A Stabilizing Force in International Order

ON October 31, 2019, the fourth plenary session of the 19th Central Committee of the Communist Party of China (CPC) voted and approved the “Decision of the CPC Central Committee on Some Major Issues Concerning How to Uphold and Improve the System of Socialism with Chinese Characteristics and Advance the Modernization of China’s System and Capacity for Governance” (hereinafter referred to as the Decision).

- WANG LEI

The Decision gives a clear answer to the major political question of “what should China uphold and consolidate, improve and develop?” In terms of China’s foreign policy, the Decision made it clear that we should unswervingly safeguard world peace and promote common development. On the whole, a rapidly developing China is the main variable in the world today. On the other hand, a rapidly changing China is the most important stabilizing force in the international order, which is presently undergoing major development, major transformation, and major adjustments.

A Staunch Defender of World Peace, Security, and Stability

The Decision states, “China will unswervingly follow the path of peaceful development and develop friendly relations with all countries on the basis of the Five Principles of Peaceful Coexistence.” China will never seek hegemony or engage in expansion and will always be a staunch force safeguarding world peace.”

In the face of the unprecedented great changes impacting the international order, especially the challenges to world peace and stability caused by unilateralism, protectionism, hegemonism, and power politics, China, in the new era, firmly maintains the international order with the United Nations as its core and has become a staunch defender, active contributor, and constructive reformer of the current international order. In general, China’s efforts have been made in the following areas: