At the press conference on March 7, 2025, Member of the Political Bureau of the CPC Central Committee and Foreign Minister Wang Yi talked about neighborhood diplomacy.

Wang Yi said, since the beginning of this century, Asia has maintained rapid growth, and become a leading force for global development and a shining example of peace and stability. This has not come easily, and should be cherished with great care. Asia is where China calls home and builds its future. It is also the common home for China and fellow Asian countries. Following the principle of amity, sincerity, mutual benefit and inclusiveness on neighborhood diplomacy put forward by President Xi Jinping, China has opened up new prospects in developing friendship and cooperation with its neighbors. To date, China has reached common understanding on building a community with a shared future with 17 neighboring countries, in “two clusters” in the Indochina Peninsula and Central Asia respectively. In our neighborhood, we have signed Belt and Road cooperation agreements with 25 countries, and remained the largest trading partner of 18 countries. Today’s China is an anchor of stability, engine of economic development, and pillar of regional security in Asia.

Wang Yi said, it is common for neighbors to not agree on everything. Issues left from the past and conflict of immediate interests should both be properly handled. But we believe that harmony is key to a prosperous family in all endeavors. As long as we remain committed to the vision of a common home, stick to the goal of building a community with a shared future, and follow the principles of equal-footed consultation, mutual understanding and mutual accommodation, we will surely be able to resolve differences, work with one another, and achieve win-win results. In the meantime, China will continue to open wider to neighboring countries, including through unilateral initiatives, and share more development benefits with its neighbors.

Wang Yi stressed that China is firmly opposed to U.S. deployment of mid-range missile system in the region, and it is not welcomed by regional countries either. Years have passed since the U.S. released its “Indo-Pacific Strategy,” but what has it done for regional countries? Nothing, except for stirring up troubles and creating disputes. It has proved to be more of a disruptive factor than a constructive contributor.

Wang Yi said, Asia is not an arena for big power rivalry. It should become a demonstration field for international cooperation. We believe that it is important to practice open regionalism and share in Asia’s development opportunities based on mutual respect and win-win cooperation.