On January 9, 2024, Member of the Political Bureau of the CPC Central Committee and Foreign Minister Wang Yi said at the Symposium on the International Situation and China's Foreign Relations in 2023 that the year 2023 witnessed major and profound evolution in international relations as well as solid progress in Chinese modernization. It was also a year of progress and harvest for China's diplomacy. He said, "Under the strong leadership of the Party Central Committee with Comrade Xi Jinping at its core, we have upheld fundamental principles while breaking new ground, and forged ahead in China's external work. We have created a favorable environment for building a strong country and advancing the rejuvenation of the Chinese nation. We have made new contributions to maintaining world peace and promoting common development." The following six highlights are particularly worth reviewing.

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

Second, solid progress has been made in building a community with a shared future for mankind, lending new impetus to the building of a brighter future for humanity.

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

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

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

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

Wang Yi said, these six highlights encapsulate the unforgettable moments of China's diplomacy and constitute the new chapters of China pursuing win-win cooperation with the rest of the world. They demonstrate distinct Chinese characteristics, style, and ethos, and speak to China's enhanced international influence, stronger capacity to steer new endeavors, and greater moral appeal in the new era.