On September 2, 2023, Member of the Political Bureau of the CPC Central Committee and Foreign Minister Wang Yi delivered remarks upon invitation at the Global Town Hall via video link.

Wang Yi said that at the just concluded 15th BRICS Summit, President Xi Jinping pointed out that transformation unseen in a century is accelerating across the world. "We face both the risk of division and confrontation, as well as opportunities for unity and cooperation. The course of history will be shaped by the choices we make. We must read the compass of history correctly, and keep the trajectory of humanity on the right course. Let us maintain unity and cooperation and work together for global development and a better future." Wang Yi made a four-point proposal.

"First, we need to uphold true multilateralism and jointly improve the global governance system. As an important force shaping the international landscape, emerging markets and developing countries need to maintain independence and autonomy, keep our future firmly in our own hands, stay united and help each other, keep increasing the voice and influence of the Global South in international affairs, uphold fairness and justice, and make global governance more just and equitable."

"Second, we need to actively practice open regionalism and contribute to the development and revitalization of Asia. We need to lead regional economic integration in the spirit of openness, make full use of the Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership (RCEP), reject decoupling, severing supply chains, or creating a small yard with high fences, and work for more smooth and integrated economic circulation in the region. We need to build open, non-exclusive circles of friends with an inclusive mind, respect ASEAN centrality and ASEAN-led regional cooperation architecture, and keep our region away from geopolitical calculations or becoming a pawn in great-power rivalry."

"Third, we need to advocate good neighborliness and friendship and jointly build a community with a shared future in the region. Guided by China's neighborhood diplomacy featuring amity, sincerity, mutual benefit, and inclusiveness put forth by President Xi Jinping, we must carry forward the fine tradition of good neighborliness and friendship, seek common ground while shelving differences, and renew the vitality of the Five Principles of Peaceful Coexistence and the Bandung spirit in the new era. We need to strengthen friendship and partnership with our neighbors, and boost mutual trust on the basis of mutual respect. We need to enhance investment and trade cooperation, deepen the integration of industrial and supply chains, speed up connectivity, and seek win-win results in each other's success. We need to champion the Asian values that prioritize peace and promote exchanges in various fields to facilitate better mutual understanding, greater affinity and closer integration between our peoples in the region."

"Fourth, we need to firmly pursue the vision of common, comprehensive, cooperative and sustainable security and jointly safeguard regional peace and stability. The Ukraine crisis must not be repeated in Asia. We need to promote regional security through dialogue and cooperation. Attempts by some forces outside the region to undermine peace in the South China Sea will not succeed, and those acting from behind must be exposed. It is China's consistent position to properly handle differences with relevant countries through dialogue and find a viable way to manage the situation on the sea. China is ready to work with ASEAN countries to fully and effectively implement the Declaration on the Conduct of Parties in the South China Sea (DOC), strive for an early conclusion of the Code of Conduct in the South China Sea (COC), and jointly make the South China Sea a sea of peace, friendship, and cooperation."

Wang Yi said that next month, China will host the third Belt and Road Forum for International Cooperation. "We wish to work with the global community to take stock of the progress and experience of the Belt and Road Initiative, and discuss ideas and ways in an in-depth manner to advance high-quality Belt and Road cooperation from a new starting point."

The Global Town Hall is hosted by the Foreign Policy Community of Indonesia, with the theme of "A North-South-East-West Dialogue of Civil Societies". Political dignitaries from various countries and international organizations as well as celebrities attended the event online.