Time for China to have a bigger global say, Xi tells world
President says Beijing won’t ‘swallow’ anything that harms its interests
China will try to extend its global reach by having a bigger say in the way international institutions are run.
That was the message President Xi Jinping delivered as he outlined the country’s foreign policy direction in his report to the Communist Party’s national congress in Beijing on Wednesday.
Diplomatic observers said the report signalled that China was keen to have a hand in setting international norms and rules, which Beijing maintains are now dominated by Western powers.
In his address, Xi warned that China would not sacrifice its national interest for anyone, but added that China would be a peaceful power.
He said China had entered a new era of foreign policy, engaging in “major country diplomacy with Chinese characteristics”.
“China will never pursue development at the expense of others’ interests, but nor will China ever give up its legitimate rights and interests,” Xi said. “No one should expect China to swallow anything that undermines its interests.”
