xi Jinping illustrated that the five BRICS countries are at a similar development phase and hold similar ideas and requirements. Using the quote above to describe the BRICS reflects the mutual support and close ties that bind the five countries in their pursuit of common development. An acronym that originated as a concept in economics, the BRIC countries were initially composed of Brazil, Russia, India, and China. These countries were grouped together because they are representative of emerging market countries, possess sprawling territories with rich resources and vast populations, and boast rapidly growing economies and influence. Officially launched in 2006, the BRIC countries expanded to Africa and became the BRICS countries when South Africa joined in 2010. “We are guided by our aspirations, and neither mountains nor seas can obstruct our path.” This line from an ancient Chinese proverb proposes that with enough ambition, one is sure to reach one’s destination regardless of how long or arduous the journey. Xi Jinping quoted this proverb to describe the future development of the five BRICS countries, emphasizing that only staunch convictions can keep the countries committed to achiev- 平易近人：习近平的语言力量--英文-新.indd 196 20/10/15 16:34 Similar Natures Seek Each Other Out and Are Guided by Common Aspirations 197 ing the original intention behind the BRICS mechanism. As mentioned in his speech, sustainable growth and all-round economic cooperation form the common aspirations of the BRICS countries; shaping a favorable external environment, promoting the democratization of international relations, and sending out positive energy constitute our unwavering ideals. It is these grand ambitions and committed intentions that are fueling the continued development of the BRICS countries. “Similar natures seek each other out and are guided by common aspirations.” With these few words, Xi Jinping got to the heart of the process and prospective development of the BRICS mechanism. The BRICS countries represent 42.6% of the world’s population and almost one third of the earth’s land surface. As the first and only mechanism composed entirely of emerging market countries, the BRICS have already taken solid steps toward achieving extraordinary results. The first was to establish a set of working mechanisms, including summit meetings, ministerial conferences, working group meetings on various issues, and forums on various fields. The second was to further enhance financial cooperation. In particular, the Shanghai-based New Development Bank, which was founded in 2015, became the first multilateral development bank in history to be established and led by emerging market countries. The third was to coordinate a stance on multilateral economic diplomacy and continue speaking out so that the voice and influence of developing economies are respected in world economic governance. The BRICS countries frequently meet during major multilateral events on diplomacy, including at the United Nations and the Group of 20 (G20). The repeated appeals of BRICS countries, which represent emerging market countries, convinced the International Monetary Fund to increase the representation and voice of emerging market countries and developing countries. The fourth was to continue advancing the democratization of international relations and take advantage of opportunities to serve as the host country for summits in order to hold talks with other countries in the region. This has led to dialogues and the exploration of possible cooperation with countries in 平易近人：习近平的语言力量--英文-新.indd 197 20/10/15 16:34 198 Xi Jinping Diplomatic Wit and Vision Africa and South America, as well as organizations such as the Eurasian Economic Union, the Shanghai Cooperation Organization, and the Bay of Bengal Initiative for Multi-Sectoral Technical and Economic Cooperation. The fifth was to continue expanding areas of cooperation by speaking with one voice for developing countries on transnational issues, such as terrorism, cybercrime, and climate change, and regional hot-button issues, such as Afghanistan, Syria, and Ukraine. Cooperation that had been heavily focused on economic areas broadened to lay equal emphasis on politics, security, society, and culture. Of course, the path forward is not without challenges as there are mountains and seas still to cross. Externally, the global economic recovery remains sluggish. As protectionism gains ground in developed countries, the BRICS countries will face greater challenges using external markets and allocating global resources. Internally, the BRICS countries as a whole are at a stage of quantitative and extensive growth and thus need to engage in structural adjustment and innovation. At the same time, trade isomorphism and competition exist among the BRICS countries. How to successfully transform the economy, avoid zero-sum games, and pursue common development are urgent issues that the BRICS countries need to resolve. China’s economy, the world’s second largest, is greater than the combined sum of the economies of the four other BRICS countries. This affects the direction and future of the development of the BRICS mechanism. Moreover, China contributed to the founding of the BRICS countries, which are a mechanism for South-South cooperation, and continues to play a critical role in them. Their improvement and rising influence have provided strong support for China’s participation in the international economy and diplomacy, institutional backing for China to speak on behalf of developing countries worldwide, and an organized platform for China to engage in cooperation to address global challenges. In our interactions with the other BRICS countries, therefore, China has always attempted to seek common ground while maintaining differences. As both 平易近人：习近平的语言力量--英文-新.indd 198 20/10/15 16:34 Similar Natures Seek Each Other Out and Are Guided by Common Aspirations 199 a major developing country and an emerging economy, China is in harmony with the other BRICS countries and resonates with them. At the same time, China pursues common aspirations and focuses on development as the common thread that transcends the old playbook of political and military alliances, the old mindset of ideological lines, and the old concepts of zero-sum games and winner-take-all approaches. We are committed to common progress. “The time will come to brave the wind and waves; then shall I set my billowing sail to traverse the deep blue waters.” (Li Bai (701-762)) Sharing similar concerns and lofty aspirations, the five BRICS countries are sure to play an even greater role in multilateral diplomacy. 平易近人：习近平的语言力量--英文-新.indd 199 20/10/15 16:34 China’s development will not be at the expense of other countries. It will only serve to advance common interests. China will work with other countries to overcome challenges on the road ahead. Roads across the world only become broader when more people travel on them. – Speech given by Xi Jinping at a dinner hosted by the Lord Mayor of the City of London, October 21, 2015 平易近人：习近平的语言力量--英文-新.indd 200 20/10/15 16:34 201 Roads Across the World Only Become Broader When More People Travel on Them – Build partnerships and advance common interests Chinese people are well acquainted with the following line, “A road across the land is actually no road at all until more people walk on it.” Even those who are unaware that it comes from “Hometown,” one of Lu Xun’s short stories from the collection A Call to Arms, are adept at using it to comment on the human condition. This quote has even been included on the college entrance exam, which required students to write an essay on the topic of “People and Roads,” thus demonstrating its significance in the modern Chinese language. During his speech at a dinner hosted by the Lord Mayor of the City of London in October 2015, President Xi Jinping deftly invoked this quote to illustrate the relationship between “countries and roads.” He noted, “Roads across the world only become broader when more people travel on them.” Indeed, the question that countries are now grappling with is not where to find a road but which direction and which road to follow. Through his version of Lu Xun’s famous quote, Xi Jinping offered the world a clear answer. Despite the array of development paths from which countries and even the world can choose, the choice should be the path of advancing common interests, for it is only when more countries are willing and able to advance common interests that this path can be broadened. We need to clarify our direction and focus on efficiency to travel on the right path; we also need to pay attention to the way we travel and to whether it is based on fairness so that more countries follow the 平易近人：习近平的语言力量--英文-新.indd 201 20/10/15 16:34 202 Xi Jinping Diplomatic Wit and Vision same path. In the time since Xi Jinping offered the world his description of the right path, calls to support anti-globalization and protectionism have been deafening. Countries are at a crossroads where they need to choose between the paths of globalization and anti-globalization and, decipher how best to further promote globalization. Xi Jinping’s visionary remarks serve as a road map for policymakers worldwide. So, what should be done to advance common interests? Building partnerships and forging a global partnership network is the “Chinese approach” proposed by Xi Jinping. Pursuing peaceful cooperation, equal treatment, openness, inclusiveness, and shared benefits is the key to partnerships forwarded by China and a requirement for advancing common interests. On the one hand, the process of building a partnership encourages countries to accommodate one another to find and enhance common interests; the process of cooperation encourages them to find areas where their interests overlap and respect the core interests and major concerns of the other country. Seeking common ground while shelving differences provides opportunities to advance together, and cooperation enables the baking of a big “cake” to be shared and enjoyed by both countries, thereby achieving the goals of extensive consultation, joint contribution, and shared benefits. On the other hand, forging a global partnership network enables countries to engage in the global governance system, contribute their wisdom to promote globalization, and advance common interests at the global level. The partnerships forwarded by China root out the power politics in international relations that allows the large to bully the small, the strong to humiliate the less powerful, or the wealthy to oppress the impoverished. They champion the right of all countries to participate in international affairs on an equal footing and help magnify the voices and concerns of developing and underdeveloped countries in the rule-making process so that the interests of developing countries are incorporated into common interests. Forging a global partnership network is rooted in China’s highly adaptive diplomacy and is conducive to better implementing China’s pragmatic 平易近人：习近平的语言力量--英文-新.indd 202 20/10/15 16:34 Roads Across the World Only Become Broader When More People Travel on Them 203 initiatives. As Xi Jinping mentioned in his speech, China “will work with other countries to overcome challenges on the road ahead.” It has been concrete initiatives and pragmatic actions that have allowed China to enrich the meaning of partnerships and forge a partnership network. The pursuit of the Belt and Road Initiative is a prime example. Since being proposed by Xi Jinping in 2013, numerous countries and international organizations have participated in the initiative and provided their support. Through the Belt and Road Initiative, China has deepened ties with countries, regions, and international organizations and gradually begun building the partnership network. As Xi explained in November 2016 at the APEC CEO Summit in Lima, Peru, China has used the Belt and Road Initiative to band together a circle of friends that are like-minded, trustworthy, friendly, and full of energy. For example, the combined area of Russia, Mongolia, Central Asia, Southeast Asia, and South Asia is home to 26 countries that have engaged in the Belt and Road Initiative, among which 23 countries have formed partnerships of various types with China. In May 2017, the leaders of 30 countries and the heads of the United Nations, the World Bank, and the International Monetary Fund gathered in Beijing to attend the Belt and Road Forum for International Cooperation. Their presence demonstrated that an increasing number of countries and international organizations are eager to join China’s circle of friends and to pursue the Belt and Road Initiative. It is the active participation of so many parties that is at the core of the success of the Belt and Road Initiative and the realization of the road that Xi Jinping proposed in his speech that day, namely, a road for peace, prosperity, openness, innovation, and connecting civilizations. It could be said that the Belt and Road will only become broader when more people travel on it. 平易近人：习近平的语言力量--英文-新.indd 203 20/10/15 16:34 We must remain committed to the spirit of the Bogor Goals and open regionalism. We cannot “let each family sweep the snow from their own doorstep and disregard the frost on their neighbor’s roof.” Developed member economies need to set a good example by further opening their markets, prioritizing economic and technological cooperation, and helping developing member countries become more competitive. – Speech given by Xi Jinping on the global economic landscape and the multilateral trading system at the first session of the APEC Economic Leaders’ Meeting, October 7, 2013 平易近人：习近平的语言力量--英文-新.indd 204 20/10/15 16:34 205 We Cannot “Let Each Family Sweep the Snow from Their Own Doorstep and Disregard the Frost on Their Neighbor’s Roof ” – Promote a climate of mutual assistance, build partnerships, and work together to solve global challenges “Let each family sweep the snow from their own doorstep and disregard the frost on their neighbor’s roof ” and “a true man needs the support of three others” are common expressions in everyday life, yet they could not be more opposite in nature. Although a slightly different version (One should sweep away the snow from one’s own doorstep and disregard the frost on one’s neighbor’s house) was first recorded in Shilin Guangji, a common household reference book published during the late Southern Song Dynasty (1127-1279), the popular saying we quote today (Let each family sweep the snow from their own doorstep and disregard the frost on their neighbor’s roof) first appeared in Zhang Fengyi’s opera Guanyuan Ji during the Ming Dynasty (1368-1644). In “Proverbs,” an essay from Lu Xun’s collection Accents of North and South, he offers the following insight into this old saying, “Teach people to serve the public, pay their taxes, and make contributions; teach them not to neglect others, not to treat others unfairly, and above all not to meddle in the affairs of others.” In modern Chinese, the literal meaning is to persuade people to mind their own business when handling matters. Conversely, the expression “a true man needs the support of three others” encourages people to do the exact opposite: offer one another mutual assistance. This is evident in the following lyrics to the song Warm-heartedness Is Needed in the World, “Just as a fence needs 平易近人：习近平的语言力量--英文-新.indd 205 20/10/15 16:34 206 Xi Jinping Diplomatic Wit and Vision the support of three stakes, a true man needs the support of three others. For everyone to be happy, warm-heartedness is needed in the world. ” In his speech, Xi Jinping employed these expressions to get to the heart of what building a global partnership network entails. The current prolonged global economic downturn and worsening of regional turbulence have enabled protectionism, isolationism, and other types of backlash against globalization to gain ground, resulting in worldwide calls for “letting each family sweep the snow from their own doorstep and disregard the frost on their neighbor’s roof.” Indeed, the calls from traditional powers and developed countries are becoming increasingly urgent. However, this self-centered behavior that shifts one’s troubles onto others does little to address the souring global economy, the challenges facing global governance, and many other issues. Moreover, history has shown that this line of thinking does not work. During the global financial crisis between 1929 and 1933, major countries rolled out closed-door policies that persisted until the outbreak of World War II, when the world ushered in the worst misfortunes in human history. In this age of globalization, the power of any one country is limited. Only by working together can countries effectively address rising regional risks and global challenges. Backlash against globalization only serves to iucrease risks and challenges. Indeed, “a true man needs the support of three others,” so it is only by promoting a climate of mutual assistance that all countries, irrespective of size, wealth, or strength, are able to participate in solving problems and jointly pursuing ambitious plans for global development, thus fueling globalization. The concept of mutual assistance runs deep in Chinese culture, which has embraced the concept for ages. The Chinese language is rich in expressions that emphasize the importance of mutual assistance, including “unity leads to strength, and isolation leads to weakness,” “the fire burns hotter when more hands feed it,” “if brothers are of the same mind, their edge can cut through metal,” and the aforementioned “a true man needs the support of three others.” Promoting a climate of mutual assistance has permeated Chinese diplomacy since the founding of the People’s 平易近人：习近平的语言力量--英文-新.indd 206 20/10/15 16:34 207 We Cannot “Let Each Family Sweep the Snow from Their Own Doorstep and Disregard the Frost on Their Neighbor’s Roof ” Republic of China in 1949. Since then, China has continued to pursue a foreign policy of peace based on the principle of non-alignment and has sought to develop friendly cooperation with all countries based on the Five Principles of Peaceful Coexistence. That is the reason for the wellknown line, “It was our brothers in Africa who brought China into the fold of the United Nations.” The partnerships that China proposes to build today represent a continuation and elevation of the diplomatic ideas and practices that China has embraced since 1949. Xi Jinping contrasted “let each family sweep the snow from their own doorstep and disregard the frost on their neighbor’s roof ” with “a true man needs the support of three others” and used these expressions as a guide for forging a global partnership network that aligns with the current global landscape and points the way for diplomatic work. Promoting a climate of mutual assistance is rooted in Chinese culture and forging a global partnership network was proposed by China. However, this neither suggests that China is at the center of the network, nor implies that China would like to lead the world. Similar to the Internet, this partnership network seeks to interconnect and intertwine. Rather than revolving around any one country, it is a polycentric and multilayered network for global and regional cooperation. In the era of “Internet Plus,” this type of global partnership network enables countries to share their development experience, interconnect experience and resources, and create new models for mutual learning and cooperation to achieve common development. The global partnership network should no longer be analyzed and interpreted based on the old thinking of checks and balances and zero-sum games. In the Internet age, decentralization of power has become a feature of reality. A dominant or winner-take-all approach is unsustainable and ill-suited for the world today. “What the world needs isn’t a lone hero but cooperative partners with common interests.” Only when countries start joining together can we truly address the world’s problems. 平易近人：习近平的语言力量--英文-新.indd 207 20/10/15 16:34 It is said that the shrewd attend to trivial matters, while the wise govern institutions. The evolution of the global economic landscape demands that global economic governance needs to adapt to the times. – Keynote speech delivered by Xi Jinping at the opening ceremony of the B20 Summit, September 3, 2016 平易近人：习近平的语言力量--英文-新.indd 208 20/10/15 16:34 209 The Shrewd Attend to Trivial Matters, While the Wise Govern Institutions – Develop global economic governance that is more equitable, open, and just In the wake of the 2008 global financial crisis, the Group of 20 (G20) has become a major platform for international economic governance. The world’s major economies depend on it to consult on policies that affect world economy, trade, finance, and production capacity and to coordinate the interests of all parties. When the 2016 G20 Summit was held in Hangzhou, global economic governance was put on “China time.” The summit shone a spotlight on this ancient city, where government leaders and entrepreneurs from around the world proposed strategies and coordinated policies for improving global economic governance and boosting the world economy. “The shrewd attend to trivial matters, while the wise govern institutions.” In his keynote speech at the opening ceremony of the B20 Summit, President Xi Jinping made the case that Chinese wisdom and reasoning could be applied to problem solving and negotiations. He drew from the dialectics of the “shrewd” and the “wise” to spark the minds of those attempting to decipher the world economy. As the world economy develops, “shrewdness” is undoubtedly needed to solve concrete problems. However, when grappling with the structure and process of global economic governance, “wisdom” is needed to define the responsibilities and obligations of different major powers and state and non-state actors and to explore the systems and mechanisms that form common behaviors and templates for cooperation. Wisdom is not simply a collec- 平易近人：习近平的语言力量--英文-新.indd 209 20/10/15 16:34 210 Xi Jinping Diplomatic Wit and Vision tion of shrewd decisions. Instead, it is derived from thinking about the big picture in terms of dialectics and is characterized by the scope of one’s vision, the depth of one’s ambitions, and the extent of one’s limits. The Gini coefficient for the entire world has reached about 0.7, which is above the recognized warning level of 0.6. This indicates that the world is contending with a widening wealth gap that has created imbalanced development. The stability of the world is untenable when half of the population enjoys vast wealth and the other half lives in utter destitution, to say nothing of achieving healthy economic and social development. As such, revising the development concept of the global economy and redesigning global economic governance mechanisms and platforms have emerged as the top priorities for encouraging global economic activity. Xi Jinping took advantage of the B20 Summit to propose developing a world economy based on innovation, openness, interconnectedness, and inclusiveness, which aligns with the road to recovery outlined by Chinese leaders. Innovation is the key to unlocking underlying growth. Fueled by innovation and invigorated by reform, the world economy should seize the historic opportunities presented by the technological revolution, industrial transformation, and the digital economy to boost the potential for medium- and long-term growth. Openness enables us to move forward; isolation ensures that we fall behind. Countries should strengthen trade and investment mechanisms, develop strategies for global trade growth and guidelines for global investment, consolidate multilateral trade mechanisms, and oppose protectionism. Common prosperity can only be achieved through interconnected development. Therefore, countries should increase the degree to which policies, infrastructure, and mutual interests are interconnected. Inclusive and sustainable development is a moral imperative that will lead to massive effective demands. Countries should undertake joint actions for implementing the United Nations’ 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development and for supporting the industrialization of African countries and least developed countries. Global economic governance is meant to ensure the development of 平易近人：习近平的语言力量--英文-新.indd 210 20/10/15 16:34 The Shrewd Attend to Trivial Matters, While the Wise Govern Institutions 211 the global economy. Through international cooperation in finance, trade, investment, and other areas, it develops rules for the operation, supervision, advanced monitoring, and crisis management of the world economy and coordinates the implementation of economic policies that align with common interest to ensure common development and prosperity at the global level. Driving the world economy onto the road of innovative, open, interconnected, and inclusive development demands that global economic governance needs to adapt to the times. Considering the current global economic landscape, Xi Jinping proposed that global economic governance should be guided by a sense of openness, with concepts, policies, and mechanisms that embrace openness. It should be driven by cooperation to accommodate the concerns of all countries, consult extensively on rules, contribute jointly to mechanisms, and work together to meet challenges. Finally, it should be focused on seeking shared interests rather than engaging in a dominant or winnertake- all approach. As emerging market countries are increasing their share in the global economy, global economic governance should better reflect the reality of the global economy and increase the representation and voice of emerging market countries and developing countries; it should oppose exclusive arrangements and guard against closed governance mechanisms and fragmented rules. In this way, global economic governance can truly ensure equal rights, opportunities, and rules for all countries, thus safeguarding the interests of developing countries in forming international economic rules and mechanisms and promoting common development and prosperity at the global level. Countries will only endorse changes in governance mechanisms when they deliver solid benefits to the global economy. This requires incorporating certain elements in policies that yield significant short-term benefits and promote sustainable development. Specifically, global financial governance should be more just and should give the voices of emerging economies their due weight in international financial mechanisms and institutions. Global investment and trade governance should be more 平易近人：习近平的语言力量--英文-新.indd 211 20/10/15 16:34 212 Xi Jinping Diplomatic Wit and Vision open and transparent, maintain existing multilateral free trade mechanisms, and provide a vast free market for the common development of all countries. Global energy governance should be greener and lower in carbon. It should combine the protection of energy supplies, prices, and safety with the reduction of greenhouse gas and the development of a clean, green economy; provide large-scale employment; and lift energy industry standards. The global development governance system should be more inclusive and interconnected. It should fuel the world economy by driving the common prosperity of countries in Asia, Africa, and Latin America. 平易近人：习近平的语言力量--英文-新.indd 212 20/10/15 16:34 Economic globalization has posed new problems, but that is no reason to write it off completely. Instead, we should adapt to and guide economic globalization and minimize its negative impact so that its benefits are extended to all countries and peoples. – Keynote speech delivered by Xi Jinping at the opening plenary of the World Economic Forum Annual Meeting, January 17, 2017 平易近人：习近平的语言力量--英文-新.indd 213 20/10/15 16:34 214 No Reason to Write Economic Globalization Off Completely – Encourage humanity to thrive through the dialectics of political wisdom The expression “to write off completely” declares one’s absolute disapproval and rejection of something. The addition of “no reason” to the beginning of the phrase presents the reverse sentiment from a dialectical standpoint. This common phrase digs deeper to not only repudiate a black-and-white stance but also examine a social concept and global trend from a dialectical approach based on history and development. Despite its long-standing acceptance by the international community, the concept of economic globalization has come under fire in recent years. Xi Jinping’s deft use of everyday language clearly articulated China’s voice to the international community and reflected the broad-mindedness and insight inherent to the leader of a great country. The idea of economic globalization originated in the 1980s and decades of development have gained it international support. Advances in science and technology combined with globalization to drive the world to an unprecedented level of specialization. As economies, markets, technology, and communication become increasingly global, countries are growing more dependent on one another. International trade and investment liberalization have facilitated the creation of global markets. Economic globalization enables the flow and optimum distribution of capital, technology, and other production factors at the global level, promoting specialization and cooperation that foster the overall devel- 平易近人：习近平的语言力量--英文-新.indd 214 20/10/15 16:34 No Reason to Write Economic Globalization Off Completely 215 opment of the world economy. Having a stronger voice in setting trade rules, developed countries have become the principal beneficiaries of economic globalization. Meanwhile, developing countries have continued upgrading their industrial structures by introducing advanced technology and management experience and fully utilizing external finance; they have taken full advantage of large labor reserves to boost competitiveness and spur overall social and economic development. Since economic globalization has won people’s confidence and yielded striking results, why would anyone want to “write economic globalization off completely?” In fact, after years of development, economic globalization has encountered difficulties, in particular, the expanding adverse effects triggered by the “systemic maladies” that are at its core. Developed countries have concentrated most of their criticism at the “outflow of manufacturing jobs.” With economic globalization, the inherent profitability of capital has been greatly amplified and expanded, and traditional processing and manufacturing industries, labor-intensive industries, and others have been captured by developing countries due to their abundance of cheap labor. Despite being further down the industry chain, these jobs are ideal for absorbing surplus labor. The outflow of manufacturing jobs has meant unemployment for ordinary workers in some developed countries, leaving many households struggling to get by. At the same time, the situation is not exactly rosy in developing countries because they are contending with even greater adverse effects. Many have been fighting to escape the “cage” of low-end manufacturing, and sustained abnormal development has reduced their national industrial structures to OEMs for developed countries. Low-end industries that are highly polluting, energy intensive, and deeply inefficient have been hampering their social progress for years. At some level, as economic globalization promotes further specialization worldwide, it stagnates development in all countries and intensifies pressure on families from lower economic backgrounds in developed countries. Since 2016, the adverse effects of the prolonged economic malaise 平易近人：习近平的语言力量--英文-新.indd 215 20/10/15 16:34 216 Xi Jinping Diplomatic Wit and Vision have fomented social discontent, which has led to calls for political change worldwide under the banner of populism. In particular, the traditionally liberal-leaning Western countries have witnessed a widespread surge in conservatism, populism, and neo-isolationism. In the United States, for example, Donald Trump has been criticizing economic globalization ever since he began his run for the White House. Soon after taking office, he announced that the United States was withdrawing from the Trans-Pacific Partnership and reviewing its existing free trade agreements to pursue anti-globalization policies such as the levying of border taxes. Donald Trump’s approach has been heartily endorsed by many lower-income households who hope it will open up employment opportunities and help lift them out of poverty. In fact, no concept of development ever starts out as perfect. Even the most promising one needs the international community’s guidance on implementation to better serve the common development of all countries. The current predicament of economic globalization requires that we address the issue directly, try to understand the concerns of the people of relevant countries, and improve unreasonable conditions based on equality and mutual benefit. As President Xi Jinping explained, “We should adapt to and guide economic globalization and minimize its negative impact so that its benefits are extended to all countries and peoples.” We should identify and solve problems instead of throwing up our hands or rejecting them outright. This will require a vast amount of political courage and wisdom. China stands ready to make contribution to the international community for a better globalization. 平易近人：习近平的语言力量--英文-新.indd 216 20/10/15 16:34 The international community must work together to reinforce counter-terrorism cooperation by observing the purposes and principles of the United Nations Charter and other basic norms governing international relations. It must treat both the root causes and symptoms of terrorism and reject double standards. – Speech given by Xi Jinping at the Informal Meeting of BRICS Leaders, November 15, 2015 平易近人：习近平的语言力量--英文-新.indd 217 20/10/15 16:34 218 Treat Both the Root Causes and Symptoms of Terrorism and Reject Double Standards – The daunting task of counter-terrorism cooperation requires building a community of shared security in a responsible manner To treat both the root causes and symptoms meant that an illness should be treated by focusing on the causes of the illness rather than just the symptoms. In his speech, President Xi Jinping used this expression to make a vivid case for the objectives and strategy that should be at the core of the fight against terrorism. While there is no international consensus on the definition of terrorism, there is agreement about common features of terrorism: the use of violence or the threat of violence, the indiscriminate harming of ordinary civilians, and the ultimate goal of achieving one’s political and religious objectives. Terrorism is a current focal point of international governance. Unlike traditional security threats, terrorist attacks can occur in any country, and even seemingly peaceful and safe societies are not immune. For decades, resident populations targeted by terrorist attacks have suffered great misfortune. Especially in recent years, ongoing instability worldwide has strengthened terrorist organizations and enabled them to grow more decentralized. Moreover, terrorist attacks by “lone wolves” are almost impossible to defend against. These inhumane attacks have pierced the hearts of all decent people and continue to weigh on the conscience of mankind. As terrorism reaches a frenzied pitch, questions have arisen about the effectiveness and feasibility of counter-terrorism policies and cooperation that directly relate to the security of all countries. 平易近人：习近平的语言力量--英文-新.indd 218 20/10/15 16:34 Treat Both the Root Causes and Symptoms of Terrorism and Reject Double Standards 219 Treating both the root causes and symptoms is the best option for eradicating terrorism. This is not a world of peace. Areas in turmoil have proved fertile ground for terrorism to proliferate; imbalances in social development, as well as poverty, oppression, and a lack of education, have been the nourishment allowing terrorism to spread. By indoctrinating impoverished people living in turbulent regions with extremist ideas, terrorist organizations encourage those in dire hardship to turn to extremist ideologies. Then, they recruit those who have been brainwashed to join terrorist organizations and launch terrorist attacks. In countering terrorism, we need to treat the symptoms by escalating campaigns against existing terrorist organizations and prohibiting behaviors that enable the dissemination of extremist ideas. We need to treat the root causes by mitigating armed clashes in volatile regions and promoting the social and economic development of underdeveloped areas. Moreover, we need to reinforce efforts to expose the dangers of terrorism, curb the spread of extremist ideologies, and endorse respect for life to establish universal recognition that everyone has the right to lead a life of dignity and meaning. Governments have responded to common threats by adopting measures to address terrorism. The forces of justice and evil are in constant battle with one another. As counter-terrorism strategies and methods are improved, the ways in which terrorists organize and launch attacks are also evolving. The fight against terrorism must not be confined to treating the symptoms. Prevention should be the focus in regions that are contending with severe terrorist threats; the reinforcement of military strikes is critical for hot spots of terrorist activity. However, countering terrorism calls for more far-reaching measures. Treating both the root causes and symptoms of terrorism means switching out the backseat approach for an active role and robbing terrorist organizations of their backing. Counter-terrorism policies that eradicate terrorist breeding grounds are the most sensible approach. Counterterrorism is an important part of international governance, and applying double standards to the way terrorism is addressed compli- 平易近人：习近平的语言力量--英文-新.indd 219 20/10/15 16:34 220 Xi Jinping Diplomatic Wit and Vision cates an already difficult task. Any response to terrorism that involves indiscriminate violence against civilians, regardless of the reason, is intolerable. The international community should be in consensus on this point. Some countries have revealed a strong bias in how they treat terrorist attacks directed at themselves and other countries based on such factors as political prejudice, religious disputes, and ethnic hostilities. Either they are condescending and oversimplify the situation, they view counter-terrorist operations conducted by other countries through the distorted lens of “human rights,” “religious freedom,” and “ethnic oppression,” or they demonstrate cold indifference to human life by declaring civilians “collateral damage.” Such actions are out of sync with international counter-terrorism cooperation. No country can contend with terrorist threats on its own; the international community must unite as one to address terrorism. How to square the positions of various parties who hold different ideas about counterterrorism has become a thorny matter for the international community. The United Nations Charter and other basic norms governing international relations are ideological cornerstones for international counter-terrorism cooperation. Human factors have muddied the double standards that are applied to terrorism and confounded international efforts on counter-terrorism cooperation. This has left countries deeply divided over how to define terrorism, reduced mutual trust in counter-terrorism forces, and compromised the security of resident populations targeted by terrorist attacks. The fight against terrorism is a complex undertaking that hinges upon treating both the root causes and symptoms of terrorism and rejecting double standards. Counter-terrorism cooperation is a daunting task. As such, no country should be allowed to throw these joint efforts into chaos for their own self interest. The United Nations Charter and the norms governing international relationships lay out the principles for cooperation in international counterterrorism. This is the foundation upon which the international community should forge ahead to build a community of shared security. 平易近人：习近平的语言力量--英文-新.indd 220 20/10/15 16:34 Where the Belt and Road Initiative reaches, where are the places for dynamic people-to-people exchanges. Opening up mutual understanding requires unflagging efforts for lasting success. – Speech given by Xi Jinping at the Headquarters of the Arab League, January 21, 2016 平易近人：习近平的语言力量--英文-新.indd 221 20/10/15 16:34 222 Unflagging Efforts Are Required for Lasting Success – The work of opening up mutual understanding must never slacken The expression “unflagging efforts are required for the final success” means that persistence is the key to doing something well and achieving good results. Here, it indicates that “opening up mutual understanding” requires persistence and hard work to keep the tree of friendship evergreen. The expression accurately explains how to open up mutual understanding: rather than a campaign, it is painstaking skilled work that is urgent yet cannot be rushed, requiring not only patience, determination, perseverance, and wisdom but also the concerted efforts of the government, think tanks, businesses, and the public. Moreover, opening up mutual understanding lays the groundwork for permanence and stability, creating opportunities for far-reaching rewards. It covers a wide range of areas that can be divided into a hierarchy. At its lowest level, the goal is to boost mutual understanding and prevent misinterpretations. This is the basis for developing goodwill, camaraderie, and strategic trust. At its highest level, the goal is to achieve mutual recognition, thereby paving the way for consensus on issues such as global governance rules and the building of a community of shared future. These are ambitious goals that cannot be achieved overnight. We must be fully aware of the challenges. First, Eurasia is where civilizations converge and conflicts intertwine. A hub for the world’s major religions, it is composed of countries that maintain different traditions, national conditions, and systems. The countries in Eurasia have a history of friendly exchanges yet 平易近人：习近平的语言力量--英文-新.indd 222 20/10/15 16:34 Unflagging Efforts Are Required for Lasting Success 223 also have a long track record of rivalries and old grudges. It is home to the world’s major flashpoints, which is itself a sign of the complex geopolitical relationships that exist here. Second, we still have a weak voice on the international stage. The Western media is a dominant force that covers a wide range of areas and tends to pin labels on China, e.g., referring to economic cooperation between China and Africa as “neo-colonialism” and exploiting the situation in the South China Sea to speculate about a “China threat” theory. Provocations and slander such as this distort the public’s perception of China because the Belt and Road countries access most of their information from Western media outlets. Third, we have a language gap. Despite the growing number of Chinese-language learners, English is by far the more dominant language. The language barrier can make it challenging to understand Chinese culture. Fourth, cultural offerings from China are still not strong enough. Everyone knows that the United States influences the world with three tools: the U.S. dollar, aircraft carriers, and Hollywood. American films garner 50% of total screen time despite accounting for less than 10% of the films produced worldwide. As powerful cultural offerings and industries from the United States blanket the world, so, too, do American values. China boasts a rich cultural heritage but lacks strong cultural offerings, such as Hollywood, that develop global followings. Nevertheless, while “opening up mutual understanding” may sound challenging, that is not the case. Everyone can do their part because mutual understanding is reflected through interactions of any and every kind. Everyone has something to contribute. It could be a personal trip, a brief greeting, a kind smile, or an act of unknowingly helping someone else. Patience, confidence, love, and perseverance open up mutual understanding through osmosis. It could be said with certainty that, after many years of hard work, progress has been made and is largely manifested in the following ways. First, we have formed close ties with Pakistan and countries in Africa. This rich learning experience is the result of our persistent efforts to maintain communication with the people in those countries and represents our 平易近人：习近平的语言力量--英文-新.indd 223 20/10/15 16:34 224 Xi Jinping Diplomatic Wit and Vision mutual understanding and affection. Second, growing interest in learning Chinese will give birth to a generation of China experts. The first Confucius Institute was founded in 2004. As of the end of 2016, there were 512 Confucius Institutes established in 140 countries and regions worldwide. In 2016, the number of foreign students in China reached 442,000, which is an increase of 126% over the past decade. Under the framework of the Belt and Road Initiative, the Chinese government will also make 10,000 government scholarships available annually to students from Belt and Road countries. Those who are equipped with Chinese language will find it easier to grasp the essence of Chinese culture. Third, an increasing number of platforms are available for people living in Belt and Road countries to communicate. For example, we have held projects that specifically promote exchanges and cooperation along the Silk Road, including year-long cultural and tourism events, art festivals, films, and forums on media cooperation; we have also established a think tank association, a strategic alliance for universities, an international theater alliance, etc. Fourth, the role of business is increasing. Here, the example of an investment firm is better than telling a hundred stories, and there are an increasing number of such examples. A doctor with the China Road and Bridge Corporation’s Pakistan project, Peng Jianguo, was hailed a miracle doctor by the locals, and several Chinese business leaders and personnel were honored as tribal chiefs in Nigeria. Being more grounded in daily life, investment firms are becoming the driving force for communication with people in Belt and Road countries. Fourth, more projects for opening up mutual understanding are in the pipeline under the framework of the Belt and Road Initiative. For example, we plan to implement 100 Happy Home Projects, 100 Anti-Poverty Projects, and 100 Health Recovery Projects in countries along the route. Opening up mutual understanding is not as easily quantified as investments. Nevertheless, immeasurable rewards are to be gained by practicing the concepts of amity, sincerity, mutual benefit, and inclusiveness in all aspects of life with people who live along the Belt and Road. 平易近人：习近平的语言力量--英文-新.indd 224 20/10/15 16:34 “The trend of the world is surging forward. Those who follow the trend will prosper, and those who go against it will perish.” From time immemorial, attempts to engage in aggression and expansion by force have all been doomed to failure. This is the law of history. – Speech given by Xi Jinping while chairing the third group study session of the Political Bureau of the 18th CPC Central Committee, January 28, 2013 平易近人：习近平的语言力量--英文-新.indd 225 20/10/15 16:34 226 The Trend of the World Is Surging Forward – China’s development and world peace are mutually reinforcing An exceptional philosophy runs through Chinese culture: view the world without dwelling on immediate hardships or chasing temporary interests. This strategic approach of taking things in stride has had a huge impact on the course of China’s history. The following line is taken from the chapter “Li Lou I” in Mencius, “Those who conform to Nature’s law shall survive; those who transgress Nature’s law shall perish.” The period between the late Qing Dynasty (1644-1911) and the early years of the Republic of China (1912-1949) marked a critical time in Chinese history. Sun Yat-sen traveled the world to study the differences between China and the West and to promote the idea of democratic republicanism, leading to China’s place in history as Asia’s first democratic republic. His firm belief in modern democratic revolution can be traced back to his observations and reflections on world trends, and his famous quote, “The trend of the world is surging forward. Those who follow the trend will prosper, and those who go against it will perish,” is a brilliant crystallization of them. As holders of Sun Yat-sen’s legacy of continuing the revolution and revitalizing China, the Communist Party of China represents the fundamental interests of all people in contemporary China. It is only natural that the baton of national rejuvenation has been placed firmly in the Party’s hands. During the thirty years after the founding of the New China in 1949, the Party led the people in aligning with the wave of “national independence” that surged across the globe, defending the country’s inde- 平易近人：习近平的语言力量--英文-新.indd 226 20/10/15 16:34 The Trend of the World Is Surging Forward 227 pendence and dignity, and establishing a self-contained national economy. In forty years of reform and opening up, the Party has developed insight into global trends and determined that the world is gravitating toward peaceful development. With political confidence, the Party has shifted strategy to fully integrate China into the world economy, enabling China to benefit from globalization. President Xi Jinping chaired the third group study session of the Political Bureau of the 18th CPC Central Committee in January 2013. It was a pivotal time when China was beginning to rise despite the unremitting global financial crisis. Since the 18th CPC National Congress, China has put forth the two centenary goals and the realization of the Chinese Dream of national rejuvenation. Although the Chinese people are concerned about how much longer the opportunity for peaceful development will last, people outside China are concerned about what China’s rise means to the world. Approaching these concerns from an historical perspective, Xi Jinping pointed out that, in the world today, peaceful development is inevitable, and military expansion will only invite destruction. China abides by the law of history, keeps to the path of peaceful development, and seizes opportune moments to position itself for lasting success. However, one does not attain peace simply by waiting or asking for it. Instead, one must defend it, strive for it, and even create it. In other words, we must shape and extend the period of historic opportunity for peaceful development. China keeps to the path of peaceful development and is a defender of world peace. “Concentrate on managing our own affairs well and make our country stronger and more prosperous.” In this way, we have enhanced our ability to maintain world peace. We shall resolutely uphold our legitimate rights and interests and shall never allow our national core interests to be undermined. We have set our limit and drawn our red line. We have taken the initiative on issues pertaining to China’s major interests and gone to great lengths to avoid conflicts, manage crises, and reduce uncertainty to become a defender of regional and world peace and a 平易近人：习近平的语言力量--英文-新.indd 227 20/10/15 16:34 228 Xi Jinping Diplomatic Wit and Vision provider of public goods. China’s development is also an opportunity for the world. Since the launching of reform and opening up, China has evolved from being a recipient of globalization to an active participant and leader of globalization. China is now the largest trading partner of more than 100 economies. The Chinese economy sends reverberations throughout the world, and products stamped “Made in China” have seamlessly integrated into the everyday lives of people everywhere, thus installing China as the engine room that powers the world economy. The degree to which China’s economy is associated with global prosperity and stability is unprecedented. China’s development presents an historic opportunity for people everywhere. As it stands today, China’s interests have gone global and are growing rapidly. The world is placing greater expectations on an increasingly stronger China, which is emerging as a major country with global influence. This requires us to think strategically from a global perspective and study the world while still looking inward. We need to come to grips with the trends and direction of future development while our feet are still firmly planted in the present. Through strategic thinking, Xi Jinping has enabled China, a large country grounded in thousands of years of civilization, to keep pace with the pulse of the world and add bold Chinese brushstrokes to the landscape of human civilization. 平易近人：习近平的语言力量--英文-新.indd 228 20/10/15 16:34 The Chinese people are fond of tea, and Belgians love beer. To me, the moderate tea drinker and passionate beer lover represent two ways of understanding life and knowing the world, and I find them equally rewarding. When good friends get together, they may want to drink to their hearts’ content to show their friendship. They may also choose to sit down quietly and drink tea while chatting about their lives. – Speech given by Xi Jinping at the College of Europe in Bruges, Belgium, April 1, 2014 平易近人：习近平的语言力量--英文-新.indd 229 20/10/15 16:34 230 Enjoying a Few Beers Brings Friends Together; Savoring an Aromatic Pot of Tea Encourages Friends to Contemplate Life – Distinct cultures can be compatible and complementary As evident from a glance at Chinese poems over the centuries, alcohol has long played a part in Chinese culture. For example, the following line from Li Bai’s (701-762) poem Fetch the Wine shows his defiance of authorities and unbridled state of mind, “Call the boy to swap them for fine wine, and we’ll drown the sorrows of ten thousand generations.” In A Verse for Liangzhou, Wang Han (687-726) expresses an unflinching yet philosophical approach to confronting one’s mortality, “Fine wine glows in cups of jade, our mouths are willing yet the pipa beckons the horses onward.” The following line from Su Shi’s (1037-1101) poem Water Melody conveys the loneliness generated by looking upon the moon, “When will the moon brighten the heavens? I raise my cup and ask the blue sky.” And in Upon Hearing the Imperial Army Recaptured the Lands North and South of the River, Du Fu (712-770) writes of the people’s concern for their home and their country, “My song rings out as I indulge in wine, the spring accompanies me on the journey home.” Alcohol’s special place in Chinese culture has been cemented because it brings joy, relieves anxiety, summons courage, and strengthens resolve. Rather than being tethered to wine in a cup, this affection is planted within the rich spiritual landscape of China. The beauty of China’s tea culture runs deep. Chinese people take drinking tea seriously, studying the tea ceremony and the art of making tea. It is a culture of seeking that which is simple, exquisite, and serene. 平易近人：习近平的语言力量--英文-新.indd 230 20/10/15 16:34 231 Enjoying a Few Beers Brings Friends Together; Savoring an Aromatic Pot of Tea Encourages Friends to Contemplate Life In the period of the Wei, Jin, and Southern and Northern dynasties (220- 581), people often praised tea as “promoting integrity among government officials.” In the Classic of Tea, the Tang Dynasty’s Lu (733-804) Yu suggested that the tea ceremony inspired people to practice frugality. From the Song (960-1279) to the Ming (1368-1644) and Qing (1644-1911) dynasties, tea was served to guests as a conventional means of hospitality. Over time, this grew into a rich tea culture that produced tea associations, tea friendships, and tea ceremonies and encouraged drinking tea to promote integrity, ethics, good behavior, and discipline. Throughout Chinese history, the distinct cultures associated with alcohol and tea have been regarded as complementary, and both have been widely embraced. While the bold intensity of alcohol and the reserved subtleness of tea are seemingly at odds with one another, Xi Jinping’s theory about the two illustrates that they are prized because they achieve similar results through different approaches, and they complement each other well. A gentleman may find spiritual sustenance in alcohol yet still enjoy a cup of tea. Regardless of which fills his cup, flavors and aromas permeate the air as he meditates on how best to improve his character. Alcohol creates warmth that draws people who are drinking closer together; tea engenders a sense of calm that resonates within one’s companions. Alcohol and tea are equally capable of establishing empathetic bonds. At the College of Europe in the ancient city of Bruges, Xi Jinping genially related his theory about alcohol and tea to illustrate the harmonious and complementary relationship between the cultures of China and Europe. Eurasia may be viewed as a land bridge linking China and Europe. The interdependence between the two ancient civilizations offers an interpretation of the diversity of human culture and world civilizations. Long ago, ships sailed across the sea and camel bells echoed along the ancient Silk Road. It was a road not simply for trade but for the exchange of cultures and civilizations. Not only were tea, silk, porcelain, and stoneware trekked over the ancient Silk Road to Europe, so, too, were China’s Four Great Inventions (the compass, gunpowder, papermaking, and print- 平易近人：习近平的语言力量--英文-新.indd 231 20/10/15 16:34 232 Xi Jinping Diplomatic Wit and Vision ing), which brought new cash crops, mechanical clocks, etc. back to China. Confucian culture was revered by European thinkers such as Leibniz and Voltaire, and Marco Polo’s journey to the East unveiled the mystery of an ancient land to people in the West. In modern times, China and Europe have engaged in mutual learning on a range of areas, including politics, the economy, diplomacy, and people-to-people exchanges. This has hastened the free movement of capital, technology, people, and other production factors and enabled goods, resources, services, and other benefits to be shared across regions and national boundaries, thereby facilitating the well-being, prosperity, and development of people on both ends of the bridge. Since establishing a comprehensive strategic partnership in 2003, China and the European Union have fostered all-inclusive, multilayered, and wide-ranging cooperation that is guided by an annual summit meeting and committed to three pillars: politics, the economy and trade, and people-to-people exchanges. China and the European Union, as the most representative emerging market country and community of developed countries, respectively, have reached a strategic consensus on building a multipolar world and remain the two major forces safeguarding world peace. China and the European Union account for more than one third of global economic output, serving as the two major markets pushing for common development. As an important representative of Eastern civilization and the birthplace of Western civilization, China and Europe combined account for one quarter of the world’s population, serving as the two major civilizations advancing human progress. With no fundamental conflicts of interest, the common ground between China and the European Union is far greater than any differences that exist. Both poised at a critical stage of reform and development, China-EU relations are facing a new historic opportunity. Deepening the mutually beneficial China-EU Comprehensive Strategic Partnership will accelerate each other’s development and contribute significantly to world peace and prosperity. Going forward, exchanges and cooperation will enable these two major civilizations to achieve more robust progress and produce greater development and prosperity that benefits both sides. 平易近人：习近平的语言力量--英文-新.indd 232 20/10/15 16:34 Looking forward, we should evolve from seeking common ground and shelving differences to consolidating common ground and ironing out differences. We should consolidate common interests and responsibilities, meet challenges together and resolve differences stemmed from different ideologies, political systems, and development stages, forging a new type of party-to-party relations that develops with the times. – Remarks made by Xi Jinping while meeting German Social Democratic Party Chairman and German Vice Chancellor Sigmar Gabriel, July 15, 2015 平易近人：习近平的语言力量--英文-新.indd 233 20/10/15 16:34 234 Evolve from “Seeking Common Ground and Shelving Differences” to “Consolidating Common Ground and Ironing Out Differences” – The development and evolution of the “Chinese approach” In Chinese, “seek common ground and shelve differences” is a four-character set phrase that packs a great deal of meaning. In fact, this phrase marked a new epoch in Chinese diplomacy. The Asian-African Conference, also known as the Bandung Conference, took place April 18–24, 1955, in Bandung, Indonesia. China eagerly participated in the conference to secure a peaceful international environment for the building of the country, and Premier Zhou Enlai, who was also serving as the Chinese foreign minister, led the Chinese delegation. Although most of the delegations to the conference espoused peace and friendship in their speeches, some took the opportunity to express misgivings about China. Zhou Enlai responded by distributing copies of his prepared statement and instead made an extemporaneous speech. He noted that the Chinese delegation came to the conference to seek unity, not discord, and emphasized the desire to “seek common ground,” not “create divergence.” He asserted that the existence of different ideologies and social systems did not preclude Asian and African countries from the pursuit of common ground and unity. He then announced that China was prepared to normalize relations with all Asian and African countries on the basis of adherence to the Five Principles. Zhou Enlai’s wise interpretation not only quietened arguments but also won the respect and approval of all in 平易近人：习近平的语言力量--英文-新.indd 234 20/10/15 16:34 235 Evolve from “Seeking Common Ground and Shelving Differences” to “Consolidating Common Ground and Ironing Out Differences” attendance, reversing the outside world’s bias against the New China and producing a positive change in the conference atmosphere. Adopted at the end of the meeting, the “Declaration on the Promotion of World Peace and Cooperation” proposed the famous “Ten Principles of the Bandung Conference” as the basis for peaceful coexistence and friendly cooperation among the relevant countries. The ten principles are essentially an extension of the Five Principles of Peaceful Coexistence. First introduced by Zhou Enlai while meeting with an Indian delegation in 1953, the Five Principles are mutual respect for the sovereignty and territorial integrity of other countries, mutual nonaggression, noninterference in the internal affairs of other countries, equality and mutual benefit, and peaceful coexistence. More than half a century later, the Bandung Spirit that called for opposing colonialism, safeguarding world peace, fostering peaceful coexistence, and promoting friendly cooperation among all Asian and African countries has emerged as an important principle that is recognized and adhered to in international relations and the world at large. The Five Principles of Peaceful Coexistence, which are centered on “seeking common ground and shelving differences,” are inextricably intertwined with the guiding principles of the United Nations Charter, and their content is closely aligned. The Five Principles of Peaceful Coexistence embody the spirit of the United Nations Charter and further supplement and develop it. They are components that help form the principles of contemporary international laws. The crucial line that separates the expressions “seeking common ground and shelving differences” and “consolidating common ground and ironing out differences” is found in the words “iron out.” In international relations, “consolidating common ground and ironing out differences” is a refinement and development of “seeking common ground and shelving differences.” In practice, the former refers to not simply acknowledging disagreements about ideologies, political systems, development stages, and other topics but actively and effectively attempting to solve them. With rising overall national strength and international standing, China 平易近人：习近平的语言力量--英文-新.indd 235 20/10/15 16:34 236 Xi Jinping Diplomatic Wit and Vision is playing an increasingly important role in regional and global affairs. China addresses regional and international hot-button issues by willingly undertaking “Chinese responsibility” and boldly proposing the “Chinese approach.” China is deeply committed to the peace and stability of the Korean Peninsula and its denuclearization, has successfully hosted the Fourth Ministerial Conference of the Istanbul Process on Afghanistan, and was heavily involved in negotiations on the Iranian nuclear issue. China has tasked special envoys with conducting shuttle diplomacy on hot-button issues involving the Middle East and initiated the “Special Consultation in Support of the IGAD-led South Sudan Peace Process.” China has leveraged its regional location to support Myanmar’s national reconciliation process, benefitting the long-term peace and stability of Myanmar as well as the region along the China-Myanmar border. Regarding Ukraine, China has encouraged dialogue and reconciliation, insisted that its independence, sovereignty, and territorial integrity be respected, and rejected any intervention by external forces in its internal affairs while still hoping that a political solution can be reached in a peaceful manner. The “Chinese approach” is committed to “consolidating common ground and ironing out differences.” Focused on peaceful development and centered around win-win cooperation, this approach underscores the features and philosophy of Chinese diplomacy. At the China Development Forum in 2015, Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi indicated that China endorses and implements the following three principles for resolving hot-button issues: countries should neither interfere in the internal affairs of other countries nor impose their will on others, countries should act in an objective and just manner and refrain from selfish gains, and countries should pursue political solutions and reject the use of force. The 21st century world is fraught with global challenges such as terrorism, extremism, and hegemonism. This demands that countries find more effective ways to translate the concept of “consolidating common ground and ironing out differences” into more successful practices. Ancient Chinese philosophy has given new vigor to this concept, and the 平易近人：习近平的语言力量--英文-新.indd 236 20/10/15 16:34 237 Evolve from “Seeking Common Ground and Shelving Differences” to “Consolidating Common Ground and Ironing Out Differences” Chinese wisdom of the famous quote, “Each culture has a beauty of its own and appreciates the beauty of others; by embracing the beauty of all cultures, the ideal beauty of the Great Harmony is revealed,” has presented the world with a distinctive Chinese approach. 平易近人：习近平的语言力量--英文-新.indd 237 20/10/15 16:34 Friendship between peoples is the key to good relations between states. To pursue productive cooperation in the above-mentioned areas, we need the support of our peoples. We should encourage more friendly exchanges between our peoples to enhance mutual understanding and traditional friendship, and build strong public support and a solid social foundation for regional cooperation. – Speech given by Xi Jinping at Nazarbayev University in Kazakhstan, September 7, 2013 平易近人：习近平的语言力量--英文-新.indd 238 20/10/15 16:34 239 Friendship Between Peoples Is the Key to Good Relations Between States – Public diplomacy bolsters international cooperation On September 7, 2013, President Xi Jinping delivered a speech at Kazakhstan’s Nazarbayev University entitled “Promoting Friendship and Working Together to Create a Better Future.” In the speech, he reflected on the history of friendly ties between China and Kazakhstan and other Central Asian countries, and envisioned the development prospects of their mutually beneficial cooperation. Xi specifically asserted, “Friendship between peoples is the key to good relations between states.” He further noted, “To pursue productive cooperation in the above-mentioned areas, we need the support of our peoples. We should encourage more friendly exchanges between our peoples to enhance mutual understanding and traditional friendship, and build strong public support and a solid social foundation for regional cooperation.” Xi Jinping’s quote on friendship is a common enough old saying that compactly expresses a profound idea. Indeed, Xi has emphasized this idea either directly or indirectly on multiple occasions. From a global perspective, diplomacy in the early modern era was considered the domain of the upper echelons. Back then, diplomats claimed to be well born, well educated, and overly resourceful. They could communicate directly with heads of state, manage state-to-state relations, and participate in international affairs through representations, negotiations, and other peaceful means in the name of their countries and 平易近人：习近平的语言力量--英文-新.indd 239 20/10/15 16:34 240 Xi Jinping Diplomatic Wit and Vision governments. Diplomacy remained out of the reach of ordinary people. Technological developments and political advancements have reconstructed the world into a “global village” so that countries are more intertwined than ever before. Apart from limited contact because of wars, trade, and missionary work, inadequate transportation and communication hindered ordinary people from accessing the outside world. Since then, the world has undergone historic changes. Many families, including here in China, have relatives and friends who are working, studying, living, or traveling abroad. Regardless of our location, we always have easy access to information on whatever happened somewhere else around the world. This is the kind of environment that encourages countries to seek common ground, shelve differences, draw on each other’s experiences, and open up areas for exchanges and interactions, enabling all countries to be in agreement about cooperation and development. Nevertheless, globalization is a double-edged sword. While allowing people everywhere to lead wealthier and more convenient lives, it has enabled countries to extend their political, economic, and cultural reach far beyond their borders. The process of dicision-making and implementation of a country is often influenced by other countries and, at the same time, such process also affects other countries’ decision-making and implementation. This has given birth to public diplomacy. Basically, public diplomacy is a public-relations campaign undertaken by a government to secure the understanding and support of people in other countries. Unlike in traditional diplomacy, diplomatic missions do not become directly involved in public diplomacy by making official representations on specific matters. Instead, relevant institutions are guided by the government to influence people in other countries in flexible and diverse ways, which in turn influences the policies of their governments. The executive arms of public diplomacy include, but are not limited to, diplomatic functional departments as well as publicity departments, media outlets, associations, and other institutions. More broadly speaking, foreign exchanges for culture, the arts, and sports, financial assistance for students from different back- 平易近人：习近平的语言力量--英文-新.indd 240 20/10/15 16:34 Friendship Between Peoples Is the Key to Good Relations Between States 241 grounds to study abroad, and even informal interactions with foreigners may all be counted as part of public diplomacy. Public diplomacy seeks neither instant benefits nor forced indoctrination. Instead, it is focused on taking small steady steps to percolate into the public consciousness and exert subtle influence. A country is not an abstract concept. State-to-state cooperation and exchanges are conducted by specific citizens who take full account of public opinion in their own country. We have an old saying, “Win over the people and you win the country.” China’s global influence has dramatically increased amidst the complex readjustments in the current international landscape. For the sake of peaceful development worldwide and thriving prosperity at home, we need to deliver more positive energy to the people of the world to encourage greater understanding and fondness for China, increased willingness to consider international affairs from China’s point of view, and higher hopes for deeper and more expanded cooperation with China. Public diplomacy is an emotional investment that may take time to produce results or need to be adjusted if it fails to meet expectations. However, its role is both long lived and deep rooted. Similar to a first impression, it is hard to change after it has been established. Once people from different countries are bonded by friendship and affection, they are certain to have a positive effect on state-to-state relations and cooperation, allowing many things to fall into place naturally. Patience, therefore, is the key to success of public diplomacy. We cannot allow a few setbacks to derail it. In fact, developed countries such as the United States have poured massive resources into public diplomacy, yielding generous returns. Public diplomacy requires that we broaden our minds, adeptly tap into resources, and be more creative about methods. Leaders may reveal a charming side that is normally absent from their political persona to develop a greater affinity with the people and earn their goodwill. Ordinary people may also play their roles by using their own experiences to tell the China story. In his speech, Xi Jinping referred to the Han Dynasty’s 平易近人：习近平的语言力量--英文-新.indd 241 20/10/15 16:34 242 Xi Jinping Diplomatic Wit and Vision Zhang Qian (164-114 BC), who served as an imperial envoy to the Western Regions and opened up the Silk Road. He spoke of the deep friendship between the Chinese and Kazakh composers Xian Xinghai and Bakhitzhan Baykadamov, respectively, and the symphony that Xian composed for the Kazakh people. Through specific examples, Xi brought the traditional friendship between the two countries vividly to life and drew the Chinese and Kazakh people closer together, thereby transforming his speech into a platform for friendship and understanding. 平易近人：习近平的语言力量--英文-新.indd 242 20/10/15 16:34 Great visions can be realized only through actions. Actions hold the key to building a global community of shared future. To achieve this goal, the international community should promote partnership, security, growth, inter-civilization exchanges and the building of sound ecosystems. – Speech given by Xi Jinping at the United Nations Office in Geneva, January 18, 2017 平易近人：习近平的语言力量--英文-新.indd 243 20/10/15 16:34 244 Great Visions Can Be Realized Only Through Actions – Flexible and pragmatic diplomacy On January 18, 2017, President Xi Jinping delivered a speech entitled “Working Together to Build a Global Community of Shared Future” at the United Nations Office in Geneva. He urged, “Great visions can be realized only through actions. Actions hold the key to building a global community of shared future. To achieve this goal, the international community should promote partnership, security, growth, inter-civilization exchanges and the building of sound ecosystems.” Eight words, “Great visions can be realized only through actions.,” written in simple yet clear language reflect a profound idea unique to Chinese culture. With reference to diplomacy, this maxim cautions us not to get bogged down in the intricacies of international affairs. Instead, we should try to find out and follow the basic laws and essence of things as they develop and take real action. Through practice, we then constantly adjust, innovate, and expand the scope of international exchanges and cooperation. First, real action proceeds from real conditions, making objective judgments about international and domestic developments based on a factual approach. In particular, the complex and profound changes in the international landscape demand that we make concise, objective, and accurate judgments on global development trends. In November 2014, Xi Jinping explained, “We need to fully assess the complexity of the evolv- 平易近人：习近平的语言力量--英文-新.indd 244 20/10/15 16:34 Great Visions Can Be Realized Only Through Actions 245 ing international landscape based on the understanding that the trend for a more multipolar world will only continue. We need to fully assess the complexity of global economic adjustments based on the understanding that the course of economic globalization will only continue. We need to fully assess the intensity of international conflicts and struggles based on the understanding that the trend toward peace and development will only continue. We need to fully assess the protracted nature of disputes over the international order based on the understanding that the direction of the transformation of the international system will only continue.” Moreover, China’s relations with the rest of the world are also changing. China’s engagement with the outside world is growing closer, and China is nearer than it has ever been to the center of the world stage. Xi further explained, “China has entered a critical stage in realizing the great rejuvenation of the Chinese nation... While observing and planning reform and development, we must adopt a comprehensive approach by leveraging the markets, resources, and rules that exist in parallel at the domestic and international levels.” Xi accurately captured China’s current development stage and laid out the course and basic principles for our various tasks. Second, real action means casting aside unrealistic and empty goals and ensuring that plans are implemented to take real action and adjusted as needed due to changes of time or circumstances. As China enters a new era of development, it is delivering a public good for the international community: the Belt and Road Initiative. Based on the core principles of extensive consultation, joint contribution, and shared benefits, the goal of the initiative is to reinforce win-win cooperation between China and other countries. Objectively speaking, converting a strategic master plan into a specific course of action is challenging. While chairing the eighth meeting of the Central Leading Group for Financial and Economic Affairs back in 2014, Xi Jinping emphasized, “We need to ensure the success of the overall arrangement of the Belt and Road Initiative by determining the timetable and roadmap for the next few years as early as possible and by delivering plans and areas for early harvests. In pursuing the Belt and 平易近人：习近平的语言力量--英文-新.indd 245 20/10/15 16:34 246 Xi Jinping Diplomatic Wit and Vision Road Initiative, we must start with tasks that are easier and nearby before moving on to those that are more challenging and distant. We must start with isolated projects that are then linked together and eventually spread out to encompass large areas. We must carry out economic and trade activities in a down-to-earth manner, drive the development of key projects, and focus on steady yet solid progress.” In less than four years, the success of the Belt and Road Initiative has greatly exceeded expectations. According to statistics from China’s Ministry of Commerce, Chinese companies had created 56 economic and trade cooperation zones in more than 20 Belt and Road countries by the end of 2016, generating an accumulated investment flow in excess of US$18.5 billion and producing almost US$1.1 billion in tax revenues and 180,000 jobs for the host countries. These substantive results have helped dispel doubts about the Belt and Road Initiative, allay misgivings, and refute criticisms. Third, real action requires liberating our minds and continuing to innovate in form and substance according to situational changes and diplomatic necessity. In June 2013, shortly after assuming his presidency, Xi Jinping attracted worldwide attention by visiting the United States. Perhaps surprisingly, the meeting between the leaders of China and the United States was arranged at the Sunnylands Estate and was striking for its lack of a welcoming ceremony, a 21-gun salute, or ties. The schedule of two rounds of talks, a dinner, and some walking may have been informal, but it led to more in-depth conversations. The personal friendship and trust that have grown between the two leaders form the basis for developing strategic trust between their two countries, thereby not only maintaining the stability of China-US relations but also further developing them. In February 2014, Xi Jinping attended the opening ceremony of the 22nd Winter Olympics in Sochi, marking the first time that a Chinese head of state attended the opening ceremony of a large international sporting event held outside China. As they have no national boundaries, sports serve as a critical bridge for promoting exchanges and friendship between people in different countries. By participating in these events, national 平易近人：习近平的语言力量--英文-新.indd 246 20/10/15 16:34 Great Visions Can Be Realized Only Through Actions 247 leaders not only foster friendly ties between their country and the one hosting the event, but also earn the goodwill of people from other countries. But that was not all that happened in Sochi. Xi took advantage of this opportunity to attend 12 multilateral events over a short period of 43 hours, meeting with foreign leaders and the heads of international organizations. This type of short-term, single-country visit that yields quick results is an example of a “pinpoint” approach. It integrated sports with diplomacy and made it possible to conduct both bilateral and multilateral activities. A highly efficient way to accomplish several goals at once, this approach is another innovation in Chinese diplomacy. 平易近人：习近平的语言力量--英文-新.indd 247 20/10/15 16:34 平易近人：习近平的语言力量--英文-新.indd 248 20/10/15 16:34 Quotations from the Classics 平易近人：习近平的语言力量--英文-新.indd 249 20/10/15 16:34 平易近人：习近平的语言力量--英文-新.indd 250 20/10/15 16:34 The Chinese Dream is about contributing to the world. “If poor, he develops his good nature in solitude; if prosperous, he promotes the good nature of all.” This maxim demonstrates the sense of morality and generosity that Chinese people have cherished through the ages. Managing its own affairs well is China’s responsibility to its people and its contribution to the world. As it develops, China will continue to do all that it can to contribute to world peace and development. – Speech given by Xi Jinping to mark the 50th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between China and France, March 27, 2014 平易近人：习近平的语言力量--英文-新.indd 251 20/10/15 16:34 252 If Poor, He Develops His Good Nature in Solitude; If Prosperous, He Promotes the Good Nature of All – The Chinese Dream is intertwined with the beautiful dreams of people around the world The following lines are taken from the chapter “Jin Xin I” in the Mencius, “Among the ancients, he whose ambitions were filled bestowed benefits onto the people; he whose ambitions were not filled practiced self-cultivation and established himself in the world. If poor, he developed his good nature in solitude; if prosperous, he promoted the good nature of all.” In other words, those who were accomplished acted graciously toward the people, and those who had yet to accomplish their ambitions practiced self-mastery to set an example for the people; when impoverished, they maintained their integrity, and, when successful, they treated everyone with kindness. These lines demonstrate the magnanimous nature of ancient Chinese philosophers and suggest a kind of idealism and noble pursuit of realism. They embody a philosophical attitude toward life and an ideology based on concern for the country and its people, becoming a maxim that has been informing Chinese how to behave in society for more than two thousand years. Other great thinkers expressed similar sentiments. Du Fu (712-770) asked, “How could we find countless mansions to shelter the poor and bring them joy?” And Fan Zhongyan (989-1052) advised, “Worry before the people are worried and feel joy after the people are joyful.” These well- 平易近人：习近平的语言力量--英文-新.indd 252 20/10/15 16:34 253 If Poor, He Develops His Good Nature in Solitude; If Prosperous, He Promotes the Good Nature of All known lines reveal that the authors strived to live by the idea “do not serve as an official if the people are absent from your heart.” Their broadmindedness and moral character were evident in their concern for the common people, a trait which has been woven into the fabric of traditional Chinese culture. President Xi Jinping has repeatedly emphasized, “Traditional Chinese culture constitutes the lifeblood of the Chinese nation.” Traditional philosophical beliefs are engrained into the identity of the Chinese people. They form the cultural roots of the Chinese Dream and shape the world’s perceptions of China. As far back as the 18th century, the French enlightenment philosopher Voltaire commented, “China is the oldest nation in the world and is the authority on ethics and governance.” As they are better positioned to improve the people’s wellbeing, Chinese Communists ought to set more lofty goals than our ancestors. They must remember their founding mission; they must always bear the people’s welfare in mind and remain intent on managing China’s affairs well. With a global vision and a broad mind, they should contribute by undertaking real actions that expose the world to the distinct appeal of the Chinese Dream. Mao Zedong (1893-1976) once wrote, “The same hot and cold span the globe.” Every country or nation has its own dream. The substance of that dream and the way of achieving it may differ depending on a country’s history, culture, political traditions, and development stage, but the pursuit of that dream remains a powerful force driving the struggle of people from every country. In order to gain the understanding and support of more countries, Xi Jinping used his visits across five continents to repeatedly explain the meaning of the Chinese Dream and underscore its global significance. He emphasized that the Chinese Dream is one of peace, development, cooperation, and mutual benefit and announced that its realization would give more vigor to the development of other countries. The Chinese Dream is a spiritual bond that connects the past with the future and links China to the world. Xi Jinping put forth some new 平易近人：习近平的语言力量--英文-新.indd 253 20/10/15 16:34 254 Xi Jinping Diplomatic Wit and Vision concepts such as “the Chinese Dream is interconnected with the dreams of other countries” and the pursuit of “a community of shared future.” In 2013, he linked the Chinese Dream with that of America during his meetings with Barack Obama at the Sunnylands Estate, and, on the banks of Yanqi Lake in Beijing’s Huairou District during the autumn of 2014, he introduced the idea of “jointly pursuing the Asia-Pacific dream.” In 2015, at an event commemorating the 60th anniversary of the Bandung Conference, he called for the interlinking of the Chinese Dream with the “dream for a rejuvenated Asia and Africa,” and, during his visit to the Middle East in early 2016, he associated the Chinese Dream with the “Middle East development dream.” These endeavors represent a pragmatic approach to building bridges for mutual understanding and integrating the Chinese Dream into the beautiful dreams of peoples around the world. However, one of the obstacles in realization of the Chinese Dream of “promoting the good nature of all” is that some Western countries are accustomed to imposing their values on others and are prejudiced against China. Encouraging people outside China to become invested in the Chinese Dream is challenging. It requires that peace, development, cooperation, and mutual benefit revolve around the Chinese Dream and overlap with the beautiful dreams of peoples from all countries. We can achieve success and realize our dreams by taking real action and forging ahead. “Important undertakings begin with small details.” It is with this practical approach that Xi Jinping invited the world to ride on the tailwinds of China’s development, reinforce exchanges and cooperation in governance and other areas, and spur the implementation of joint projects that people can see and feel. He emphasized that Chinese people believe in the maxim “do not do unto others that which you would not want done to yourself ” and reject the idea that “strong countries are bound to pursue hegemonism.” He continued to explain that opportunities are not limited to China, “the realization of the Chinese Dream will benefit not only the Chinese people but also the people of the world.” Looking forward, the Chinese Dream and other symbols of China 平易近人：习近平的语言力量--英文-新.indd 254 20/10/15 16:34 255 If Poor, He Develops His Good Nature in Solitude; If Prosperous, He Promotes the Good Nature of All will become increasingly visible in the world. In this new era in which “China opens its eyes to the world” and “the world opens its eyes to China,” we believe that meaningful interactions between China and other countries will drive the concept of the Chinese Dream to become more mature, rewarding, and comprehensive. 平易近人：习近平的语言力量--英文-新.indd 255 20/10/15 16:34 There is a saying in Africa, “A single log will not build a house.” We have a similar saying in Chinese, “Burdens are heavy when lifted alone; journeys are faster when shared with others.” By strengthening mutually beneficial cooperation, Asian and African countries can achieve far more than they could independently. – Speech given by Xi Jinping at the Asian-African Summit, April 22, 2015 平易近人：习近平的语言力量--英文-新.indd 256 20/10/15 16:34 257 Burdens Are Heavy When Lifted Alone; Journeys Are Faster When Shared with Others – Replace zero-sum games with win-win cooperation “Burdens are heavy when lifted alone; journeys are faster when shared with others. A piece of timber cannot hold a leaning wall; a clump of earth cannot stop a rising river.” This expression is from “Zhi Pian 8” of Mo Gu, which was written by the late Qing-dynasty scholar Wei Yuan (1794-1857). The first line, “Burdens are heavy when lifted alone; journeys are faster when shared with others,” suggests that success cannot be achieved alone. When people pull together to reach a common goal, they expend half the effort, making the goal much easier to accomplish. At the 2015 Asian- African Summit, President Xi Jinping compared this expression with an African proverb, “A single log will not build a house,” to call on Asian and African countries to stick together, offer mutual help and protection, and meet opportunities and challenges together in the new political landscape. Win-win cooperation is in the common interests of all countries. The international community is composed of countries that differ in size, strength, political systems, cultural traditions, and ideologies. And yet people from all countries are united in their pursuit of the common good. All people, regardless of nationality, want to enjoy a life of prosperity and security. All countries seek economic development, social stability, world peace, and the respect of others in the international community. Meanwhile, climate change, environmental pollution, terrorism, and other non-traditional security issues are increasingly global and need to be 平易近人：习近平的语言力量--英文-新.indd 257 20/10/15 16:34 258 Xi Jinping Diplomatic Wit and Vision addressed through joint efforts. The differences in social systems, development stages, and natural resources create an environment that encourages countries to draw on each other’s experience and build complementary strengths. Capital and technology from developed countries, for example, may be integrated with natural resources and labor from developing countries to multiply positive economic results. Moreover, the development experience of developed countries may provide valuable lessons for developing countries. It is important to be aware that, in contrast to win-win cooperation, the zero-sum game or a winner-take-all approach still persists. As Xi Jinping pointed out that some countries “exist in the 21st century but still think in the past,” leaving them out of step with the times. The zero-sum game mentality is a vestige of colonial expansion that is inconsistent with the international landscape that emerged after the Cold War. In terms of the economy, this mentality serves the interests of one country at the expense of others and seeks to develop one economy upon the backs of others, leading to isolationism, and missed development opportunities. In terms of security, one country bolstering its own security at the expense of another is a fruitless approach that will continue to deepen security dilemmas. In terms of culture, a mentality of disrespecting other countries and civilizations, asserting one’s cultural dominance, and blindly exporting one’s culture will only stir resentment, intensify clashes, and provoke one’s own destruction. China is not only introducing the concept of win-win cooperation but also practicing it. On the one hand, China has invited all countries to share in the benefits of development by using its own development to drive the world’s, and nothing illustrates this more than the Belt and Road Initiative. This initiative promotes the spirit of mutual learning and harmonious coexistence that are at the heart of the Silk Road and emphasizes extensive consultation, joint contribution, and shared benefits on the basis of equality and mutual benefit. The goal is to achieve common development and prosperity for all countries along the Belt and Road. As of September 2017, more than 100 countries and international organizations have 平易近人：习近平的语言力量--英文-新.indd 258 20/10/15 16:34 Burdens Are Heavy When Lifted Alone; Journeys Are Faster When Shared with Others 259 responded to the initiative, with more than 70 signing cooperation agreements with China to form an initial arrangement for international cooperation on production capacity that extends across Asia, Africa, Europe, and South America. On the other hand, together with other emerging countries, China has shifted the international order in a fairer and more reasonable direction by promoting the reform of the international monetary system, leading the G20 to transition toward long-term mechanisms for global governance, reinforcing the international system with the United Nations Charter and principles at its core, participating in the building of rules and institutions for emerging areas, etc. These efforts have sought equal rights, opportunities, and rules to create a more balanced distribution of development fruits and heighten the appeal of international cooperation. The expression, “Burdens are heavy when lifted alone; journeys are faster when shared with others,” presents two sides of a simple fact: there is strength in numbers, and collective action is more powerful than any act by an individual. This is a universally acknowledged truism, both in China and the world at large. At various times, Xi Jinping has reaffirmed the need to expand cooperation in all countries and regions. For example, at the Boao Forum for Asia Annual Conference in 2013, he quoted from The Popular Collection of Wise Sayings, “Spring cannot be found in a single flower; spring is everywhere when a hundred flowers bloom.” Here, he emphasized that all countries should accommodate each other’s interests in development and work toward common development. In a 2014 speech marking the 60th anniversary of the launch of the Five Principles of Peaceful Coexistence, he quoted from the Guanzi, “Unity leads to strength, and isolation leads to weakness.” Here, he pointed out that countries should tackle international matters by establishing a new vision that benefits all parties and rejecting the old mindset of zero-sum games and winner-take-all approaches. These nimble and rich expressions reflect Xi Jinping’s grasp of historical trends and the resolution that underscores his philosophy for guiding diplomacy. 平易近人：习近平的语言力量--英文-新.indd 259 20/10/15 16:34 “A tree that can fill the span of a man’s arms grows from a downy tip; a terrace nine storeys high rises from hodfuls of earth.” To ensure that the tree of China-ASEAN friendship remains evergreen, the soil of social support for our relations should be fertile1. – Speech given by Xi Jinping at the People’s Representative Council of Indonesia, October 3, 2013 1 Chen Xixi (chief editor), Xi Jinping Wit and Vision: Selected Quotations and Commentary, Foreign Languages Press, SJTU Press, 1st edition, 2015, P217. 平易近人：习近平的语言力量--英文-新.indd 260 20/10/15 16:34 261 A Tree That Can Fill the Span of a Man’s Arms Grows from A Downy Tip – Reinforce public support for state-to-state relations “A tree that can fill the span of a man’s arms grows from a downy tip; a terrace nine storeys high rises from hodfuls of earth.” This quotation is taken from chapter 64 of the Laozi. In 2013, President Xi Jinping quoted this sentence in his speech at the Indonesian Parliament to underscore that exchanges between China and ASEAN countries must be based on a deep connection between their people. This connection is inseparable from the mutual understanding and friendship brought about by exchanges between youths, think tanks, legislative assemblies, non-governmental organizations, and social groups and indispensable to exchanges in education, science, culture, and healthcare. Only by “increasing exchanges and deepening emotional bonds can people grow closer to one another.” While addressing the Senate of Mexico, in contrast, Xi quoted the following line from Zhuang Zi’s “Free and Easy Wandering”, “If water is not piled up deep enough, it won’t have the strength to bear up a big boat.1” Here, he adopts a different perspective to reveal that direct people-to-people contact is the most effective way of deepening state-to-state friendships, and bonds of friendship between people are an infinite force driving the sustainable development of state-to-state relations. 1 Chen Xixi (chief editor), Xi Jinping Wit and Vision: Selected Quotations and Commentary, Foreign Languages Press, SJTU Press, 1st edition, 2015, P213. 平易近人：习近平的语言力量--英文-新.indd 261 20/10/15 16:34 262 Xi Jinping Diplomatic Wit and Vision All great undertakings are the sum of small matters. Relations between China and other countries may be compared to a towering tree, a lofty terrace, or a sea-going vessel. Interactions between people are the seedling of the tree, the foundation of the terrace, and the sea that holds up the vessel. Countries can only establish a new type of international relations based on mutual respect, fairness, justice, and win-win cooperation if there is mutual trust, mutual benefit, and a history of cooperation. All of these elements must be established through a gradual process of real exchanges that promote understanding over time. Since the launch of the policy of reform and opening up, China has developed relations with other countries based on this type of incremental accumulation. In 1991, for example, the year that China and ASEAN initiated a formal dialogue, two-way trade was US$7.96 billion, and two-way investment barely reached US$500 million. In 2016, two-way trade rose to US$472.2 billion, which was an increase of nearly 60-fold, and cumulative two-way investment exceeded US$160 billion, which was an increase of more than 300-fold. In 2016, China celebrated its seventh consecutive year as ASEAN’s largest trading partner, and ASEAN marked its fifth consecutive year as China’s third largest trading partner. During this period, people-to-people exchanges between China and ASEAN countries increased in frequency. In 2016, more than 190,000 students participated in China-ASEAN exchange programs, over 23 million visitors traveled between China and ASEAN countries, and China became the largest source of tourists to ASEAN countries. Such cooperation aligns with the development needs of all parties and provides real benefits to their people. The deep roots established through economic and social interactions between China and ASEAN countries laid the groundwork for growing relations, including partnerships for consultations, friendly and cooperative relations, and good-neighborliness and mutual trust. It also led to the establishment of the Joint Declaration on China-ASEAN Strategic Partnership for Peace and Prosperity in October 2003. The great strides that have been made in China-ASEAN relations over the past two decades 平易近人：习近平的语言力量--英文-新.indd 262 20/10/15 16:34 A Tree That Can Fill the Span of a Man’s Arms Grows from A Downy Tip 263 have promoted regional peace, stability and prosperity. Wang Tong (584-617), an ancient scholar of the Sui Dynasty (581- 618), said, “Friendship based on profit or power shall not last long without them; only friendships based on sincerity have true staying power.” Building a new type of international relations requires that China rise above traditional diplomacy based on hard power. It requires that China engage with the people of the world directly to persuade them that it places win-win cooperation at the core of international exchanges, thereby promoting mutual understanding and eschewing the pitfall of zerosum games. Since the 18th CPC National Congress, China has upheld the spirit of “promoting public diplomacy and people-to-people exchanges” by trying to tell China’s stories well and helping international friends better understand China. From 2013 to 2015, China exported a total of 52.39 million copies of books, periodicals and newspapers abroad, amounting to roughly US$174 million, which was an average annual increase of 14% compared to 2008-2012. During that same period, viewership of television programs exported overseas totaled 68,292 hours. From 2012 to 2016, the number of Confucius Institutes rose from 400 to 511 worldwide, the number of Confucius Classrooms jumped from over 500 to 1,073, and the number of students surged from 650,000 to 2.1 million in 140 countries. In 2016, the number of international students in China surpassed 440,000, which was an increase of 35% compared to 2012. This made China the most popular destination in Asia for studying abroad. Through multilayered and wide-ranging international exchanges, China has demonstrated greater willingness and capacity to engage internationally and has seen its influence on the world stage grow steadily. This progress has boosted the degree to which people from other countries understand and trust China and established public support for promoting a new type of international relations that leads to a more active and constructive role. Nevertheless, the success of the seedling that develops into a massive tree, the terrace that grows from clumps of earth, or the water that lifts a boat all hinge upon the word “real.” In other words, things must accu- 平易近人：习近平的语言力量--英文-新.indd 263 20/10/15 16:34 264 Xi Jinping Diplomatic Wit and Vision mulate beyond a tipping point for there to be a qualitative leap. Xi Jinping employed the famous words of Lao Zi and Zhuang Zi to reflect his clear understanding of this objective law in traditional Chinese philosophy. Based on mutual respect, fairness, justice, and win-win cooperation, China is promoting a new type of international relations that is neither empty rhetoric nor an exaggeration. Instead, it is a sincere wish for all people to share in the results of development and build cooperation between countries on mutual benefit, mutual trust, and friendship. This is the true embodiment of the ancient saying, “Friendship between peoples is the key to good relations between states, and promoting mutual understanding is essential to friendship.” 平易近人：习近平的语言力量--英文-新.indd 264 20/10/15 16:34 Pursue win-win cooperation. “Heed not selfish interests but the interests of all people.” China is ready to open up further to ASEAN countries on the basis of equality and mutual benefit so that our development might better serve all ASEAN countries. – Speech given by Xi Jinping at the People’s Representative Council of Indonesia, October 3, 2013 平易近人：习近平的语言力量--英文-新.indd 265 20/10/15 16:34 266 Heed Not Selfish Interests But the Interests of All People – Be a strong voice for mutual benefit The expression “Heed not selfish interests but the interests of all people” is derived from a couplet that Yu Youren (1879-1964), who was a senior member of the Kuomintang, presented to Chiang Ching-kuo (1910-1988). The complete couplet reads as follows, “Heed not selfish interests but the interests of all people; aspire not for a burst of fame but for a lasting reputation.” The couplet uses clear and direct language to reflect Confucian teachings that prioritize public over private interests. Yu meant to persuade Chiang Ching-kuo that his name would be lauded in history for generations if he refrained from pursuing his own private interests at the expense of the interests of the people. This couplet became Jiang’s motto. In 1982, Liao Chengzhi (1908-1983), the vice chairperson of the Standing Committee of the National People’s Congress of China, quoted this couplet in an open letter to Chiang Ching-kuo to urge him to work for national reunification. October 2-8, 2013, President Xi Jinping made state visits to Indonesia and Malaysia and attended the 21st APEC CEO Summit in Bali. On October 3, Xi quoted from the couplet during a speech he delivered at the Indonesian Parliament entitled “Jointly Building a China-ASEAN Community of Shared Future,” in which he expressed China’s pursuit of mutual benefit. This time, “the interests of all people” no longer referred to a simple concept of national interests but rather the common interests and shared 平易近人：习近平的语言力量--英文-新.indd 266 20/10/15 16:34 Heed Not Selfish Interests But the Interests of All People 267 benefits of people in all countries. In his speech, Xi emphasized, “China is ready to expand its practical cooperation with the ASEAN countries across the board to meet each other’s needs and complement each other’s strengths. This will enable us to jointly seize opportunities and meet challenges in the interest of common development and prosperity,” thus revealing what it takes to “heed the interests of all people” and “work for the interests of all people” in a specific and profound way. His visit coincides with the 10th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic ties between China and ASEAN and comes at an historic time in their bilateral relations. In less than a week, Xi Jinping attended nearly 50 bilateral and multilateral events, personally met with a wide cross-section of people, delivered important speeches, and achieved significant results. The visit not only elevated China’s ties with Indonesia and Malaysia to a new level and identified new objectives for relations between China and ASEAN countries but also guided new developments for APEC and laid out a new vision for China’s economic development. Despite all the innovations under way, China remained determined to connect its own development with that of all countries, to integrate the Chinese Dream with the dream of peace, prosperity, and happiness that is embraced by all countries, and to further share the results of development with ASEAN, the Asia Pacific, and the world. This provided a firm footing for steady growth in China-ASEAN relations after their long and bumpy history. It is worth noting that this visit served not only as an important strategic initiative for creating a new phase of neighborhood diplomacy and promoting Asia-Pacific regional cooperation but also as a seminal moment in the Belt and Road Initiative. In his speech at the Indonesian Parliament, Xi Jinping proposed that China was ready to work with ASEAN countries to build a 21st century Maritime Silk Road, which together with the Silk Road Economic Belt proposed in Kazakhstan on September 7 of the same year, constituted the core framework of the Belt and Road Initiative. From the outset, the Belt and Road Initiative has been geared toward mutual benefit, pursuing the interests of all parties and seeking both 平易近人：习近平的语言力量--英文-新.indd 267 20/10/15 16:34 268 Xi Jinping Diplomatic Wit and Vision converging interests and the maximum common denominator. In practice, it focuses on the development needs and actual needs of partners, using the joint building of infrastructure to help underdeveloped countries and regions tap into their capacity for sustainable development. These concepts and practices demonstrate the real meaning of the expression, “Heed not selfish interests but the interests of all people,” refute Western accusations that China was a global “free rider,” and prove that China has become a strong voice for pursuing fair and common development in the age of globalization. Currently, the global economic recovery remains stagnant and the future is unclear. Brexit and the Trump phenomenon indicate a rising trend toward populism and protectionism. This is the result of failures to advance economic globalization and regional integration, which in turn have exacerbated uncertainties at a difficult time. Faced with challenges, should we resort to a “beggar thy neighbor” policy and erect high walls or should we unite to surmount difficulties as one? Xi Jinping issued China’s response. To heed the interests of all people means to adapt to the trend of globalization by embracing challenges not fearing them. We must be committed to developing global free trade and investment, liberalizing and facilitating trade and investment by opening up and clearly rejecting protectionism. At the same time, we must adhere to a development model that is fair, inclusive, balanced and sustainable so that all countries can enjoy opportunities, and we can give new vigor to the turnaround in the global economy. “Heed not selfish interests but the interests of all people.” From Confucian teachings to China-ASEAN cooperation and shared benefits and the reciprocity of all countries seeking common development, the moral standards that underpin traditional Chinese culture have greater relevance and international significance in modern times. History has shown us that the possibility for peace and development hinges upon heeding the interests of all humanity, which is exactly what every country should be prioritizing and putting into action. 平易近人：习近平的语言力量--英文-新.indd 268 20/10/15 16:34 Justice, not just interests, should be the focus of international cooperation. Chinese people have always believed that “the gentleman considers righteousness the essence” and emphasized that “Wealth and honors attained through unjust means are no more than floating clouds to me.” – Speech given by Xi Jinping at National Seoul University in South Korea, July 4, 2014 平易近人：习近平的语言力量--英文-新.indd 269 20/10/15 16:34 270 Wealth and Honors Attained Through Unjust Means Are No More Than Floating Clouds to Me – Reject “unjust acts” that seek only profit On July 4, 2014, President Xi Jinping delivered a speech entitled “Jointly Creating the Future of China-Korea Cooperation and Working to Restore Prosperity in Asia” at National Seoul University in South Korea. In his speech, he quoted the line, “Wealth and honors attained through unjust means are no more than floating clouds to me,” emphasizing that the proper approach to justice and interests guides cooperation with neighboring countries and rejects “capitalizing on others, profiting at the expense of others, and allowing one ‘family’ to dominate” in international relations. The quotation above is taken from Book Seven of the Analects. Recounting his own aspirations in this way, Confucius stated that wealth and honors acquired through unjust means were similar to clouds in that they should neither be pursued nor relied upon, thus setting forth the Confucian value of “foregoing one’s own interests to pursue justice.” Rather than discarding them, Confucianism teaches that interests should be viewed realistically since “wealth and high rank are what people desire,” and “if getting wealthy without doing anything wrong, I would do it, even though I am only a menial worker.” Here, “getting wealthy” and “loving profit” are both viewed as “being present from birth” and should not be stifled. In the arguing for justice over profit, therefore, Confucianism does 平易近人：习近平的语言力量--英文-新.indd 270 20/10/15 16:34 Wealth and Honors Attained Through Unjust Means Are No More Than Floating Clouds to Me 271 not reject profit in itself but rather the act of abandoning justice in pursuit of it. This value system was recognized by ancient Chinese as the highest standard for social conduct. In his speech, Xi Jinping quoted the line, “Wealth and honors attained through unjust means are no more than floating clouds to me,” to express his opposition to “unjust acts” in international exchanges and to outline the way the country should conduct itself using the value system of sage. Through concise yet vivid language, he accurately clarified China’s adherence to mutual benefit and opposition to seeking only profit, endowing traditional morals with new contemporary meaning. Since modern times, ideas such as “profits last forever, but friends do not,” “might makes right,” and “profits come first” have reverberated around the world. There is an unsettling yet growing tendency in international politics for gross interference in the domestic affairs of other countries and the prioritizing of one country’s private interests over the betterment of the international community. Unequal trade, investment, and financial mechanisms have enabled a minority of people to profit while the majority suffer setbacks, thus hobbling the process of globalization. Xi Jinping quoted the expression, “Wealth and honors attained through unjust means are no more than floating clouds to me,” to demonstrate China’s firm opposition. In international exchanges, especially those that involve neighboring countries and developing countries, “We must abandon outdated zero-sum thinking. We cannot simply capitalize on others or profit at their expense. Nor can we believe that another’s loss is our gain or that it is acceptable for ‘one family’ to dominate.” Instead, “We should be able to enjoy a good life and others should be able to as well.” The ideas at the core of the expression, “Wealth and honors attained through unjust means are no more than floating clouds to me,” reflect not only a distinct Chinese approach but also the principle by which China practices diplomacy. Neighboring countries have watched China grow in strength. On the one hand, they seek to share the dividends that China’s development has generated. On the other hand, they fear that China will 平易近人：习近平的语言力量--英文-新.indd 271 20/10/15 16:34 272 Xi Jinping Diplomatic Wit and Vision dominate Asia, infringe upon the development potential of other countries, and follow some strong countries in pursuing hegemonism. However, far from believing in zero-sum games that equate another’s loss with one’s own gain, China has used an abundance of patience and sincerity to assist during times of adversity and settle differences through peaceful means, earning the understanding and trust of most neighboring countries. The 1997 financial crisis raged through Asia, yet China withstood the pressure and defied the odds. Not content with only trying to stop the Renminbi from depreciating, China stood with countries in Southeast and Northwest Asia by providing valuable support to overcome the crisis. With more neighboring countries than any country in the world, China is involved in many disputes about territory and territorial waters. However, China does not subscribe to the mindset that the big and powerful bully the small and weak. Instead, China has strived to shelve disputes in favor of development. It has been committed to engaging in friendly negotiations with countries directly concerned to find peaceful solutions and to maintaining peace and stability in the South China Sea, which has won the world’s widespread support. China is a developing country and will remain one for a long time. The expression, “Wealth and honors attained through unjust means are no more than floating clouds to me,” represents China’s steadfast position of siding with developing countries and standing up for impoverished countries. A shared experience with colonialism has enabled China to empathize with other developing countries and has ensured that it will neither follow in the footsteps of colonialists nor attempt to exploit other countries for its own interests. For example, China provides aid to African countries based on the principle of “mutual respect, equality, honoring commitments, and mutual benefit.” Providing aid without attaching political strings demonstrates China’s generosity, earning China the support and praise of friends in Africa. The West has falsely accused China of practicing “neo-colonialism” in Africa, claiming that China has ignored the welfare of African people, plundered African resources, and wrecked the 平易近人：习近平的语言力量--英文-新.indd 272 20/10/15 16:34 Wealth and Honors Attained Through Unjust Means Are No More Than Floating Clouds to Me 273 local environment despite many refutations issued by African leaders. Xi Jinping referenced the quotation above to eloquently refute the claim of “neo-colonialism” from the perspective of traditional Chinese ethics and reality. Through his explanation, Xi Jinping distilled the self-imposed moral standards of past sages into the proper approach to justice and interests, which is especially relevant in our time. Hegemonism is not inherent to the Chinese people. China values the interests and needs of neighboring and developing countries. It neither seeks only profit nor bullies those who are less well-off. This reflects traditional Chinese values and will serve as the principle for Chinese diplomacy in the new era. 平易近人：习近平的语言力量--英文-新.indd 273 20/10/15 16:34 Friendships based on profit or power shall not last long without them; only friendships based on sincerity have true staying power. The development of state-to-state relations depends upon creating a rapport among the people in those countries. – Speech given by Xi Jinping at National Seoul University in South Korea, July 4, 2014 平易近人：习近平的语言力量--英文-新.indd 274 20/10/15 16:34 275 Only Friendships Based on Sincerity Have True Staying Power – Rapport is necessary for upholding justice while pursuing common interests In a speech delivered at South Korea’s National Seoul University on July 4, 2014, President Xi Jinping referenced the concept that “only friendships based on sincerity have true staying power” to emphasize the importance of rapport in promoting state-to-state relations. Since then, Xi has reaffirmed this view on multiple occasions. In a signed article published on November 21, 2014, during his state visit to Fiji, Xi referenced the concept again to demonstrate that China was a good friend of Pacific island countries, one who would share in their joys and sorrows and offer mutual help and protection. In another signed article published on October 1, 2016, this time in Bangladesh’s The Daily Star and Prothom Alo, Xi again referenced the same concept to indicate that China considered Bangladesh to be a true friend and development partner. “Only friendships based on sincerity have true staying power” is a crystallization of Chinese philosophy on social conduct. In social interactions, China has always discouraged being materialistic and disingenuous. As stated in the “Rites and Music” chapter of the Zhong Shuo (Wang Tong (584-617)), “A friendship built on power ceases when that power is overturned; a friendship built on interests breaks down when those interests disappear.” On the contrary, it is a “gentleman’s friendship,” that is, a friendship built upon sincerity and free of pretense, that has been revered through the ages. In A Reply to Su Wu, the Han-dynasty’s Li Ling (134- 平易近人：习近平的语言力量--英文-新.indd 275 20/10/15 16:34 276 Xi Jinping Diplomatic Wit and Vision 74 BC) stated, “When people interact, the understanding between their hearts is most important,” which suggests that being honest and open is the key to human interactions. In Three Poems for My Friends, the Tang-dynasty poet Li Bai (701-762) asked, “That which is most precious in life is a great friend; what is the point of talking about money?” A poem from the Northern Song Dynasty’s Master Zhi Yuan (976-1023) reads, “Friendship built upon sincerity is like fine jade for it remains cool when tempered by fire. Friendship built upon the superficial is like a floating cloud for it vanishes in an instance. Once sat across from one another, now we are separated; once so near, now we are at a distance. I have a sincere friend, and we have not met for ages.” This poem extols the cherished friendship that existed between the author and Lin Bu, a scholarly recluse who enjoyed the company of plum blossoms and cranes. Xi Jinping used the expression, “Only friendships based on sincerity have true staying power,” to describe international relations. If traditional Chinese philosophy on social conduct is distilled and applied to China’s relations with neighboring and developing countries, then this application can naturally be extended from the interpersonal level to the national level. In straightforward language, he further explained the proper approach to justice and interests as “pursuing justice first and interests second.” Unlike Western norms on foreign relations that emphasize interests over justice, China has proposed a foreign policy and national path of basing friendships on sincerity and creating rapport. China has always maintained that countries, irrespective of size, wealth, or strength, are equal members of the international community. Only by building friendships based on sincerity are we able to generate empathy, ensure equality, prioritize justice, and provide mutual support. Consequently, working together for development and mutual benefit will come naturally. Neighboring countries are the priority in China’s foreign policy orientation. Building friendships based on sincerity and pursuing justice first and interests second are values that are enhanced by developing relations with neighboring countries. For example, the traditional friendship 平易近人：习近平的语言力量--英文-新.indd 276 20/10/15 16:34 Only Friendships Based on Sincerity Have True Staying Power 277 between China and Cambodia was established and cultivated by previous generations of leaders. During nearly sixty years of tumultuous world affairs, the two countries have enjoyed a friendship based on sincerity. “They meet as often as old friends and shuttle back and forth like family.” Mutual understanding and complete support have been the hallmark of their relationship as they addressed issues involving their respective core interests and major concerns. Xi Jinping’s visit to Cambodia in 2016 gave new vigor to the traditional friendship between China and Cambodia and elevated bilateral cooperation to a new level. The long-lasting bond between the two countries exemplifies the idea that “friendships based on sincerity have true staying power.” Developing countries represent the foundation of China’s diplomacy. The principles of exchanging sincerity for sincerity and earning sincerity through righteousness are embodied by the exchanges that take place between China and developing countries. Xi Jinping once vividly explained that China would always remain a reliable friend and a sincere partner of developing countries, irrespective of China’s level of development or the tumult in world affairs. For example, in the decades since establishing diplomatic ties with Pacific island countries, China has abided by the principle of honesty, mutual respect, and mutual support. With similar historical experiences, China understands and respects the social systems and development paths that island nations have chosen to align with their own national conditions. Moreover, China supports their equal participation in international and regional affairs and their defense of national sovereignty and development rights. This stance for equality without discrimination has won the praise and appreciation of people in island nations and laid the groundwork for their long-standing support on issues involving China’s major core interests. This is a vivid illustration of the symbiotic relationship between sincerity and justice. “Only friendships based on sincerity have true staying power.” Through a natural expression of emotional warmth, Xi Jinping explained how to “pursue justice first and interests second” and enriched the 平易近人：习近平的语言力量--英文-新.indd 277 20/10/15 16:34 278 Xi Jinping Diplomatic Wit and Vision meaning of a proper approach to justice and interests. Xi referenced the quotation above to extend the application of a long-standing Chinese ethical code of interpersonal communication to China’s policy direction for interactions with neighboring and developing countries. With simple eloquence, he clarified China’s consistent stance on treating powers great and small equally and demonstrated China’s intention to create rapport and uphold justice while pursuing common interests. 平易近人：习近平的语言力量--英文-新.indd 278 20/10/15 16:34 No country enjoys absolute security. A country cannot have security while others are in turmoil, for the threats directed at other countries may soon challenge the one that is “secure.” When a neighbor’s fence is damaged, we should lend them a hand instead of focusing on our own. As the saying goes, “A lone twig is easily snapped in two; a bundle of lone twigs forms an unbreakable rod.” All parties should establish a common, comprehensive, cooperative, and sustainable security concept. – Speech given by Xi Jinping at the United Nations Office in Geneva, January 18, 2017 平易近人：习近平的语言力量--英文-新.indd 279 20/10/15 16:34 280 A Lone Twig Is Easily Snapped in Two; A Bundle of Lone Twigs Forms an Unbreakable Rod – Promote security through cooperation On January 18, 2017, President Xi Jinping delivered a keynote speech entitled “Working Together to Build a Global Community of Shared Future” at the United Nations Office in Geneva. He pointed out, “No country enjoys absolute security. A country cannot have security while others are in turmoil, for the threats directed at other countries may soon challenge the one that is ‘secure.’ When a neighbor’s fence is damaged, we should lend them a hand instead of focusing on our own. As the saying goes, ‘A lone twig is easily snapped in two; a bundle of lone twigs forms an unbreakable rod.’ All parties should establish a common, comprehensive, cooperative, and sustainable security concept.” Xi Jinping’s speech included the following line from Volume 96 of the History of the Northern Dynasties (Li Dashi (570-628); Li Yanshou (dates unknown), “A lone twig is easily snapped in two; a bundle of lone twigs forms an unbreakable rod. Unite as one heart, then fortify the country.” The original text explains that a solitary force is easily weakened, but combined forces that unite as one heart can stabilize a regime. This reflects the political wisdom of ancient Chinese. In international security, the reasoning behind the expression, “A lone twig is easily snapped in two; a bundle of lone twigs forms an unbreakable rod,” is quite clear. Mutual cooperation is the only way for countries to better safeguard their own security and better defend international security. 平易近人：习近平的语言力量--英文-新.indd 280 20/10/15 16:34 A Lone Twig Is Easily Snapped in Two; A Bundle of Lone Twigs Forms an Unbreakable Rod 281 From solving traditional security issues, such as nuclear proliferation and international conflicts, to addressing non-traditional security issues, such as climate change, terrorism, and cyberthreats, from maintaining internal security to promoting international security, all require that countries work closely together. The global and transnational nature of security issues, the inadequacy of any one country, and the link between internal and external security threats have made international cooperation a necessary strategic choice for all countries. In practice, how should countries cooperate on security? First, we need to leverage candid and in-depth dialogue and communication to enhance strategic trust, reduce mutual suspicions, and seek common ground while ironing out differences. International relations is rife with conflicts that emerged because countries lacked communication, possessed conflicting information, or held mutual suspicions. Therefore, dialogue and communication are key to building a trusting relationship between each other. Although dialogue alone is insufficient to dispel misunderstandings and conflicting views, it can mitigate or even defuse suspicions and prejudice, which is conducive to upholding mutual peace and security. On the other hand, international security would be unthinkable without even basic communication and dialogue. Next, we need to focus on the common security interests of all countries, begin with less sensitive issues, and foster a sense of cooperation to handle security challenges. We need to continue expanding areas of cooperation and innovating approaches to cooperation and must seek peace and security through cooperation. In reality, cooperation is not easy when suspicions and misgivings abound. However, we can begin with less sensitive and political areas, gradually building up trust through small steps and exploring proper approaches to security cooperation. Of course, different countries may need to take different approaches to different policy issues and may sometimes even need to tap into their creativity to find new approaches and ideas for promoting mutual cooperation. One such example is ping-pong diplomacy, which thawed relations between China and the 平易近人：习近平的语言力量--英文-新.indd 281 20/10/15 16:34 282 Xi Jinping Diplomatic Wit and Vision United States and remains a popular topic even to this day. Finally, we need to insist on settling disputes peacefully and oppose using or threatening to use force at every turn, provoking incidents or sharpening conflicts for private ends, and resorting to a “beggar thy neighbor” policy or profiting at their expense. Specifically, the four traditional approaches to peace: negotiation, mediation, intervention, and arbitration. Non-peaceful approaches, including conflicts, military force, and warfare, are antithetical to the peaceful resolution of international disputes. Of course, these principles are often ignored in reality, which at times jeopardizes international security or even sparks regional unrest and constant fighting. Many flashpoints around the world may ultimately have to avoid conflicts and move towards cooperation; cooperation opens the door to security and peace. Cybersecurity is an emerging new area. The connectivity of the Internet and its capacity to transcend boundaries, as well as the widespread severity of cyberthreats, demonstrate that international cooperation is a natural regulator for managing cyberspace. International cooperation enables an individual country to seize opportunities, address challenges, and maintain security in network development. This applies to all countries irrespective of size, strength, or wealth. Larger, stronger, and wealthier countries tend to be more dependent on the Internet, which increases their vulnerability and thus their need for international cooperation. Without cooperation to fall back on for support, any country, even a cyberpower with advanced capabilities such as the United States, will find it difficult to achieve anything in cyberspace. On May 21, 2014, Xi Jinping delivered a keynote speech in Shanghai at a summit of the Conference on Interaction and Confidence-Building Measures in Asia (CICA). In the speech, he explained, “Cooperation means enhancing the security of individual countries and the region through dialogue and cooperation.” He then referred to a Kazakh proverb, “Real strength is found not in flexed muscles but in united hands.” It was a simple proverb that cut to the core of cooperation and security. 平易近人：习近平的语言力量--英文-新.indd 282 20/10/15 16:34 Sustainable security means that we need to focus on both development and security, so that security will be durable. As a Chinese saying goes, “For a tree to grow tall, a strong and deep root is essential; for a river to reach far, an unimpeded source is necessary.” Development is the foundation of security, and security the precondition for development. The tree of peace does not grow on barren land, and the fruits of development cannot be produced amidst the flames of war. – Speech given by Xi Jinping at the Fourth Summit of the Conference on Interaction and Confidence-Building Measures in Asia, May 21, 2014 平易近人：习近平的语言力量--英文-新.indd 283 20/10/15 16:34 284 A Growing Tree Has Strong Roots; A Far-Reaching River Needs an Unimpeded Source – Make security sustainable On May 21, 2014, in a keynote speech delivered in Shanghai at the CICA summit, President Xi Jinping quoted the following line from the Tang-dynasty statesman Wei Zheng (580-643), “For a tree to grow tall, a strong and deep root is essential; for a river to reach far, an unimpeded source is necessary.” With this, he clarified the dialectical relationship between development and security: Development is the foundation of security, and security the precondition for development.. In short, Sustainable security means that we need to focus on both development and security, so that security will be durable. In Ten Thoughts for Counseling Emperor Taizong, Wei Zheng explained, “I have heard that for a tree to grow tall, a strong and deep root is essential; for a river to reach far, an unimpeded source is necessary; for a country to be stable, it needs to become a bastion of ethics, benevolence, and righteousness.” He further elaborated, “Be vigilant in times of peace and frugal in times of excess, otherwise one will lack the ethics to be magnanimous and the temperament to control desire; it is similar to digging up the roots of a tree to make it grow tall or damming a river to make it reach far.” In other words, if one cannot fathom danger when living a life of ease, or if one cannot trade extravagance for thrift, then one cannot remain a moral person in control of one’s desires. This is no 平易近人：习近平的语言力量--英文-新.indd 284 20/10/15 16:34 A Growing Tree Has Strong Roots; A Far-Reaching River Needs an Unimpeded Source 285 different than expecting a tree to flourish after cutting its roots or expecting a stream to flow for miles after obstructing its source. Stabilizing the foundation, dredging the source, and being vigilant in times of peace are elements that could be combined to form a long-term strategy for achieving sustainable development and security. How, then, is sustainable security achieved? First, we need to understand the dialectical relationship between security and development and focus on both development and security,. The stakes involved in sustainable development are obvious to individuals and to countries. Since the launch of the policy of reform and opening up, China has developed by leaps and bounds, which has improved all aspects of people’s lives. Increased national strength, higher international status, and greater security, in particular, would have been impossible without the growth that followed reform and opening up. This applies to Europe as well as China. Indeed, the peace and security that Europe enjoys can be attributed to its continued development after World War II. On the other hand, security has also become a condition for development. The peace that emerged out of World War II created the necessary environment for sustainable development. As Xi Jinping explained, “The tree of peace does not grow on barren land, and the fruits of development cannot be produced amidst the flames of war..” This was the case in Europe after World War II. For most Asian countries, development remains the largest security concern and the key to resolving regional security issues. The sustainable development of Asian countries is also expected to lay the groundwork for sustainable peace and security on the Asian continent. Next, if we are to build a secure structure capable of withstanding the elements, then we should focus on development, improve people’s lives, narrow the wealth gap, and continue to reinforce the foundation of security. In the 21st century, the world is far from tranquil, international crises are commonplace, and terrorists are unremitting in their attacks. The resolution of international conflicts, international crises, and terrorist 平易近人：习近平的语言力量--英文-新.indd 285 20/10/15 16:34 286 Xi Jinping Diplomatic Wit and Vision threats depends on our willingness to confront their root causes and, in particular, to address issues associated with people’s livelihoods and development. Although development does not guarantee security, without it as the cornerstone, security is no more than a river without a source or a tree without roots. In other words, a secure structure is only sustainable and lasting if it is entrenched on a solid foundation. Finally, we must advance common development and regional integration and encourage the benign interaction of regional economic cooperation and security cooperation to promote sustainable security through sustainable development. The American scholar Thomas L. Friedman once declared, “The world is flat.” In today’s “flat” world, a country is unlikely to survive in isolation. Instead, it must be in touch with the outside world, or, at the very least, interact with neighboring countries. Similarly, extending this interaction to the region of a given country will generate the momentum and necessary conditions for interconnected development. This also benefits a country’s security. Security and development complement and enhance each other. In terms of information and communication technology, the development of the Internet has been imbalanced across countries because it was introduced to different countries at different times. For many developing countries, including China, network development has been critical to ensuring that everyone shares in the dividends of Internet development. At the same time, ensuring cybersecurity has also been a priority for all countries. Without security, Internet sovereignty would mean nothing, and development would be difficult to sustain. In short, Internet security and the application of Internet technologies work in tandem like the wings of a bird or the wheels of a cart. On November 14, 2014, Xi Jinping published a signed article in The Australian Financial Review entitled, “Opening Up a New Chapter in Chinese-Australian Relations.” In the article, he once again referenced the line, “For a tree to grow tall, a strong and deep root is essential; for a river to reach far, an unimpeded source is necessary,” this time to express his 平易近人：习近平的语言力量--英文-新.indd 286 20/10/15 16:34 A Growing Tree Has Strong Roots; A Far-Reaching River Needs an Unimpeded Source 287 hope for stable and more expanded relations between the two countries. If all countries strived to “deepen the roots” and “dredge the river” in their mutual relations, then we could expect international relations and international security to be sustainable. In time, the world would become a place where “the clear water that fills the pool flows from an eternal spring”! 平易近人：习近平的语言力量--英文-新.indd 287 20/10/15 16:34 “All living things develop together without harming others; different ways are followed yet they are never contradictory.” We need to respect the diversity of civilizations and encourage different civilizations to engage in exchanges and dialogues so they might live in peaceful coexistence and harmony. We cannot seek to dominate or belittle other civilizations and people. – Speech given by Xi Jinping to mark the 60th anniversary of the launch of the Five Principles of Peaceful Coexistence, June 28, 2014 平易近人：习近平的语言力量--英文-新.indd 288 20/10/15 16:34 289 All Living Things Develop Together Without Harming Others; Different Ways Are Followed Yet They Are Never Contradictory – Equality and inclusiveness should be at the core of global governance The expression, “All living things develop together without harming others; different ways are followed yet they are never contradictory,” is taken from “The Doctrine of the Mean” in the Book of Rites (compiled by Dai Shen, dates unknown). The first part of the quotation is a vivid portrait of natural biodiversity, and the second part refers to the gravitational orbits of celestial bodies, such as the sun and moon, and the way they are able to revolve simultaneously without impeding each other. This well-known saying reflects the ancients’ understanding of the universe and natural laws, including the pursuit of inclusiveness and harmony without uniformity that is inherent to Chinese civilization. On June 28, 2014, President Xi Jinping quoted this saying to mark the 60th anniversary of launch the of the Five Principles of Peaceful Coexistence and endowed it with new meaning for a new era. “All living things develop together” and “different ways are followed” refer to understanding the diversity of the world, i.e., recognizing that each country has its own social system, values, and way of thinking, and believing that the existence of these differences, and diversity itself, is the default state of the world. “Without harming others” and “yet they are never contradictory” refer to embracing the diversity of the world, i.e., 平易近人：习近平的语言力量--英文-新.indd 289 20/10/15 16:34 290 Xi Jinping Diplomatic Wit and Vision respecting the right of people from every country to choose their own development path, respecting the diversity of civilizations, and initiating and promoting a spirit of equality, mutual trust, inclusivity, mutual learning, and win-win cooperation to promote the democratization of international relations. The way in which Chinese civilization understands and embraces the world’s diversity is different from the binary thinking of the West and religious zeal that imposes uniformity. With the evolving international political landscape of the post-Cold War era and the accelerated expansion of globalization, countries have achieved unprecedented levels of interconnectedness, interdependence, and integration. Humanity is developing into a community of shared future, one in which everyone has a stake in the interests of others. Transnational and global challenges are becoming more apparent in the economy, security, the environment, technology, etc. “Many issues are no longer confined to one country, and many challenges are now beyond the power of any one country to address. Global challenges can only be resolved through the concerted efforts of all countries.” Diversity and consultation have emerged as trends in the governance of global affairs and the resolution of global issues. Specifically, entities of all sizes, from major countries to non-governmental organizations and multinational social groups, will form an important part of global governance. Specific governance agendas can no longer succeed under the monopoly of a hegemonic power or a cabal that excels at power politics. Instead, they must go through negotiations among multi-tiered governance entities. In other words, global governance aims to address issues and challenges that are common to all countries. As such, it must include the participation of the world’s governments, international organizations, social groups and other diverse entities so that they can engage in consultations on the basis of equality. The pursuit and promotion of equality and tolerance are at the core of global governance. On October 12, 2015, Xi Jinping proposed the concept of “extensive consultation, joint contribution, and shared benefits” at the 27th group 平易近人：习近平的语言力量--英文-新.indd 290 20/10/15 16:34 291 All Living Things Develop Together Without Harming Others; Different Ways Are Followed Yet They Are Never Contradictory study session of the Political Bureau of the CPC Central Committee. This concept has rich and profound meaning. For example, “extensive consultation” emphasizes that all participants in global governance engage in consultations on the basis of equality, pool their wisdom, and promote the democratization of international relations through the process of global governance. “We must remain committed to equality, democracy, and inclusivity, respect the right of people from every country to choose their own social system and development path, and respect the diversity of civilizations. We must ensure that all countries, irrespective of size, wealth, or strength, are equal members of the international community. Moreover, we should make certain that the internal affairs of a country are managed by its people and international affairs are managed by all countries through consultations.” Respecting the world’s diversity and seeking consultations based on equality and mutually beneficial cooperation help get to the source of chronic failures in the delivery of international public goods. The promotion of global governance agendas has long depended on international organizations and mechanisms that were established by hegemonic powers. With policies shifting and national strength waning in Western developed countries, such as the United States, the operation of these international organizations and mechanisms is facing increasing uncertainty. When countries and other governance entities embrace a spirit of equality and tolerance, they support, supply, and reform existing international organizations and mechanisms through extensive consultation, joint contribution, and shared benefits. This helps avert the lack of political leadership and the failure in international public goods that stem from the rise and fall of hegemonies. 平易近人：习近平的语言力量--英文-新.indd 291 20/10/15 16:34 “A country should reduce tax, improve roads, and facilitate business transactions and agricultural production.” This is the proper way to build an open world economy. – Keynote speech given by Xi Jinping at the opening ceremony of the B20 Summit, September 3, 2016 平易近人：习近平的语言力量--英文-新.indd 292 20/10/15 16:34 293 A Country Should Reduce Tax, Improve Roads, and Facilitate Business Transactions and Agricultural Production – Maintain and build an open world economy On September 3, 2016, President Xi Jinping attended the opening ceremony of the B20 Summit in Hangzhou, where he delivered a keynote speech entitled “A New Starting Point for China’s Development and a New Blueprint for Global Growth.” In response to the rise of protectionism in some major countries, Xi hoped that governments would remain open to adopting policies that would “reduce tax, improve roads, and facilitate business transactions and agricultural production.” The quotation above was taken from “Jin Yu” chapter in the classical Chinese text Discourses on Governance of States (Zuoqiu Ming (502-422 BC)). During the Spring and Autumn Period (770-476 BC), the vassal states adopted policies, including reducing taxes and facilitating transportation, to develop agriculture and business and enhance economic ties. Xi repurposed this vivid historical allusion to call on all countries not to turn back history, i.e., building high tariff barriers and provoking trade disputes. Instead, they need to take concrete steps to defend and build an open world economy. This is the Chinese prescription proposed by Xi Jinping for resolving the chronic weaknesses in the global economy. Since being decimated by the financial crisis, the world economy has emerged from the depths only to stumble toward recovery. Contradictions are intertwined and even layered with hidden dangers, which indicates that there is still possibility 平易近人：习近平的语言力量--英文-新.indd 293 20/10/15 16:34 294 Xi Jinping Diplomatic Wit and Vision of losing growth momentum again. The Group of Twenty (G20) countries make up 85% of global GDP and 80% of global trade. The G20 serves as a platform for developed and developing countries around the world to participate in global economic governance. The international community hopes that the G20 can show responsibility by addressing the crisis together to guide the global economy onto a path of sustainable growth. The reality is that some developed countries in the West have chosen to prioritize their own interests by strengthening, or attempting to strengthen, protectionist policies and measures that shift their troubles onto others, making it more difficult for the international community to resolve global economic issues through cooperation. Using the occasion of China’s inaugural hosting of the G20 Summit, Xi Jinping fully articulated Chinese ideas and the Chinese proposal for addressing global challenges and prioritized trade liberalization and investment facilitation on the agenda in order to maintain and build an open world economy. The fundamental goal of maintaining and building an open world economy is to bring about mutual benefit and sustainable development for all countries. In his speech, Xi Jinping pointed out that the sharing of development opportunities and benefits would only be possible when countries build an open world economy. Over four decades of reform and opening up, and since its accession to the World Trade Organization (WTO) in particular, China has fully demonstrated that opening up leads to progress, and isolation leads to backwardness. China’s GDP was US$1.3 trillion prior to its accession to the WTO. In 2016, that number exceeded US$10.8 trillion. Without considering the appreciation of the Renminbi, this difference represents more than an 8-fold increase since China’s accession to the WTO. Currently, China has grown into the world’s second largest economy, the largest trading power, the largest destination for foreign investment, and the second largest source of foreign investment. Despite the complicated and difficult process, China has fully integrated into the world economy. As Xi explained, we have learned how to swim by swimming. At the same time, China’s development has benefitted trading 平易近人：习近平的语言力量--英文-新.indd 294 20/10/15 16:34 295 A Country Should Reduce Tax, Improve Roads, and Facilitate Business Transactions and Agricultural Production partners and driven global growth. China has contributed more to global economic growth than any other member of the WTO. In 2001, China only contributed 0.53% to global economic growth. By 2016, this number had grown to more than 30%, which was the highest contribution in the world. Today, with solid progress on the Belt and Road Initiative, China has openly advocated for engaging in extensive consultation, joint contribution, and shared benefits, which has gained popular support and created new opportunities for the economic and social development of all countries. An open world economy is maintained and built by upholding global free trade rules. China staunchly supports the new round of economic globalization. In recent years, anti-globalization and protectionism have played in increasingly large role in the formation of economic and trade policies an some countries, which has threatened the foundation of the world’s current multilateral trading system. Xi Jinping has taken advantage of multiple occasions to propose consolidating the multilateral trading system represented by the WTO and forming an open and transparent governance model for global trade and investment. The basic principles established by the WTO formed the foundation for the global multilateral trading system, including the principles of nondiscrimination, transparency, free trade, and fair competition. These principles remain the fundamental guarantee for seeking new drivers of global economic growth and ensuring the success of the new round of economic globalization. Of course, the current multilateral trading system and its principles serve as important public goods that require constant improvement to adapt to the times. This is the proper way to develop an open world economy and represents a major undertaking in the pursuit of global economic governance. With the new reality of the global economic framework and the development of the multilateral trading system as basis, China has promoted the formulation of strategies and guidelines for global trade growth and investment and has provided its own insights for revitalizing trade and investment to drive growth. 平易近人：习近平的语言力量--英文-新.indd 295 20/10/15 16:34 296 Xi Jinping Diplomatic Wit and Vision Of course, uncertainties abound in the world. Maintaining and building an open world economy is a major initiative, that China participates in and plays a leading role, for the transformation of the global economic governance system. It is an undertaking that will continue to face stark new challenges. In particular, the intricacies of the present geopolitical situation and the continued emergence of regional and global hot-button issues have brought great uncertainty to the economic recovery and sustainable growth of all countries. A peaceful and stable environment is vital for creating opportunities to develop free trade. Representing China on the world stage, Xi Jinping urged countries to seek common ground while maintaining differences, encourage the building of a global community of shared future, and establish a new type of international relations. This is the fundamental guarantee for maintaining and building an open world economy and driving the world to a new round of prosperity. 平易近人：习近平的语言力量--英文-新.indd 296 20/10/15 16:34 Linked by mountains and rivers, China and Russia are good neighbors, good partners, and good friends. Good neighborliness is a national treasure. – Speech given by Xi Jinping at the opening ceremony for the Year of Russia-China Tourism, March 22, 2013 平易近人：习近平的语言力量--英文-新.indd 297 20/10/15 16:34 298 Good Neighborliness Is a National Treasure – Promote China-Russia relations that are comprehensive, high-quality, and robust Traditional Chinese culture has long valued the role that morality plays in relations between people, communities, and countries. It views treating others kindly and engaging in harmonious interactions as a manifestation of the highest moral standard: benevolence and righteousness. Chinese culture also values the neighborliness that is generated by living in close proximity, which is often summarized as “neighbors are dearer than distant relatives.” By accumulating experience as a society, Chinese people have integrated the moral pursuit of “benevolence and righteousness” with the desire to promote good relations with neighbors, forming a striking commitment to the value of “good neighborliness.” This value is motivated not only by the mutual benefits found in interpersonal relationships, which facilitate the needs of everyday life and offer mutual help and protection in times of trouble, but also by the lasting peace between neighbors, which forms harmonious community ties and a common spiritual home. The idea of “good neighborliness” is not restricted to interpersonal and community relationships. In Chinese culture, it also applies to the governance of a country within the context of international relations. “Good neighborliness” is the key to creating a world in which the country is at peace and all nations live in harmony and prosperity. This idea is reflected in the expression, “Good neighborliness is a national treasure,” which is taken from a Confucian classic titled the Zuo’s Commentary 平易近人：习近平的语言力量--英文-新.indd 298 20/10/15 16:34 Good Neighborliness Is a National Treasure 299 on the Spring and Autumn Annals. According to written accounts, the state of Chen invaded the state of Zheng during the Spring and Autumn Period (770-476 BC). The state of Chen then refused to accept the state of Zheng’s appeals for peace. Meanwhile, a high official from the state of Chen remonstrated with the king using the following words, “Good neighborliness is a national treasure,” meaning that the pursuit of benevolence, righteousness, and friendly relations with neighboring countries was a magic formula for founding a country! Unfortunately, the king dismissed his official’s advice and quickly incurred the state of Zheng’s wrath. President Xi Jinping’s use of this ancient teaching to express his hopes for relations between China and Russia, which are each other’s biggest neighbors, could not have been more appropriate nor more vivid. China and Russia share a common border that is more than 4,300 kilometers long. The two countries are linked not only by mountains and rivers but by close historical and cultural ties. They enjoy robust trade as well as frequent people-to-people interactions. Despite a complicated history, post-Cold-War relations between China and Russia have benefitted from the untiring efforts of both sides, driving their relations into a period of stable development and benign interaction. In terms of political relations, China and Russia have aligned with the principle of “good neighborliness” and designated good neighborly and friendly relations as the priority of bilateral relations. In 2001, the two countries signed the Sino-Russian Treaty of Friendship. The treaty explicitly stated, “based on the historical tradition of good neighborly and friendly relations between the people of China and Russia ... [the two countries] are committed to elevating their relations to a new level and are determined to pass down the friendship that exists between their peoples to future generations.” Bilateral relations have never been better as China and Russia engage in high-level interactions and political exchanges in recent years. In March 2013, Russia was the first country that Xi Jinping visited after he assumed office. It was during this visit that Xi delivered a keynote speech on the topic of “good neighborliness,” which opened 平易近人：习近平的语言力量--英文-新.indd 299 20/10/15 16:34 300 Xi Jinping Diplomatic Wit and Vision a new chapter in Sino-Russian relations. As of July 2017, Xi had visited Russia six times and met with Vladimir Putin more than 20 times. China and Russia have continued to deepen their comprehensive strategic partnership of coordination and promote the Sino-Russian Treaty of Friendship, which has reinforced mutual trust. In terms of trade and economic ties between the two countries, China and Russia have engaged in extensive cooperation based on a spirit of harmony and prosperity among neighbors. While Russia was contending with external sanctions, China-Russia trade bucked the trend by expanding to US$69.5 billion in 2016. Russia now leads China’s top ten trading partners in achieving positive growth, and the two countries continue to optimize their trading structure. Breakthroughs have also been made in emerging and traditional areas of cross-border e-commerce and energy cooperation. China and Russia agreed to work together with the Eurasian Economic Union to promote the Belt and Road Initiative. They also discussed possible cooperation in the Arctic waterways for building the Polar Silk Road, thereby more closely intertwining their mutual interests. Economic and trade ties between China and Russia have grown to exemplify the concept of close neighbors who enjoy shared benefits. In response to the shifting regional and international landscape, China and Russia have coordinated on international affairs based on the principle of mutual help and protection. The two countries have improved coordination on major international and regional issues, jointly addressed international and regional challenges, guided the direction for resolving issues, and played a stabilizing role in the changing international landscape. At the same time, China and Russia have sought to strengthen popular support for their bilateral relations by continuing to enhance mutual understanding through close cultural and social exchanges and jointly creating a favorable environment that promotes understanding of “good neighborliness.” According to the norms and practices inherent to relations between major powers in the West, the traditional belief has always been that relations between neighboring countries, especially China and Russia, tend to 平易近人：习近平的语言力量--英文-新.indd 300 20/10/15 16:34 Good Neighborliness Is a National Treasure 301 fall into the pitfall of competition or even confrontation. This is because countries in the West operate on the principle of a zero-sum game. They ask, “How can I tolerate others snoring soundly beside my bed?” However, the harmonious relationship between China and Russia, two large neighboring countries, demonstrates that as long as countries adhere to the principles of win-win cooperation and good neighborliness they can cultivate mutual political trust, mutually beneficial economic and trade cooperation, and mutually recognized public support. Countries can benefit the people living on either side of their borders and deliver a steady stream of positive energy for the stability and prosperity of Eurasia and the peaceful development of the international community. 平易近人：习近平的语言力量--英文-新.indd 301 20/10/15 16:34 “Wise people build common ground while the foolish focus only on their differences.” China and Europe should respect and treat each other as equals, seek common ground while maintaining differences, and pursue win-win cooperation. In so doing, we will strengthen our dialogue and communications, maximize our common interests, share opportunities, and address challenges together. – Signed article published by Xi Jinping in the Belgian newspaper Le Soir, March 29, 2014 平易近人：习近平的语言力量--英文-新.indd 302 20/10/15 16:34 303 Wise People Build Common Ground While the Foolish Focus Only on Their Differences – Seek to break new ground in thinking and achieve progress in China-Europe cooperation The idea that “wise people build common ground while the foolish focus only on their differences” has had currency in China since ancient times. The Yellow Emperor’s Canon of Medicine, written during the Qin (221- 206 BC) and Han (206 BC-AD220) dynasties, states that a wise man tends to notice the similarities between things, while a simple-minded man has a hard time seeing past differences. According to this text, the wise man has “clear eyes and ears” and maintains a calm manner, which allows him to live a longer life; the unwise man tends to get worked up over things, which impacts his physical and mental health in negative ways. Such phenomenon can be observed in interpersonal relationships. Different people deal with problems in their personal and professional lives in different ways, and with varying degrees of success, so achieving our goals, especially in a team context, often boils down to whether we are able to work through our differences in a constructive manner. With regard to international relations, most organizations at the national and regional levels share a common mission to pursue happiness, promote development, and maintain peace, but international actors often come from different cultural backgrounds and subscribe to different ideologies and political systems. More often than not, their ability to engage in mutually beneficial cooperation hinges on whether or not they are able to understand and work through their differences in a reasonable 平易近人：习近平的语言力量--英文-新.indd 303 20/10/15 16:34 304 Xi Jinping Diplomatic Wit and Vision manner. Those who never learn to handle their differences well and always put their focus on such differences will be defined by them. Like the man whose vision of Mount Tai is blocked by a single leaf, they will miss out the huge benefits to be gained through the pursuit of common interests. The development of relations between China and the European Union has been a process of breaking new ground in thinking and working together amid differences, disagreement, and consensus. As the world’s two large economies, China and Europe share a lot in common when it comes to efforts to grow their economies, open up markets, and promote multipolarity in the world, but they also embody different cultures, ideologies, institutions, and levels of economic development. After more than four decades of growth, China has emerged as the EU’s second largest trading partner and the EU has maintained its position as China’s top trade partner, a trade relationship that has greatly benefited both sides. Nevertheless, there are voices in the EU that go out of their way to look for and play up differences between the two sides. In economic and trade cooperation, for example, it is difficult for the EU to break away from its self-appointed role as “rule maker,” as it often imposes unilateral trade policies that end up restricting normal economic exchange. Politically, Europe is influenced by the outdated ideology of “Eurocentrism,” posturing itself as a “teacher” on issues such as political systems and human rights and taking liberty to criticize and meddle in China’s internal affairs. Such a mindset and policy orientation has undermined the political basis of “mutual respect and equality” in China-EU cooperation and caused varying degrees of damage to areas of common demands and interests from time to time, such as economic exchange and trade cooperation. It is against this backdrop that President Xi Jinping made his historic visit to the EU headquarters in 2014. During the visit, Xi quoted the phrase “wise people build common ground while the foolish focus only on their differences” to summarize the history of China-EU relations and encourage the two to expand their common ground and build a stronger consensus. Focusing on their commonalities, Xi referred to China and the 平易近人：习近平的语言力量--英文-新.indd 304 20/10/15 16:34 Wise People Build Common Ground While the Foolish Focus Only on Their Differences 305 EU as “two major markets, two major forces, and two major civilizations,” and shared his vision of a partnership between the two defined by “peace, growth, reform, and cultural progress.” Broadly speaking, these statements provide a roadmap for the future of China-EU relations. Since 2014, China-EU relations have grown steadily. The China-EU 2020 Strategic Agenda for Cooperation has been successfully implemented, and the new consensus on synergizing development strategies has resulted in practical cooperation. China-EU mechanisms for dialogue and cooperation – which involve more than 70 departments across all sectors and are supported by strategic dialogue, high-level economic and trade talks, and high-level people-to-people exchanges – are mature and stable, and serve as an exemplary model of broad-based cooperation between developing countries and the developed world. Presently, as the international landscape shifts and instability and uncertainty loom large, differences and disagreements among members of the international community are being magnified on account of policy changes in certain countries as well as internal and external challenges facing Europe. Meanwhile, nationalism and trade protectionism are on the rise, and the consensus between China and Europe to seek common ground and boost cooperation is being put to the test. But that’s not the whole story. As beneficiaries of globalization and promoters of multipolarity, China and the EU share a broader set of common interests in opposing unilateralism, supporting mechanisms of multilateral cooperation, maintaining free and open markets, and promoting reform in global governance. The fact that China and Germany hosted successive G20 summits on the theme of “interconnected growth” is an indication of the growing consensus between China and Europe. Differences and disagreements between China and Europe are perhaps unavoidable, and we may very well witness some wavering and backpedaling on the part of the EU and individual member states. But such differences and disagreements pale in comparison to the enormous benefits to be gained by cooperation. The golden rule of China- 平易近人：习近平的语言力量--英文-新.indd 305 20/10/15 16:34 306 Xi Jinping Diplomatic Wit and Vision EU cooperation, then, lies in seeking common ground while maintaining differences. Insofar as this principle is followed, China-EU cooperation will be a win-win for the wise. 平易近人：习近平的语言力量--英文-新.indd 306 20/10/15 16:34 You can choose neighbors, but not neighboring countries. “Virtue is not left to stand alone; he who practices it will have neighbors.” As long as the people of China and Japan are sincere and work to cultivate friendship based on virtue, they will remain friends for generations. – Speech given by Xi Jinping at the China-Japan Friendship Exchange Meeting, May 23, 2015 平易近人：习近平的语言力量--英文-新.indd 307 20/10/15 16:34 308 Virtue Is Not Left to Stand Alone; He Who Practices It Will Have Neighbors – The key to strong Sino-Japanese relations lies in cultivating virtue The following words are recorded in Book Four of The Analects (Confucius): “Virtue is not left to stand alone; he who practices it will have neighbors.” Virtue refers to universal standards that govern one’s life and conduct. It is synonymous with good moral character. According to Confucian wisdom, a person will have neighbors, companions, and friends as long as he follows societal norms and shows himself to be a person of virtue and moral integrity. This idea of virtue has an important place in traditional Chinese culture. Idioms such as “a man of virtue is highly respected” and “possessing both talent and virtue” speak to the importance of practicing virtue. In the speech that opens this chapter, President Xi Jinping applies the word “virtue” to the state, using the idea of social interaction as a metaphor for interaction between states. According to Xi, a country driven by “virtue” is bound to have “neighbors.” First, it is important to note that “neighbor” is not used here in a purely geographical sense, but refers to partner countries that interact regularly and are well-connected and mutually supportive. Second, how should “virtue” be understood in the context of international relations? A country’s virtue can be thought of as how well it complies with international norms and standards. In other words, virtue is judged on the merits of whether a country does what it should do and refrains from doing what it shouldn’t do. 平易近人：习近平的语言力量--英文-新.indd 308 20/10/15 16:34 Virtue Is Not Left to Stand Alone; He Who Practices It Will Have Neighbors 309 As permanent geographical neighbors, China and Japan have dealt with their fair share of tension and conflict, which may be attributed in large part to issues of “virtue.” As we all know, debate over historical narrative has been a major sticking point in Sino-Japanese relations. Rightwing groups in Japan have repeatedly distorted, whitewashed, and even denied the country’s history of aggression in World War II. They have revised textbooks and sought to cover up the shameful practice of forcing “comfort women” into sexual slavery. Cabinet memebers have visited the Yasukuni Shrine to honor the war dead, some of whom have been convicted as war criminals, and some have outright denied the Nanjing Massacre as a historical reality. In recent years, such right-wing views and actions have been a slap in the face to victims of Japanese militarism, represented by China and South Korea, and Japanese ties with China and South Korea have suffered as a result. Many in the West find themselves mystified by the whole matter. They have a hard time understanding why China, Japan, and South Korea are unwilling to let go of war atrocities that happened more than 70 years ago, especially since these Western societies have managed to reconcile with one another. The answer has to do with the importance of virtue in Eastern cultures. A country that refuses to acknowledge and deal with its past mistakes will have a hard time gaining understanding and respect from its neighbors. Japan’s failure to handle various matters in a virtuous manner has also led to an intensified dispute over the Diaoyu Islands, another thorn in the side of Sino-Japanese relations. In the 1970s, as China and Japan sought to normalize relations, their leaders recognized the complexity of disputes over territorial sovereignty and agreed to put such issues on hold and focus instead on promoting cooperation in other areas. But in 2010, when two Japanese patrol ships collided with a Chinese trawler in the East China Sea, Japan abandoned its traditional practices and instead arrested and attempted to prosecute the Chinese fishing boat captain under Japanese law. Furthermore, the Japanese government sought to purchase and “nationalize” the Diaoyu Islands in 2012, despite strong opposition 平易近人：习近平的语言力量--英文-新.indd 309 20/10/15 16:34 310 Xi Jinping Diplomatic Wit and Vision from China. These two incidents, and subsequent attempts to impose a fait accompli, stirred up conflict between the two countries in a sensitive area. Such acts of treachery are inconsistent with the principles of mutual respect, equality, and friendship between countries, and have received strong disapproval and counteraction from China. Sino-Japanese ties have taken a major hit and tensions ran high for a time, causing adverse spillover effects in many areas including economic and trade relations. President Xi Jinping’s reminder that the people of China and Japan should be “sincere” and cultivate “friendship based on virtue” is based on the history of Sino-Japanese relations and China’s expectations for the future. Sino-Japanese ties have a long history, spanning more than 2,000 years. For the vast majority of that time, their relations were marked by harmony and mutual development, as the countries engaged respectfully with one another and welcomed mutual learning and exchange. In fact, ancient China had long been the subject of Japanese study and imitation, and in modern times, Japan was observed by Chinese scholars for its leadership in the areas of reform, industrialization, and modernization. But when global economic crisis hit and Japanese politics took on a different form, Japan set out on a path of militaristic overseas expansion and waged a war of aggression against China. The Chinese people firmly resisted. They fought hard against Japan for 14 years, from the Japanese invasion of China’s Northeast on September 18, 1931 until Japan’s defeat in 1945. In 1972, when the two countries resumed diplomatic relations, Japan boasted the largest economy in Asia. Since then, Japan has provided assistance to China and launched various programs of economic cooperation. These programs, led by a nation with economic interests and individuals who felt guilty over the war, helped to boost China’s development. Over the thirty-some years since opening its economy, China has narrowed the development gap with Japan. In 2010, the countries traded places in terms of total GDP and China officially overtook Japan as the world’s second largest economy. Notably, it was around this time that Japan incited a row over the Diaoyu Islands, plunging Sino-Japanese relations to their lowest 平易近人：习近平的语言力量--英文-新.indd 310 20/10/15 16:34 Virtue Is Not Left to Stand Alone; He Who Practices It Will Have Neighbors 311 point since they established diplomatic relations. It is widely believed that this had something to do with Japan’s stagnation and angst over China’s rise. As important neighbors and the two leading economies in East Asia, China and Japan will further the development and prosperity of their respective peoples and regions only if they work on building friendship and cooperation with one another. In November 2014, they reached a four-point consensus on principles for handling and improving Sino-Japanese relations, which began the process of warming relations. This set the stage for President Xi’s address to the Japanese delegation in May 2015, in which he encouraged the two countries to view each other’s development in an objective manner and to embark on a path of win-win cooperation by adopting a friendly attitude and cultivating virtue. 平易近人：习近平的语言力量--英文-新.indd 311 20/10/15 16:34 I would like to share with my Indian friends a Chinese saying: “A man of virtue, while establishing himself and pursuing success, also works to establish others and enable them to succeed as well.” As we pursue our own development, China sincerely hopes to see India grow stronger and more prosperous and looks forward to making progress together. – Speech given by Xi Jinping at the Indian Council of World Affairs, September 18, 2014 平易近人：习近平的语言力量--英文-新.indd 312 20/10/15 16:34 313 A Man of Virtue, While Establishing Himself and Pursuing Success, Also Works to Establish Others and Enable Them to Succeed As Well – China looks forward to working with India to achieve national rejuvenation for both countries The following passage is found in Book Six of The Analects: “A man of virtue, while establishing himself and pursuing success, also works to establish others and enable them to succeed as well. To be able to understand the needs of others by placing yourself in their position, this is the way to attain virtue.” These lines tell us about “virtue,” a key thread that runs through the moral fabric of Confucian belief. The idea here is that if one wants to be established, he should help others to establish themselves, and if one wants to be successful, he should help others to be successful as well. In other words, virtue requires one to look out for the good of others and view things from their perspective. This idea is eloquently summarized in Book Twelve of The Analects: “Do not do unto others what you don’t want others to do unto you.” In other words, we should not treat others in ways that we would not want to be treated ourselves. Together, these two sayings provide some moral definition for the category of virtue – one from a positive perspective (what one wants) and the other from a negative perspective (what one doesn’t want). As we know, the Chinese Dream represents the Chinese people’s wish for national rejuvenation, and other countries have their own dreams of achieving national prosperity. Applied to international relations, this 平易近人：习近平的语言力量--英文-新.indd 313 20/10/15 16:34 314 Xi Jinping Diplomatic Wit and Vision Confucian saying reminds us that as the Chinese pursue their own dream of national renewal, we should also respect and support other peoples in realizing their own dreams. From another perspective, the Confucian idea of working to establish others and helping them to succeed has practical significance. No one, whether it be an individual or a nation, has the resources to achieve success on one’s own. This is where the importance of “establishing others” comes in. When you help a person succeed, you build greater trust and friendship and pave the way for better cooperation in the future. Second, as the other person grows and becomes stronger, there will be more room for cooperation and you will find in them a stronger source of support. Third, as you help more people become established, you will attract more people and, in the process, build up a great reputation as a go-to resource for many, which in turn will lead to greater stability and progress. In the words of a Chinese proverb, “Just as a fence needs the support of three stakes, a true man needs the support of three others.” And according to an Arabic saying, “Those who travel alone go fast, but those who travel in company go far.” It’s all about the power of unity and cooperation. President Xi Jinping’s application of this text to China-India relations has far-reaching implications. India clearly has a special place among China’s neighbors. In Xi’s words, the two countries “have engaged in mutual learning and exchange since ancient times and have weathered difficulties together in modern times. And now we are pursuing the same mission of national renewal.” India and China are both ancient civilizations with long histories. Years ago, the leaders of the two countries worked together to advocate the Five Principles of Peaceful Coexistence, setting a milestone in the history of international relations. Presently, China and India are growing rapidly. They are important members of BRICS and engage in healthy cooperation and consultation with one another on a host of international affairs. Together, China and India will usher in a true “Asian century,” with broad implications for the region and world at large. However, there still exist some thorny problems between the two 平易近人：习近平的语言力量--英文-新.indd 314 20/10/15 16:34 315 A Man of Virtue, While Establishing Himself and Pursuing Success, Also Works to Establish Others and Enable Them to Succeed As Well countries, which at times affect the breadth and depth of cooperation. To begin with, the two countries remain locked in disputes over territorial sovereignty. The border conflict between China and India, which erupted in 1962, has ended, but territorial disputes continue. Second, due to long-standing tensions between India and Pakistan, China’s friendship with Pakistan has been regarded as a “thorn in India’s side,” and to make matters worse, India has used its special ties to the Dalai Lama to stir the pot and put pressure on China. Third, India appears to be envious of Chinese development. In recent years, as economic growth in China has entered a new normal, India has grown more vocal about its rapid economic growth and young demographics. The undertone, however subtle it may be, is that India views itself in competition with China. Moreover, India regards itself as a major power and sees the Indian subcontinent and the Indian Ocean as its sphere of influence. When China proposed its Belt and Road Initiative, India was one of a small handful of countries to take a wait-and-see approach, an indication that India remains wary of China’s strategic intentions. Although Xi Jinping delivered that speech back in 2014, the spirit of cooperation and common development is alive today. China is, and will always remain, committed to the path of peaceful development and believes that its development is not a threat but rather an opportunity for the rest of the world. In proposing its Belt and Road Initiative, China is seeking to leverage its strengths and resources in capital, technology, and production to link up with the development strategies and plans of other countries and achieve mutually beneficial cooperation. In the end, China aims to fulfill its vision of establishing others and enabling them to succeed, as it invests in its own future. As ancient Eastern civilizations, China and India share a similar dream of national rejuvenation. It is our hope that India will set aside its parochial and competitive mindset and instead seek to manage its differences with China in a constructive manner. By recognizing and prioritizing our common interests, India and China can make forward progress and work together to bring about Asia’s rise. 平易近人：习近平的语言力量--英文-新.indd 315 20/10/15 16:34 The commitment to peaceful development is firmly rooted in the Chinese culture, and a vision of harmony and peaceful coexistence underpins China’s neighborhood diplomacy. – Speech given by Xi Jinping at the National University of Singapore, November 7, 2015 平易近人：习近平的语言力量--英文-新.indd 316 20/10/15 16:34 317 China’s Vision of Harmony and Peaceful Coexistence – Embrace a neighborhood diplomacy defined by peace, stability, and prosperity The following lines are recorded in the Book of Rites: “When the Great Way rules, the land under Heaven belongs to the people. Men of talent and virtue are chosen to govern; they are sincere in their words and seek to cultivate harmony.” These words drive home the importance of harmony and integrity. “Peaceful coexistence among all nations,” a related phrase, first appeared in “Yao Dian” from one of the best-known Confucian classics The Book of History. The original text reads: “When the people had become illustrious, Yao proceeded to unite the various states. The people were amply nourished, and the result was peaceful coexistence among all nations.” In other words, Emperor Yao’s government prospered as he enjoyed good relations with the governors and inspired friendship among the people. China’s vision of harmony and peaceful existence is rooted in the principles of honesty, peace, cordial relations, and friendship with neighbors. This vision encompasses the traditional Chinese values of integrity and harmony, and is a reflection of the country’s independent foreign policy of peace. Using language steeped in China’s rich cultural legacy, President Xi Jinping has helped to close the distance between China, its neighbors, and the rest of the world by encouraging exchange and cooperation based on equality. His vision speaks to China’s staunch commitment to peace and conveys the country’s desire to see a world marked by cultural pluralism and 平易近人：习近平的语言力量--英文-新.indd 317 20/10/15 16:34 318 Xi Jinping Diplomatic Wit and Vision diversity as well as openness, inclusiveness, and mutual learning. Driven by economic globalization and technological progress, the world is becoming more interconnected as a community of shared future. National interests are intertwined and countries, for better or for worse, share in each other’s successes and failures. At the regional level, China’s neighbors represent a wide spectrum of economic and social development and embody a rich diversity of history, culture, and religion. How can different civilizations coexist and develop peacefully? It all boils down to harmony – that is, peace among nations, friendship among individuals, and harmony with nature. This harmony is an intrinsic part of Chinese culture. It embodies the ancient Chinese value of peaceful coexistence and reflects the spirit of peace and harmony embraced by the nation. The Chinese people hold honesty and integrity in high regard. Since ancient times, the Chinese have believed that “a man without integrity cannot stand.” The same is true on a national level, as trust and integrity are vitally important to managing a country’s image. Over its history, China has not engaged in expansion or hegemony. For more than 5,000 years, the Chinese people have encouraged good neighborliness, prioritized peace, and championed “harmony without uniformity.” But they did not promote peace in word only. China has sought to preserve world peace and development through practical action. After the founding of the People’s Republic of China in 1949, China, together with India and Burma, advocated the Five Principles of Peaceful Coexistence and remained firm in their opposition to hegemony and power politics. This is the historical basis for China’s commitment to pursuing partnership with its neighbors and fostering a harmonious, secure, and prosperous neighborhood. China, like many other countries in Asia, has suffered from colonization and aggression at the hand of Western powers. These experiences have fostered in China and its neighbors a more profound appreciation of peace. In recent years, the remarkable growth of China and its neighbors may be attributed in large part to two factors: the absence of largescale armed conflict, and a single-minded focus on development. As it 平易近人：习近平的语言力量--英文-新.indd 318 20/10/15 16:34 China’s Vision of Harmony and Peaceful Coexistence 319 has developed, China has provided more opportunities for the growth of neighboring countries, and has in turn benefited from the development and prosperity of neighboring countries and regions. China’s periphery might be thought of as the foundation of the nation’s security, stability, and prosperity. Since the 18th National Congress of the CPC, the CPC Central Committee with Xi Jinping as the core has given top priority in foreign relations to neighborhood diplomacy, as China’s peaceful development to some degree begins with and depends on its neighboring countries. Maintaining peace and stability along China’s periphery is an important goal of Chinese diplomacy, and it is also an objective need as China seeks to fulfill its Two Centenary Goals and the Chinese Dream of national renewal. On many occasions, China’s leaders have spoken of China’s culture of “peace” and its vision of a world where all countries dwell with one another in harmony. They have explained the concepts of peaceful development and win-win cooperation, and declared China’s unwavering commitment to the path of peaceful development. China’s vision of peaceful development is good not only for China but also for Asia and the rest of the world, and there is no force or power that can convince China otherwise. China’s adherence to a path of peaceful development is grounded in the traditional Chinese values of honesty, integrity, and harmony among all nations, and is based on China’s national conditions and interests. Given the prevailing trends of peace, development, and mutually beneficial cooperation, peaceful development is the natural and strategic choice. China is committed to pursuing partnership with its neighbors and advancing a foreign policy aimed at building a harmonious, secure, and prosperous neighborhood. China will continue working to build good neighborliness, deepen mutually beneficial cooperation, and achieve a win-win for all parties. In accord with its traditional values of honesty, integrity, and peaceful coexistence among nations, China is seeking to build in the region and beyond a global community of shared future, so that the light of China’s fine cultural tradition might continue to shine in the new era. 平易近人：习近平的语言力量--英文-新.indd 319 20/10/15 16:34 It is good to give fish to a man, but it is far better to teach him how to fish for himself. China will actively implement the “African Talents Program” with a view over the next three years to train 30,000 African professionals, provide 18,000 government scholarships to African exchange students, and increase technology transfer and experience sharing with Africa. – Speech given by Xi Jinping at the Julius Nyerere International Convention Center in Tanzania, March 25, 2013 平易近人：习近平的语言力量--英文-新.indd 320 20/10/15 16:34 321 It Is Good to Give Fish to a Man, But It Is Far Better to Teach Him How to Fish for Himself – Promote China-Africa cooperation in human resources and technology transfer Fish is an important source of food for humans, but catching fish requires skill and practice. This is reflected in the expression “it is good to give fish to a man, but it is far better to teach him how to fish for himself.” These words point us to a more important reality – that is, providing someone with fish to eat may meet a momentary need, but providing him with the skills to catch fish on his own will enable him to have food for a lifetime. A similar idea is articulated in “Discourse on Forests,” a chapter in the Huai Nan Zi (a philosophical work compiled by Liu An (179-122 BC)) : “I would rather return home to weave a fishing net than stand at the riverside and watch the fish go by.” Likewise, the The History of the Han Dynasty reads: “Since the Han Dynasty (206 BC-AD220) was established, the one who wishes, yet fails, to rule well has this against him: he lacks the ability to adapt. As the saying of old goes, ‘Tis better to go home and weave a net than sit at the pool’s edge dreaming about fish.’” In the words of another Chinese saying, “Numerous grains of earth make a mountain, and numerous drops of water form an ocean.” In other words, if you persevere in an endeavor, you will accomplish more and reach a higher level. Xun Zi (313-238 BC) made a similar statement in “The Teachings of the Ru”: “Therefore, the earth is built into mountains, and the water is built into the sea.” And in “An Exhortation to Learning”, he 平易近人：习近平的语言力量--英文-新.indd 321 20/10/15 16:34 322 Xi Jinping Diplomatic Wit and Vision wrote: “If you accumulate enough earth to form a hill, rain and wind will flourish there. If you accumulate enough water to fill a pool, dragons will be born within. If you accumulate enough goodness to form virtue, divine brightness will be acquired and a sage’s mind prepared.” President Xi Jinping quoted two of these expressions – “it is good to give fish to a man, but it is far better to teach him how to fish for himself ” and “numerous grains of earth make a mountain, and numerous drops of water form an ocean” – in a speech on China-Africa relations. Xi’s point was that in addition to providing material support to African countries, China should help them to become self-reliant and independent by providing training opportunities and sharing technology, since outdated technology and inadequate training are among the main bottlenecks to Africa’s development. Relevant and to-the-point, Xi’s words provide a roadmap for the focus and direction of China-Africa relations moving forward. Providing human resources training and technology transfer has been an important part of China’s engagement with Africa. On a visit to Ghana in February 1964, Premier Zhou Enlai proposed the “Eight Principles for Economic Aid and Technical Assistance to Other Countries.” From 1970 to 1976, China assisted Tanzania and Zambia with the construction of the Tanzanian Railway, which runs more than 1,860 km from Dar es Salaam in the east to Kapilimbohi in the west. To ensure its smooth operation, personnel training and technology transfer have been a key feature in cooperation between China and Tanzanian from the start. From 1972 to 1975, two hundred students from Tanzania and Zambia enrolled at Northern Jiaotong University to complete programs in transport, locomotive, automotive, communications, signaling, railway engineering, and finance. Since 1995, with the help of China National Petroleum Corporation (CNPC), Sudan has built an integrated petroleum industry that is complete, advanced, and scalable. From the outset, talent development has been a top priority in China-Sudan partnership in the petroleum industry. Since 1998, CNPC has selected more than 35 teachers and experts from 平易近人：习近平的语言力量--英文-新.indd 322 20/10/15 16:34 It Is Good to Give Fish to a Man, But It Is Far Better to Teach Him How to Fish for Himself 323 Sudan’s University of Khartoum to study petroleum in China. All of them received master’s and/or PhD degrees and have since become pillars of the Sudanese oil industry. At present, 95% of CNPC’s projects in Sudan are locally based, and the localization rate of petroleum construction projects and technical services in the country has surpassed 75%. After the Forum on China–Africa Cooperation (FOCAC) was established in 2000, China set up a human resources development fund to strengthen the training of professionals in African countries. Since 2013, China has sought to maintain a proper approach to justice and interests. The country has focused more on “teaching people how to fish” and helping Africa to improve its infrastructure and attract foreign talent and investment, with a view to boosting the capacity of African countries to drive their own development. Consequently, Africa has figured more prominently in China’s foreign policy. From 2014 to 2015, West African countries including Sierra Leone, Liberia, and Guinea were ravaged by an Ebola outbreak, the likes of which the world had never seen. In response, China stepped forward and carried out what became the largest emergency medical support operation in China’s history. In addition to providing four rounds of material support totaling US$120 million and dispatching 1,200 medical personnel to 13 countries in West Africa, the Chinese government assisted countries in affected areas by improving their public health systems, building fixed and mobile biosafety laboratories, and training local public health personnel. China also sent more than 30 teams of public health, clinical, and laboratory testing experts to Sierra Leone, Guinea, Liberia, and their neighboring countries, and trained 13,000 local healthcare and community-based epidemic prevention personnel to help in the fight against Ebola. The country also provided support for the establishment of the Africa Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, under the purview of the African Union, and assisted African countries to build better, more adaptable public health systems. Since 2016, China has actively shared its railway technology with Africa. The Abuja–Kaduna Railway in Nigeria, the Addis Ababa–Djibouti 平易近人：习近平的语言力量--英文-新.indd 323 20/10/15 16:34 324 Xi Jinping Diplomatic Wit and Vision Railway, and the Mombasa–Nairobi Standard Gauge Railway in Kenya have become operational, representing a landmark achievement of China’s Belt and Road Initiative in Africa. From the outset, the Chinese government and Chinese enterprises have prioritized skills training and technology transfer to African workers and technicians. For example, Kenya sent a group of seven women to China to complete a six-month training program at Baoji Railway Technician College. These women became the first female train operators in Kenya’s history. To enable Kenya to operate the Mombasa–Nairobi Railway without outside support, China Communications Construction Company (CCCC) has made plans to sponsor 100 Kenyan students (in three groups) to complete a four or five-year undergraduate program in railway-related disciplines at Beijing Jiaotong University. In Ethiopia and Djibouti, local train attendants, operators, and technicians are receiving formal Chinese-style training in railway operations so that they can have the skills and capacity needed to operate the Addis Ababa–Djibouti Railway independently. In short, China has attached great importance to supporting Africa through technology transfer and cooperation. According to the Johannesburg Action Plan (2016-2018), which was adopted at the Forum on China-Africa Cooperation in 2015, China has pledged to strengthen knowledge sharing and capacity building with Africa in a wide range of areas including agriculture, manufacturing, infrastructure, health care, education, and governance, and to provide comprehensive expertise and advisory services to support Africa’s rise. Indebted to China for its technology transfer and contribution to Africa’s autonomous development, African countries have responded favorably to the Belt and Road Initiative and stand firmly behind China on issues regarding its core interests in the South China Sea. 平易近人：习近平的语言力量--英文-新.indd 324 20/10/15 16:34 “Neither mountain nor sea can separate those who share a common vision.” Although China is situated far from Latin America and the Caribbean, there is a natural feeling of affinity between our peoples. – Keynote speech given by Xi Jinping at a summit with Latin American and Caribbean leaders in Brasilia, July 17, 2014 平易近人：习近平的语言力量--英文-新.indd 325 20/10/15 16:34 326 Neither Mountain Nor Sea Can Separate Those Who Share a Common Vision – Work together to build a Chinese, Latin American, and Caribbean community of shared future “Neither mountain nor sea can separate those who share a common vision.” This line first appeared in the Bao Pu Zi, a Daoist work written by Ge Hong (284-364) during the Jin Dynasty (317-420). The text continues: “Nothing can bring together people, however near, who have different aspirations. There are some who are willing to travel far and wide together, while others, though close, never go out of their way to meet.“ President Xi Jinping quoted this expression when describing China’s relations with Latin American and Caribbean countries. Although they are literally oceans apart, these countries and peoples remain near and dear to one another and share similar histories, responsibilities, and hopes for better global governance. They are a community of shared future, united by close trade ties, common goals, and similar development prospects. Since 2013, Xi has paid three visits to Latin America and the Caribbean, a testament to the importance of China’s relations and cooperation with Latin America. The Latin American and Caribbean communities have responded favorably and are working with China to usher in a new phase of China-Latin America relations defined by equality, mutual benefit, and common development. Cooperation between China and Latin America was once non-existent, but it has taken shape and ushered in a new chapter in China-Latin America relations. The Community of Latin American and Caribbe- 平易近人：习近平的语言力量--英文-新.indd 326 20/10/15 16:34 Neither Mountain Nor Sea Can Separate Those Who Share a Common Vision 327 an States (CELAC) was established in 2011. Since then, China has put forward a series of initiatives to boost cooperation with Latin America and the Caribbean, and has worked with CELAC to set up regular dialogues with foreign ministers. In 2013, Xi Jinping held talks with the leaders of eight Caribbean countries during his visit to Trinidad and Tobago. In January 2014, the “Special Statement on Support for the Establishment of the China-CELAC Forum” was adopted at the 2nd CELAC summit, laying the foundation for Chinese cooperation with Latin American and Caribbean countries. In July 2014, Xi visited Brazil and held a historic meeting with leaders from 11 Latin American and Caribbean countries. The parties unanimously agreed to establish the China-CELAC Forum. In January 2015, the first ministerial meeting of the China-CELAC Forum was held in Beijing, attended by 29 heads of state and government ministers. Over the course of a few years, Chinese cooperation with Latin America and Caribbean countries became a reality and opened up a new era of cooperation defined by mutual progress and joint development. In November 2016, China published its second “Policy Paper on Latin America and the Caribbean,” which laid out China’s plans to promote cooperation with Latin American and Caribbean nations in politics, economy, trade, society, culture, international cooperation, peace, and security. The second ministerial meeting of the China-CELAC Forum convened in Santiago, Chile from January 21-22, 2018. Holding the forum in Latin America for the first time was an important step in consolidating the forum’s achievements and deepening cooperation with China. Several documents were adopted at the meeting, including the “Declaration of Santiago,” the “Joint Action Plan of Cooperation (Priority Areas) (2019- 2021),” and the “Special Statement on the Belt and Road Initiative,” all of which provided direction and programs of action for Chinese-Latin American cooperation in the new era. China has demonstrated its responsibility as a major country by taking the lead and standing with Latin American and Caribbean countries in times of need. Whenever a natural disaster hits, whether earthquake, 平易近人：习近平的语言力量--英文-新.indd 327 20/10/15 16:34 328 Xi Jinping Diplomatic Wit and Vision hurricane, or fire, China always lends a helping hand as soon as possible. In August and September 2015, when Dominica was battered by Tropical Storm Erika and north-central Chile was shaken by an 8.4-magnitude earthquake, Beijing provided emergency cash assistance. When Dominica was hit by a natural diaster, the sixth Chinese team of agricultural experts joined disaster relief efforts and provided timely assistance to local farmers in order to preserve valuable seedlings and help them recover their harvest. In January 2017, a devastating wildfire swept through Chile, resulting in more than US$400 million of direct economic losses. The Chinese government, the Chinese Embassy in Chile, Chinese-funded enterprises, and the Red Cross Society of China responded with emergency cash assistance and material aid. In April 2016, Ecuador was struck by a powerful earthquake. In addition to providing emergency cash assistance and disaster relief, the Chinese government and Red Cross Society utilized remote satellite sensing technology to support local relief efforts. Local Chinese enterprises and Chinese communities lent assistance, deploying machinery and equipment, providing supplies, and organizing blood donations. In a touching gesture, the China Foundation for Poverty Alleviation sent a search and rescue team to Ecuador to help those affected, fighting side by side with the local people as “passengers in the same boat.” After the disaster, China helped Ecuador expand and upgrade its public security service system and made plans to build a Sino-Ecuadorian joint public security laboratory. China also helped the country rebuild a hospital in the earthquake-stricken city of Chone, and assisted in the construction of the Coca-Codo-Sinclair hydroelectric facility. In November 2016, Xi Jinping visited Quito and was thanked by Ecuadorian President Correa, who remarked, “China’s help has changed the course of Ecuador’s history.” Latin American and Caribbean countries are increasingly turning to China, a country that has invited them to share in the benefits of Chinese development. Since the 2008 financial crisis, Latin America’s economy has maintained a relatively high growth rate, thanks in part to investment and assistance from China. China has been Latin America’s second largest trade 平易近人：习近平的语言力量--英文-新.indd 328 20/10/15 16:34 Neither Mountain Nor Sea Can Separate Those Who Share a Common Vision 329 partner and one of the region’s most important sources of foreign investment for years, and China is now expected to surpass the United States to become their biggest economic partner. Chinese investment in areas such as infrastructure, connectivity, energy, mining, agriculture, manufacturing, and finance is figuring more prominently in Latin America’s economic development. According to the United Nations Economic Commission for Latin America and the Caribbean (ECLAC), each percentage point of growth in the Chinese economy will boost Latin America’s economy by 0.5%. Needless to say, China has become an indispensable partner for Latin American development. As Xi Jinping remarked on his third visit to Latin America in November 2016, the two sides should keep their fingers on the pulse of the times, seize opportunities for development, and work earnestly to realize the Chinese Dream and the Latin American and Caribbean dream. In so doing, we will elevate their comprehensive partnership to the next level and forge a community of shared future. 平易近人：习近平的语言力量--英文-新.indd 329 20/10/15 16:34 We should strive to be good partners through win-win cooperation and common development. “The sage does not accumulate for himself. The more he expends for others, the more he possesses of his own; the more he gives to others, the more he gains for himself.” – Signed article by Xi Jinping published in The Fiji Times and Fiji Sun, November 21, 2014 平易近人：习近平的语言力量--英文-新.indd 330 20/10/15 16:34 331 The More One Gives to Others, the More He Gains for Himself – Work earnestly to promote the development of island nations in the South Pacific The following lines are found in chapter 81 of Lao Zi by Lao Zi of the late Spring and Autumn period (770-476 BC): “The sage does not accumulate for himself. The more that he expends for others, the more he possesses of his own; the more he gives to others, the more he gains for himself.” According to this passage, the sage does not hoard. He lended assistance and gave generously to others, and found himself enriched as a result. The implication here is that providing help and material support to others does not hurt the giver but actually tends to his benefit. President Xi Jinping quoted these lines in Fiji, at a meeting with leaders of South Pacific island countries having diplomatic ties to Beijing. Xi’s use of the quote demonstrates China’s unwavering commitment to promoting the development of island nations in the South Pacific. China stands ready to do everything within its power to selflessly support these island countries and increase their capacity for autonomous and sustainable development. Furthermore, Xi has made it clear that China’s focus on and investment in South Pacific island countries will only increase. These statements show that China’s commitment to the small and less developed countries of the South Pacific is not self-serving but is motivated out of a concern for their welfare. But it is not simply a matter of words, as China has backed up its commitment to the South Pacific with concrete action. 平易近人：习近平的语言力量--英文-新.indd 331 20/10/15 16:34 332 Xi Jinping Diplomatic Wit and Vision In 2006, at the first China-Pacific Island Countries Economic Cooperation and Development Forum in Fiji, China pledged to provide US$500 million in preferential loans to Pacific island countries with diplomatic ties to China for major production projects as well as infrastructure and welfare programs. In 2013, at the second China-Pacific Island Countries Economic Cooperation and Development Forum in Guangzhou, China pledged to provide US$1 billion in preferential loans to these island countries. In addition, China promised to provide zero-tariff treatment for 95% of exports from the least developed countries in the region, and expressed its commitment to support education, medical care, and human resource development and to help these island countries respond to climate change and strengthen their marine environmental protection. During his visit to Fiji, President Xi welcomed South Pacific island nations to “come aboard the train of Chinese development” and expressed China’s willingness to deepen cooperation with the region in trade, agriculture, fisheries, oceans, energy resources, and infrastructure, and also to expand the zero-tariff treatment to cover 97% of exports from the least developed nations in the region. In the area of agriculture, China has been working since 1998 to build a demonstration farm in Pohnpei, Micronesia. The farm covers an area of 80,000 square meters, half of which consists of arable land. Chinese agricultural experts have provided advice, instruction, and demonstration with respect to soil improvement, new vegetable plots, organic fertilizer use, and training in agricultural technology, and they have successfully planted a variety of crops such as cabbage, cucumber, kale, and sunflower. From 2014 to 2015, China launched the Juncao project and the North Island rice development project in Fiji, which helped to promote the cultivation of edible mushrooms, livestock forage, and rice paddies in the country. In addition, China has implemented several agricultural technology cooperation projects on Vava’u Island and at an agricultural demonstration farm of Tupou College, providing support and instruction related to vegetable greenhouses, open field cultivation, pig farming, and biogas application. 平易近人：习近平的语言力量--英文-新.indd 332 20/10/15 16:34 The More One Gives to Others, the More He Gains for Himself 333 From May to August 2015, eight Vanuatu trainees attended a training program on hybrid rice technology, organized by Yuan Longping High- Tech Agriculture Co., Ltd., to learn techniques of upland rice cultivation. A year later, the trainees reported an excellent harvest of upland rice. In the mid-1980s, China began sending medical teams to the Vila Central Hospital in Vanuatu’s capital and the Northern Provincial Hospital on the island of Santo, a practice that has continued for more than 30 years. In July 2014, the Chinese-funded Navua Hospital in Fiji opened its doors to serve the 25,000 residents in the area, and has since been recognized as the top hospital in Fiji. In October 2015, China’s first medical team to Tonga provided support in obstetrics, gynecology, dentistry, psychiatry, and radiology, and were hailed by local patients as “angels sent by God.” From August to September 2014, the Chinese Navy’s hospital ship, known as the “Peace Ark,” visited Tonga, Fiji, Vanuatu, and Papua New Guinea to offer free medical services to the local populations. Over the years, medical teams from Guangdong Province have conducted medical visits, both regular and intermittent, to Vanuatu, Tonga, and other countries. And to help combat malaria, China has donated anti-malarial drugs and mosquito nets to South Pacific island countries for years on end. In the area of infrastructure, China has recently built the National Convention Centre, the Prime Minister’s office building, and a small indoor stadium in Vanuatu; a small hydroelectric power plant in Somosomo and the Buzabe expressway in Fiji; the International Convention Centre and the Usino Junction-Yamagi Road project in Papua New Guinea; the Kosrae Bridge in Micronesia; the Apia Park sports complex and upgrades to the Faleolo International Airport in Samoa; and a government complex and a Pacific Games stadium in Tonga. These facilities have provided better office conditions for local governments, enhanced transportation connectivity, promoted tourism development, and increased the capacity of these islands to host international conferences and sporting events. 平易近人：习近平的语言力量--英文-新.indd 333 20/10/15 16:34 334 Xi Jinping Diplomatic Wit and Vision Needless to say, China’s pledge to promote development in South Pacific islands is not a mere slogan or rhetorical exercise, but is a weighty commitment supported by tangible results. As we have seen, China’s diplomatic tradition of “faithfulness in word and deed” has been borne out powerfully in the islands of the South Pacific. In the process, of course, China has forged new friendships with these countries and received high praise, and thereby expanded its influence in the South Pacific. Countries in the region have affirmed China’s position and views in regional and international affairs, and stand behind China in its core concerns and interests. They are eager to see China take an expanded role in the South Pacific, and are raring to come aboard the high-speed train of Chinese development. Looking into the future, prospects for mutually beneficial cooperation between China and the countries of the South Pacific have never been brighter. 平易近人：习近平的语言力量--英文-新.indd 334 20/10/15 16:34 “When the Great Way rules, the land under Heaven belongs to the people.” Justice is a noble goal that all nations pursue in international relations. However, we are still far away from achieving this goal. – Speech given by Xi Jinping at a celebration marking the 60th anniversary of the Five Principles of Peaceful Coexistence, June 28, 2014 平易近人：习近平的语言力量--英文-新.indd 335 20/10/15 16:34 336 When the Great Way Rules, the Land Under Heaven Belongs to the People – China takes seriously its responsibilities as a major country “When the Great Way rules, the land under Heaven belongs to the people.” This quote, taken from the Book of Rites, provides some insight into how ancient Chinese philosophers envisioned the ideal society and its model of governance, both in thought and practice. Here, “the land under Heaven” (tianxia) is a concept unique to Confucian culture, and is distinct from “state” or “world.” Our modern understanding of statehood can be traced back to the Peace of Westphalia, a collection of treaties written in the 17th century. The existence of a “state,” in the modern sense of the term, presupposes notions such as sovereignty and borders. But the Confucian concept of tianxia transcends borders and encompasses all people of every civilization. Unlike “state” – a cold, objective term with political overtones – tianxia has a strong moral connotation that is linked to human ideals, and it is centered around the common people. The counterpart to tianxia is the “Great Way,” or “Great Tao.” In Confucian thought, the “Great Way” represents the best and most widely applicable concept, theory, and idea, and it also functions as the ideal mode of governance. Throughout history, the Tao has been embraced by many of China’s most distinguished politicians, including Confucius, who once remarked, “If the Way does not prevail, I shall sit upon a raft and float on the open sea.” China’s vision of “Great Harmony” – a society in which “the land under heaven belongs to all people” and “men are sincere in their words and 平易近人：习近平的语言力量--英文-新.indd 336 20/10/15 16:34 When the Great Way Rules, the Land Under Heaven Belongs to the People 337 seek to cultivate harmony” – will only be realized if the Great Way is practiced. President Xi Jinping’s inclusion of these lines in his speech demonstrates the rich cultural legacy and historical rootedness of Chinese diplomacy. While speaking at the celebration marking the 60th anniversary of the launch of the Five Principles of Peaceful Coexistence, Xi applied the traditional Chinese concept of “Great Harmony” to the international community’s pursuits of justice and fairness, providing a look at China’s great cultural heritage and reminding the world that peace, cooperation, and equality are a part of China’s genetic code. As such, China’s adherence to the Five Principles of Peaceful Coexistence, which is rooted in China’s long cultural tradition, will never waver. The Five Principles of Peaceful Coexistence were born out of the decolonization movement that followed World War II. As the world witnessed a wave of anti-colonialism, anti-hegemony, independence, and emancipation, fledgling nation-states longed to see international relations based on equality. At this critical moment in history, China, India, and Burma (now Myanmar) followed the trend of history and advocated five basic principles – namely, mutual respect for sovereignty and territorial integrity, mutual non-aggression, non-interference in each other’s internal affairs, equality and mutual benefit, and peaceful coexistence. In those days, India held the Five Principles of Peaceful Coexistence in high regard and believed that if they were observed by all nations, the vast majority of wars and conflicts could be avoided. Xi Jinping referred to these principles as “a major initiative in the history of international relations and a significant contribution to the building of a new model of international relations defined by justice and common sense.” Xi continued: “The Five Principles of Peaceful Coexistence have laid deep roots and flourished in China, India, and Myanmar, and are now gaining traction in other parts of Asia and the world.” Nevertheless, “We are still far away from reaching this goal.” Emerging and developing countries still lack basic guarantees on the rights to vote and be heard in important international organiza- 平易近人：习近平的语言力量--英文-新.indd 337 20/10/15 16:34 338 Xi Jinping Diplomatic Wit and Vision tions, and double standards continue to spark international grievances on major international issues. Differential treatment based on political system and discrimination toward developing countries remain significant obstacles to achieving fairness and justice in the international community. Improving global governance and promoting fairness and justice internationally will require the participation of the entire international community, and major countries will need to exercise leadership in this regard. In the 1950s, China, as a new member of the international community, helped to steer international relations in the right direction by proposing the Five Principles of Peaceful Coexistence. Now that China stands as the world’s second largest economy, with a global standing and influence that extends far beyond that of its earlier years, what kind of “Chinese solution” will Beijing propose and what kind of “public goods” can it provide? These questions have generated a great deal of international attention. Xi Jinping believes that fairness and justice are fundamental to building a world of “Great Harmony,” and that international rules, norms, and laws should not be applied in a selective or biased manner. On an encouraging note, improving global governance, maintaining international peace, and promoting fairness and justice have become essential to China’s own development. With the rapid expansion of China’s overseas interests, any disturbance in the international landscape sends ripples throughout China. As the country becomes more integrated with the rest of the world, ensuring peace over the long term and achieving fairness and justice internationally will have significant bearing on China’s dream of national rejuvenation. China has reached a stage in its development where international justice has become both a matter of international morality and personal interest. As the world looks on, China is expected both at home and abroad to shoulder the responsibilities of a major country, and Chinese involvement in international affairs will doubtless rise to new levels, driven by both internal and external factors. The country has actively promot- 平易近人：习近平的语言力量--英文-新.indd 338 20/10/15 16:34 When the Great Way Rules, the Land Under Heaven Belongs to the People 339 ed reform of the global governance system and worked to increase the voice and voting rights of developing countries and emerging economies. Furthermore, China has taken an active role in United Nations peacekeeping operations by sending, for example, more personnel on peacekeeping missions than any other permanent member of the UN Security Council. China has also worked with key developed countries to promote the Paris Agreement, which has helped to promote sustainable development in the face of climate change. China’s efforts have given prominence to the responsibility and role of emerging economies. But more than that, they have communicated to the world that China is not only a beneficiary of globalization, but is also a major contributor to the world economy and global governance. 平易近人：习近平的语言力量--英文-新.indd 339 20/10/15 16:34 “The sea is fed by all rivers; it is vast because of its capacity.” Civilizations are the product of toil and wisdom. Each one is unique. Slavishly imitating other civilizations and forcing impractical solutions is not only inept but also detrimental. The achievements of all civilizations are worthy of our respect and admiration. – Speech given by Xi Jinping at UNESCO headquarters, March 27, 2014 平易近人：习近平的语言力量--英文-新.indd 340 20/10/15 16:34 341 The Sea Is Fed by All Rivers; It Is Vast Because of Its Capacity – Inclusivity drives Chinese diplomacy After his promotion to governor-general of Guangdong and Guangxi in January 1840, Lin Zexu, who fought to halt the opium trade, composed the following couplet to be displayed in his office, “The sea is fed by all rivers; it is vast because of its capacity. The cliffs soar highly above; they stand tall because they yearn for nothing.” Confronting an intensifying conflict with Britain, the Qing court remained closed to the world and ignorant about global trends. Lin Zexu, however, observed the outside world and was shocked to discover how far China’s military trailed behind that of foreign powers. Recognizing that a bleak future awaited an unchanged China, Lin’s first step was to adopt a strategy of “learning from foreigners to use their skills against them.” This led to a resurgence in Chinese people studying the West and a subsequent clash between ancient and modern civilizations. It could be argued that a century of exploration and uneven progress instilled an inclusive mindset of embracing diverse civilizations deep within the Chinese spirit and laid the groundwork for China’s participation in global affairs and leadership of the global agenda. After the founding of the People’s Republic of China, the West’s attempt to seal off China, as well as China’s complicated path of development, slowed the rate at which China adopted advanced Western technology and culture. After the Third Plenary Session of the 11th CPC Central Committee in 1978, the Party’s second generation of collective leadership exercised its considerable polit- 平易近人：习近平的语言力量--英文-新.indd 341 20/10/15 16:34 342 Xi Jinping Diplomatic Wit and Vision ical confidence to adopt the policy of reform and opening up. During this period, advanced production technologies, management experience, and governance concepts were introduced from the West. Reform encouraged greater opening up, which in turn encouraged greater reform. Consequently, the Chinese economy was gradually integrated into the global economic system, producing positive engagements with the rest of the world that enabled China to benefit from globalization. In his speech at UNESCO headquarters on March 27, 2014, President Xi Jinping explained, “The achievements of all civilizations are worthy of our respect and admiration.” Since none is superior, all civilizations can learn from one another. He continued, “Arrogance and prejudice constitute the biggest hurdle to exchanges between civilizations.” Aside from discussing China’s respect for diverse civilizations, Xi also revealed his apprehensions about prejudicial and arrogant mindsets. China has been the target of both mindsets. Through reckless arrogance and pride, the Qing court hobbled China’s opportunity to join the First Industrial Revolution, reducing the country to a semi-colony of the great powers. After the founding of the People’s Republic of China, the West directed its prejudice against socialist countries into sealing off China from the rest of the world, thus pushing China farther behind advanced countries. The introduction of the policy of reform and opening up enabled China’s integration into the global economy and resulted in an economic miracle celebrated worldwide. Nevertheless, many in the West downplayed China’s economic success and speculated about a “China threat” theory. This distrust and hostility toward China’s political system and ideology was rooted in a Western superiority complex that glorified Western ideology. They mistakenly believed that, only their political system was compatible with the market economy, all others resulted in either unsustainable economic development or geopolitical catastrophe. This “pride and prejudice” is turning the “clash of civilizations” into reality. The Industrial Revolution has enabled countries in the West to produce the world’s most formidable civilization based on material 平易近人：习近平的语言力量--英文-新.indd 342 20/10/15 16:34 The Sea Is Fed by All Rivers; It Is Vast Because of Its Capacity 343 wealth. With new-found power, they have nurtured an aggressive impulse that excludes different civilizations and government systems. For example, in 2003, the United States invaded Iraq to topple the government of Saddam Hussein. In 2011, a Western alliance launched airstrikes against Libya to overthrow Muammar el-Qaddafi. In recent years, the West’s plan to appease Islamic State terrorists in the hope of subverting Syria’s Bashar al-Assad has backfired to create even greater harm. From a cultural perspective, this violence in the service of political regime change constitutes a “clash of civilizations” between the Christian and Muslim worlds. From a geopolitical perspective, it foments miseries such as the European refugee crisis and terrorist threats. This violence is akin to shooting oneself in the foot. China has always embraced an open and inclusive development concept and remains committed to initiating and promoting exchanges between civilizations. In the early days of the People’s Republic of China, we proposed the Five Principles of Peaceful Coexistence to encourage noninterference in the internal affairs of other countries and mutual respect for territorial sovereignty. After introducing the policy of reform and opening up, we eliminated debate over the capitalist or socialist nature of things by outlining criteria for making a determination: the three favorables. We reaped major benefits from the development of advanced capitalist countries, which enabled us to build a socialist economy. We also argued that relations between countries should neither be contingent upon ideology nor limited by social system. These steps demonstrate that China’s development concept respects the diversity of civilizations and promotes inclusivity and mutual learning. Xi Jinping has centered the Belt and Road Initiative on opening up mutual understanding and fostering exchanges between civilizations. He has championed the building of a global community of shared future and fought against double standards and cultural prejudice. He supports globalization and free trade and remains committed to the greater integration of personnel, materials, information, and cultures. His efforts have led to a more diverse, devel- 平易近人：习近平的语言力量--英文-新.indd 343 20/10/15 16:34 344 Xi Jinping Diplomatic Wit and Vision oped, and inclusive concept of global governance. Today, China is edging ever closer toward the global spotlight, and Chinese diplomacy is growing more robust. Through deep engagement in global affairs, we have turned our concepts of inclusive global governance and human development into reality. Nevertheless, outdated thinking, such as prejudice against different ideologies, the establishment of a dominant civilization, and the promotion of religious extremism, continues to flourish and contaminate global politics and the cultural environment. In the future, a new global political and economic order that is genuinely fair, reasonable, open, and tolerant will only be possible when countries around the world join in adopting inclusivity as a universal practice of governance. 平易近人：习近平的语言力量--英文-新.indd 344 20/10/15 16:34 “Mighty feats are forged through aspirations and dedication.” We have the necessary confidence, conditions, and ability for attaining our goal. The fact that China remains the world’s largest developing country is also a sobering reminder that the path of progress is beset with challenges. Commitment is necessary if we are to better the lives of all Chinese people. – Speech given by Xi Jinping at the People’s Representative Council of Indonesia, October 3, 2013 平易近人：习近平的语言力量--英文-新.indd 345 20/10/15 16:34 346 Mighty Feats Are Forged Through Aspirations and Dedication – Achieve the Chinese Dream with our feet planted firmly on the ground The expression, “Mighty feats are forged through aspirations and dedication,” is taken from “Zhou Shu,” a section in The Book of History. This line from the ancient Chinese classic represents part of a conversation between King Cheng of Zhou (?-1021 BC) and his ministers. The king explained, “Take heed, ministers, mighty feats are forged through aspirations and dedication. Difficulties are averted through decisiveness.” This expression not only captures the essence of the Zhou Dynasty (1046- 256 BC) rise but also brings into sharp relief the necessary conditions for accomplishing great things. President Xi Jinping began employing this ancient maxim at the First Session of the 12th National People’s Congress on March 17, 2013. China’s newly elected president stated, “‘Mighty feats are forged through aspirations and dedication.’ China is still in the primary stage of socialism, where we will remain for a long time. The ongoing pursuit of the Chinese Dream and better lives for all Chinese people requires the toil and struggle of every one of us.” On May 4, 2013, Xi invoked this quotation once again to inspire outstanding young representatives at the China Aerospace Science and Technology Corporation’s China Academy of Space Technology. High ambitions and hard work go hand in hand. We must first identify our ambitions and then practice diligence to ensure their fruition. We 平易近人：习近平的语言力量--英文-新.indd 346 20/10/15 16:34 Mighty Feats Are Forged Through Aspirations and Dedication 347 cannot go far without ambition; we cannot succeed without diligence. Any great undertaking begins with lofty ambitions. Once they are established, we have a clear goal to pursue. Once momentum is created, we can lay the groundwork for success. Today, people in China embrace a great ambition: realizing the Chinese Dream and improving the lives of all Chinese people. In recognition of global trends and the people’s will, the CPC Central Committee with Xi Jinping as its core has also identified this great ambition as its objective. Diligence requires willingly doing everything in our power to achieve successes. Although diligence is important, the key to success lies in being conscientious. We must hold fast to our ambitions as we go about our life and work. We must adhere to our chosen course and remain committed to fulfilling our responsibilities. Today, our grand development goal, which is summarized as the Two Centenary Goals, is well within our sights, and the Chinese Dream of national rejuvenation is starting to take shape. However, we must also address the complicated development environment and the changing international landscape. Undaunted, Xi Jinping stated, “There are still mountains to climb, grasslands to cross, and strongholds to seize if we are to win new victories in this great struggle.” Indeed, the key to fulfilling the Chinese Dream of national rejuvenation lies in tackling difficulties through real action. Diligence, industriousness, pragmatism, and dependability form the only route toward victory. Turning our dream into reality requires that we “clear new paths in mountainous terrain, build bridges to cross untamed rivers,” and address each challenge as it comes. With political foresight, Xi Jinping proposed a grand vision for building a “global community of shared future” as a way to shape China’s relationship with the rest of the world. Since the 18th CPC National Congress, Xi has strived to make his vision a reality by visiting over 50 countries in Asia, Africa, Europe, North America, South America, and Oceania, closing the distance between China and the rest of the world. He has also introduced the Belt and Road and other initiatives that extend benefits to countries across the globe, engaged countries and regions to 平易近人：习近平的语言力量--英文-新.indd 347 20/10/15 16:34 348 Xi Jinping Diplomatic Wit and Vision work together for a community of shared future, and modeled the old saying, “Mighty feats are forged through aspirations and dedication.” He has demonstrated that difficulties are nothing to fear and provided a blueprint for our success. Through rich yet succinct language, the quotation above not only recognizes the importance of aiming for success, but also underlines the role that dedication plays in determining success or failure. Xi once said, “My philosophy for governance may be summarized as follows: serve the people and shoulder one’s responsibilities.” At home and overseas, Xi has repeatedly employed the expression, “Mighty feats are forged through aspirations and dedication,” to encourage the Chinese people and the international community. This short quotation reflects the plan to benefit the country through real action, the determination to take on daunting responsibilities, and the willingness to do solid work. Development requires real action, not daydreams and empty talk. Shouldering our responsibilities and keeping our feet firmly planted on the ground is the only way to fulfill the Chinese Dream of national rejuvenation. 平易近人：习近平的语言力量--英文-新.indd 348 20/10/15 16:35 According to a Chinese proverb, “A smart man adapts to the times, and a wise man makes rules according to developing trends.” It is inevitable that situations evolve and the times advance. If we are to keep pace with the march of progress, we cannot live in the 21st century yet still embrace an antiquated mindset stuck in the Cold War playing zero-sum games. – Speech given by Xi Jinping at the Fourth Summit of the Conference on Interaction and Confidence-Building Measures in Asia, May 21, 2014 平易近人：习近平的语言力量--英文-新.indd 349 20/10/15 16:35 350 A Smart Man Adapts to the Times, and a Wise Man Makes Rules According to Developing Trends – A Chinese approach to global governance reform The expression, “A smart man adapts to the times, and a wise man makes rules according to developing trends,” is derived from the chapter “The Worry over the Frontier” in Discourses on Salt and Iron by Huan Kuan of the Han Dynasty (221 BC-AD 220). In other words, intelligent people adjust their strategies to conform to changing times, and wise people devise rules for adapting to changes in an evolving world. This expression emphasizes the vital importance of change and encourages a flexible approach that is focused on progress and adjusted to the evolving landscape, rather than one that simply follows the beaten track. President Xi Jinping quoted this expression in a speech he delivered at the Fourth Summit of the Conference on Interaction and Confidence- Building Measures in Asia on May 21, 2014. He further elaborated, “It is inevitable that situations evolve and the times advance. If we are to keep pace with the march of progress, we cannot live in the 21st century yet still embrace an antiquated mindset stuck in the Cold War playing zerosum games.” We live in an era of great development and a world of significant change. The present global governance system and decision-making model have been in place for more than seven decades but are ill-equipped to adapt to the complicated and changing new terrain. A string of crises has 平易近人：习近平的语言力量--英文-新.indd 350 20/10/15 16:35 351 A Smart Man Adapts to the Times, and a Wise Man Makes Rules According to Developing Trends exposed serious failings and deficiencies in global governance, leading the international community to call for the system to be reformed. Growing strength and influence is pushing China into the global spotlight. Countries are increasingly fixing their gaze on China, expecting meaningful contribution to global governance. “In a big world full of challenges, the international community is expecting China’s input and solutions. We should not shy away.” Since the 18th CPC National Congress, the CPC Central Committee with Xi Jinping as its core has responded to the changing international landscape and, in accordance with China’s status as a major country, has initiated measures to improve global governance. It has been lauded by the international community for promoting Chinese solutions and views that are rooted in development and innovation and pushing to reform the unjust and irrational arrangement of global governance systems. In the eleven months between October 2015 and September 2016, the Political Bureau of the CPC Central Committee conducted two group study sessions on global governance and seized the opportunity to encourage the international order to develop in a more just and equitable direction. While attending the Eighth BRICS Summit, Xi Jinping stated, “We must continue to engage in, promote, and lead the process of changing global governance so that we can reshape the international order to be more just and equitable and increase the representation and voice of emerging market countries and developing countries.” In this spirit, China has taken actions that have been praised the world over. China’s efforts to found the Asian Infrastructure Investment Bank and the New Development Bank solidified it as the first developing country to establish multilateral financial institutions. China sought to expand the voting power of emerging market countries in the International Monetary Fund (IMF) and other international financial institutions, and the addition of the Renminbi to the IMF’s Special Drawing Rights basket boosted the international standing of developing countries in the financial world. At the G20 Hangzhou Summit, China introduced an innovative, 平易近人：习近平的语言力量--英文-新.indd 351 20/10/15 16:35 352 Xi Jinping Diplomatic Wit and Vision robust, interconnected, and inclusive path of development, marking the first time that development was the focus of the global macro policy framework. It also drafted the G20 Strategy for Global Trade Growth and the G20 Guiding Principles for Global Investment Policymaking to create a route for the world to get out from under trade and investment difficulties. The APEC meeting in Beijing led the push for building the Free Trade Area of the Asia Pacific and for negotiating the Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership to integrate regional economies in a more open and prosperous way. During a speech he delivered in Danang, Vietnam, in November 2017, Xi Jinping reiterated China’s rational approach to a world economy in transition and demonstrated China’s theoretical innovations in global governance. The fast-developing Belt and Road Initiative is representative of China’s implementation of top-level design for further opening up to the outside world and China’s initiative for reforming the global governance system. It has been recognized by the United Nations as one of the most important pillars of the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development. Moreover, China has driven international cooperation on climate change by teaming with the United States and Europe to issue joint statements on climate change, playing an essential role in adopting the goals of the Paris Agreement on schedule, and boosting the capacity of developing countries to address climate change. The approach, wisdom, and other contribution that China has directed at global governance are indeed expediting reform. The expression, “A smart man adapts to the times, and a wise man makes rules according to developing trends,” conveys pragmatism, innovation, and a pioneering spirit. In quoting this ancient expression, Xi Jinping eloquently outlined the confidence, openness, and determination that distinguish the new era of major-country diplomacy with Chinese characteristics. 平易近人：习近平的语言力量--英文-新.indd 352 20/10/15 16:35 Each step in the development of the Asia-Pacific has been driven by reform and innovation. Though they are positive forces, reform and innovation remain daunting tasks. According to an old Chinese saying, “A challenge can be overcome so long as one has the courage to dare.” Latin America has a similar expression, “No obstacle is greater than a lack of determination.” – Keynote speech given by Xi Jinping at the APEC CEO Summit, November 19, 2016 平易近人：习近平的语言力量--英文-新.indd 353 20/10/15 16:35 354 A Challenge Can Be Overcome So Long as One Has the Courage to Dare – Enthusiasm and confidence should be at the heart of Chinese diplomacy Yin Zhu (1001-1047), who had the courtesy name Shi Lu, was an essayist from the Northern Song Dynasty (960-1127) who was renowned for his concise writing style and powerful logic. According to the History of Song, Yin Zhu’s “gentle exterior masked a strong spirit who was erudite and wellversed, especially in the Spring and Autumn Annals.” After passing the final degree of the imperial exam as a young man, Yin Zhu served as a county magistrate and an official for collating classical texts. With a keen understanding of military operations, he wrote A Discussion on Yan and Garrison, two highly influential essays on military strategy that urged a disciplined approach to defense preparations. After Yin Zhu’s death, his friend Ouyang Xiu wrote An Epitaph for Yin Shilu, praising him with the words, “A challenge can be overcome so long as one has the courage to dare.” This was meant to remind future generations that Yin Zhu was not only a modest gentleman who valued loyalty and magnanimity but also a skilled official who welcomed challenges and dared to take on responsibilities. The truth that rings clear from Ouyang Xiu’s words is that finding solutions to problems and breaking new ground are possible when one is willing to embrace challenges, create opportunities, and improve circumstances. A pioneering spirit has run through Chinese society since ancient times. People quote the well-known saying, “Haul a cart in tattered rags to clear the wilderness,” and talk with admiration about the foolish old man who moved 平易近人：习近平的语言力量--英文-新.indd 354 20/10/15 16:35 A Challenge Can Be Overcome So Long as One Has the Courage to Dare 355 a mountain, praising his intelligence and courage to blaze a new trail. Historically, reform and innovation have served as an inexhaustible source for the development of China and the world. During the Ming (1368-1644) and Qing (1644-1911) dynasties, the adoption of a closeddoor policy created a negative mindset that wasted golden opportunities presented by the Industrial Revolution. During the same historical period, Europe ushered in the Reformation to strip the secular world of religious bondage. Guided by the pathbreaking of early capitalism, European countries rapidly developed science and technology, amassed stores of wealth, and evolved into global powers. In an ever-changing world, lasting prosperity is only possible for countries that make propitious adjustments, adapt promptly to new realities, and embrace innovation and reform. Since the 18th CPC National Congress, major-country diplomacy with Chinese characteristics has been grappling with new opportunities and challenges. The collapse of the Cold War’s bipolar system has opened a new multipolar world. Far from reaching the “end of history,” the world order has entered a period of readjustment. The diplomacy practiced by the People’s Republic of China has also entered a new phase characterized by seizing the initiative, developing new ideas, and daring to take on responsibility. As a rising economic power with an increasingly favorable image, China has witnessed substantive changes to its global stature. If the diplomatic achievements of the newly founded People’s Republic of China set the stage for increased political sway at the global level, then the economic achievements of four decades of reform and opening up bolstered China’s standing as a new developing country on the world stage. When nominal GDP propelled China into the world’s number two spot after the United States, observers in the West warned that China’s rise would reshape the world order, and the media flooded audiences with reports that linked it to the splendor of the Tang (618-907) and Song (960-1279) dynasties. However, growth in strength means more responsibility. With the expansion and deepening of international exchanges, Chinese companies are shifting from inbound to outbound investment, and Chinese soldiers 平易近人：习近平的语言力量--英文-新.indd 355 20/10/15 16:35 356 Xi Jinping Diplomatic Wit and Vision have begun engaging in world affairs, including peacekeeping for the United Nations and escorting vessels on the high seas. Moreover, Chinese visitors have become an important source of revenue for tourist centers around the globe, and Chinese people can be found in almost every part of the world. Although being far from home is never easy, China strongly backs citizens who decide to “go global.” The development of national interests imposed new requirements on Chinese diplomacy, which has been responding to these requirements since the 18th CPC National Congress. Under the leadership of the CPC Central Committee with Xi Jinping as its core, China has gradually established major-country diplomacy with Chinese characteristics, deepened comprehensive strategic planning, and set forth guiding principles for diplomatic strategies. In the global arena, China built up strategic trust and reinforced the foundation for cooperation through summit meetings with the United States, thereby sending the world a positive sign for peace and stability. It drew up plans that improved relations with some neighboring countries around the South China Sea and stabilized the area. As backlash against globalization accelerated in developed countries, China rallied behind globalization, which gave the world economy a strong shot in the arm. In particular, Xi’s Belt and Road Initiative, which has captured worldwide attention, provided a Chinese plan for reviving the ancient Silk Road and boosting the world economy to ensure that more regions and people benefit from the gains made in global economic development. In quoting the expression, “A challenge can be overcome so long as one has the courage to dare,” Xi Jinping is reminding us that China’s status as a major country stems not only from national strength and social prosperity but also from the can-do attitude of Chinese people. In handling foreign affairs, Chinese people must be go-getters who have the courage to shoulder the responsibilities expected of a great country. They must ensure that Chinese voices and stories ring out across the world to present a distinct Chinese vision. Focusing on the country and the people, it is necessary to remember the past to understand the future. This is the ideal way to showcase Chinese wisdom to the rest of the world. 平易近人：习近平的语言力量--英文-新.indd 356 20/10/15 16:35 “A tasty soup is created by blending flavors.” The diversity of human civilizations is both the defining feature of our world and the source of human progress. – Speech given by Xi Jinping at the United Nations Office in Geneva, January 18, 2017 平易近人：习近平的语言力量--英文-新.indd 357 20/10/15 16:35 358 A Tasty Soup Is Created by Blending Flavors – Address international conflicts by “pursuing harmony without uniformity” and “seeking common ground and shelving differences” “A tasty soup is created by blending flavors.” This line of dialogue between Xiahou Xuan (209-254) and Sima Yi (179-251) in The Records of the Three Kingdoms: Biography of Xiahou explains that the secret to making a delicious broth is to find different flavors that complement each other to enhance the overall taste. The culinary traditions of Chinese people run deep. Chinese ancestors had a unique way of understanding and articulating the balancing of flavors. The following line is taken from “The Conveyance of Rites,” a chapter in the Book of Rites, “Five flavors and six seasonings for 12 dishes, yet each contains the essential characteristics of food.” In his Commentary on the Book of Rites, Zheng Xuan (127-200) provided the following explanation of the “five flavors and six seasonings”: “The five flavors are sour, bitter, pungent, salty, and sweet. Those who accommodate nature prefer sour foods in spring, bitter foods in summer, pungent foods in fall, salty foods in winter, and sweet foods year-round. These are the six seasonings.” In “The Conveyance of Rites” from School Sayings of Confucius, Wang Su (195-256) provided the following commentary, “The 12 dishes refer to the food eaten over the 12 months of the year.” It is clear that people in ancient China believed that the blending of the five flavors was determined by the different seasons and months to achieve a perfect balance. In his speech at the United Nations, President Xi Jinping used the expression, “A tasty soup is created by blending flavors,” as a metaphor 平易近人：习近平的语言力量--英文-新.indd 358 20/10/15 16:35 A Tasty Soup Is Created by Blending Flavors 359 for promoting the diversity of civilizations and respecting the religions, histories, and customs of other civilizations, thus enabling different civilizations, cultures, and faiths to coexist in peaceful harmony. Chinese culture upholds the idea that “harmony is to be cherished.” For example, the Qian hexagram in the Book of Changes states, “The Way of Heaven is change that allows each thing to have its proper nature; the preservation of the great harmony brings about that which is advantageous and virtuous.” The “Doctrine of the Mean” in the Book of Rites suggests, “Let balance and harmony exist, then the correct order shall return to heaven and earth, and the universe shall flourish.” And The Analects succinctly points out, “harmony is valued most.” It is clear that ancient Chinese philosophical beliefs considered “harmony” to be not only a core value but also the ultimate goal. Moreover, “harmony without uniformity” has been the lifeblood of Chinese culture since ancient times. This concept comes from the following line in The Analects, “The Master said, ‘The gentleman is in harmony with others but does not idolize them; the petty man idolizes others but is not in harmony with them.’” It refers to interactions between people and even countries. Friendly and harmonious relationships do not require that people or countries share everything in common. However, harmonious coexistence is possible when people and countries acknowledge, tolerate, and respect differences by observing basic principles and norms. The five flavors – sour, sweet, bitter, pungent, and salty – are a complete set for making a perfect blend of dishes. Similarly, the five notes of the pentatonic scale – do, re, mi, sol, and la – are a complete set for producing harmonies in music. Promoting the diversity of civilizations and respecting the religions, histories, and customs of other civilizations are basic requirements for building an international order that is just and reasonable. The United Nations emerged from the ashes of two world wars to ensure that humanity would never again feel the scourge of war. According to the preamble of the United Nations Charter, the purpose of the United Nations is in part to “develop friendly relations among nations based on respect for 平易近人：习近平的语言力量--英文-新.indd 359 20/10/15 16:35 360 Xi Jinping Diplomatic Wit and Vision the principle of equal rights and self-determination of peoples, and to take other appropriate measures to strengthen universal peace.” In order to achieve these objectives, all members should abide by principles such as “sovereign equality” and the settlement of “international disputes by peaceful means.” In 2005, the United Nations Alliance of Civilizations was established to promote understanding, mutual respect, and cooperation among different countries, peoples, cultures, and religions. The purpose was to create a more peaceful and socially inclusive world that rejected extremism and embraced the diversity of civilizations. We must reckon with the prospect that, while globalization has brought people closer together, extremist ideas are rampant, fighting remains constant, and conflicts rage without end. All of humanity must grapple with thorny issues concerning the prevention of friction and conflict and the pursuit of harmonious coexistence. Based on the concept of “seeking common ground and shelving differences,” Xi Jinping has proposed a “Chinese prescription” for applying the principle of “harmony without uniformity” to ensure that people who embrace different cultures, ideas, and viewpoints learn to accept and find beauty in cultural diversity and strive to “let a hundred schools of thought contend and a hundred flowers bloom.” In September 2014, Xi Jinping delivered an important speech at the opening session of the International Academic Symposium Commemorating the 2565th Anniversary of Confucius’ Birth and the Fifth General Assembly of the International Confucian Association. He stated, “Civilizations are vividly distinctive, with each retaining its own value. We need to navigate the differences between civilizations and appreciate the qualities that make each civilization unique. We need to seek common ground while shelving differences and draw on each others’ experiences without attacking and disparaging them. The realization that differences exist should not make us uncomfortable. We should not do everything in our power to remold, absorb, or even supplant another civilization.” In January 2017, Xi underscored this point again during a speech at the United Nations Office 平易近人：习近平的语言力量--英文-新.indd 360 20/10/15 16:35 A Tasty Soup Is Created by Blending Flavors 361 in Geneva, saying, “Civilizations are neither superior nor inferior, neither good nor bad. Instead, they are defined by their distinctive features and regions. Differences between them should drive human progress, not fuel world conflicts.” The Chinese wisdom of “seeking harmony without uniformity” should be embraced by people and countries around the world to promote mutual learning and harmonious coexistence among different civilizations. 平易近人：习近平的语言力量--英文-新.indd 361 20/10/15 16:35 The ancient Chinese philosopher Mencius (c. 372-289 BC) said, “Become established in the proper position of the world and walk the Great Way of the world.” China’s policy actions regarding the Middle East are determined based on the merits of the matter at hand and the fundamental interests of the people of the Middle East. Rather than seeking a proxy in the Middle East, we have urged peace talks; rather than claiming a sphere of influence, we have encouraged everyone to join the Belt and Road Initiative; rather than attempting to fill a vacuum, we have weaved together a cooperative partnership network for mutual benefit. – Speech given by Xi Jinping at the Headquarters of the Arab League, January 21, 2016 平易近人：习近平的语言力量--英文-新.indd 362 20/10/15 16:35 363 Become Established in the Proper Position of the World and Walk the Great Way of the World – Chinese diplomacy prizes international ethics and responsibility The ancient Chinese philosopher Mencius famously observed that to be a “great man” one would need to “become established in the proper position of the world and walk the Great Way of the world.” In this line from the chapter “Teng Wen Gong II” in the Mencius, the philosopher proposed that the standard for judging a “great man” is neither power, influence, nor wealth. Instead, a man’s greatness is connected to the importance he places on social morality and the national spirit. On January 21, 2016, President Xi Jinping quoted these famous words during a speech at the Headquarters of the Arab League to clarify the approach and principles that China applies to Middle East. He emphasized that China’s policy actions regarding the Middle East are determined based on the merits of the matter at hand and the fundamental interests of the people of the Middle East. Rather than seeking a proxy in the Middle East, we have urged peace talks; rather than claiming a sphere of influence, we have encouraged everyone to join the Belt and Road Initiative; rather than attempting to fill a vacuum, we have weaved together a cooperative partnership network for mutual benefit. Justice and interests have long been the two policy orientations upon which countries develop ties. Fundamentally, pursuing national interests and abiding by national ethics are not inevitable paths toward conflict with 平易近人：习近平的语言力量--英文-新.indd 363 20/10/15 16:35 364 Xi Jinping Diplomatic Wit and Vision other countries. However, the blind pursuit of interests at the expense of justice will poison attempts to establish friendly ties between countries. Countries that manage to pursue national interests while maintaining their ethics, and are even willing to sacrifice part of their benefits for the sake of international ethics, are able to open up opportunities for resolving issues and lay the groundwork for developing deep, long-lasting ties. China is playing an increasingly active role in the international arena. Although this benefits many countries, the potential for negative effects exists. The mantra that “strong countries are bound to pursue hegemonism” seems to echo among countries that have misgivings about China’s development, i.e., the belief that a growing power will inevitably engage in aggression, expansion, and interference in the internal affairs of other countries. China is developing major-country diplomacy with Chinese characteristics. Based on the concepts of “peace, development, cooperation, and mutual benefit,” this type of diplomacy disproves the mantra echoed by certain countries. Guided by an independent foreign policy of peace, we have made a solemn commitment to reject hegemonism and expansion and to continue safeguarding world peace and promoting human progress. Rather than just empty talk, this commitment is ingrained into our foreign policy and diplomatic practice. The Middle East has been thrust into the spotlight because it is considered a “powder keg.” Strategically situated with abundant natural resources, the Middle East is home to complicated ethnic and religious conflicts and is a battleground for countries outside the region to promote their own interests. Growing chaos has affected countries and people in the region. In the long term, the continued upheaval in the Middle East will impact peace and development in other regions and may even spread to the rest of the world. Unlike some major countries, China’s policy regarding the Middle East is not based on self interest. Instead, China adopts an objective approach that considers the interests of the people of the Middle East and makes a constructive contribution. Seeking and securing international peace, treating countries equally regardless of size, 平易近人：习近平的语言力量--英文-新.indd 364 20/10/15 16:35 Become Established in the Proper Position of the World and Walk the Great Way of the World 365 and creating an environment for other countries to thrive reflect China’s commitment to promoting international ethics. Beyond the Middle East, China has demonstrated its ethics, commitment, and responsibility as a major country on many international issues. In fulfilling both our obligation to reduce global poverty and the commitments that were made during our accession to the WTO, China has offered the world a proven track record of concrete actions. As expected of a major country, China holds the Renminbi steady when global financial markets are shaky and sends aid in the form of supplies and personnel to foreign countries when disasters strike. Chinese diplomacy is characterized by integrity and trustworthiness, traits which are woven into the fabric of the traditional culture and history of China. Putting justice first and interests second, choosing to act in good faith, and embracing responsibility for the world at large are principles that Chinese culture advocates for governing the conduct of an individual and a country. This reasoning is expressed throughout The Analects, e.g., “The gentleman is focused on justice; the petty man is focused on profit,” and “I do not understand how people who lack trustworthiness accomplish anything.” Ancient Chinese philosophers nurtured the noble ideal of the “Great Harmony,” i.e., “When the Great Way rules, the land under Heaven belongs to the people,” and advocated for virtuebased governance. The weight of these philosophical beliefs is evident in contemporary Chinese diplomacy, which endorses international ethics, international justice, and the common development of all countries so that China can make a more convincing case when voicing an opinion on global affairs. For many years after its founding, the People’s Republic of China provided significant economic aid to Third World countries free of any political conditions despite China’s own economic woes, thus demonstrating yet again that traditional Chinese culture promotes national moral responsibility. This altruism bolstered friendships with Third World countries, laying the groundwork for successfully restoring China’s legitimate seat in the United Nations. 平易近人：习近平的语言力量--英文-新.indd 365 20/10/15 16:35 366 Appendix: Memorable Lines from Xi Jinping’s Speeches and Articles on Foreign Policy I. Chinese Quotes 2013 • “Numerous grains of earth make a mountain, and numerous drops of water form an ocean.” (from Xun Zi, Xun Zi, 313-238 BC) As long as we keep advancing China-Africa cooperation, we will make even greater achievements. • China has reaffirmed its solemn commitment to the international community that it will hold fast to the path of peaceful development and will never seek hegemony or expansion. “A gentleman never goes back on his word.” (from The Analects, Confucius, 551-479 BC) • As I often say, it takes a lot of time and effort to understand China. It is not enough to visit just one or two places. China has 9.6 million square kilometers of land, 56 ethnic groups, and 1.3 billion people. As we learn about China, we should not assume that we know the entire forest just because we have seen a couple of trees.” • As an ancient Chinese saying goes, “Prime ministers must have served as local officials, and great generals must have risen from the ranks.” (from Han Fei Zi, Han Fei, 280-233 BC) • In a country as big, populous, and complicated as ours, leaders must have an in-depth knowledge of our national conditions, and learn what the people think and what they want. We should be self-conscious and move with the utmost care, as if “treading on thin ice and standing on the edge of an abyss,” (from the Book of Songs, the earliest Chinese anthology of poems written from 11-6 century BC) and we should understand that 平易近人：习近平的语言力量--英文-新.indd 366 20/10/15 16:35 Appendix: Memorable Lines from Xi Jinping’s Speeches and Articles on Foreign Policy 367 “governing a big country is as delicate as frying a small fish.” (Lao Zi, 571-c.471 BC) We should never slacken our efforts or become negligent in the slightest, and we must always devote ourselves to our work and to the public interest. – Remarks given by Xi Jinping at a joint interview by the press of the BRICS countries, March 19, 2013 • Linked by mountains and rivers, China and Russia are good neighbors, good partners, and good friends. Good neighborliness is a national treasure. (from Zuo’s Commentary on the Spring and Autumn Annals, Zuoqiu Ming, 502-c.422 BC) • Travelling is a means of cultivating the mind. The Chinese people have always thought of travel and reading in tandem, placing equal weight on “reading ten thousand books and travelling ten thousand miles.” (Dong Qichang, 1555-1636) • “What a delightful thing to welcome friends from afar!” (from The Analects, Confucius) The Chinese people are committed to building a more beautiful China. – Speech given by Xi Jinping at the opening ceremony for the Year of Russia-China Tourism, March 22, 2013 • The trend of the world is surging forward. Those who follow the trend will prosper, and those who go against it will perish. (Sun Yat-sen, 1866-1925) We need to keep in step with the times. We cannot allow our minds in the 21st century to return to a bygone era of colonial expansion or cling to outdated thinking and zero-sum games from the Cold War. • According to a Russian proverb, “Big ships sail far.” And as an old Chinese poem goes, “The time will come to brave the wind and waves; then shall I set my billowing sail to traverse the deep blue waters.” (Li Bai, 701-762) – Speech given by Xi Jinping at the Moscow State Institute of International Relations, March 23, 2013 平易近人：习近平的语言力量--英文-新.indd 367 20/10/15 16:35 368 Xi Jinping Diplomatic Wit and Vision • It is good to give fish to a man, but it is far better to teach him to fish for himself. • As we strengthen our friendship with Africa, we recognize the importance of kinship. The Chinese and African peoples share a natural affinity toward each other. In China we have a saying that “the pleasure of life lies in having bosom friends.” (Wang Anshi, 1021-1086) – Speech given by Xi Jinping at the Julius Nyerere International Convention Center in Tanzania, March 25, 2013 • “Neither mountain nor sea can separate those who share a common vision.” (Bao Pu Zi, Ge Hong, 284-343) We, the five BRICS countries, come from four different continents. We are brought together by the grand goal of fostering partnership for common development and the noble causes of promoting democracy in international relations and advancing global peace and development. To pursue peace, development, and win-win cooperation is our shared aspiration and responsibility. • We should work to develop a global network of partnerships and promote the prosperity of all countries. A single tree does not make a forest (Cui Yin, ?-AD 92). – Keynote speech given by Xi Jinping at the 5th BRICS Leaders Meeting, March 27, 2013 • “A smart man adapts to the times, and a wise man makes rules according to developing trends.” (from Discourses on Salt and Iron, Huan Kuan (dates unknown), Western Han Dynasty, 206 BC-AD 25) We should let go of outdated mindsets, break away from the old confines that hinder development, and unleash our full potential for development. • Every country – whether big or small, strong or weak, rich or poor – should work to safeguard and enhance peace. Rather than undermining each other’s efforts, we should support each other on stage to deliver excellent shows. • “A single flower does not make spring, but one hundred flowers in full blossom bring spring to the garden.” (from A Collection of Adages 平易近人：习近平的语言力量--英文-新.indd 368 20/10/15 16:35 Appendix: Memorable Lines from Xi Jinping’s Speeches and Articles on Foreign Policy 369 compiled in the Ming Dynasty, 1368-1644) All countries are closely linked and share overlapping interests. We should meet each other’s needs and complement each other’s strengths. While pursuing its own interests, a country should respect the legitimate concerns of others. In pursuing their own development, countries should promote the common development of all and thereby expand their common interests. • “The sea is fed by all rivers; it is vast because of its capacity.” (Lin Zexu, 1785 -1850) We should respect the right of each country to choose its own social system and path of development. We should seek to wipe out our distrust and misgivings, and turn the diversity of our world and differences among countries into impetus for development. • As the Chinese saying goes, “Just as members of a family wish each other well, countries that are neighbors do the same.” China is committed to building friendships and partnerships with our neighbors. We seek to strengthen neighborliness, enhance mutually beneficial cooperation, and ensure that our development benefits Asian countries. – Keynote speech given by Xi Jinping at the Boao Forum for Asia Annual Conference 2013, April 7, 2013 • The Chinese have a phrase to describe a place that makes a visitor feel at home. We call it one’s “home away from home.” That’s how I feel when I visit Mexico. • As Mexican President Benito Juarez once said, “Between individuals, as between nations, peace means respect for the rights of others.” The ancient Chinese philosopher Confucius said: “Do not do unto others what you don’t want others to do unto you.” (from The Analects, Confucius) • As Zhuang Zi (c.369-298 BC) once said: “Water of insufficient depth cannot carry a large vessel.” We should work together to cultivate a vast ocean of friendship between China and Mexico, so that the ship of China-Mexico cooperation can ride the wind and press ahead through the breaking waves. • As a Chinese proverb goes, “Just as distance tests a horse’s strength, 平易近人：习近平的语言力量--英文-新.indd 369 20/10/15 16:35 370 Xi Jinping Diplomatic Wit and Vision time will show a person’s sincerity.” The growth of Chinese-Latin American and Caribbean relations has proved and will continue to prove that ours is an open, inclusive, cooperative, and mutually beneficial relationship. • China and Mexico share a common saying: “Where there is a will, there is a way.” – Speech given by Xi Jinping before the Mexican Senate, June 5, 2013 • As the Chinese saying goes, “A close neighbor is better than a distant relative.” China and Central Asian countries are friendly neighbors connected by common mountains and rivers. China highly values its friendship and cooperation with these countries, and takes improving these relations as a priority in its foreign policy. – Speech given by Xi Jinping at Nazarbayez University in Kazakhstan, September 7, 2013 • The Chinese classic A Dream of the Red Mansions describes in vivid detail a collection of exotic treasures from Java, just as the National Museum of Indonesia houses a large display of ancient Chinese porcelain. This is a compelling example of the friendly exchange that characterizes these two nations, a real-life picture of what is meant by the saying, “A bosom friend afar brings a distant land near.” (Wang Bo, 650-678) • That is just one of the many stories that have arisen out of the friendly exchange between our two nations. It reinforces one of the values shared by both China and Indonesia – “standing together through thick and thin.” • Pursue win-win cooperation. “Heed not selfish interests but the interests of all people.” (Yu Youren, 1879-1964) China is ready to open up further to ASEAN countries on the basis of equality and mutual benefit so that our development might better serve all ASEAN countries. • Our hearts will remain in accord with one another. “A tree that can fill the span of a man’s arms grows from a downy tip; a terrace nine storeys high rises from hodfuls of earth.” (Lao Zi, c.571-c.471 BC) To 平易近人：习近平的语言力量--英文-新.indd 370 20/10/15 16:35 Appendix: Memorable Lines from Xi Jinping’s Speeches and Articles on Foreign Policy 371 ensure that the tree of China-ASEAN friendship remains evergreen, the soil of social support for our relations should be fertile. • “Mighty feats are forged through aspirations and dedication.” (from the Book of History, one of the best-known five Confucian classics) We have the necessary confidence, conditions, and ability for attaining our goal. – Speech given by Xi Jinping at the People’s Representative Council of Indonesia, October 3, 2013 • “He who gives no thought to what is ahead shall find trouble at his doorstep.” (from The Analects, Confucius) As we set out to resolve present issues, we must also make plans for the long term. • We must remain committed to the spirit of the Bogor Goals and open regionalism. We cannot “let each family sweep the snow from their own doorstep and disregard the frost on their neighbor’s roof.” (from Stories from Guanyuan Garden, Zhang Fengyi, 1527-1613) – Speech given by Xi Jinping on the global economic landscape and the multilateral trading system at the first-stage meeting of the APEC Economic Leaders’ Meeting, October 7, 2013 • The Asia-Pacific has long been an important engine of global economic growth. To provide a boost to the sluggish global economy, Asia-Pacific economies should have the courage to set a new precedent by building an open model of growth that is based on innovative development, interactive growth, and converging interests. In this way, the Asia-Pacific economies can play a leading role in the recovery of the world economy. As a Chinese poem says, “Enveloped by mountains and girdled by a winding river, there appears to be no way out. But then, amid dark willows and bright flowers, we find a village.” (Lu You, 1125-1210) • “A harmonious family prospers in all things.” (from Strange Stories of the Past Twenty Years, Wu Yanren, 1866-1910) As a member of the Asia- Pacific family, China seeks to be on friendly terms with its family members and encourages everyone to offer help and protection to one another. We 平易近人：习近平的语言力量--英文-新.indd 371 20/10/15 16:35 372 Xi Jinping Diplomatic Wit and Vision hope that all members of the Asia-Pacific family will cherish the peace and stability that we now have, which has not come easily, and work together to ensure lasting peace, common prosperity, and harmony for the Asia-Pacific. • “We set out over the boundless waters, entrusting our sails to the wind’s favor.” (Shang Yan, lived around AD 881) The Asia-Pacific has enough space for us to develop together. We are like a group of sailboats, wending our way across this vast ocean. • “A journey is always easier with friends.” Many who are present here are old friends of the Chinese people, friends who have participated in China’s reform and opening up. – Speech given by Xi Jinping at an APEC CEO Summit, October 7, 2013 2014 • The purpose of this trip to Europe is to promote peace. As an old Chinese saying goes, “Opportunities of time are not as important as geographical advantage, and geographical advantage is not as important as harmony among people.” (Mencius, c. 372-289 BC) Our world needs to press forward, but in order to do that, we need peace. – Signed article by Xi Jinping published in the Dutch NRC Handelsblad, March 23, 2014 • “Without rules, nothing can be accomplished.” (Mencius) Every country should fulfill its obligations under international legal instruments relating to nuclear security, implement relevant UN Security Council resolutions, consolidate and strengthen the existing legal framework governing nuclear security, and provide institutional support and universally accepted guidelines for international efforts to enhance nuclear security. • Countries differ in terms of their national conditions and stage of nuclear power development, and the nuclear security challenges they face also vary from one to another. As the saying goes, “You need different keys to open different locks.” While stressing the importance of countries honoring their international obligations, we should respect their right to 平易近人：习近平的语言力量--英文-新.indd 372 20/10/15 16:35 Appendix: Memorable Lines from Xi Jinping’s Speeches and Articles on Foreign Policy 373 adopt nuclear security policies and measures best suited to their specific conditions as well as their right to protect sensitive nuclear security information. We should adopt a fair and pragmatic attitude, and advance the international nuclear security process in an active yet prudent manner. – Speech given by Xi Jinping at the Nuclear Security Summit in The Hague, the Netherlands, March 24, 2014 • Exchanges and mutual learning among civilizations must not be built on the exclusive praise or belittling of one particular civilization. As early as 2,000 years ago, the Chinese people came to recognize that “it is only natural for things to be different.” (Mencius) Greater exchange and mutual learning among civilizations can further enrich the colors of various civilizations and the cultural life of people and open up still greater alternatives in the future. • As long as civilizations are inclusive, the “clash of civilizations” can be avoided and harmony among civilizations will become a reality. As we Chinese often say, “Radish or cabbage, each to his own delight.” • The Chinese people have long understood the concept of “harmony without uniformity.” Zuoqiu Ming, a Chinese historian who lived 2,500 years ago, recorded in Zuo’s Commentary on the Spring and Autumn Annals the following comments by Yan Zi(?-500 BC), prime minister of the State of Qi during the Spring and Autumn Period (770-476 BC): “Harmony is like cooking thick soup. You need water, fire, vinegar, meat sauce, salt, and plum to go with the fish or meat.” “It is the same with music. Only by combining the texture, length, rhythm, mood, tone, pitch, and style rightly and executing them properly can you produce an excellent melody.” “Who can eat soup with nothing but water in it? What ear can tolerate the same tone played repeatedly on the same instrument?” • “The countenance of spring was plainly visible, as the wind rippled through a garden of flowers adorned in a thousand colors.” (Zhu Xi, 1130-1200) Tomorrow, as we celebrate the 70th anniversary of the establishment of UNESCO, I believe that UNESCO, under the leadership of 平易近人：习近平的语言力量--英文-新.indd 373 20/10/15 16:35 374 Xi Jinping Diplomatic Wit and Vision Director-General Irina Bokova, will write a new chapter that will promote cultural exchange, mutual learning, and world peace. – Speech given by Xi Jinping at the UNESCO Headquarters, March 27, 2014 • “When we drink water from the well, we should remember those who dug it.” Our minds now turn to remember two great men. Fifty years ago, as the Cold War between the East and West raged on, Chairman Mao Zedong and the French general Charles De Gaulle demonstrated great resolve and strategic vision by adopting a historical policy measure to establish diplomatic relations between China and France. In so doing, they opened wide the door for China and France, and also for China and the West, to understand and engage with one another. • Over the last fifty years, the leaders of China and France have guided us with their strategic vision and foresight. As a Chinese poem goes, “They did not allow their vision to be blocked by passing clouds.” (Wang Anshi, 1021-1086) They were pioneers who worked tirelessly to move us past confrontation between blocs and achieve common ground, peaceful coexistence, and mutual benefit. • “If poor, he developed his good nature in solitude; if prosperous, he promoted the good nature of all.” (Mencius) This maxim demonstrates the sense of morality and generosity that Chinese people have cherished through the ages. • “All living things develop together without harming others; different ways are followed yet they are never contradictory.” (from the Book of Rites, compiled by Dai sheng, dates unknown) The Chinese Dream is an opportunity for France, just as the French Dream is an opportunity for China. – Speech given by Xi Jinping to mark the 50th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between China and France, March 27, 2014 • As an ancient Chinese scholar said, “A warlike state, however big it may be, will eventually perish.” Similar sayings have been passed down 平易近人：习近平的语言力量--英文-新.indd 374 20/10/15 16:35 Appendix: Memorable Lines from Xi Jinping’s Speeches and Articles on Foreign Policy 375 through generations, such as “peace is paramount,” “seek harmony without uniformity,” “replace weapons of war with gifts of jade and silk,” “bring prosperity to the nation and security to the people,” “foster friendship with neighbors,” “achieve universal peace,” and “pursue great harmony under heaven.” • As the Chinese philosopher Lao Zi said, “A great country may be likened to the lower reaches of a river.” A great country must have a broad mind, like an expansive lowland that receives a hundred rivers into its bosom. • As we say in China, “The past, if not forgotten, can serve as a guide for the future.” China has chosen a path of peaceful development based on what we have gone through. We sincerely hope that all other countries will follow the path of peaceful development and work together to build a harmonious world of enduring peace and common prosperity. – Speech given by Xi Jinping at the Körber Foundation in Germany, March 28, 2014 • “Wise people build common ground while the foolish focus only on their differences.” (from The Yellow Emperor’s Canon of Medicine, written during the Qin and Han dynasties) China and Europe should respect and treat each other as equals, seek common ground while maintaining differences, and pursue win-win cooperation. In so doing, we will strengthen our dialogue and communications, maximize our common interests, share opportunities, and address challenges together. • China is undergoing profound change. As our ancestors believed, “The heavens move with strength and vigor; likewise, the gentleman is relentless in his efforts to improve himself.” (from the Book of Changes, Ji Chang, 1152-1056) They also emphasized this maxim: “If you can in one day renovate yourself, do so from day to day. Yea, let there be daily renovation.” (from the Book of Rites) In the midst of the fierce international competition, we are like a boat traveling upstream. If we do not press forward, we will be swept away. • China has entered the deep-water area of reform. We must now 平易近人：习近平的语言力量--英文-新.indd 375 20/10/15 16:35 376 Xi Jinping Diplomatic Wit and Vision address the tough issues and advance reforms with the courage embodied in the Chinese saying, “One knows that a tiger lurks in the mountain, yet he goes there undeterred.” • As we advance reform in China, we follow two principles: Act boldly, and advance steadily. As ancient Chinese philosopher Lao Zi said, “Deal with the difficult things while they are yet easy; deal with the great things while they are yet small. The difficult things arise from that which is easy, and the great things arise from that which is small.” • China cannot afford to mechanically copy the political system or development model of another nation. The results would be catastrophic, as no two countries are the same. China understood this more than two thousand years ago: “To the south of the Huaihe River grow oranges, while to the north grow bitter oranges. Their leaves bear the same likeness, yet their fruits have vastly different tastes. Why is this? The soil and water in which they grow are different.” • The Chinese people enjoy tea while Belgians enjoy beer. The reserved subtleness of tea and the bold intensity of beer represent two ways of appreciating life and interpreting the world. This is not to say that tea and beer are incompatible. Enjoying a few beers is a great way to bring friends together; savoring an aromatic pot of tea is a relaxing way for friends to contemplate life. – Speech given by Xi Jinping at the Bruges campus of the College of Europe, April 1, 2014 • We should take into full account the historical background and reality of Asia’s security issues, adopt a multi-pronged and holistic approach, and enhance regional security governance in a coordinated way. While working hard to tackle the immediate security challenges facing the region, we should also make plans to address potential security threats, and avoid a palliative approach that treats the symptoms instead of the disease. • Sustainable security means that we need to focus on both development and security, so that security will be durable. “For a tree to grow tall, a strong and deep root is essential; for a river to reach far, an unim- 平易近人：习近平的语言力量--英文-新.indd 376 20/10/15 16:35 Appendix: Memorable Lines from Xi Jinping’s Speeches and Articles on Foreign Policy 377 peded source is necessary.” (from Advises to Emperor Tai Zong, Wei Zheng 580-643) • “Readiness to converge with others makes a mountain high and a river mighty.” (Liu Yuxi, 772-842)As a strong champion of the Asian security concept, China also works to put the security concept into practice. – Speech given by Xi Jinping at the 4th Summit of the Conference on Interaction and Confidence-Building Measures in Asia, May 21, 2014 • As we look back on the history of exchange between Chinese and Arab peoples, our mind turns to the land Silk Road and the maritime spice route. Our ancestors “crossed the great desert for months on post-horses,” and “sailed the vast oceans night and day,” putting themselves at the forefront of friendly exchanges between different nations in the ancient world. • No civilization should be regarded as superior or inferior to another. Different civilizations are enriched through mutual exchange. As an ancient Chinese philosopher once said, “A palette of different colors creates brilliance and beauty, and an ensemble of different instruments produces harmony and peace.” • To promote the Silk Road spirit, we need to respect the right of other countries to choose their own path of development. “People don’t need to wear the same shoes; they should find what suits their feet. Governments don’t have to adopt the same model of governance; they should find what benefits their people.” (Wei Yuan, 1794-1856) Whether a country’s path is the right one is a matter to be decided by its own people. – Speech given by Xi Jinping at the opening ceremony of the 6th Ministerial Conference of the China-Arab States Cooperation Forum, June 5, 2014 • The Five Principles of Peaceful Coexistence originated in Asia because they embody the Asian tradition of cherishing peace. China has long championed the idea that “peace is paramount” and has promoted concepts such as “harmony without uniformity,” “harmony among 平易近人：习近平的语言力量--英文-新.indd 377 20/10/15 16:35 378 Xi Jinping Diplomatic Wit and Vision nations,” and “universal love and non-aggression.” • According to the Book of Changes, “The way of increase lies in the movement of the times.” (from the Book of Changes) Just a few moments ago, Burmese President Thein Sein and Indian Vice President Hamid Ansari shared some excellent thoughts about staying committed to the Five Principles of Peaceful Coexistence in this new era as well as some good ideas about promoting a new model of international relations and building a better world. • “Unity leads to strength, and isolation leads to weakness.” (from Guang Zi, Guang Zi, 723-645BC) Mutually beneficial cooperation should become a guiding policy for all countries in the handling of international affairs. • We should champion a new vision of seeking positive outcomes for all, and reject the outdated logic of zero-sum games or winner-takesall. As a Chinese saying goes, “If we learn to appreciate the merits of other cultures as we value our own, we will witness the flourishing of all cultures.” • We should stick together like passengers in the same boat and assume both rights and responsibilities. We should work together to tackle growing global issues such as climate change, energy and resource security, cybersecurity, and major natural disasters, in a joint effort to protect the planet on which our survival depends. • “All living things develop together without harming others; different ways are followed yet they are never contradictory.” (from the Book of Rites) We need to respect the diversity of civilizations and encourage different civilizations to engage in exchanges and dialogues so they may live in peaceful coexistence and harmony. We must never seek to dominate or belittle other civilizations and people. • As the saying goes, “For certain things a foot is too short, and for others an inch will suffice.” We should encourage mutual learning and exchange and seek nourishment from the great cultural legacies of different countries and peoples. We should use the strength of others to shore 平易近人：习近平的语言力量--英文-新.indd 378 20/10/15 16:35 Appendix: Memorable Lines from Xi Jinping’s Speeches and Articles on Foreign Policy 379 up our own weaknesses, draw inspiration from other cultures, and work together to create a beautiful mosaic of human civilization. • “When the Great Wang rules, the land under Heaven belongs to the people.” (from the Book of Rites) Justice is a noble goal that all nations pursue in international relations. • China is firmly committed to developing friendship and cooperation with all countries on the basis of the Five Principles of Peaceful Coexistence. As an ancient Chinese philosopher said, “Mutual trust brings together neighbors, and sincerity can unite distant countries.” (from Zhuang Zi, Zhuang Zi, c. 369-286BC) China seeks to enhance beneficial cooperation with its neighbors according to the principles of friendship, sincerity, reciprocity, and inclusiveness, and works hard to share the fruits of its development with neighboring countries. • An old Chinese adage says, “A journey of one thousand miles begins with the first step.” An Indian proverb goes, “Drops of water join to make a stream, and ears combine to make a crop.” And people in Myanmar often say, “Be ambitious in thinking but down-to-earth in action.” – Speech given by Xi Jinping at a celebration marking the 60th anniversary of the launch of the Five Principles of Peaceful Coexistence, June 28, 2014 • Here in the East, the ideas of faith and trust hold an important place in our values. The people of China and South Korea firmly hold to the idea that “a man without good faith cannot establish himself in society.” – Signed article by Xi Jinping published in South Korea’s Chosun Ilbo, Korea Joongang Daily, and Dong-A Ilbo, July 3, 2014 • China and South Korea live next door to each other. As a Chinese saying goes, “A good house may be bought for a hundred taels of gold, but a good neighbor is not to be traded for all the gold in the world.” (from the History of the Southern Dynasties) • We will promote the idea of development through cooperation and 平易近人：习近平的语言力量--英文-新.indd 379 20/10/15 16:35 380 Xi Jinping Diplomatic Wit and Vision pursue the greater good and shared interests in international relations. As an ancient Confucian scholar said, “A country should seek to better itself not by pursuing profit, but by upholding justice.” • Justice, not just interests, should be the focus of international cooperation. Chinese people have always believed that “the gentleman considers righteousness the essence” (Confucius) and emphasized that “wealth and honors attained through unjust means are no more than floating clouds to me.” (Confucius) • Currently, as economic globalization and regional integration gain steam, different countries and regions are becoming integrated in such a way that all prosper when one prospers, and all fail when one fails. • An ancient scholar said, “Friendship based on profit or power shall not last long without them; only friendships based on sincerity have true staying power.” (Wang Tong, 584-617) The development of state-to-state relations depends upon creating a rapport among the people in those countries. – Speech given by Xi Jinping at National Seoul University in South Korea, July 4, 2014 • About one thousand years ago, Su Shi (1037-1101), a famous Chinese poet during the Song Dynasty (960-1279), said this: “Opportunity may knock just once; grab it before it slips away.” To develop China-U.S. relations, we must seize the opportunities before us and keep in step with the times. • “Fish swim in the vast sea as freely as birds fly in the boundless sky.” I have always believed that the Pacific Ocean is big enough to accommodate both China and the United States. • As long as we uphold mutual respect, seek common ground while resolving differences, maintain strategic patience, and remain unperturbed by individual incidents or particular comments, we will be able to keep the overall China-U.S. relations on a firm footing despite the ups and downs that may come our way. • Opportunities need to be created, and they can be created through 平易近人：习近平的语言力量--英文-新.indd 380 20/10/15 16:35 Appendix: Memorable Lines from Xi Jinping’s Speeches and Articles on Foreign Policy 381 innovation. As the Chinese saying goes, “A person with sharp ears can hear sounds in silence, and a person with keen vision can see things not visible to others.” (from the Records of the Historian, Sima Qian, c.145 BC-?) Both China and the United States are creative nations. In promoting our bilateral relations, we need more than ever to innovate in light of the changing times. – Speech given by Xi Jinping at the joint opening ceremony of the 6th China-U.S. Strategic and Economic Dialogue and the 5th China-U.S. High-Level Consultation on People-to-People and Cultural Exchange, July 9, 2014 • The past five years have demonstrated that harmonious voices resonate with each other and similar natures seek each other out. Despite the great distances separating our five countries, we are guided by common aspirations, and neither mountains nor seas can obstruct our path. (from Commentary on the Book of Changes, written during the Warring States Periad, 475-221BC) – Speech given by Xi Jinping at the Sixth BRICS Summit, July 15, 2014 • In China we believe that distance cannot keep apart people who are destined to meet. As the saying goes, “A thousand miles cannot separate two whom fate has conspired to bring together.” • As I’ve said before, “Only the wearer of the shoes knows if they fit or not.” I’ve been told that Brazil has a similar proverb, which is evidence that the principle is commonly understood by all people. • “To make an acquaintance, one must know a person; to know a person, one must understand his heart.” (Mencius) The friendship between our people is a great source of strength for the development of China-Brazil relations. • “As the tide rises to its fullness, the riverbanks widen and the wind breathes life into our sail.” (Wang Wan, c.693-c.751) As we look ahead to the future, let us join hands and work side by side to create a better future for the comprehensive strategic partnership between China and Brazil. 平易近人：习近平的语言力量--英文-新.indd 381 20/10/15 16:35 382 Xi Jinping Diplomatic Wit and Vision Together, let us write a bright and beautiful poem of comprehensive partnership between China and Latin America. Let us pull together to make a new and greater contribution to the great cause of world peace and development. – Speech given by Xi Jinping at the Brazilian National Congress, July 16, 2014 • When we think of our friendly neighbor Mongolia, our minds naturally think of majestic beauty and open expanses, as illustrated in the lines: “The firmament above, a sapphire blue; the steppes below, a vast expanse. The wind ripples across the prairie, bending grass to reveal flocks and herds.” We think of the hard work and bravery of a people on horseback, and the traditional Naadam Festival with its exciting sports competitions and festive singing and dancing. • “With a fine steed, one does not fear a long journey. With a trusted companion, one does not fear trouble or hardship.” Looking back on 65 years of diplomatic relations between China and Mongolia, we see that friendship and cooperation have been the main theme. – Signed article by Xi Jinping published in Mongolia’s Udriin Sonin, Unuudur, Zuunii Medee, UB Post, and a state-run news website, August 21, 2014 • As a Chinese saying goes, “A waterside pavilion has better access to moonlight.” (Yu Wenbao, living around 1240) China and Mongolia share a border, and our economies complement each other. China has markets, capital, technology, and channels, and Mongolia boasts a plentiful supply of resources. Our economies are highly complementary and provide many opportunities for cooperation. • “The fire burns hotter when more hands feed it.” China wishes to provide Mongolia and other neighboring countries with opportunities and space for common development. Everyone is invited to come aboard the express train of China’s development, whether for a fast ride or even a free ride. As the Chinese saying goes, “Those who travel alone go fast, but those who travel in company go far.” 平易近人：习近平的语言力量--英文-新.indd 382 20/10/15 16:35 Appendix: Memorable Lines from Xi Jinping’s Speeches and Articles on Foreign Policy 383 • We Chinese uphold “being faithful to our word and resolute in our action.” (from The Analects, Confucius) Rest assured that when China makes a commitment, we will do whatever it takes to honor it. – Speech given by Xi Jinping at the State Great Khural of Mongolia, August 22, 2014 • The ancient Chinese philosopher Confucius once said, “The virtuous man finds pleasure in the hills.” (Confucius) Majestic, mountainous, and home to a people of peace and integrity, this is a nation that captivates the soul. • My earnest hope is that this visit will help China and Tajikistan to solidify political trust in each other, deepen mutually beneficial cooperation in the areas of security, the economy, and cultural exchange, strengthen strategic coordination and support between the two countries, and push China-Tajikistan relations “onward and upward to the next horizon.” – Signed article by Xi Jinping published in Tajikistan’s Narodnaya Gazeta and the state-run Khovar News Agency, September 10, 2014 • We need to stay focused on our objective of increasing connectivity between all people. “People, if united, will be stronger.” (Xun Zi) Ultimately, the future of the Shanghai Cooperation Organization is in the hands of the people of its member states. • We need to expand external exchanges and cooperation, which are a driving force of our growth. As a Chinese saying goes, “Our jade may be polished with stones from other hills.” (from the Book of Songs) Our efforts to expand external exchange and bring in new members are consistent with Shanghai Cooperation Organization’s policies of openness and inclusiveness and will help to meet the development needs of the organization. – Speech by Xi Jinping at the 14th Meeting of the Council of Heads of State of the Shanghai Cooperation Organization, September 12, 2014 • China encourages the two governments to make travel between the countries easier, and airlines should endeavor to make more flights avail- 平易近人：习近平的语言力量--英文-新.indd 383 20/10/15 16:35 384 Xi Jinping Diplomatic Wit and Vision able. In this way, China and Maldives can demonstrate what is meant by the Chinese line, “Distance is nothing to two bosom friends, for though separated by ten thousand miles, they remain near.” (Zhang Jiulin,673-740) – Signed article by Xi Jinping published in Maldives’s Today’s Evening and the website for Sun Online, September 14, 2014 • Since ancient times, China has championed the idea of “neither allowing the strong to oppress the weak nor the rich to bully the poor,” and has distilled the proverb that “a warlike state, however big it may be, will eventually perish.” Similar sayings have been passed down through the generations in China, such as “peace is paramount,” “seek harmony without uniformity,” “replace weapons of war with gifts of jade and silk,” and “pursue great harmony under heaven.” • The Chinese nation has always made learning a priority. As ancient writer Su Shi (1037-1101) said, “Only by learning extensively and accumulating knowledge will one be ready to achieve something.” Similarly: “Walking among three people, I find my teacher among them. I choose that which is good in them and follow it, and find that which is bad and change it.” (Confucius) And again: “One needs to study what is good, constantly inquire about it, carefully reflect on it, clearly distinguish it, and earnestly practice it.” (from The Doctrine of the Mean) • I would like to share with my Indian friends a Chinese saying: “A man of virtue, while establishing himself and pursuing success, also works to establish others and enable them to succeed as well.” As we pursue our own development, China sincerely hopes to see India grow stronger and more prosperous and looks forward to making progress together. (from The Analects, Confucius) • “Relatives and friends become closer when they visit each other more.” It is important that neighboring countries meet face to face to exchange their thoughts on major issues. – Speech given by Xi Jinping at the Host Partners Dialogue on “Strengthening Connectivity Partnership,” November 8, 2014 平易近人：习近平的语言力量--英文-新.indd 384 20/10/15 16:35 Appendix: Memorable Lines from Xi Jinping’s Speeches and Articles on Foreign Policy 385 • Over 2,000 years ago, the Chinese philosopher Lao Zi noted the following: “The supreme good is like water, which benefits all of creation without trying to compete with it.” His point is that water nourishes all things without being noticed. As APEC member economies, we are brought together by the waters of the Pacific Ocean. We have a shared responsibility to make the Pacific an ocean of peace, friendship, and cooperation, and ensure that it brings peace, development, prosperity, and progress to the Asia-Pacific region. – Remarks given by Xi Jinping at a welcome dinner of the APEC Economic Leaders’ Meeting, November 10, 2014 • We, the 21 member economies of APEC, are like a flock of 21 wild geese. As an old Chinese poem reads: “The waves are tossed by a steady wind into a thousand petals of white; a flock of wild geese fly above, in a vee, across a sky of blue.” (Bai Juyi, 772-846) • “A true man needs the support of three other.” We should pitch in to accomplish great things for the people. – Opening Remarks by Xi Jinping at the 22nd APEC Economic Leaders’ Meeting, November 11, 2014 • “The ocean is vast because it admits numerous rivers.” (Feng Menglong, 1574-1646) The vast ocean of goodwill that exists between China and Australia has been nourished by the steady streams of mutual understanding and friendship between our two peoples. • “True friendship exists only when there is an abiding commitment to pursue common goals.” (Ouyang Xiu, 1007-1072) I am confident that with our joint efforts, the friendship between the people of China and Australia will span mountains and sea, withstand wind and rain, and be as strong and everlasting as the majestic Uluru Rock in central Australia and the Great Wall in northern China. – Speech given by Xi Jinping at the Parliament of Australia, November 17, 2014 平易近人：习近平的语言力量--英文-新.indd 385 20/10/15 16:35 386 Xi Jinping Diplomatic Wit and Vision • We should strive to be good partners through win-win cooperation and common development. “The sage does not accumulate for himself. The more he expends for others, the more he possesses of his own; the more he gives to others, the more he gains for himself.” (Lao Zi) 2015 • To build a community of shared future, we need to pursue mutually beneficial cooperation and common development. As our friends in Southeast Asia say, “The lotus flowers grow taller as the water rises.” Our friends in Africa say, “Those who travel alone go fast, but those who travel in company go far.” Our friends in Europe say, “A single tree cannot stop the cold wind.” And in China we often say, “When big rivers have water, the small streams are filled; and when small streams have water, the big rivers are filled.” All these sayings speak to the same truth – only through win-win cooperation can we make significant and sustainable achievements that are beneficial to all. – Keynote speech given by Xi Jinping at the Boao Forum for Asia Annual Conference 2015, March 28, 2015 • As a Tany-dynasty poet Du Mu (803-c.852) wrote: “Meeting a good friend for the first time is like being reunited with an old friend.” This is exactly how I have felt during my visit to Pakistan. • “Strong wind reveals the strength of grass, and genuine gold stands the test of fire.” (Li Shimin, 598-649) We will never forget that Pakistan was one of the first countries to recognize the People’s Republic of China and the first Islamic country to enter into diplomatic relations with China. – Speech given by Xi Jinping at the Parliament of Pakistan, April 21, 2015 • There is a saying in Africa, “A single log will not build a house.” We have a similar saying in Chinese, “Burdens are heavy when lifted alone; journeys are faster when shared with others.” (Wei Yuan, 1794-1856) By strengthening mutually beneficial cooperation, Asian and African coun- 平易近人：习近平的语言力量--英文-新.indd 386 20/10/15 16:35 Appendix: Memorable Lines from Xi Jinping’s Speeches and Articles on Foreign Policy 387 tries can achieve far more than they could independently. – Speech given by Xi Jinping at the Asian-African Summit, April 22, 2015 • The Belarusian people often say that a strong friendship is hard to break. An ancient Chinese scholar said, “A partnership forged with the right approach defies distance; it binds like glue and is more durable than stone.” (Jiao Zhou, 201-270) May the anthem of China-Belarus cooperation ring ever more resonantly and swell to new heights. This is my hope for China-Belarus relations. – Signed article by Xi Jinping published in the Sovetskaya Belorussiya, May 8, 2015 • You can choose neighbors, but not neighboring countries. “Virtue is not left to stand alone; he who practices it will have neighbors.” (from The Anaclects, Coufucius) As long as the people of China and Japan are sincere and work to cultivate friendship based on virtue, they will remain friends for generations. • “The past, if not forgotten, can serve as a guide for the future.” (from Strategies of the Warring States, compiled by Liu Xiang, c.77-6 BC) We look back at history to ready ourselves for the future; we remember times of war in order to keep our world at peace. • “One generation plants the trees under whose shade another generation rests.” I earnestly hope that our young people will grow in their understanding of friendship and take practical steps to sow seeds of friendship, so that China’s bond with Japan will one day produce an immense forest of towering trees. May the friendship between the people of China and Japan grow and thrive for many generations to come! – Speech given by Xi Jinping at the China-Japan Friendship Exchange Meeting, May 23, 2015 • Looking forward, we should evolve from seeking common ground and shelving differences to consolidating common ground and ironing out differences. We should consolidate common interests, responsibilities, and challenges and resolve inconsistent ideologies, political systems, and devel- 平易近人：习近平的语言力量--英文-新.indd 387 20/10/15 16:35 388 Xi Jinping Diplomatic Wit and Vision opment stages, forging a new type of party-to-party relations that develops with the times. – Remarks made by Xi Jinping while meeting German Social Democratic Party Chairman and German Vice Chancellor Sigmar Gabriel, July 15, 2015 • “A just cause attracts great support, while an unjust cause finds little.” (Mencius) To deny incidents of past aggression is to make a mockery of history. It is an affront to the human conscience and a betrayal of the world’s trust. – Speech given by Xi Jinping at the reception to commemorate the 70th anniversary of the victory of the Chinese People’s War against Japanese Aggression and the World Anti-Fascist War, September 3, 2015 • Rather than dismantling existing systems or returning to square one, such reforms are intended to improve global governance systems through innovation. In China we have a saying, “Necessity leads to change; change leads to improvement.” (from the Book of Changes) The vitality of everything, from a country to our world, hinges upon the capacity to adapt to the times. • In approaching China-U.S. relations, one should keep the larger picture in view and not focus exclusively on our differences. “When important things are addressed first, secondary issues will not be difficult to settle.” (Ouyang Xiu, 1007-1072) • While feeling proud of one’s own cultural achievements, a country or a nation must not shut its door to the outside world, much less indulge in self-aggrandizement. “Learning alone without engaging with others will lead to ignorance.” (from the Book of Rites) – Statement made by Xi Jinping in a written interview with The Wall Street Journal, September 22, 2015 • The key to successful cooperation is found in leveraging our respective strengths. China and the U.S. each have distinct advantages in areas which are highly complementary. We need to make full use of these 平易近人：习近平的语言力量--英文-新.indd 388 20/10/15 16:35 Appendix: Memorable Lines from Xi Jinping’s Speeches and Articles on Foreign Policy 389 strengths. As the Chinese saying goes, “When the Eight Immortals had to cross the sea, each displayed its divine powers.” • I deeply value the exchange of culture and people that goes on between China and the U.S. As a Chinese saying goes, “Relatives and friends become closer when they visit each other more.” • Chinese people often say “seize the moment,” and Westerners believe in “making hay while the sun shines.” Now is the time for China-U.S. cooperation at the sub-national level. I encourage all of you to lead your respective province or state to seize the moment, build momentum, and work together to write a new chapter of China-U.S. sub-national cooperation. – Speech given by Xi Jinping at the China-U.S. Governors’ Forum, September 22, 2015 • China will follow the basic strategy of the rule of law in governance. As an ancient Chinese philosopher once put it, “Law is the very foundation of governance.” • “Peaches and plums do not have to talk, yet the world beats a path to them.” (from Records of the Historian Sima Qian) The worthy fruits of cooperation across the Pacific Ocean are a powerful display of the vitality and potential of China-U.S. relations. • What shall we do to advance the new model of major-country relations between China and the U.S. at this new starting point? And how can we work together to promote world peace and development? The answer is to keep moving in the right direction with purpose and care. As an ancient Chinese philosopher once said, “A decision can be properly made only after consulting the past, considering the future, and taking into account what is normal.” • “The sun and the moon shine in different ways, yet their brightness is right for its appointed hour.” (Meng Jiao, 751-814) It is because we are different that the world is so diverse and colorful, but this also makes it necessary to seek common ground and take steps to iron out our differences. – Speech given by Xi Jinping at a welcome dinner co-hosted by the Washington State government and U.S. friendly organizations, September 22, 2015 平易近人：习近平的语言力量--英文-新.indd 389 20/10/15 16:35 390 Xi Jinping Diplomatic Wit and Vision • “When people from the same hometown see one another, their hearts overflow with unspeakable joy.” It is great to be among so many friends, both old and new, in the beautiful city of Seattle. • From the words of an old Chinese poem, “As I sit under the night sky, so vast yet distant, my heart pines for that place I call home.” All of you are always welcome to come back to China for a visit. – Speech given by Xi Jinping at a welcome dinner hosted by local overseas Chinese, September 23, 2015 • As we say in China, “Eat according to the size of your stomach and dress according to the size of your figure.” Each country should tailor its development strategies to its own strengths and national conditions. – Speech given by Xi Jinping at the UN Sustainable Development Summit, September 26, 2015 • In China, the ideas of people-oriented governance and the rule of law have been around since ancient times. Thousands of years ago, it was said that: “People are the foundation of a state; when the foundation is strong, the state is at peace.” (from the Book of History) – Speech given by Xi Jinping at the Parliament of the United Kingdom, October 20, 2015 • Coming back to the U.K. and seeing the towering Big Ben and rippling River Thames, I feel the words of the Chinese poem, “‘Tis hard not to feel at home.” • China’s development will not come at the cost of other countries. It will only serve to expand our common interests. China will stand firm with all other countries to meet whatever challenges lying ahead. Roads will only become broader when more people travel on them. • From daily necessities such as food, clothing, housing, and transportation, to energy, infrastructure, finance, and scientific research, the fruits of our practical cooperation have – to quote a Chinese poem – ”flown like swallows into the homes of commoners” and brought real benefits to 平易近人：习近平的语言力量--英文-新.indd 390 20/10/15 16:35 Appendix: Memorable Lines from Xi Jinping’s Speeches and Articles on Foreign Policy 391 our people. – Speech given by Xi Jinping at a dinner hosted by the Lord Mayor of the City of London, October 21, 2015 • “Let not yourself grow weary of study, and never tire of teaching others.” (Confucius) I hope that each of you will continue the good work and do your part to contribute to the friendship between China and the U.K. – Speech given by Xi Jinping at the opening ceremony of the annual conference of U.K. Confucius Institutes and Confucius Classrooms, October 23, 2015 • An ancient Chinese saying goes: “Victory is ensured when people pool their strength; success is secured when people put their heads together.” And as they say in Vietnam, “A single tree does not make a forest, but three trees can make a mountain.” During this visit I look forward to having in-depth talks with the leaders of Vietnam and mapping out the future direction of China’s relationship with Vietnam to ensure it is stable and long-lasting. – Signed article by Xi Jinping published in Vietnam’s Nhan Dan, November 5, 2015 • “Trust is the basis of friendship.” (from Master Lü’s Spring and Autumn Annals) China and Vietnam share extensive common interests, and our relations are defined by friendship and cooperation. • “If brothers are of the same mind, their edge can cut through metal.” (from the Book of Changes) In an international and regional landscape marked by change and uncertainty, the Communist Party of China and the Communist Party of Vietnam are faced with many of the same new problems and challenges. We are not just neighbors connected by mountains and rivers. We are a community brought together by overlapping interests, common goals, and a shared future. • During his revolutionary activities in China between 1942 and 1943, Chairman Ho Chi Minh wrote the following line: “Upon reaching 平易近人：习近平的语言力量--英文-新.indd 391 20/10/15 16:35 392 Xi Jinping Diplomatic Wit and Vision the peak, one will have the whole land in his sight.” Back in the Tang Dynasty (618-907), the Chinese poet Wang Bo (650-c. 676) wrote, “When one stands upon Mount Tai with all the other mountains below him, he will have clear and uninterrupted vision.” China-Vietnam relations have reached a new historical starting point. – Speech given by Xi Jinping at the National Assembly of Vietnam, November 6, 2015 • “True friendship is as valuable as gold.” (Bai Juyi, 772-846) China is ready to partner with Singapore to carry forward the China-Singapore friendship, created and nurtured by the older generations of leaders of our two countries. May our friendship continue to grow and thrive, just like the vibrant and luxuriant rain trees that one sees everywhere in Singapore. – Signed article by Xi Jinping published in Singapore’s The Straits Times and Lianhe Zaobao, November 6, 2015 • “A single line of silk doesn’t make a thread, and a single hand cannot clap.” Asian countries need to foster a vision of security suited to Asia and take a holistic approach when handling security issues in the region. We should jointly address both traditional and non-traditional security issues. We should stay committed to peaceful settlement of differences and disputes through friendly consultation, and we should give equal emphasis to both development and security. Together, we can achieve open, inclusive, and mutually beneficial cooperation among neighbors that is based on mutual respect and mutual trust, and achieved by expanding common ground and narrowing our differences. • As a Chinese saying goes, “Instead of complaining that one’s talents go unrecognized, one should learn to appreciate the wisdom of others.” (from The Ananlects, Confucius) I hope our young people in China and Singapore will learn more about the history and culture of both countries as well as each other’s personal aspirations. Learn from each other, deepen your friendship, and give yourself to furthering the bond between our countries. In so doing, you will become a new force driving the growth of 平易近人：习近平的语言力量--英文-新.indd 392 20/10/15 16:35 Appendix: Memorable Lines from Xi Jinping’s Speeches and Articles on Foreign Policy 393 China-Singapore relations. This is my hope for you. – Speech given by Xi Jinping at the National University of Singapore, November 7, 2015 • “True gold is not afraid of fire.” True partnership is not just about celebrating our successes. It is about standing together in times of adversity. • The international community must work together to reinforce counter-terrorism cooperation by observing the purposes and principles of the United Nations Charter and other basic norms governing international relations. It must treat both the root causes and symptoms of terrorism and reject double standards. – Speech given by Xi Jinping at the Informal Meeting of BRICS Leaders, November 15, 2015 • As an ancient Chinese scholar said, “To cure a disease, one must treat its root cause; to fix a problem, one must target its source.” Taking a closer look at today’s global economy, we can see that the momentum generated by the last wave of the scientific and industrial revolution is waning and the potential for growth under the traditional economic system and model of development is diminishing. • We must choose our medicine based on the source and symptoms of the infection. As the premier forum for international economic cooperation, the G20 should identify its goals, set the direction, and exercise leadership. – Remarks on the world economy given by Xi Jinping at the first-stage meeting of the 10th annual G20 Leaders’ Summit, November 15, 2015 • An ancient Chinese philosopher said, “The key to governing a country is first to enrich its people.” The end goal of development is to serve the people by sharing the fruits of development with everyone. • “Even the shortest of journeys cannot be finished without taking the first step; even the most trivial task cannot be completed without taking action.” (Xun Zi, 313-238 BC) No blueprint is going to materialize on its own. If we are going to achieve our goals, all APEC members need 平易近人：习近平的语言力量--英文-新.indd 393 20/10/15 16:35 394 Xi Jinping Diplomatic Wit and Vision to step up and work hand in hand. – Keynote speech given by Xi Jinping at the APEC CEO Summit, November 18, 2015 • We need to take the long view and work to improve the strategic framework for mid and long-term cooperation in the Asia-Pacific. As an ancient Chinese sage once said, “Without resolve, nothing can be accomplished.” • We need to take practical steps to turn our consensus into real results. “Having seen something is not as good as knowing it, and knowing something is not as good as putting it into practice.” (Xun Zi) – Speech given by Xi Jinping at the first-stage informal meeting of the 23rd APEC Economic Leaders’ Meeting, November 19, 2015 • “All things live in harmony and are therefore able to grow.” (Xun Zi) Chinese culture has always valued harmony between man and nature and held nature in high esteem. – Speech given by Xi Jinping at the opening ceremony of the Climate Change Conference in Paris, November 30, 2015 • The Chinese believe in pursuing justice first and interests second. Friendship and justice, which define China-Africa relations, require that China’s growth facilitates Africa’s growth so that, in the end, we might achieve common development through mutually beneficial cooperation. – Address given by Xi Jinping at the opening ceremony of the Johannesburg Summit of the Forum on China-Africa Cooperation, December 4, 2015 • “When there is mutual care, the world will be at peace; when there is mutual hostility, the world will be in chaos.” (Mo Zi, late Spring and Autumn Period) To improve the system of global internet governance and maintain order in cyberspace, we should stand in solidarity with one another, observe the principles of mutual trust and mutual benefit, and reject the old mentality of zero-sum games and “winner-takes-all.” – Speech given by Xi Jinping at the opening ceremony of the 2nd World Internet Conference, December 16, 2015 平易近人：习近平的语言力量--英文-新.indd 394 20/10/15 16:35 Appendix: Memorable Lines from Xi Jinping’s Speeches and Articles on Foreign Policy 395 2016 • Zheng He (1371-1433), a Chinese Muslim navigator in the Ming Dynasty, travelled to Jeddah, Mecca, and Medina, which he hailed as “lands of peace and harmony” and “paradises of perfect bliss.” – Signed article by Xi Jinping published in Saudi Arabia’s Alriyadh, January 18, 2016 • “Success is built on trust, while distrust paves the way for failure.” This is true for state-to-state relations as well as interpersonal relationships. – Signed speech by Xi Jinping published in Iran’s newspaper Iran, January 21, 2016 • “Visit those whom you feel close to without having met before, and invite those whom you cannot forget long after your paths have crossed.” (Guan Zi, 475-221 BC) During this visit to the Arab world, my colleagues and I all feel a special connection with this place. • The ancient Chinese philosopher Mencius said, “Become established in the proper position of the world and walk the Great Way of the world.” China’s policy actions regarding the Middle East are determined based on the merits of the matter at hand and the fundamental interests of the people of the Middle East. • The regions covered by the Belt and Road Initiative are busy with people-to-people exchange. The close ties between our peoples must be nurtured through unflagging efforts if we wish to see lasting success. – Speech given by Xi Jinping at the Headquarters of the Arab League, January 21, 2016 • What we plant in spring will sprout in summer, come to fruition in autumn, and sustain us through winter. The more we plough, the greater the harvest. As long as we cooperate in good faith and continue to step up nuclear security, nuclear energy will deliver a brighter future to humanity. – Speech given by Xi Jinping at the Nuclear Security Summit in Washington D.C, April 1, 2016 平易近人：习近平的语言力量--英文-新.indd 395 20/10/15 16:35 396 Xi Jinping Diplomatic Wit and Vision • “He who cherishes virtue prospers, but he who favors might perishes.” (from Records of the Historian, Sima Qian) The law of the jungle goes against the trend of the times, and belligerence will not lead to peace. Only mutual understanding and mutual accommodation will bring about stability, and only commitment to justice can ensure lasting security. – Speech given by Xi Jinping at the opening ceremony of the 5th Meeting of the CICA Ministers of Foreign Affairs, April 28, 2016 • Over two thousand years ago, Confucius observed that “a man without trust can hardly accomplish anything.” Trust is the basis of relationships among people, and trust is what makes it possible to engage in stateto- state exchanges. We need to maintain frequent communication and build strategic mutual trust in order to avoid strategic miscalculations and prevent temporary problems from affecting our overall relations. • During the Song Dynasty (960-1279), the Chinese poet Xin Qiji (1140-1207) wrote, “The wooded mountains could not stop the river from flowing into the sea.” The idea here is that a large river will eventually reach its destination, even if it has to twist and turn along the way. For China and the U.S., as long as we stay focused on our goals and persevere in our efforts, we will be able to make greater progress in building a new model of major-country relations and deliver greater benefits, not just to the people of our two countries, but to the entire world. – Speech given by Xi Jinping at the joint opening ceremony of the 8th China-U.S. Strategic and Economic Dialogue and the 7th China-U.S. High-Level Consultation on People-to-People and Cultural Exchange, June 6, 2016 • The ancient Chinese philosopher Mencius (372-289 BC) once said, “One should befriend men of virtue.” Over the past six decades, the deep friendship and special bond between our peoples have defied time and distance to become even stronger. – Signed article by Xi Jinping published in the Serbian newspaper Politika and the Tanjug news agency, June 16, 2016 平易近人：习近平的语言力量--英文-新.indd 396 20/10/15 16:35 Appendix: Memorable Lines from Xi Jinping’s Speeches and Articles on Foreign Policy 397 • China and Poland have a saying that “true friendship stands out in times of adversity.” This was borne out during WWII when our two peoples forged a deep friendship through mutual support and feelings of sympathy. • According to the Chinese philosopher Confucius, “A gentleman upholds high principles in all his pursuits … and fulfills his mission in good faith.” In the same spirit, our countries should view bilateral relations from a strategic and long-term perspective, extend mutual understanding and support on core interests and issues of major concern, and ensure steady growth of China-Poland relations over the long term. – Signed article by Xi Jinping published in the Polish newspaper Rzeczpospolita, June 17, 2016 • After completing a mission to Central Asia some 600 years ago, a Chinese envoy in the Ming Dynasty (1368-1644) wrote a poem describing “a lush green land covered in thick grass, and snow-clad mountains blanketed in silvery brilliance.” • The ancient Chinese philosopher Confucius once said, “When dealing with friends, one should be trustworthy in his words.” Political trust is an important basis for the sound growth of China-Uzbekistan relations. – Signed article by Xi Jinping published in the Uzbek newspaper Narodnoye Solve and the Jahon news agency, June 21, 2016 • “To examine the present, one must study the past; for without the past, there would be no present.” (from A Collection of Adges, compiled in the Ming Dynasty) History is a mirror that illuminates the present and future. • “A clever man is adept at making plans, but even better is the man who acts at just the right time.” (Guan Zi, 475-221 BC) China would like to invite Uzbekistan and other countries to seize the historic opportunity before us, address various risks and challenges, and support efforts to expand the Belt and Road Initiative in breadth and depth. – Speech given by Xi Jinping at the Legislative Chamber of Uzbekistan, June 22, 2016 平易近人：习近平的语言力量--英文-新.indd 397 20/10/15 16:35 398 Xi Jinping Diplomatic Wit and Vision • “Vision spurs action and is achieved through action.” (from Records of Great Learning, Wang Yangming, 1472-1529) The Shanghai Spirit has created powerful cohesion and stimulated the desire for cooperation, and has become an important source of inspiration that guides the growth of the Shanghai Cooperation Organization. • “Nothing is more beneficial than stability, and nothing is more detrimental than chaos.” (Guan Zi) Maintaining security and stability in our region is the priority of SCO cooperation. – Speech given by Xi Jinping at the 16th Meeting of the Council of the Heads of State of the Shanghai Cooperation Organization, June 24, 2016 • China neither covets the rights and interests of other countries nor envies their development. We shall never abandon our own legitimate rights and interests. The Chinese people neither believe in fallacies nor fear them; we neither make trouble nor fear it. No foreign power should be under the delusion that China will barter its core national interests or tolerate the infringement of its sovereignty, security, and development interests. – Speech given by Xi Jinping at a celebration to mark the 95th anniversary of the establishment of the Communist Party of China, July 1, 2016 • “A country should reduce tax, improve roads, and facilitate business transactions and agricultural production.” (from Discourses on Governance of the States by Zuoqiu Ming, 502-422 BC) This is the proper way to build an open world economy. • It is said that the shrewd attend to trivial matters, while the wise govern institutions. The evolution of the global economic landscape demands that global economic governance remains relevant and adapts to the times. – Keynote speech given by Xi Jinping at the opening ceremony of the B20 Summit, September 3, 2016 平易近人：习近平的语言力量--英文-新.indd 398 20/10/15 16:35 Appendix: Memorable Lines from Xi Jinping’s Speeches and Articles on Foreign Policy 399 • Zheng He (1371-1433), a Chinese navigator in the Ming Dynasty (1368-1644), visited Bengal twice. He described it as “a richly endowed land with kind people and an abundance of fertile fields.” – Signed article by Xi Jinping published in the Bangladeshi newspapers The Daily Star and Prothom Alo, October 14, 2016 • Autumn is the season of harvest, and this year marks the tenth anniversary of BRICS cooperation. As a Chinese saying goes, “It takes a master craftsman ten years to make a sword.” It has been ten years of painstaking effort of BRICS countries that have brought about ten years of harvest. • “From the mirror we learn about ourselves; from the past we learn about the future.” (Han Ying, ?-158 BC)By taking stock of the past, we will be able to usher in a brighter future. – Speech given by Xi Jinping at an enlarged meeting of the 8th BRICS Summit, October 16, 2016 • According to traditional Chinese medicine, pain is relieved with improved blood flow. Connectivity will ensure better circulation in the Asia-Pacific economy. – Speech given by Xi Jinping at the first informal meeting of the 24th APEC Economic Leaders’ Meeting, November 20, 2016 • The Chinese have always “prized sincerity and benevolence as great virtues”. (Su Shi, 1037-1101) As an old Chinese saying goes, “The benevolent man regards all living things as being interconnected.” (Mencius, 250-150 BC) Guided by this ancient philosophy, China calls on all countries to work together to foster partnerships based on equality, consultation, and mutual accommodation; promote a security architecture of fairness and justice that is built and shared by all; embrace a vision of development featuring openness, innovation, inclusiveness, and mutual benefit; engage in cross-cultural exchanges based on inclusiveness and the principle of “harmony without uniformity”; and create an ecosystem that 平易近人：习近平的语言力量--英文-新.indd 399 20/10/15 16:35 400 Xi Jinping Diplomatic Wit and Vision respects nature and promotes green development. – Speech given by Xi Jinping at the Peruvian Congress, November 21, 2016 • The Chinese people have always believed that “everyone in the world belongs to the same family.” As Chinese, we want a good life not only for ourselves but for all the peoples of the world. – New Year’s address given by Xi Jinping, December 31, 2016 2017 • “Honey melons hang on bitter vines; sweet dates grow on thistles and thorns.” (from Anthology of Ancient Poems, Shen Deqian, 1673-1769) In a philosophical sense, nothing is perfect in the world. Anyone who claims that something is perfect because of its merits fails to see the full picture, and the same is true of the one who views something as useless just because it has defects. • Economic globalization has posed new problems, but that is no reason to write it off completely. Instead, we should adapt to and guide economic globalization and minimize its negative impact so that its benefits are extended to all countries and peoples. • China took the bold step to embrace the global market. From time to time we have struggled to keep our heads above the water, and we have encountered whirlpools and choppy waves, but in the end, we learned to swim by swimming. It was the right strategic choice. • “Victory is ensured when people pool their strength; success is secured when people put their heads together.” (Lao Zi, 571–c. 471 BC) As long as we stay committed to the goal of building a global community of shared future and work hand in hand to fulfill our responsibilities and overcome difficulties, we will be able to create a better world and provide our people with a better life. – Keynote speech delivered by Xi Jinping at the opening ceremony of the World Economic Forum Annual Meeting, January 17, 2017 平易近人：习近平的语言力量--英文-新.indd 400 20/10/15 16:35 Appendix: Memorable Lines from Xi Jinping’s Speeches and Articles on Foreign Policy 401 • As a new year begins, everything takes on a new look. It gives me great pleasure to visit the United Nations Office at Geneva and discuss with you the building of a global community of shared future. This is the call of our time. • The relevance of law also lies in fairness and justice. All countries and international judicial institutions should ensure equal and uniform application of international law and reject double standards and the practice of applying international law in a selective way. In so doing, we aim to promote what the ancient Chinese referred to as “the kingly way, free of partiality and bias.” (from the Book of History) • A great vision requires real action. The key to building a global community of shared future is action. As such, I believe that the international community needs to act on the following fronts: partnership, security, development, exchanges, and the ecology. • When a neighbor has difficulty, we should lend them a hand instead of focusing on our own. “A lone twig is easily snapped in two; a bundle of lone twigs forms an unbreakable rod.” (from The History of Northern Dynasties) All parties should establish a common, comprehensive, cooperative, and sustainable security concept. • “A tasty soup is created by blending flavors.” (from The History of Three Kingdoms, Chen Shou, 233-297) The diversity of human civilizations is both the defining feature of our world and the source of human progress. • Chinese civilization has always cherished amity with neighbors, harmony without uniformity, and peace. The Chinese classic The Art of War (Sun Wu, c.545-c.470 BC) begins with this observation: “The art of war is of vital importance to the State. It is a matter of life and death, a road to either survival or ruin. Hence it demands careful study.” What it means is that every effort should be made to avoid war. • In the words of an old Chinese saying, “When you reap fruit, you should remember the tree; when you drink water, you should remember its source.” China’s development has both depended on and contributed to global growth. 平易近人：习近平的语言力量--英文-新.indd 401 20/10/15 16:35 402 Xi Jinping Diplomatic Wit and Vision • The ancient Chinese believed that “one should learn to identify underlying patterns and solve problems.” (Xun Zi, 313-238 BC) Building a global community of shared future is a worthy goal that will require the concerted efforts of successive generations. • As we prepare to celebrate the Year of the Rooster in China, we think of what the rooster symbolizes – bright prospects and good fortune. As a Chinese saying goes, “The crow of the golden rooster heralds a great day for all.” – Speech given by Xi Jinping at the United Nations Office at Geneva, January 18, 2017 • Building roads and railways creates prosperity in every sector. We have accelerated the building of the Jakarta-Bandung high-speed railway, the China-Laos railway, the Addis Ababa-Djibouti railway, the Hungary-Serbia railway, and the Gwadar and Piraeus ports in cooperation with relevant countries. A large number of connectivity projects are also in the works. • As we often say in China, “The beginning is always the most difficult part.” We have made solid first steps in implementing the Belt and Road Initiative. We should keep up the momentum and ensure steady progress so that we can steer the Belt and Road Initiative toward greater success over the long term. • As an ancient Chinese saying goes, “A long journey is completed by taking one step at a time.” According to an Arabic proverb, “The pyramids were built by stacking stones, one at a time.” And there is a saying in Europe that “Rome wasn’t built in a day.” The Belt and Road Initiative is a great undertaking that requires dedicated time and effort. – Speech given by Xi Jinping at the opening ceremony of the Belt and Road Forum for International Cooperation, May 14, 2017 平易近人：习近平的语言力量--英文-新.indd 402 20/10/15 16:35 Appendix: Memorable Lines from Xi Jinping’s Speeches and Articles on Foreign Policy 403 II. Quotes from Other Languages 2013 • Chernyshevsky once wrote: “The path of history is not like Nevsky Prospect; it runs across fields, at times dusty and muddy, and cuts across swamps and ravines.1” • President Putin once said, “Russia needs a prosperous and stable China, and China needs a strong and successful Russia.” • As a Russian proverb goes, “Big ships sail far.” – Speech given by Xi Jinping at the Moscow State Institute of International Relations, March 23, 2013 • As the Russian writer Gogol once observed, it is a happy thing to be young, for “youth has a future before it.” – Remarks given by Xi Jinping at a meeting with Russian sinologists, Chinese language students, and media representatives in Moscow, March 23, 2013 • It reminds me of a line written by an African poet: “Go forth, Africa, and let us hear in your voices the rhythm of victory.” – Speech given by Xi Jinping at the Parliament of the Republic of Congo, March 29, 2013 • According to a Latin American proverb, “The aging of friends is like the mellowing of fine wine.” • President Benito Juarez once said, “Between individuals, as between nations, peace means respect for the rights of others.2” 1 Ideologies and Illusions: Revolutionary Thought from Herzen to Solzhenitsyn, Adam B. Ulam, Harvard University Press, 1976, p.27 2 Changing Americas, Volume 2, Canadian and Mexican Perspectives on International Security, Carleton University Press & Canadian Foundation for the Americas, 1996. 平易近人：习近平的语言力量--英文-新.indd 403 20/10/15 16:35 404 Xi Jinping Diplomatic Wit and Vision • As the Mexican poet Alfonso Reyes once said, “The only way to be profitably national is to be generously universal.” – Speech given by Xi Jinping before the Mexican Senate, June 5, 2013 • As a Kazakh proverb goes, “The history of a land is the history of its people.” • The great Kazakh poet and philosopher Abay Qunanbayev once noted: “The world is like an ocean, and time a steady gale. Waves in the front are the elder brother while those behind are the younger brother. Driven by the wind, the waves from behind constantly press into those in the front. This has been the case since ancient times.” – Speech given by Xi Jinping at Nazarbayev University in Kazakhstan, September 7, 2013 • Most Chinese are familiar with the Indonesian folk song Bengawan Solo, which describes the river like this: “Your water springs forth from Solo, caged by a thousand mountains. The current sends its water across great distances before emptying into the sea.” • People in Indonesia often say, “It’s easy to make money but difficult to make friends.” • On that note, I am reminded of the song Hening (Silence), composed by Indonesian President Yudhoyono. In October 2006, he visited Guangxi to attend a summit commemorating the 15th anniversary of China-ASEAN dialogue relations. On the Lijiang River, President Yudhoyono felt inspired to write down these delightful lyrics: “Good cheer continues to course through my life; together, my companions and I savor the good times.” – Speech given by Xi Jinping at the People’s Representative Council of Indonesia, October 3, 2013 2014 • The stone wall at the entrance to the UNESCO Headquarters bears the inscription of one message in several languages: “Since wars begin in 平易近人：习近平的语言力量--英文-新.indd 404 20/10/15 16:35 Appendix: Memorable Lines from Xi Jinping’s Speeches and Articles on Foreign Policy 405 the minds of men, it is in the minds of men that the defenses of peace must be constructed.” • Victor Hugo once said, “There is one spectacle grander than the sea, that is the sky; there is one spectacle grander than the sky, that is the interior of the soul.”1 • As Napoleon Bonaparte once observed: “There are only two forces in the world, the sword and the spirit. In the long run the sword will always be conquered by the spirit.” – Speech given by Xi Jinping at the UNESCO Headquarters, March 27, 2014 • As Gottfried Leibniz once observed, “The sharing of our talents will light the lamp of wisdom.” • There is a German saying that “mountains never meet, but people do.” The Chinese and the Germans have a long history of meaningful and friendly exchange. • As Gotthold Ephraim Lessing said: “History should not encumber memory. It should enlighten common sense.” • Former Chancellor Willy Brandt said that he who forgets history will grow sick in his soul. – Speech given by Xi Jinping at the Körber Foundation in Germany, March 28, 2014 • A French writer once said that friends are transparent to friends because they share life. – Speech given by Xi Jinping at the College of Europe in Bruges, Belgium, April 1, 2014 • In the words of the Korean poet Heo Gyun, “Our devotion to one another is pure and untarnished, like the reflection of cold moonlight on a jade cistern.” These words provide a good picture of the friendship between the peoples of China and South Korea. 1 Les misérables: Volume 3, translated by Chas Wilbour, published by Geo. W. Carleton, New York, 1863, p.127 平易近人：习近平的语言力量--英文-新.indd 405 20/10/15 16:35 406 Xi Jinping Diplomatic Wit and Vision • The honorable Ahn Jung-geun produced a piece of calligraphy with these words: “Do not spend the day in vain, for one’s youth, once gone, shall never return.” My hope is that our young people will cherish their youth and use these formative years to bring forth achievements worthy of remembrance. – Speech given by Xi Jinping at Seoul National University in South Korea, July 4, 2014 • As the American poet Marianne Moore once said, “Victory won’t come to me unless I go to it.” – Speech given by Xi Jinping at the joint opening ceremony of the 6th China-U.S. Strategic and Economic Dialogue and the 5th China-U.S. High-Level Consultation on People-to-People and Cultural Exchange, July 9, 2014 • A line from the Argentine epic Martin Fierro reads, “Brothers should stand by each other, because this is the first law.” • The Cuban national hero Jose Marti once remarked that “unity is a universal language.” – Remarks given by Xi Jinping in a joint interview with Brazil’s Valor Econômico, Argentina’s La Nacion, Venezuela’s Agencia Venezolana de Noticias, and Cuba’s Agencia Informativa Latino Americana, July 14, 2014 • I visited Brasilia five years ago. As I return to this unique and modern city of importance, I am reminded of the famous words of the city’s founder, the late Brazilian President Juscelino Kubitschek: “Brasilia embodies the Brazilian spirit of forging ahead, pathfinding, self-confidence, innovation, and courage.” • The Latin American liberator Simon Bolivar once said that “the Latin American people have come together, not because of someone’s bright idea, but because of destiny’s inescapable pull.” • In the words of the Brazilian writer Paulo Coelho, “The world lies in the hands of those that have the courage to dream and who take the risk of living out their dreams – each according to his or her own talent.” • People in Brazil say that “friendship is like wine: the older, the 平易近人：习近平的语言力量--英文-新.indd 406 20/10/15 16:35 Appendix: Memorable Lines from Xi Jinping’s Speeches and Articles on Foreign Policy 407 better.” – Speech given by Xi Jinping at the Brazilian National Congress, July 16, 2014 • In his poem My Native Land, the well-known Mongolian writer Natsagdorj writes: “High stately mountains of Khentei, Khangai, and Soyon; forests and thick-wooded ridges, the beauty of the North; the Great Gobi desert, the spaces of Menen, Sharga, and Nomin; and the immense sand deserts that dominate the South. This is my native land, my beloved Mongolia.” • As a Mongolian saying goes, “Neighbors are connected at heart and share a common destiny.” – Speech given by Xi Jinping at the State Great Khural of Mongolia, August 22, 2014 • According to Buddhism, everything is based on one’s hopes; the more ambitious the hope, the greater its power. • As a Sri Lankan proverb goes, “Teach a man to fish and he will never go hungry.” – Signed article by Xi Jinping published in Sri Lanka’s Daily News, September 16, 2014 • Mr. Deng Xiaoping has said that a true “Asian century” will only come when China and India are both developed. And as Mr. Jawaharlal Nehru once remarked, when India and China come together, it will be a momentous occasion for Asia and the world. • Mahatma Gandhi once observed that “China and India are fellow travelers who share the same weal and woe.” Prime Minister Modi has told me that China and India are “two bodies with one spirit.” • I have read Tagore’s poetry, including Gitanjali, Stray Birds, The Gardener, and The Crescent Moon, and many of his lines remain fresh in my mind. For example, “If you shed tears when you miss the sun, you also miss the stars.” “We come nearest to the great when we are great in humility.” “Wrong cannot afford defeat but Right can.” “We read the world wrong and say that it deceives us.” “Let life be beautiful like summer flow- 平易近人：习近平的语言力量--英文-新.indd 407 20/10/15 16:35 408 Xi Jinping Diplomatic Wit and Vision ers and death like autumn leaves.” Such beautiful and philosophical lines have inspired me in my outlook on life. – Speech given by Xi Jinping at the Indian Council of World Affairs, September 18, 2014 • As an Australian proverb goes, “Turn your face to the sun and the shadows fall behind you.” China and Australia differ in terms of their histories, cultures, social systems, and stages of development, so it is only natural for the two countries to disagree on certain issues. – Speech given by Xi Jinping at the Parliament of Australia, November 17, 2014 • There is a well-known Maori proverb that says, “You are in charge of your own happiness.” As China and New Zealand prepare to embark on a new journey of cooperation, the future of our countries’ relations is in our own hands. – Signed article by Xi Jinping published in New Zealand’s The New Zealand Herald, November 19, 2014 • As a Fijian proverb goes, “A single bud gives birth to countless fruit.” China has a similar saying: “A single millet is planted in spring, and ten thousand seeds are harvested in autumn.” As we find ourselves at a new historical starting point of relations between China and Pacific Island countries, we are ready to join efforts with all island countries to seek true friendship, practical cooperation, and mutual benefit, and thereby work together to realize the dream of development, prosperity, and harmony for all. – Keynote speech given by Xi Jinping at a group meeting with leaders of Pacific Island countries in Nadi, Fiji, November 22, 2014 2015 • To build a community of shared future, we need to pursue mutually beneficial cooperation and common development. As our friends in Southeast Asia say, “The lotus flowers grow taller as the water rises.” Our friends in Africa say, “Those who travel alone go fast, but those who travel in company go far.” Our friends in Europe say, “A single tree cannot stop 平易近人：习近平的语言力量--英文-新.indd 408 20/10/15 16:35 Appendix: Memorable Lines from Xi Jinping’s Speeches and Articles on Foreign Policy 409 the cold wind.” And in China we often say, “When big rivers have water, the small streams are filled; and when small streams have water, the big rivers are filled.” All these sayings speak to the same truth – only through win-win cooperation can we make significant and sustainable achievements that are beneficial to all. – Keynote speech given by Xi Jinping at the Boao Forum for Asia Annual Conference 2015, March 28, 2015 • In Pakistan, there is an Urdu poem with this line: “The image of my friend is there, shining in the mirror of my heart; I need only to bend my neck, and there it appears.” – Signed article by Xi Jinping published in Pakistan’s Daily Jang and Daily Times, April 19, 2015 • Back in the 1930s, the great Pakistani poet Muhammad Iqbal wrote, “The Himalayan springs are starting to burst forth, and the Chinese people have begun to arise from their deep slumber.” This line is a salute to the Chinese people in their struggle for independence and their fight against foreign aggression. • There is a proverb in Pakistan that “the wind does not always blow in the direction the sailor wishes.” That is true. But as long as we are guided by the aspirations of our people and strive to meet such aspirations, we will be able to overcome all the obstacles in our way, and the all-weather strategic cooperative partnership between China and Pakistan will be broadened, deepened, and enriched. – Speech given by Xi Jinping at the Parliament of Pakistan, April 21, 2015 • I made my first state visit to Russia in March of 2013. During the visit, I laid a wreath at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier near the Kremlin walls. There was a depiction of a soldier’s helmet and a red banner on the tomb, and there burned an eternal fire, symbolizing the unbroken life and fearlessness of the fallen heroes. “Your name is unknown, but your deeds are immortal.” Indeed, these heroes shall never be forgotten by the 平易近人：习近平的语言力量--英文-新.indd 409 20/10/15 16:35 410 Xi Jinping Diplomatic Wit and Vision people of Russia, China, or the rest of the world. • The Russian historian Vasily Klyuchevsky once said, “If we lose the memory of our past, our minds will be lost in the darkness.” – Signed article by Xi Jinping published in the Russian Gazette, May 7, 2015 • Belarus has a saying that “friendship and brotherhood are more valuable than all wealth.” The people of China and Belarus value friendship, and we cherish the brotherhood between our peoples, forged in blood during the World Anti-Fascist War seventy years ago. • The Belarusian people often say that a strong friendship cannot be cleaved by a chopper. The Chinese people have a similar saying: “A partnership forged with the right approach defies distance; it binds like glue and is more durable than stone.” – Signed article by Xi Jinping published in the Sovetskaya Belorussiya, May 8, 2015 • In his book World Order, Dr. Henry Kissinger wrote that “each generation will be judged by whether the greatest, most consequential issues of the human condition have been faced.” And as Martin Luther King, Jr. said, “The time is always right to do the right thing.” – Speech given by Xi Jinping at a welcome dinner co-hosted by the Washington State government and U.S. friendly organizations, September 22, 2015 • To quote Shakespeare, “What’s past is prologue.” The U.K. parliament is playing an increasingly important role in promoting exchange between our communities and advancing bilateral relations between China and the U.K. – Speech given by Xi Jinping at the Parliament of the United Kingdom, October 20, 2015 • “To be, or not to be, that is the question.” This line from Hamlet has left a lasting impression on me. • Francis Bacon wrote, “The golden age is before us, not behind us.” In my meeting with Prime Minister David Cameron today, we agreed to usher in a “golden era” by forging the China-U.K. global comprehensive 平易近人：习近平的语言力量--英文-新.indd 410 20/10/15 16:35 Appendix: Memorable Lines from Xi Jinping’s Speeches and Articles on Foreign Policy 411 strategic partnership for the 21st century. – Speech given by Xi Jinping at a dinner hosted by the Lord Mayor of the City of London, October 21, 2015 • As we consider relations between China and Vietnam, I am reminded of a song whose lyrics are familiar to the peoples of both countries: “Vietnam and China – joined by mountains and streams. We drink of the same river; we see one another in the morning and evening, and awaken in the early morning to the same rooster’s song.” – Signed article by Xi Jinping published in Vietnam’s Nhan Dan, November 5, 2015 • China and Vietnam need to be close companions who can count on one another for help and assistance. As President Ho Chi Minh once said, “Vietnam and China share a deep friendship as comrades and brothers.” Our two countries follow the same political system and share similar ideals, convictions, and strategic interests. – Speech given by Xi Jinping at the National Assembly of Vietnam, November 6, 2015 • The French writer Victor Hugo once observed that “supreme wisdom spring from extreme resolves.” I believe that as all parties work together in a spirit of confidence and good faith, the Paris Conference will produce satisfactory results and meet the high expectations of the international community. – Speech given by Xi Jinping at the opening ceremony of the Climate Change Conference in Paris, November 30, 2015 • As a Zimbabwean proverb goes, “It takes more than one piece of firewood to cook a bowl of porridge.” The Chinese people have a similar saying: “The fire burns hotter when more hands feed it.” – Signed article by Xi Jinping published in Zimbabwe’s Herald, November 30, 2015 平易近人：习近平的语言力量--英文-新.indd 411 20/10/15 16:35 412 Xi Jinping Diplomatic Wit and Vision • I appreciate the words of Mr. Nelson Mandela, former president of South Africa: “We find ourselves at the dawn of the African century, a century in which Africa will occupy its rightful place among the nations of the world.” – Address given by Xi Jinping at the opening ceremony of the Johannesburg Summit of the Forum on China-Africa Cooperation, December 4, 2015 2016 • Saudi Arabia has a saying that “there is no greater act of kindness than to lend a hand to one in need.” In the aftermath of the devastating earthquake that hit Wenchuan of China’s Sichuan Province in 2008, Saudi Arabia sent over US$60 million in cash and material assistance to China, the largest package of overseas aid received by the Chinese government. – Signed article by Xi Jinping published in Saudi Arabia’s Alriyadh, January 18, 2016 • “Egypt is the gift of the Nile.” When I first visited Egypt 16 years ago, I learned how people of ancient Egypt harnessed the Nile floods for agricultural production. I marveled at the Nile, the proverbial mother of the Egyptian civilization, and was amazed by the wisdom and strength of the Egyptian people. • In a hymn to the Nile, ancient Egyptians sang: “Hail to thee, O Nile! Who manifests thyself over this land.” – Signed article by Xi Jinping published in Egypt’s Alahram, January 19, 2016 • An Arab poet once wrote, “When you turn toward the sun, you will see hope.” There is hope in the Middle East, and all parties will find it by pursuing dialogue and development. • As an Arab proverb reminds us, “Nothing can scratch an itch like your own fingernail.” As a country thinks about the best way forward, it will get nowhere by blindly copying others. The right path is always grounded in one’s own reality. • The Chinese people believe in the philosophy of change and adapta- 平易近人：习近平的语言力量--英文-新.indd 412 20/10/15 16:35 Appendix: Memorable Lines from Xi Jinping’s Speeches and Articles on Foreign Policy 413 tion. Similarly, there is an Arabic saying that “continuing in the same state is impossible.” We respect the Arab states’ calls for reform and support their efforts to work out their own path of development. • As an Egyptian proverb goes: “Man fears time, but time fears the pyramids.” To me, nothing is more enduring than the great spirit of reform and freedom that defines the Egyptian people. – Speech given by Xi Jinping at the Headquarters of the Arab League, January 21, 2016 • The endless miles of land and maritime silk roads made it possible for two ancient civilizations and peoples to embrace and befriend each other. As Saadi Shirazi wrote, “Those that are far away and are of times long past deserve to be cherished more.” • The Chinese believe that “to know a person, one must understand his heart.” And according to a Persian proverb, “There is a telepathy between souls.” Different countries, nations, and civilizations should learn from one another and seek to live in harmony. – Signed speech by Xi Jinping published in Iran’s newspaper Iran, January 21, 2016 • According to a Serbian proverb, “Friendship is the fruit of time.” We will never forget the patriotic zeal that movies like Walter Defends Sarajevo and The Bridge inspired in many Chinese, and to this day, the song Bella Ciao can still be heard all over China. • The Serbian people have a saying that one should “leap first, then talk,” and the Chinese people believe that actions speak louder than words. China attaches great importance to its relations with Serbia and values the deep friendship between the two countries. China is ready to tap the potential of mutually beneficial cooperation and leverage our complementary strengths so that China-Serbia relations can grow and thrive over the long term. – Signed article by Xi Jinping published in the Serbian newspaper Politika and the Tanjug news agency, June 16, 2016 平易近人：习近平的语言力量--英文-新.indd 413 20/10/15 16:35 414 Xi Jinping Diplomatic Wit and Vision • According to an Uzbek proverb, “A tree goes unnoticed until its boughs are full of fruit.” China-Uzbekistan cooperation has yielded fruitful results across the board, and has benefited and won the support of our two peoples. – Signed article by Xi Jinping published in the Uzbek newspaper Narodnoye Solve and the Jahon news agency, June 21, 2016 • The famous Uzbek poet Alisher Navoi once said, “Live in friendship, one and all – man can have no kinder fate.” As I once again set foot on this beautiful land and observe the sincerity and hospitality of your people, I feel a strong affinity for this country. • During my last visit, President Karimov shared an Uzbek idiom with me: “An empty sack cannot stand upright.” Over the past three years, Belt and Road countries have focused on policy communication, infrastructure connectivity, unimpeded trade, capital flows, and people-to-people exchange. Our cooperation has deepened and produced positive outcomes in many fields. • The poet Alisher Navoi penned this line: “O, that our people might live a life of happiness and plenty.” These words are an expression of our common goals, the end to which we constantly strive. – Speech given by Xi Jinping at the Legislative Chamber of Uzbekistan, June 22, 2016 • Sheikh Mujibur Rahman put forward the vision of “friendship to all and malice toward none.” China will always be a friend and partner that Bangladesh can count on. – Signed article by Xi Jinping published in the Bangladeshi newspapers The Daily Star and Prothom Alo, October 14, 2016 • Though they are positive forces, reform and innovation remain daunting tasks. According to an old Chinese saying, “A challenge can be overcome so long as one has the courage to dare.” Latin America has a similarexpression, “No obstacle is greater than a lack of determination.” • “The fundamental principle of governance lies in enriching the 平易近人：习近平的语言力量--英文-新.indd 414 20/10/15 16:35 Appendix: Memorable Lines from Xi Jinping’s Speeches and Articles on Foreign Policy 415 people.” (from Huai Nan Zi by Liu An, 179-122 BC) There is a Peruvian saying that “the voice of the people is the voice of God.” We should respond to the people’s hopes for a better life and ensure that the fruits of development are shared by all. – Keynote speech given by Xi Jinping at the APEC CEO Summit, November 19, 2016 • José Olaya, Peruvian hero in the Peruvian War of Independence, said : “If I had a thousand lives, I would give all of them for my nation.” These words capture the sentiment of China and the community of Latin American and Caribbean states as we reflect on similar experiences in our respective histories. • The Peruvian writer Melissa Rivero said that “true happiness is found in the passion to continue forging ahead.” Let us keep our fingers on the pulse of the times, seize opportunities for development, and work earnestly to realize the Chinese Dream and the Latin American Dream. In so doing, we will elevate the comprehensive partnership between our two countries to the next level and forge between us a community of shared future. – Speech given by Xi Jinping at the Peruvian Congress, November 21, 2016 • Pablo Neruda once said that if we look at the map of the Americas, we will find vistas of great promise. And this will give us greater confidence in the future of Latin America. – Signed article by Xi Jinping published in the Chilean newspaper El Mercurio, November 22, 2016 2017 • The famed Swiss poet and Nobel Laureate Carl Spitteler once said that there is no greater happiness than having friends who share the same outlook and destiny. – Signed article by Xi Jinping published in the Swiss media, January 13, 2017 平易近人：习近平的语言力量--英文-新.indd 415 20/10/15 16:35 416 Xi Jinping Diplomatic Wit and Vision • “It was the best of times, it was the worst of times.” These are the words used by the English writer Charles Dickens to describe the world after the Industrial Revolution. • Henry Dunant, founder of the Red Cross, once said, “Our real enemy is not the neighboring country; it is hunger, poverty, ignorance, superstition, and prejudice.” We need to have the wisdom to understand these problems, but more importantly, we need to have the courage to deal with them head-on. – Keynote speech given by Xi Jinping at the opening ceremony of the World Economic Forum, January 17, 2017 • Inside the dome of the Federal Palace of Switzerland, one finds a Latin inscription that means, “One for all, and all for one” (unus pro omnibus, omnes pro uno). We should not only think about the present generation, but also take responsibility for the generations to come. – Speech given by Xi Jinping at the United Nations Office at Geneva, January 18, 2017 • As an ancient Chinese saying goes, “A long journey is completed by taking one step at a time.” According to an Arabic proverb, “The pyramids were built by stacking stones, one at a time.” And there is a saying in Europe that “Rome wasn’t built in a day.” The Belt and Road Initiative is a great undertaking that requires dedicated time and effort. – Speech given by Xi Jinping at the opening ceremony of the Belt and Road Forum for International Cooperation, May 14, 2017 • As a saying in Kazakhstan goes, “Where there is solidarity, happiness will follow.” The Shanghai Spirit has inspired a strong sense of solidarity that will ensure the growth of the Shanghai Cooperation Organization. – Speech given by Xi Jinping at the 17th Meeting of the Council of the Heads of State of the Shanghai Cooperation Organization, June 9, 2017 • According to a German saying, “Those who work alone, add; those who work together, multiply.” Let us work together to promote intercon- 平易近人：习近平的语言力量--英文-新.indd 416 20/10/15 16:35 Appendix: Memorable Lines from Xi Jinping’s Speeches and Articles on Foreign Policy 417 nected growth and shared prosperity, and move toward our goal of building a global community of shared future. – Remarks on the world economy given by Xi Jinping at the 2017 G20 Hamburg Summit, July 7, 2017 平易近人：习近平的语言力量--英文-新.indd 417 20/10/15 16:35 平易近人：习近平的语言力量--英文-新.indd 418 20/10/15 16:35 Руководитель: Цянь Кэмин Члены редколлегии: Чу Шицзя Ван Шэнвэнь Пэн Ган Цзян Вэй Ло Вэйдун Чжай Цянь Ван Сюй Сунь Тун Гу Сюэмин Члены редакции: Чжан Вэй Ян Тао Ши Жуй Ци Синь У Фан Сунь Дэхун Лю Инъюй Ли Юаньчэн Хао Баошэн Ли Вэньли Ма Юнькэ Сун Лили Юань Си Сяо Юймэн Фу Цзян Фан Юань Ху Чаоюань Редколлегия сборника рассказов «Один пояс, один путь» 001 编委会名单主　编：苏　格编委会：荣　鹰　赵青海　扈大威　沈中明王　强　李　静撰稿人：（以姓氏笔画为序）丁　端　马　丽　王瑞彬　王嘉珮　白联磊　宁团辉母耕源　刘　畅　孙文竹　苏　格　杜　兰　李子昕李自国　杨晨曦　谷　宁　沈雅梅　张　蓓　张薇薇赵　臻　胡少聪　胡　黉　柳　莉　贺熙琳　贾秀东徐龙第　龚　婷　崔洪建　康　杰　韩　璐　曾爱平平易近人：习近平的语言力量--英文-新.indd 419 20/10/15 16:35 中权平易近人：习近平的语言力量--英文-新.indd 420 20/10/15 16:35

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