Political reconciliation, forging cooperation consensus, smearing and sabotage, and address symptoms and root causes
Michael Horlick, MPM, M Ed., PMP
Educator, Lexicographer, and Incurable Idealist
Terms to note from today’s PRC Ministry of Foreign Affairs press conference:
Today’s quote:
中国正同泰、缅等周边国家积极开展双、多边合作，综合施策，标本兼治，合力封堵不法分子在有关国家流窜作案，共同铲除网赌电诈毒瘤，维护人民生命财产安全和地区国家交往合作秩序。?
China is working with Thailand, Myanmar and neighboring countries to actively conduct bilateral and multilateral cooperation, adopt a series of policies, address symptoms and root causes of the issue, prevent lawbreakers from crossing borders to commit crimes, and end the scourge of online gambling and telecom fraud so as to protect the safety of people’s life and property and keep the exchange and cooperation between regional countries in order.? (Foreign Ministry Regular Press Conference on February 7, 2025)?
Previous PRC history of the term:
?? 红海水域是重要的国际货物和能源贸易通道，维护该地区安全稳定符合国际社会共同利益。中方一贯主张维护国际水道安全，反对袭扰民用船只，同时致力于标本兼治，通过对话协商和政治途径解决地区热点问题。?
The Red Sea is a crucial international corridor for goods and energy trade, and maintaining security and stability in the region is in the common interests of the international community. China always calls for ensuring the security of international waterways and opposes the attacks on civilian ships. Meanwhile, we are committed to addressing both the symptoms and root causes and solving regional hotspot issues through dialogue, negotiation, and political means.? (Regular Press Conference of China's Ministry of National Defense on January 25, 2024)?
?? 建设性参与解决国际热点，是中国作为联合国安理会常任理事国的应尽责任。我们注重从国际实践中总结经验，从中华文化中汲取智慧，探索出一条有中国特色的热点问题解决之道。我认为，“四个坚持”至关重要：… 第四是坚持标本兼治。既要重视推动热点问题尽快降温，防止升级外溢，又要系统地、辩证地分析根源，综合施策化解矛盾，不能头疼医头、脚疼医脚，更不能短视功利、内病外治。?
Constructive engagement in settling international hotspot issues is a due responsibility for China as a permanent member of the U.N. Security Council. We learn from international practices and draw wisdom from Chinese culture, and we have found the Chinese way to address hotspot issues. In my view, the following four commitments are vitally important. ….Fourth, a commitment to addressing both symptoms and root causes. It is important to deflate tensions as quickly as possible to prevent escalation or spillover, and at the same time, it is also crucial to look into the root causes in a systemic and dialectical way and take a holistic approach to resolving disputes. Band-aid solutions are not advisable, nor are short-sighted, utilitarian, or finger-pointing tactics.? (Wang Yi Meets the Press_2024_03_07)?
?? 国际社会有必要加强双多边反恐安全合作，支持阿富汗综合施策，标本兼治，早日实现持久和平稳定与发展。?
The international community needs to enhance bilateral and multilateral cooperation on counter-terrorism and security, and support Afghanistan in taking a multi-pronged approach and addressing both the symptoms and the root cause of the challenges it faces, so as to realize lasting peace, stability and development at an early date.? (Foreign Ministry Regular Press Conference on August 15, 2023)?
?? 深化标本兼治，推进反腐败国家立法，加强新时代廉洁文化建设，教育引导广大党员、干部增强不想腐的自觉，清清白白做人、干于净净做事，使严厉惩治、规范权力、教育引导紧密结合、协调联动，不断取得更多制度性成果和更大治理效能。?
To address both the symptoms and root causes of corruption, we will advance national anti-corruption legislation and promote a culture of integrity in the new era. We will provide education and guidance aimed at strengthening the vigilance of Party members and officials so that they have no desire to engage in corruption and so they live and work with honesty and integrity. We will closely integrate and coordinate harsh punishment, regulation over the exercise of power, and education and guidance, so as to continually secure more institutional achievements and greater efficiency in fighting corruption.? (Xi_Jinping_Speech at the 20th National Party Congress [2022.10.16])?
Today’s quote:
中方对美国通过施压胁迫的手段抹黑破坏共建“一带一路”合作的行径表示坚决反对，对巴方表示不再续签谅解备忘录深表遗憾。?
China firmly opposes the U.S. smear and sabotage of Belt and Road cooperation through the means of pressuring and coercion, and deeply regrets Panama’s decision to not renew the Memorandum of Understanding on the Belt and Road Initiative (BRI).? (Foreign Ministry Regular Press Conference on February 7, 2025)?
Previous PRC history of the term:
?? 中方坚决反对抹黑破坏共建“一带一路”合作，反对阵营对抗、制造割裂。?
China firmly opposes attempts to smear and sabotage Belt and Road cooperation or stoke bloc confrontation and division.? (Foreign Ministry Regular Press Conference on December 7, 2023)?
?? 少数国家企图借涉疆问题干涉中国内政、抹黑破坏中国形象、打压遏制中国发展，他们的政治图谋不会得逞。?
A handful of countries have tried to use the Xinjiang-related issues to interfere in China’s internal affairs, discredit China and contain and hinder China’s development. Their political calculations will not succeed.? (Foreign Ministry Regular Press Conference on September 27, 2022)
Today’s quote:
中方期待通过出席此次峰会，同各方加强沟通交流，凝聚合作共识，积极推进落实联合国《全球数字契约》。?
Through this Summit [Artificial Intelligence Action Summit, February 9-12, 2025, France], China looks forward to enhancing communication and exchanges with all sides, pooling consensus for cooperation and actively advancing the implementation of the U.N. Global Digital Compact.? (Foreign Ministry Regular Press Conference on February 7, 2025)?
Previous PRC history of the term:
?? 东方经济论坛是亚太地区各国凝聚合作共识、共谋发展振兴的重要平台。?
The Eastern Economic Forum is an important platform for countries in the Asia-Pacific to pool consensus on cooperation and discuss ways to achieve development and rejuvenation together.? (Foreign Ministry Regular Press Conference on September 3, 2024)?
?? 我们愿同上合组织其他伙伴一道，在构建人类命运共同体理念引领下，增进团结互信，凝聚合作共识，拓展全方位合作，积极参与全球治理，落实好全球发展倡议、全球安全倡议、全球文明倡议，为世界持久和平和共同繁荣贡献“上合力量”。?
China stands ready to work with SCO partners under the vision of a community with a shared future for mankind, enhance solidarity and mutual trust, build consensus on cooperation, expand cooperation across the board, actively participate in global governance, and advance the Global Development Initiative, the Global Security Initiative, and the Global Civilization Initiative to contribute more SCO strength to the lasting peace and common prosperity of the world.? (Foreign Ministry Regular Press Conference on February 23, 2024)?
?? 2022年北京香山论坛专家视频会将于12月1日至2日在军事科学院举行。会议旨在聚焦国际安全热点问题，坦诚对话交流、分享真知灼见、凝聚合作共识，为携手应对全球安全挑战、推动和平发展探寻新思路、贡献新智慧。?
... the Beijing Xiangshan Forum Webinar 2022 will be held at the PLA Academy of Military Sciences from December 1 to 2 [2022]. Focusing on hotspot issues regarding international security, the webinar will be a platform for participants to have candid dialogues, share insights and build consensus. It will contribute new thoughts and wisdom to jointly tackling global security challenges and promoting peace and development.?(Regular Press Conference of the Ministry of National Defense on November 24, 2022)?
?? 商务部认真贯彻落实元首互致贺电精神，举办中国—中亚经贸合作论坛，并与各方一致通过了联合倡议，进一步总结合作经验，凝聚合作共识，推动中国中亚经贸合作高质量可持续发展。
The Ministry of Commerce has earnestly implemented the guiding principles of congratulatory messages exchanged by heads of state, held the Forum for Economic and Trade Cooperation between China and Central Asia, and jointly adopted the joint initiative with the parties to further sum up cooperation experience, forge cooperation consensus and promote high-quality and sustainable economic and trade cooperation between China and Central Asia.? (MOFCOM Regular Press Conference_January 20, 2022)
Today’s quote:
日中友好议员联盟是日本日中友好七团体之一，长期以来致力于推进两国交流合作。?
The Japan-China Friendship Parliamentarians’ Union is one of the seven major Japanese organizations dedicated to Japan-China friendship, which has long been committed to promoting exchanges and cooperation between the two countries.? (Foreign Ministry Regular Press Conference on February 7, 2025)?
Previous PRC history of the term:
?? 据报道，日本日中友好议员联盟19日举行全体会议。自民党前干事长二阶俊博在会上就任新会长，会议还决定该议联要力争6月访华。?
According to reports, Toshihiro Nikai, former Secretary-General of Japan’s Liberal Democratic Party, became chairman of the Japan-China Friendship Parliamentarians’ Union at the organization’s plenary meeting on April 19, where it was also decided that the Union will work towards a visit to China in June [2023].? (Foreign Ministry Regular Press Conference on April 20, 2023)?
?? 二阶俊博是日本资深政治家，日中友好议员联盟是日本日中友好七团体之一，二阶先生和日中友好议员联盟长期以来致力于推进两国交流合作。很高兴二阶先生就任议联新会长，中方愿同议联加强交往和合作。?
Mr. Toshihiro Nikai is a veteran statesman. The Japan-China Friendship Parliamentarians’ Union is one of the seven major Japanese organizations promoting friendship with China. Mr. Nikai and the Union have long been dedicated to promoting exchange and cooperation between Japan and China. We are glad that Mr. Nikai has become the Union’s new chairman and stand ready to strengthen exchange and cooperation with the Union.? (Foreign Ministry Regular Press Conference on April 20, 2023)
Today’s quote:
关于缅甸问题，我愿重申，中缅是友好邻邦，中方在缅甸问题上的立场十分明确。我们奉行不干涉内政原则，支持缅方维护独立、主权、国家统一和领土完整，支持缅各方通过友好协商实现政治和解，支持缅方重启政治转型进程。?
On the Myanmar issue, let me reiterate that China and Myanmar are friendly neighbors. China’s position on this issue is clear-cut. We follow the principle of non-interference in other countries’ internal affairs, support Myanmar’s effort to safeguard independence, sovereignty, national unity and territorial integrity, support various parties in Myanmar in carrying out friendly consultation toward political reconciliation, and support Myanmar in resuming the political transition process.? (Foreign Ministry Regular Press Conference on February 7, 2025)?
Previous PRC history of the term:
?? 中方坚定支持缅甸维护独立、主权、国家统一和领土完整，坚定支持缅甸致力于国内和平稳定、实现经济发展，坚定支持缅方在宪法框架下早日实现政治和解、推进国内政治议程。中方将继续积极劝和促谈，为缅北和平进程提供支持和帮助。?
China firmly supports Myanmar in safeguarding independence, sovereignty, national unity and territorial integrity, firmly supports Myanmar’s effort to keep the country peaceful and stable and grow its economy, and firmly supports Myanmar in realizing political reconciliation at an early date and advancing its domestic political agenda under the framework of the constitution. China stands ready to actively promote talks for peace and provide support and help for the peace process in northern Myanmar.? (Foreign Ministry Regular Press Conference on January 20, 2025)?
?? 中方在缅甸问题上的立场十分明确。我们支持缅方维护独立、主权、国家统一和领土完整，支持缅各方通过友好协商实现政治和解，支持缅方重启政治转型进程。?
China’s position on the Myanmar issue is very clear. We support Myanmar in upholding independence, sovereignty, national unity and territorial integrity, support all parties in Myanmar in achieving political reconciliation through friendly consultation, and support Myanmar in resuming the political transition process.? (Foreign Ministry Regular Press Conference on November 7, 2024)?
?? 朝鲜半岛局势有所缓和但仍存在不确定因素，南亚形势总体稳定但印巴冲突不时发生，阿富汗国内政治和解和重建艰难推进。?
Despite positive progress, the Korean Peninsula still faces uncertainty. South Asia is generally stable while conflicts between India and Pakistan flare up from time to time. Political reconciliation and reconstruction in Afghanistan is making progress in the face of difficulties.? (White_Paper_China's National Defense in the New Era_《新时代的中国国防》_2019_07_24)?
?? 我们呼吁阿富汗各方以国家和民族大义为重，抓住国内政治和解的重大机遇，以对话解纷争，化干戈为玉帛，携手推开通向和平的大门。?
We appeal to all parties in Afghanistan to set store by the greater good of their country and people, seize the major opportunity for political reconciliation, settle differences through dialogue, beat swords into plowshares and join hands to push open the door to peace.? (Wang_Yi_State Councilor and Foreign Minister Wang Yi Meets the Press_国务委员兼外交部长王毅就中国外交政策和对外关系回答中外记者提问_2019_03_08)
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