Unilateral dominance, friendships rock-solid like Mt. Taishan, and a blueprint for the growth of bilateral relations
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:
中方始终坚持国际和会应具备“俄乌双方认可、各方平等参与、对所有和平方案进行公平讨论”这三个重要要素，否则难以为恢复和平发挥实质作用。中方关于和会的这些要求公平、公正、不针对任何一方，体现在近期同巴西共同发表的《关于政治解决乌克兰危机的共识》中，反映了国际社会特别是广大发展中国家的普遍关切。中方重视瑞士举办首届乌克兰和平峰会，今年年初以来一直同瑞方以及有关各方就此保持密切沟通。?
China attaches great importance to Switzerland organizing the first Summit on Peace in Ukraine and has been in close communication with Switzerland and relevant parties on this since early this year. China always maintains that the international peace conference needs to meet the three important elements of recognition from both Russia and Ukraine, equal participation of all parties, and fair discussion of all peace plans. Otherwise, the peace conference can hardly play a substantive role for restoring peace. These elements proposed by China are fair, legitimate and do not target any party. They are written into the Common Understandings on Political Settlement of the Ukraine Crisis jointly issued by China and Brazil recently and reflect the universal concern of the international community, especially the vast developing countries.? (Foreign Ministry Regular Press Conference on May 31, 2024)?
Previous PRC history of the term:
?? 你还问到，这是不是意味着中方就不参加下个月在瑞士举行的有关和会。看一看中巴发表的六点共识，就可以找到这个问题的答案。六点共识中的第二点就是，双方认为各方应为恢复直接对话创造条件，推动局势降温缓和，直至达成全面停火。中巴双方支持适时召开俄乌双方认可、各方平等参与、对所有和平方案进行公平讨论的国际和会。?
You also asked whether that means China will not attend the peace conference in Switzerland next month. The answer can be found in the six common understandings issued by China and Brazil. The second common understanding says the two sides believe that all parties should create conditions for the resumption of direct dialogue and push for the deescalation of the situation until the realization of a comprehensive ceasefire. China and Brazil support an international peace conference held at a proper time that is recognized by both Russia and Ukraine, with equal participation of all parties as well as fair discussion of all peace plans.? (Foreign Ministry Regular Press Conference on May 24, 2024)?
?? 昨天，习近平主席会见德国总理朔尔茨时表示，中方鼓励和支持一切有利于和平解决危机的努力，支持适时召开俄乌双方认可、各方平等参与、对所有和平方案进行公平讨论的国际和会，愿就此同包括德国在内的有关各方保持密切沟通。?
During his meeting with German Chancellor Olaf Scholz yesterday [April 16, 2024], President Xi Jinping said China encourages and supports all efforts that are conducive to the peaceful resolution of the crisis, and supports the holding in due course of an international peace conference that is recognized by both Russia and Ukraine and ensures the equal participation of all parties and fair discussions on all peace plans. China will maintain close communication with all parties concerned, including Germany, on this matter.? (Foreign Ministry Regular Press Conference on April 17, 2024)?
?? 中方支持适时召开俄乌双方认可、各方平等参与、对所有和平方案进行公平讨论的国际和会。中方在乌克兰问题上的立场是一贯、明确的。中方将继续为停火止战、政治解决危机发挥建设性作用。?
China supports the holding in due course of an international peace conference that is recognized by both Russia and Ukraine and ensures the equal participation of all parties and fair discussions on all peace plans. China’s position on the Ukraine crisis is consistent and clear. China will continue to play a constructive role for the ceasefire and political settlement of the crisis.? (Foreign Ministry Regular Press Conference on March 18, 2024)?
?? 习近平主席提出的“四个应该”是中方推动政治解决乌克兰危机的根本遵循。中方支持适时召开俄乌双方认可、各方平等参与、对所有和平方案进行公平讨论的国际和会。中方期待欧洲大陆早日恢复和平稳定，愿继续为此发挥建设性作用。?
President Xi Jinping has put forward four points about what must be done. They are China’s fundamental guide in seeking a political settlement of the Ukraine crisis. China supports the holding in due course of an international peace conference that is recognized by both Russia and Ukraine and ensures the equal participation of all parties and fair discussions on all peace plans. China looks forward to the early restoration of peace and stability on the European continent and will continue to play a constructive role to this end.? (Wang Yi Meets the Press_2024_03_07)
Today’s quote:
中方在南海仲裁案上的立场是一贯的、明确的。南海仲裁案仲裁庭越权管辖、枉法裁判，所作裁决非法、无效。裁决根本不构成国际法，反而对国际法治造成冲击。中国不接受、不参与仲裁，不接受、不承认所谓裁决，更不接受任何基于该裁决的主张和行动。这恰恰是维护《联合国海洋法公约》完整性和权威性，维护国际法治的合法正义之举。公道自在人心。中方这一立场得到国际社会的理解和支持。国际上的有识之士均对仲裁裁决提出批评和质疑。?
China’s position on the arbitral award on the South China Sea is consistent and clear. The arbitral tribunal in the South China Sea Arbitration exercised its jurisdiction ultra vires and made an illegitimate ruling. The rendered award is illegal, null and void. The award does not constitute part of international law; instead it has had an adverse impact on the international rule of law. China neither accepts nor participates in that arbitration, neither accepts nor recognizes the award, and will never accept any claim or action arising from the award. Our attitude is only legitimate and just in order to uphold the integrity and authority of UNCLOS and the international rule of law. The world is not blind to the truth. China’s position has received understanding and support from the international community. The fair-minded in the world have criticized and called into question the arbitral award.? (Foreign Ministry Regular Press Conference on May 31, 2024)?
Previous PRC history of the term:
?? 我注意到卡马尔财长针对有关虚假报道作出的澄清。这充分体现了中孟两国之间的互信，也印证了我们常说的那句话：“事实胜于雄辩，公道自在人心”。?
I have seen the clarification made by Finance Minister Mustafa Kamal on the misquotes. It shows the mutual trust between China and Bangladesh. As we often say, facts speak louder than words and truth will always prevail.? (Foreign Ministry Regular Press Conference on August 15, 2022)?
?? 连日来，很多国家领导人、各界人士纷纷发声反对佩洛西窜访台湾，联合国秘书长发言人刚刚表示，联合国将继续遵守联大第2758号决议，联合国的政策是坚持一个中国原则。这说明公道自在人心。?
Over the past few days, many leaders around the world and people from different walks of life have voiced their opposition to the visit. The spokesperson of the UN Secretary-General has just said that the UN will continue to adhere to the UNGA Resolution 2758 and uphold the one-China principle. Clearly, people with a sense of justice can easily tell right from wrong.? (Foreign Ministry Regular Press Conference on August 3, 2022)?
?? 事实胜于雄辩，公道自在人心。英方应该做的是正视和尊重事实，停止政治操弄，停止利用所谓宗教自由问题干涉别国内政。?
Facts speaker louder than words. Truth is in the eyes of the people. The UK needs to face up to and respect facts, stop political manipulation and stop using so-called religious freedom as a pretext to meddle in other countries’ internal affairs.? (Foreign Ministry Regular Press Conference on July 7, 2022)?
?? 公道自在人心，正义终将到来。我们今天要维护的，不仅仅是一个企业的权益，而是一个国家、一个民族的正当发展权利，更是世界上所有希望提高自身科技发展水平国家的应有权利。?
People can tell right and wrong, and justice will have its day. What we’re standing up for is not just the interests of a company, but also a country or a nation’s legitimate right to development – and, by extension, the basic right of all countries who wish to climb up the technology ladder.? (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)
Today’s quote:
此访是今年巴基斯坦新政府成立后夏巴兹总理首次访华。夏巴兹总理访华期间，习近平主席、李强总理、全国人大常委会委员长赵乐际将同他会见、会谈。两国领导人将就双边关系和共同关心的问题深入交换意见，共同规划中巴关系未来发展蓝图。除北京之外，夏巴兹总理还将赴广东和陕西参观访问。?
This is Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif’s first visit to China after the new Pakistani government came into office this year. During his visit, President Xi Jinping, Premier Li Qiang and Chairman of the Standing Committee of the National People’s Congress Zhao Leji will meet or have talks with him. The leaders of the two countries will have an in-depth exchange of views on China-Pakistan relations and issues of mutual interest, and jointly draw up a blueprint for the growth of bilateral relations. In addition to Beijing, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif will visit Guangdong and Shaanxi.? (Foreign Ministry Regular Press Conference on May 31, 2024)?
Previous PRC history of the term:
?? 两国元首面对面深度交流，就树立彼此正确认知、妥善管控分歧、推进对话合作等最突出问题提出指导性意见，就应对巴以冲突、乌克兰危机以及气候变化、人工智能等全球性挑战进行全方位沟通，进一步探讨了中美两个大国的正确相处之道，进一步明确了中美共同肩负的大国责任，形成了面向未来的“旧金山愿景”，为实现中美关系的健康、稳定、可持续发展指明了方向，规划了蓝图。?
The two presidents [Xi and Biden] had an in-depth exchange of views face to face. They offered views guiding the most pronounced issues confronting China-U.S. relations, including adopting a correct perception of each other, properly managing differences, and advancing dialogue and cooperation. They had all-round discussions on addressing the Palestinian-Israeli conflict, the Ukraine crisis, climate change, artificial intelligence and other global challenges. They further discussed the right way for the two major countries to get along with each other and further identified the joint responsibilities of China and the United States as major countries. Together, they embraced a future-oriented San Francisco vision, and pointed the way and drew a blueprint for the sound, steady and sustained growth of China-U.S. relations.? (Wang Yi Speaks to the Press about the Summit Meeting Between Chinese and U.S. Presidents in San Francisco_2023_11_15)?
?? 两国元首表示，期待明天再次会谈，规划未来一个时期中俄全面战略协作伙伴关系新蓝图。?
The two Presidents [Xi and Putin] said that they look forward to formal talks on the next day to draw up a new blueprint for China-Russia comprehensive strategic partnership of coordination in the years to come.? (President Xi Jinping Meets with Russian President Vladimir Putin_2023_03_20)?
?? 2022年是党和国家发展史上极为重要的一年。我们胜利召开党的二十大，描绘了全面建设社会主义现代化国家的宏伟蓝图。?
The year 2022 is a year of significance in the history of the development of the Party and the country. We held the 20th CPC National Congress successfully and drew up a grand blueprint for comprehensively building a modern socialist country.? (Xi_Jinping_ Speech at New Year gathering of CPPCC National Committee_2022_12_30)?
?? 国务院印发《中医药发展战略规划纲要（2016-2030年）》，把中医药发展上升为国家战略，对新时期推进中医药事业发展作出系统部署。这些决策部署，描绘了全面振兴中医药、加快医药卫生体制改革、构建中国特色医药卫生体系、推进健康中国建设的宏伟蓝图，中医药事业进入新的历史发展时期。?
The State Council issued the Outline of the Strategic Plan on the Development of Traditional Chinese Medicine (2016-2030), which made TCM development a national strategy, with systemic plans for TCM development in the new era. These decisions and plans have mapped out a grand blueprint that focuses on the full revitalization of TCM, accelerated reform of the medical and healthcare system, the building of a medical and healthcare system with Chinese characteristics, and the advancement of the healthy China plan, thus ushering in a new era of development for TCM.? (White_Paper_Traditional Chinese Medicine in China_《中国的中医药》白皮书_2016_12_06)
Today’s quote:
大选是美国内政，对于选举言论我不作评论。?
The US presidential election is the domestic affair of the US. I would not comment on campaign rhetoric.? (Foreign Ministry Regular Press Conference on May 31, 2024)
Previous PRC history of the term:
??? 中国从来不寻求改变现有国际秩序，不干涉美国内政，无意挑战和取代美国。?
China does not seek to change the existing international order or interfere in the internal affairs of the United States, and has no intention to challenge or displace the United States.? (President Xi Jinping Meets with?U.S. President Joe Biden in Bali_习近平同美国总统拜登在巴厘岛举行会晤_2022_11_14)?
?? 以何种方式解决台湾问题完全是中国的内政。?
How to resolve the Taiwan question is purely China’s internal affair.? (Foreign Ministry Regular Press Conference on October 27, 2022)?
?? 个别国家将互联网作为维护霸权的工具，滥用信息技术干涉别国内政，从事大规模网络窃密和监控活动，网络空间冲突对抗风险上升。?
Certain countries are exploiting the internet and information technology as a tool to seek hegemony, interfere in other countries’ internal affairs, and engage in large-scale cyber theft and surveillance, raising the risk of conflict in cyberspace.? (White_Paper_Jointly Build a Community with a Shared Future in Cyberspace_ 携手构建网络空间命运共同体_2022_11_07)?
?? 我们要求美方彻底停止对他国内政的肆意干涉，切实尊重和保护人权，防止类似悲剧事件再次发生。?
We ask the US to completely stop wanton interference in other countries’ internal affairs, respect and protect human rights, and prevent similar tragedies from happening again.? (Regular Press Conference of the Ministry of National Defense on November 25, 2021)
领英推荐
Today’s quote:
事实证明，“一带一路”倡导的是共商共建共享，不搞唯我独尊；推动的是互联互通，不搞脱钩断链；追求的是合作共赢，不搞对立对抗。?
Facts prove that the Belt and Road Initiative (BRI) advocates extensive consultation and joint contribution for shared benefits instead of supremacy; it advances connectivity instead of decoupling and severing of supply chains; it pursues win-win cooperation instead of antagonism and confrontation.? (Foreign Ministry Regular Press Conference on May 31, 2024)?
Previous PRC history of the term:
?? 我们注意到美国政府发布的国防战略报告。该报告与前不久美国白宫发布的《国家安全战略》报告一样，渲染大国竞争，蓄意歪曲中国外交国防政策，充满冷战零和思维和唯我独尊的霸权逻辑，充分暴露了美方为遏制打压中国刻意编造借口的险恶用心。?
We have noted the National Defense Strategy (NDS) released by the US government. Just like the latest National Security Strategy released by the White House, the 2022 NDS plays up major-country competition and deliberately misrepresents China’s foreign and defense policies. It is driven ostensibly by a Cold War zero-sum mentality and the logic of domination and hegemonism and says everything about the ill intention of the US to contain and suppress China under various false pretexts.? (Foreign Ministry Regular Press Conference on November 1, 2022)?
?? 一些国家力图扩大军事同盟谋求绝对安全，胁迫别国选边站队制造阵营对抗，漠视别国权益大搞唯我独尊。?
Some countries attempt to expand military alliances to seek absolute security, stoke bloc-based confrontation by coercing other countries into picking sides, and pursue unilateral dominance at the expense of others' rights and interests.? (Xi_Jinping_Remarks at the 14th BRICS Summit_习近平在金砖国家领导人第十四次会晤上的讲话_2022_06_23)?
?? 中方认为，真正的多边主义应当恪守《联合国宪章》的宗旨原则，维护以联合国为核心的国际体系，推进国际关系的民主化。要坚持开放包容、不搞封闭排他；坚持平等协商、不搞唯我独尊。?
China believes that true multilateralism means observing the purposes and principles of the UN Charter, upholding the UN-centered international system and promoting democracy in international relations. It means openness and inclusiveness instead of closeness and exclusion; equal-footed consultation instead of supremacy over others.? (Wang_Yi_State Councilor and Foreign Minister Wang Yi Meets the Press_2021_03_07)?
?? 面对人类发展面临的一系列严峻挑战，世界各国特别是大国要肩负起引领和促进国际合作的责任，相互尊重、平等协商，坚决摒弃冷战思维和强权政治，不搞唯我独尊、你输我赢的零和游戏，不搞以邻为壑、恃强凌弱的强权霸道，妥善管控矛盾分歧，坚持以对话解决争端、以协商化解分歧，以文明交流超越文明隔阂、文明互鉴超越文明冲突、文明共存超越文明优越。?
Faced with a host of grave challenges to human progress, all countries, particularly major countries, need to shoulder the obligation and responsibility of guiding and promoting international cooperation. Countries should respect each other, engage in discussions as equals, and resolutely reject the Cold War mentality and power politics. Countries should not engage in a zero-sum game that puts one’s self-interest first and sees others’ gains as one’s losses, nor should they follow a hegemonic approach that advocates beggar-thy-neighbor policies and believes in the strong bullying the weak. Instead, countries should manage differences and tensions properly, settle disputes and disagreements through dialogue and consultation, and replace estrangement with exchange, clashes with mutual learning, and superiority with coexistence among civilizations.? (White_Paper_Facts and China’s Position on China-US Trade Friction_《关于中美经贸摩擦的事实与中方立场》_2018_09_24)
Today’s quote:
中国和巴基斯坦是全天候战略合作伙伴和“铁杆”朋友。中巴友谊历经时代风云检验，坚如磐石、稳如泰山。在两国领导人引领下，近年来中巴高层交往密切，双边务实合作稳步推进，高质量共建中巴经济走廊取得丰硕成果，双方在国际地区事务中保持良好沟通协调。中方期待同巴方以此访为契机，共同推动中巴全天候战略合作伙伴关系取得更大发展、构建新时代更加紧密的中巴命运共同体迈出新步伐。?
China and Pakistan are all-weather strategic cooperative partners and ironclad friends. Our friendship has stood the test of time and remained rock-solid and—to use a Chinese expression—“steady as Mount Tai.” Under the guidance of the leaders of the two countries, China and Pakistan have in recent years had close high-level exchanges, steadily advanced practical cooperation, conducted fruitful and high-quality cooperation on the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor, and maintained sound communication and coordination in international and regional affairs. China stands ready to work with Pakistan through this visit to make greater progress in our all-weather strategic cooperative partnership and take new steps in the building of an even closer China-Pakistan community with a shared future in the new era.? (Foreign Ministry Regular Press Conference on May 31, 2024)?
Previous PRC history of the term:
?? 中共中央政治局委员、中央外事工作委员会办公室主任王毅刚结束对俄罗斯的访问。访问期间，俄总统普京会见王毅，王毅同俄外长拉夫罗夫举行会见，并同俄联邦安全会议秘书帕特鲁舍夫举行中俄战略安全磋商机制双方牵头人会晤。王毅主任表示，当前国际形势复杂严峻，但中俄关系历经国际风云考验，成熟坚韧、稳如泰山。?
Member of the Political Bureau of the CPC Central Committee and Director of the Office of the Central Commission for Foreign Affairs Wang Yi just concluded his visit to Russia. During the visit, he met with President Vladimir Putin. He also met with Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov and held a meeting with Nikolai Patrushev, Secretary of the Security Council of the Russian Federation as coordinators under the China-Russia Strategic Security Consultation mechanism. Director Wang noted that despite the complex and challenging international landscape, China-Russia relations have stood the test of time and been mature, resilient and rock-solid.? (Foreign Ministry Regular Press Conference on February 23, 2023)
Today’s quote:
祝贺赞比亚债务重组谈判工作取得重要进展。作为赞比亚的好朋友、好伙伴，中方一贯高度重视赞比亚在债务问题上的关切，是最先对赞实施缓债行动的国际官方债权人。此后作为赞比亚官方债权人委员会共同主席，中方引领赞比亚债务重组工作取得重大阶段性进展，所作贡献得到赞比亚和国际社会的高度肯定。中方将继续同有关各方协调配合，推进赞比亚债务处置后续工作。?
Congratulations on the important progress in the negotiations on Zambia’s debt restructuring. As Zambia’s good friend and good partner, China takes seriously Zambia’s concerns about the debt issue. China is the first international official creditor to provide debt relief for Zambia and, as the co-chair of the Official Creditor Committee for Zambia, has led its work which made significant progress in Zambia’s debt restructuring. Our contribution is well recognized by Zambia and the international community. China will continue to coordinate with relevant parties to move forward the follow-up work regarding Zambia’s debt treatment.? (Foreign Ministry Regular Press Conference on May 31, 2024)?
Previous PRC history of the term:
?? 据报道，13日，赞比亚财政部就英国《金融时报》采访赞财长穆索科图瓦内的报道紧急发布澄清声明，表示报道标题未正确反映赞财长所述和赞方态度，赞财长并没有像报道中暗示的那样拒绝中国政府提议多边债权人加入债务重组的方案。?
According to reports, the Zambian Ministry of Finance and National Planning issued a statement on February 13 [2023] to clarify the Financial Times’ report based on an interview with Minister Situmbeko Musokotwane. It read that “The headline did not accurately reflect the Minister's comments or Zambia’s position” and that the Minister “did not reject a Chinese call to include multilateral lenders in the debt restructuring, as originally implied”.? (Foreign Ministry Regular Press Conference on February 14, 2023)?
?? 我们认为，赞债务重组问题需要各利益相关方相互理解、相互信任，共同努力找到最佳解决方案。?
We believe that Zambia’s debt restructuring requires mutual understanding and trust between all stakeholders and joint efforts to come to the optimal solution.? )Foreign Ministry Regular Press Conference on February 14, 2023)?
?? 据媒体报道，国际货币基金组织负责人本周将会访问中国，讨论包括斯里兰卡在内的一些国家债务重组的问题。斯里兰卡目前希望得到来自国际货币基金组织的一揽子援助。?
Media reports said an IMF team will travel to China this week to discuss faster progress on debt restructuring for countries, including Sri Lanka, which is trying to get an assistance package from the IMF.? (Foreign Ministry Regular Press Conference on December 5, 2022)?
?? 出台推进去产能和“僵尸企业”债务重组相关政策，继续支持钢铁、煤炭行业化解过剩产能，中央企业处置“僵尸企业”和治理特困企业工作取得积极进展。?
We introduced policies on further cutting overcapacity and restructuring the debts of "zombie enterprises," and continued to support the de-escalation of overcapacity in the steel and coal industries. Active progress was made in the central government's efforts to address "zombie enterprises" and improve those enterprises in particular difficulty.? (Report on the Execution of the Central and Local Budgets for 2018 and on the Draft Central and Local Budgets for 2019)
2024年5月23日，中共中央政治局委员、外交部长王毅在北京会见巴西总统首席特别顾问阿莫林。双方就推动政治解决乌克兰危机、呼吁局势降温深入交换意见并达成六点共识：一、呼吁有关各方遵守局势降温“三原则”，即战场不外溢、战事不升级、各方不拱火。二、认为对话谈判是解决乌克兰危机的唯一可行出路。各方应为恢复直接对话创造条件，推动局势降温缓和，直至达成全面停火。中巴双方支持适时召开俄乌双方认可、各方平等参与、对所有和平方案进行公平讨论的国际和会。三、应加大对相关地区人道主义援助，防止出现更大规模的人道主义危机。应避免袭击平民和民用设施，保护妇女、儿童等平民和战俘。支持冲突当事方交换战俘。四、反对使用大规模杀伤性武器，特别是核武器和生化武器。尽一切可能防止核扩散，避免核危机。五、反对攻击核电站等和平核设施。各方均应遵守核安全公约等国际法，坚决避免出现人为核事故。六、反对割裂世界，制造封闭的政治或经济集团。呼吁在能源、货币、金融、贸易、粮食安全以及保护油气管道、海底光缆、电力能源设施、光纤网络等关键基础设施安全问题上加强国际合作，维护全球产业链供应链稳定。双方欢迎国际社会成员支持并加入以上共识，共同为推动局势降温、劝和促谈发挥建设性作用。
On May 23, 2024, H.E. Wang Yi, Member of the Political Bureau of the CPC Central Committee and Minister of Foreign Affairs of China, met with H.E. Celso Amorim, Chief Advisor to the President of Brazil, in Beijing. The two sides had an in-depth exchange of views on pushing for the political settlement of the Ukraine crisis and calling for the deescalation of the situation, and reached the following common understandings: 1. The two sides call on all relevant parties to observe three principles for deescalating the situation, namely no expansion of the battlefield, no escalation of fighting and no provocation by any party. 2. The two sides believe that dialogue and negotiation are the only viable solution to the Ukraine crisis. All parties should create conditions for the resumption of direct dialogue and push for the deescalation of the situation until the realization of a comprehensive ceasefire. China and Brazil support an international peace conference held at a proper time that is recognized by both Russia and Ukraine, with equal participation of all parties as well as fair discussion of all peace plans. 3. Efforts are needed to increase humanitarian assistance to relevant regions and prevent a humanitarian crisis on a larger scale. Attacks on civilians or civilian facilities must be avoided, and civilians including women and children and prisoners of war (POWs) must be protected. The two sides support the exchange of POWs between the parties to the conflict. 4. The use of weapons of mass destruction, particularly nuclear weapons and chemical and biological weapons must be opposed. All possible efforts must be made to prevent nuclear proliferation and avoid nuclear crisis. 5. Attacks on nuclear power plants and other peaceful nuclear facilities must be opposed. All parties should comply with international law including the Convention on Nuclear Safety and resolutely prevent man-made nuclear accidents. 6. Dividing the world into isolated political or economic groups should be opposed. The two sides call for efforts to enhance international cooperation on energy, currency, finance, trade, food security and the security of critical infrastructure, including oil and gas pipelines, undersea optical cables, electricity and energy facilities, and fiber-optic networks, so as to protect the stability of global industrial and supply chains. The two sides welcome members of the international community to support and endorse the above-mentioned common understandings, and jointly play a constructive role in deescalating the situation and promoting peace talks.):?
中方始终坚持国际和会应具备“俄乌双方认可、各方平等参与、对所有和平方案进行公平讨论”这三个重要要素，否则难以为恢复和平发挥实质作用。中方关于和会的这些要求公平、公正、不针对任何一方，体现在近期同巴西共同发表的《关于政治解决乌克兰危机的共识》中，反映了国际社会特别是广大发展中国家的普遍关切。中方重视瑞士举办首届乌克兰和平峰会，今年年初以来一直同瑞方以及有关各方就此保持密切沟通。?
China attaches great importance to Switzerland organizing the first Summit on Peace in Ukraine and has been in close communication with Switzerland and relevant parties on this since early this year. China always maintains that the international peace conference needs to meet the three important elements of recognition from both Russia and Ukraine, equal participation of all parties, and fair discussion of all peace plans. Otherwise, the peace conference can hardly play a substantive role for restoring peace. These elements proposed by China are fair, legitimate and do not target any party. They are written into the Common Understandings on Political Settlement of the Ukraine Crisis jointly issued by China and Brazil recently and reflect the universal concern of the international community, especially the vast developing countries.? (Foreign Ministry Regular Press Conference on May 31, 2024)?
Previous PRC history of the term:
?? 首先我要告诉大家的是，昨天，中共中央政治局委员、中央外办主任王毅同巴西总统首席特别顾问阿莫林在北京举行会谈，其间就乌克兰危机深入交换意见并达成六点重要共识，完整体现在了双方共同发表的《中国、巴西关于政治解决乌克兰危机的共识》文件当中。这六点共识是中巴两国的共同立场，也代表了国际社会广大成员对于推动政治解决乌克兰危机的普遍关切和真诚意愿。乌克兰危机全面升级进入第三年，战事仍在持续，影响不断外溢，冲突有进一步升级的危险。国际社会普遍认为当前最紧迫的就是推动局势降温，为停火止战积累条件。包括中、巴在内，许多发展中国家都呼吁在乌克兰危机上秉持客观公正立场，都认为对话谈判是解决危机的唯一可行出路，都反对拱火浇油，都希望进一步凝聚国际社会共识，为推动实现和平寻求“最大公约数”。共识文件虽由中巴双方共同提出，但面向的是国际社会。我们欢迎更多国家，无论是发展中国家还是发达国家，都支持并加入共识，共同为推动局势降温、劝和促谈发挥建设性作用。?
First of all, Member of the Political Bureau of the CPC Central Committee and Director of the Office of the Central Commission for Foreign Affairs Wang Yi yesterday held talks with Chief Advisor to the President of Brazil Celso Amorim in Beijing. They had an in-depth exchange of views on the Ukraine crisis, and reached six common understandings, which are fully embodied in the Common Understandings Between China and Brazil on Political Settlement of the Ukraine Crisis jointly issued by the two sides. These six common understandings reflect not just the joint position of China and Brazil, but also the widespread concern and genuine desire of the vast international community for promoting political settlement of the Ukraine crisis. The full-blown Ukraine crisis is now in its third year. The fighting has shown no sign of stopping and generated more spillovers. The conflict could further escalate. It is widely believed that the pressing priority is to cool down the situation and accumulate conditions for ceasefire. Many developing countries, including China and Brazil, have called for upholding an objective and just position on the Ukraine crisis. All of us believe that dialogue and negotiation is the only viable way out of the crisis. All of us oppose fueling the flames, and hope to build up international consensus to find the most extensive common ground for restoring peace. The common understandings, though jointly initiated by China and Brazil, are meant for the world. We welcome more countries, developing and developed countries alike, to support and endorse these common understandings, and jointly play a constructive role in deescalating the situation and promoting talks for peace.?(Foreign Ministry Regular Press Conference on May 24, 2024)
Today’s quote:
国际海洋法法庭发布的咨询意见聚焦应对气候变化、海洋环境保护问题，不涉及领土和海洋争端问题，也不涉及南海仲裁案裁决效力认定问题。法庭此次咨询意见事关国际社会整体利益，不应被某些国家用作谋取一己之私的工具。相信法庭和任何国家都不愿看到，这样一个非法无效裁决，使得咨询意见偏离本意。任何企图混淆视听的炒作都注定是徒劳的，都掩盖不了裁决非法无效的本质，也阻挡不了中国捍卫自身领土主权和海洋权益的坚定决心。?
The advisory opinion issued by ITLOS focuses on climate change response and marine environment protection, and doesn’t cover issues of territorial and maritime disputes or the validity of arbitral award on the South China Sea. The advisory opinion bears on the overall interest of the international community and should not be used by some country as a tool to seek selfish gains. We believe that neither ITLOS or any other country would want to see the advisory opinion being distorted by that illegal, null and void award. Any hypes that seek to mislead the public will fail. They will not turn the null and void award into a legal one, nor could they ever weaken China’s firm resolve to defend our territorial integrity and maritime rights and interests.? (Foreign Ministry Regular Press Conference on May 31, 2024)?
Previous PRC history of the term:
?? 国际海洋法法庭于北京时间5月21日晚发布了涉气候变化咨询意见。中方注意到，该咨询意见确认《联合国气候变化框架公约》体系在处理气候变化问题方面居于核心地位，指出各国在履行《联合国海洋法公约》框架下的环保义务时，应考虑《框架公约》体系相关国际规则和标准。?
On the evening of May 21 [2024], Beijing time, the International Tribunal for the Law of the Sea (ITLOS) delivered an advisory opinion concerning climate change. China noted that the advisory opinion affirms that the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC) is at the core of agreements adopted to address climate change and points out that while fulfilling environmental protection obligations under the framework of UNCLOS, countries need to take into account relevant international rules and standard in the UNFCCC.? (Foreign Ministry Regular Press Conference on May 23, 2024)?
?? 关于国际法院的有关咨询意见案，中方于去年7月25日向法院提交了书面意见，我们也将参加法院的口头程序，深入阐述中方在巴以问题上的政策主张，就民族自决、国际人道法、国际人权法以及国家责任等相关国际法问题阐明立场，表达对巴勒斯坦人民恢复民族合法权利正义事业的坚定支持。中国愿同国际社会一道努力，继续为促进巴勒斯坦问题早日解决、实现中东地区持久和平稳定作出积极贡献。?
On the advisory opinion by the International Court of Justice, China has submitted its written statement on July 25 last year [2023] and will take part in the public hearings of the ICJ to have an in-depth elaboration on China’s policy propositions on the question of Palestine, state China’s positions on relevant international law issues regarding the right to self-determination, international humanitarian law, international human rights law and State responsibility, and express China’s firm support for the just cause of the Palestinian people to restore their legitimate national rights and interests. China stands ready to work with the rest of the international community to continue making positive contribution to an early settlement of the Palestinian question and the realization of lasting peace and stability in the Middle East.? (Foreign Ministry Regular Press Conference on February 19, 2024)?
?? 英国如果真正关心人权，就应当尽快落实国际法院2019年就查戈斯群岛案作出的咨询意见，早日将查戈斯群岛交还毛里求斯，完成毛里求斯的非殖民化进程。?
If the UK truly cares about human rights, it should implement the 2019 International Court of Justice advisory opinion on the Chagos Archipelago as soon as possible and return Chagos to Mauritius at an early date to complete the decolonization of Mauritius.? (Foreign Ministry Regular Press Conference on December 15, 2021)
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