[Interview] Keeping the Future of Humanity and the Well-being of the People in Mind: Deeply Understanding and Grasping the Humanistic Appeal of Xi Jinping Thought on Diplomacy
Guests: Fu Xiaoqiang, President of the China Institutes of Contemporary International Relations (CICIR) [1] Diao Daming, Professor at the School of International Studies, Renmin University of China Xing Liju, Professor at the Institute of International Studies, Fudan University
Moderators: Wang Yunsong and Cao Ping, reporters for People's Daily
Since the 18th National Congress of the CPC, General Secretary Xi Jinping, standing upon the grand trends of development in the New Era for both China and the world, and coordinating the overall strategic situation of the great rejuvenation of the Chinese nation with the world’s changes unseen in a century, has proposed a series of new concepts, propositions, and initiatives while leading the stride forward of major-country diplomacy with Chinese characteristics, thus forming Xi Jinping Thought on Diplomacy. As an important component of Xi Jinping Thought on Socialism with Chinese Characteristics for a New Era, Xi Jinping Thought on Diplomacy is permeated with Marxist positions, viewpoints, and methods; it is rooted in over 5,000 years of Chinese civilization; and it inherits and carries forward the fine diplomatic traditions of New China. It displays a unique humanistic temperament and luster, a profound consciousness and heritage of civilization, and demonstrates a powerful humanistic appeal.
This edition of "Dialogue" invites our guests to exchange views on and explore how to deeply understand and grasp the humanistic appeal of Xi Jinping Thought on Diplomacy for the benefit of our readers.
Putting People First: Planning for the Collective Interests of All Humanity and the Well-being of Future Generations
In today's world, the changes unseen in a century are accelerating. The world has entered a new period of turbulence and transformation. The peace deficit, development deficit, security deficit, and governance deficit continue to grow [2]. Human society faces unprecedentedly severe challenges, and the desire of people in all countries for peace, development, cooperation, and win-win outcomes has become more urgent and intense. Xi Jinping Thought on Diplomacy adheres to the values of putting people first and the supremacy of the people, closely linking the destiny of the Chinese people with that of all peoples. From the height of the collective, fundamental, and long-term interests of humanity, it injects powerful ideological and spiritual strength into resolving the challenges and answering the questions of our times. From concepts to solutions, and from propositions to initiatives, Xi Jinping Thought on Diplomacy everywhere manifests a profound concern for the future and destiny of all humanity and a deep care for the well-being and safety of people in all countries. This is precisely one of the most distinct manifestations of the humanistic appeal of Xi Jinping Thought on Diplomacy.
Moderator: Twelve years ago, President Xi Jinping proposed the concept of a community with a shared future for humanity. The goal was to answer the "questions of the world, of history, and of the times" regarding "where humanity is headed," to light the way forward for a world in hesitant exploration, and to contribute Chinese wisdom and Chinese solutions for the people of all countries to join hands in protecting our common home and sharing a prosperous and beautiful future. One of the fundamental reasons why the concept of a community with a shared future for humanity has struck a chord and won resonance in the international community lies in its humanistic spirit and luster, which plans for the collective interests of all humanity and seeks the well-being of future generations. How should we view the humanistic power contained in the concept of a community with a shared future for humanity? What breakthrough significance and value does this humanistic power hold for the innovation of contemporary international relations theory?
Fu Xiaoqiang: The most important humanistic power of the concept of a community with a shared future for humanity lies in its placement of human value, dignity, and collective well-being at the center of global governance, demonstrating a profound concern for the common future of all humanity. Especially in the current global situation where chaos and transformation are interwoven, this concept defines peace and development as peace and development for everyone, emphasizes the integrity of human interests, and focuses on equitable and inclusive distributive justice, pointing the way forward for global governance.
The humanistic spirit contained in the concept of a community with a shared future for humanity represents a breakthrough innovation in contemporary international relations theory, primarily reflected in three aspects. First, it breaks through the narrative of Western-centrism. The concept of a community with a shared future for humanity does not treat specific civilizational values as "universal values," but rather recognizes civilizational diversity and advocates for seeking a consensus on values through equal dialogue. Second, it breaks through the fixed mindset centered on power games in traditional international relations. It opposes zero-sum games, advocates for common security and common development, and aims to dismantle the trap of the "law of the jungle." When this concept, imbued with a profound humanistic spirit, is deeply integrated into the formulation of international rules and the practice of global governance, humanity can then choose a new path of civilization at the crossroads of history—one that transcends the cycle of hegemonic succession and leads toward common prosperity. Third, it transcends the traditional sovereign-state-centered approach. Traditional international relations theories take the nation-state as the primary actor, ignoring the supra-national collective interests of all humanity. While upholding the equality of national sovereignty, the concept of a community with a shared future for humanity emphasizes the integrity of human interests, integrating the interests of the "individual, the state, and all humanity" into a unified and inclusive framework, manifesting a profound humanistic concern and a lofty vision.
Diao Daming: The standpoint from which one observes and reflects on issues determines the height and depth of a theory. The concept of a community with a shared future for humanity proposed by President Xi Jinping is not a plan for certain countries or certain people, but a beautiful prospect for development mapped out for all humanity. This concept transcends the rut of Western international relations theory, which emphasizes the "maximization of interests" based on the "individual rationality" of major states. It more thoroughly rejects the old, ossified notions of "unipolar hegemony" or "bipolar confrontation," constructing the existence and development of all countries as an organic whole and embodying a "logic of symbiosis" characterized by common development and common prosperity. By reconstructing the value coordinates, thinking paradigms, and practical paths of international relations, it provides Eastern wisdom to solve the question of the century—"where is humanity headed"—opens up a hopeful and bright future, and points in the correct direction that accords with the well-being of people globally.
Xing Liju: The term "humanities" (人文, rénwén) originates from the Book of Changes (I Ching): "Observe the humanistic patterns to transform and complete the world" [3]. Traditional Chinese philosophy believes that the power of the humanities lies in "transforming and completing the world" (huàchéng tiānxià), which requires the wisdom of "cultivating cultural virtue within." The concept of a community with a shared future for humanity contains a deep humanistic heritage, emphasizing that "all under heaven are one family" [4], closely linking the destinies of all countries, and dedicating itself to turning the aspirations of all people for a better life into reality. Currently, as the world’s changes unseen in a century accelerate and various global challenges emerge one after another, the world needs the guidance of thought from the strategic height of all-human development more than ever. The concept of a community with a shared future for humanity focuses on the fundamental interests of all people, integrates China's own development with world development, and truly embodies a global vision, a world-embracing heart, and the responsibility of a major power. It is the wide, righteous path that brings well-being to the world's people, and it represents the Aufhebung [5] and transcendence of traditional Western international relations theory.
Moderator: President Xi Jinping pointed out: "The ultimate goal of modernization is to achieve the free and well-rounded development of the individual." Modernization has been the trend of development since the dawn of the modern era. In today's world, where multiple challenges and crises are interwoven and overlapping, the process of modernization for human society has once again reached a crossroads in history. Xi Jinping Thought on Diplomacy advocates highlighting the "people-centeredness" of the direction of modernization, allowing modernization to better respond to the various demands and multi-level needs of the people. What kind of humanistic spirit does this view of modernization embody? What is its significance for promoting the process of human modernization, particularly in joining hands with developing countries to move toward modernization?
Fu Xiaoqiang: The people-centered view of modernization advocated by Xi Jinping Thought on Diplomacy is both a profound summary of China's development experience and a breakthrough response to the global dilemma of modernization. This view of modernization contains a distinct humanistically spirited core. On one hand, Chinese-path modernization takes the people's livelihood as its priority and adheres to putting people first, aiming to achieve the organic unity of the right to existence and the right to development. Traditional modes of modernization often fall into the "worship of GDP," leading to the reification and alienation of human beings. President Xi Jinping emphasized: "Modernization depends not only on indicator data on paper, but more importantly on the happiness and well-being of the people." Chinese-path modernization not only firmly adheres to the principal status of the people but also insists on the goal of benefiting the people, aiming to achieve common prosperity for all and the well-rounded development of the individual. On the other hand, Chinese-path modernization breaks the unilinear narrative that "modernization = Westernization," recognizing modernization across different civilizational forms. Modernity is not unique to Western civilization; the practice of Chinese-path modernization has broken the discursive hegemony of Western-centrism and sketched a brand-new map for the process of human modernization.
Diao Daming: The concept of human modernization in Xi Jinping Thought on Diplomacy breaks through the alienated thinking and logic of "capital supremacy" found in Western modernization. it creatively opens a new path for human modernization centered on the people and based on the principles of inclusivity, mutual benefit, cooperation, and win-win results. This concept fully embodies the civilizational core of "the people as the foundation of the state" [6], the systemic concept of "symbiosis and common prosperity," and the intellectual state of "establishing oneself and then helping others to establish themselves" [7]. It demonstrates a humanistic spirit moving from "alienated development" back to the "return of the human being." Under the guidance of this concept of modernization, the vast number of developing countries can achieve modernization while maintaining their independence and autonomy, reshaping their paths to modernization according to their own civilizational characteristics and social conditions, without being forced to make a "single-choice" between maintaining the self and becoming a dependency, or between preserving tradition and keeping up with the times. Is respecting the developmental autonomy of every country based on its own civilizational consciousness not a deeper and broader form of humanistic care? This concept of modernization is undoubtedly of crucial significance for breaking through the global development dilemma.
Moderator: Chinese civilization is the only great civilization in the world that has continued uninterrupted to the present day in the form of a state. Concepts such as "peace is most precious" and "harmony in diversity" [8]; "all people are my brothers and sisters, and all things are my companions" [9] and "harmony among all nations"; "virtue does not stand alone, it will always have neighbors"; "seeking to establish oneself, one helps others to establish themselves; seeking to achieve for oneself, one helps others to achieve" [10]; and "the Dao follows nature" and "the unity of heaven and humanity" [11] are the fertile cultural soil in which Xi Jinping Thought on Diplomacy is rooted and are important sources of its humanistic appeal. How have the value orientations and spiritual pursuits of fine traditional Chinese culture profoundly influenced the formation and development of the humanistic appeal of Xi Jinping Thought on Diplomacy?
Fu Xiaoqiang: Fine traditional Chinese culture endows Xi Jinping Thought on Diplomacy with rich and profound spiritual characteristics and cultural origins. Xi Jinping Thought on Diplomacy has fully activated the contemporary value of fine traditional Chinese culture in a new historical era. First, the value orientation is a direct inheritance. Values from fine traditional Chinese culture, such as benevolence, harmony, and justice, have injected a deep humanistic foundation into Xi Jinping Thought on Diplomacy. The wisdom of "seeking common ground while resolving differences" and the breadth of mind to "appreciate the beauty of others and share beauty together" [12] contained in Xi Jinping Thought on Diplomacy are precisely where the charm and style of major-country diplomacy with Chinese characteristics lie. Second, it possesses a heavy accumulation of historical civilization. China’s history of foreign exchange is long, and fine traditional Chinese culture is broad and profound. The diplomatic wisdom and strategic culture within it are deeply rooted; for instance, the Silk Road trade and Zheng He’s voyages to the Western Seas [13] all contain cultural core elements such as peace, respect, and mutual benefit. The essence of China's historical experience has been carried forward and developed in Xi Jinping Thought on Diplomacy. Third, its framework and vision are grand and broad. Xi Jinping Thought on Diplomacy seeks not only rejuvenation for China but also "Great Unity" (Datong) [14] for the world. This Chinese poise and major-power style of "harmony in diversity" and "harmonious coexistence" not only bring a new atmosphere to 21st-century international relations and global governance but also make Xi Jinping Thought on Diplomacy more approachable and appealing, winning the support and resonance of people in many countries.
Moderator: Whether it is "harmony in diversity," "harmony among all nations," or "the unity of heaven and humanity," they all demonstrate the extremely strong inclusivity of Chinese civilization. This inclusivity is the key factor allowing Chinese civilization to endure for over 5,000 years and is a direct manifestation of its broad mind and profound wisdom. Inclusivity ensures that the Chinese nation never views the relationship between itself and the world through a zero-sum, "us-vs-them," or "win-loss" unidirectional mindset, but rather seeks symbiosis, win-win results, and common prosperity. Xi Jinping Thought on Diplomacy fully embodies the inclusivity of Chinese civilization, closely linking China's development with that of the world, advocating for equal exchange between different civilizations based on mutual respect for differences, and desiring both a better China and a better world. The more inclusive it is, the more it can be recognized and upheld, and the greater the attraction it will demonstrate. This broad vision of understanding and handling relations with the outside world from the grand trend of human development, and this inclusive heart that seeks both rejuvenation for China and progress for the world, allows Xi Jinping Thought on Diplomacy to manifest an extraordinary humanistic appeal. This humanistic appeal is a power like "still water running deep"; it is an attraction like the proverb "the peach and the plum do not speak, yet a path is worn beneath them" [15]; it is an influence generated upon the foundation of this thought’s truth-value and practical might. In recent years, the fact that many concepts and initiatives within Xi Jinping Thought on Diplomacy have become international consensus and have been written into multiple international documents is the most powerful proof.
Xing Liju: The power of culture is most capable of uniting and appealing to people. The prominent innovativeness, inclusivity, and peaceful nature of Chinese civilization are important civilizational genes for China to unswervingly follow the path of peaceful development, adhere to the open strategy of mutual benefit and win-win results, and promote the building of a community with a shared future for humanity. The Chinese nation reveres—
"Harmony is the most precious" [16]—from the Confucian emphasis on "governing through virtue" to the military strategist's ideal of "subduing the enemy's soldiers without fighting"—the love and pursuit of peace are deeply imprinted in the lifeblood of the Chinese people. Chinese culture advocates that "when calculating profit, one should calculate the profit of all under heaven" [17] and promotes the idea that "once successful, one should attend to the virtue of the whole world" [18]. Beyond "governing the state," the Great Learning (Daxue) posits the higher pursuit of "bringing peace to all under heaven" [19]. The Book of Documents (Shangshu) speaks of "harmonizing all nations" [20], and the Book of Changes (I Ching) describes a vision where "the ten thousand states all enjoy tranquility" [21]; these are concentrated expressions of the Chinese civilization's worldview. Rooted in Chinese civilization, Xi Jinping Thought on Diplomacy possesses a unique spiritual character and profound cultural depth. This endows it with an appeal and an infectious power on the world stage that can truly touch the hearts of people from all nations and respond to the developmental aspirations of all countries, particularly those in the developing world.
Coexistence through Harmony and Unity: Injecting the Power of Civilization into World Peace and Development
President Xi Jinping has pointed out: "Currently, the international situation is characterized by intertwined change and disorder. Humanity stands at a new crossroads and urgently needs to transcend civilizational estrangement through civilizational exchange and transcend civilizational conflict through mutual learning between civilizations." Faced with increasingly severe global issues and challenges, the value of civilization has become unprecedentedly prominent, civilizational interaction is vital, and civilizational dialogue is timely. Xi Jinping Thought on Diplomacy proposed the Global Civilization Initiative, advocating for the use of civilizational dialogue to tighten the bonds of peace and strengthen the momentum of development, thereby injecting the power of civilization and the light of humanities into world peace and development.
Moderator: The Global Civilization Initiative advocates for a view of civilization based on equality, mutual learning, dialogue, and inclusiveness. It promotes respect for the diversity of world civilizations, the promotion of the common values of humanity, emphasis on civilizational inheritance and innovation, and the strengthening of international people-to-people exchanges and cooperation. This is a full manifestation of the humanistic appeal of Xi Jinping Thought on Diplomacy. What is the link between the cognition and understanding of civilization and the evolution of international relations? In the current international situation, how should we view the humanistic effect exerted by the Global Civilization Initiative in strengthening civilizational exchange and mutual learning and promoting the prosperity and progress of the international community?
Fu Xiaoqiang: As international relations continue to evolve, the impact of civilizational cognition on state behavior and international order is receiving increasing attention. Constructivism in international relations theory specifically explains international behavior from the perspective of culture and ideas. At the same time, some Western scholars have put forward theories such as "civilizational superiority" and the "clash of civilizations," simplifying civilizational differences into comparisons of superior and inferior, even advocating that civilizational differences lead to international conflict. Such views are rooted in Eurocentrism and comprise a one-sided interpretation and biased understanding of human historical development and civilizational evolution. The Global Civilization Initiative proposed by President Xi Jinping scientifically applies contradiction theory and dialectics to the recognition and understanding of the process of human civilization. It emphasizes that all civilizations should be equal, learn from one another, engage in dialogue, and be inclusive, embodying a worldview of "harmony" and a methodology of "unity." This helps to fully release the forces of peace, stability, and development generated in the process of civilizational exchange and mutual learning, further breaking down barriers, resolving misunderstandings, and expanding the space for the peaceful development and progress of humanity, playing a huge constructive role in international political theory and practice.
Diao Daming: Exchange and dialogue between civilizations is a process of seeking consensus on the basis of respecting each other's differences; this is, in fact, the essence of the humanistic spirit. Different countries and nations around the world possess different civilizations, and the way these different civilizations interact largely determines the pattern and evolutionary direction of international relations. Theories such as "civilizational superiority" and the "clash of civilizations" are filled with an "either-or" logic of confrontation. If based on such cognition, the evolution of international relations would inevitably lead to chaos and disorder. The Global Civilization Initiative stands on a higher level, emphasizing civilizational diversity and mutual learning between civilizations. In fact, it continues the history of civilizational interaction and weaving that has always existed between different nations and countries. Only by bridging differences and disagreements through "coexistence in harmony and unity" and avoiding confrontation or even conflict through equal dialogue can we "appreciate one's own beauty, appreciate the beauty of others, and share beauty together" [22], providing the international community with a timeless humanistic force.
Moderator: Civilizational exchange and mutual learning are, first and foremost, the exchange and mutual learning between people. In Costa Rica, visiting local farming households; in Russia, pinning medals on Soviet veterans who assisted China in the War of Resistance Against Japanese Aggression; in Serbia, communicating and interacting with workers in the employee canteen of the Smederevo Steel Plant... President Xi Jinping has made friends widely across the world, demonstrating the style of a leader of a major country who is approachable, treats others with sincerity, and values friendship and righteousness. This reflects the humanistic sentiments of the Chinese nation. How should we understand the style of Major-Country Diplomacy with Chinese Characteristics—imbued with both reason and emotion, sincerity and warmth—as bestowed by head-of-state diplomacy? What leading and promoting role has this played in advancing global civilizational exchange and mutual learning?
Fu Xiaoqiang: Relations between states depend on the closeness of the people. Head-of-state diplomacy is the highest form of "closeness between peoples" and the most effective way to establish and maintain "relations between states." In recent years, President Xi Jinping has not only hosted "home-field" diplomacy, participated in multilateral summits, and carried out important visits, but has also engaged in sincere and warm contact and communication directly with foreign people, sending deeply affectionate letters to international friends and groups. This effectively transforms "state-to-state affairs" into "people-to-people stories" and turns "grand diplomacy" into "tales of old friends" that are more easily accepted by the masses of all countries. Through the distinct style of Major-Country Diplomacy with Chinese Characteristics—characterized by the intersection of reason and emotion, sincerity and warmth—the excellent traditional Chinese culture of "valuing harmony, treating others with sincerity, and connecting through the heart" is promoted. This fully demonstrates the extraordinary personal charisma of a major-country leader, as well as the unique style and humanistic sentiments of major-country diplomacy.
Moderator: In diplomatic activities, President Xi Jinping often skillfully and appropriately quotes foreign proverbs, reflecting the sincerity, warmth, and humanistic sentiments of major-country diplomacy. For example, in April 2015, in a speech at the Asian-African Leaders Meeting, he quoted an African proverb: "A single log cannot build a house." In September 2022, at the 22nd Meeting of the Council of Heads of State of the SCO Member States, he aptly quoted an Uzbek proverb: "With peace, a country can prosper; with rain and dew, the earth can flourish." He also quotes Chinese and foreign proverbs together. For instance, in January 2016, in a signed article titled "Let China-Arab Friendship Surge Forward Like the Nile" published in Egypt's Al-Ahram (The Pyramids), he pointed out: "An Arab proverb says, 'If you want to go fast, go alone; if you want to go far, go together.' Chinese people often say, 'With more friends, the path is easier to walk.'" Using language that local people can understand to explain the value of peaceful development and the expectations for win-win cooperation demonstrates the common expectations for unity and cooperation shared by the Chinese people and people around the world. This is precisely the process of breaking cultural barriers and promoting civilizational exchange, as well as the process of seeking consensus and building bridges of friendship.
Fu Xiaoqiang: Yes, President Xi Jinping has personally exemplified the inclusive view of civilization that "civilizations do not differ in terms of high or low, superior or inferior." As friends grow closer through visits and stories become more intimate through telling, Chinese head-of-state diplomacy has also formed a cumulative and perceptible "emotional asset" for global civilizational exchange and mutual learning. Major-Country Diplomacy with Chinese Characteristics not only benefits oneself but, more importantly, benefits others and gathers friends. Under the strategic guidance of Chinese head-of-state diplomacy, the objects of exchange across different global civilizations and countries have gradually evolved from "old friends" to "many friends"; the exchange platforms have developed from "bilateral" to "multilateral"; and the mode of human civilizational interaction has changed from "point-to-point" to "network-to-network." In this sense, Chinese head-of-state diplomacy has provided an extremely valuable public good for global civilizational dialogue.
Moderator: Xi Jinping Thought on Diplomacy emphasizes advancing cultural and people-to-people exchanges and promoting bond between the people of China and other countries. The high-quality joint construction of the "Belt and Road" takes "five connectivities" [23] as the focus of cooperation, and the bond between people is an important link therein. How should we view the role of high-quality "Belt and Road" cooperation in deepening humanistic exchange and promoting world peace and development?
Xing Liju: Humanistic exchange can enhance mutual understanding of each other's cultures and ways of thinking. As the distance between hearts is shortened, the prejudices between people and misunderstandings between nations are reduced, while cross-cultural emotional and economic bonds are constructed. The "Belt and Road" initiative is rooted in the historical memory of friendly civilizational interaction between China and the world; the bond between people is its most solid social foundation. For more than ten years, partner countries have extensively carried out cooperation in cultural tourism, educational exchange, media and think-tank cooperation, and local government cooperation, promoting mutual learning and integrated innovation, and forming a multi-dimensional interactve humanistic pattern. Non-governmental organizations from 72 countries and regions have formed a cooperation network of NGOs along the Silk Road, carrying out more than 500 livelihood projects and various activities. The Chinese government also released the "Silk Road People-to-People Connectivity" joint initiative, established a public welfare fund for people-to-people connectivity, and implemented plans for young elites, continuously expanding and solidifying the social foundation of friendly relations. High-quality joint construction of the "Belt and Road" provides a platform for equal exchange and mutual learning between different civilizations. Its steady advancement will surely bring more peace dividends, development dividends, security dividends, and governance dividends to the world and various regions.
Diao Daming: Understanding and trust between peoples are important foundations for peace and stability in international relations. Promoting humanistic exchange between different countries can transform the power of people-to-people connectivity into a "stabilizer" for international cooperation and a "power source" for global development. High-quality joint construction of the "Belt and Road" is, in essence, the contemporary expression and practice of the "coexistence in harmony and unity" gene of Chinese civilization. This kind of international cooperation, which is built on the foundation of humanistic exchange and centered on people, is the correct path for humanity to transcend zero-sum games and move toward lasting prosperity.
Fu Xiaoqiang: The bond between people is not a "soft topic" but a "hard variable" that drives the international political pattern toward a more just and reasonable direction. Since the "Belt and Road" initiative was proposed more than ten years ago, it has become an international public good and cooperation platform deeply welcomed by people across the globe. Its positive role in pushing international relations toward justice, equality, openness, prosperity, peace, and stability has taken root in people's hearts. The "Belt and Road" is a road of peace and stability. It has achieved fruitful results in eliminating misunderstanding and prejudice, building understanding and trust, and constructing cross-cultural emotional bonds. The "Belt and Road" is also a road of equality and prosperity. Development is the master key to solving all problems. China actively advocates the concept of win-win cooperation and the correct viewpoint of righteousness and benefit, insisting that all countries are equal participants, contributors, and beneficiaries. The "Belt and Road" initiative provides a solid material foundation and important cooperation opportunities for exchange and mutual learning between different civilizations and for equal and friendly interactions between peoples.
Upholding Integrity and Valuing Righteousness: Joining Hands with All Countries to Create a Better Future for Humanity
Humanistic appeal is a spiritual force that can transcend countries and nations and penetrate ideological boundaries. It is for this reason that major concepts proposed by President Xi Jinping—such as the community with a shared future for humanity, the Global Development Initiative, the Global Security Initiative, the Global Civilization Initiative, and the Global Governance Initiative—have been able to broadly aggregate international consensus and pool the strength of cooperation. Under the guidance of Xi Jinping Thought on Diplomacy, China will always follow the Great Way of the world, strive for the Great Harmony (Datong) of the world, and join hands with all countries to create a better future for humanity.
Moderator: Under the scientific guidance of Xi Jinping Thought on Diplomacy, China has firmly embarked on the new path of state-to-state interaction characterized by "dialogue rather than confrontation, partnership rather than alliance," promoting the construction of a new type of international relations. China actively develops global partnerships and constructs a pattern of major-country relations featuring peaceful coexistence, overall stability, and balanced development. Regarding neighboring countries and developing countries, China has proposed important concepts such as "amity, sincerity, mutual benefit, and inclusiveness" [24], the correct viewpoint of righteousness and benefit, and "sincerity, real results, amity, and good faith" [25]. How do these original and iconic concepts in Xi Jinping Thought on Diplomacy—such as a new type of international relations, "amity, sincerity, mutual benefit, and inclusiveness," the correct viewpoint of righteousness and benefit, and "sincerity, real results, amity, and good faith"—demonstrate China's global vision and humanistic spirit as a responsible major country?
Diao Daming: These original and iconic concepts are both a breakthrough innovation beyond traditional Western international relations paradigms and a manifestation of the organic combination of Chinese civilizational genes with contemporary global governance needs. The "new type of international relations" essentially reflects the humanistic realm of "valuing harmony" in Chinese civilization and the ideal of order characterized by "harmonizing all nations." The "correct viewpoint of righteousness and benefit" essentially reflects the broad-mindedness of "the world is for the public" (Tianxia wei gong) in Chinese civilization and the civilizational consciousness of "universal love and mutual benefit" (jianxiang'ai, jiaoxiangli). "Amity, sincerity, mutual benefit, and inclusiveness" and "sincerity, real results, amity, and good faith" essentially reflect the governance thought of "loving one's neighbors" (qinren shanlin), transformed from the Confucian wisdom of "those nearby are pleased, and those far away come" (jinzhe yue, yuanzhe lai).
Fu Xiaoqiang: Faced with the increasing geopolitical competition and the risk of conflict under the changes unseen in a century, China has proposed...
The core principles of the "new type of international relations"—namely "mutual respect, fairness and justice, and win-win cooperation"—essentially represent a transformation of the traditional international order dominated by the Western "law of the jungle" where the strong prey on the weak. This historical initiative demonstrates China's exploration of a path toward inclusive development through the Oriental wisdom of "appreciating the beauty of others and sharing beauty together" [26]. Addressing the complex historical factors and development gaps in the Asian region, the concepts of "amity, sincerity, mutual benefit, and inclusiveness" inject emotional bonds into practical diplomacy, allowing China's neighborhood diplomacy to transcend mere exchanges of interest and form an "emotional community" based on shared values. Regarding the realistic dilemma of the widening North-South divide, President Xi Jinping creatively proposed the principle of "balancing justice and interests, with justice taking precedence," transforming moral commitments into visible and tangible development dividends. In response to prejudices and misunderstandings such as the so-called "China threat theory" or "neo-colonialism," the concept of "sincerity, real results, amity, and good faith" has gathered new momentum for strengthening solidarity and cooperation with developing countries and for the collective self-reliance of the Global South. This has made China a nation capable of simultaneously winning strategic recognition and the goodwill of the people across many countries. These original and iconic concepts are not only important public goods provided by China to the international community but also a vivid demonstration of China's global vision and humanistic spirit as a responsible major power.
Moderator: "China says what it means and does what it says." This is a heartfelt evaluation of China's contribution by many international figures. The humanistic appeal of Xi Jinping Thought on Diplomacy is reflected not only in its power to lead ideas but also in its power to drive practical action. China joins hands with all countries on the path to modernization, bringing new opportunities to the world through its own development—especially bringing concrete well-being to the people of the Global South. This is the most vivid footnote and the most living manifestation of the humanistic appeal of Xi Jinping Thought on Diplomacy. How do practices such as high-quality development of the Belt and Road Initiative (BRI) and the active implementation of the "Four Initiatives"—Global Development, Global Security, Global Civilization, and Global Governance—profoundly demonstrate this appeal?
Fu Xiaoqiang: The vitality of a thought lies in its practice. The high-quality joint construction of the Belt and Road Initiative and the implementation of the Four Initiatives have not only reshaped the logical point of departure for global governance but have also displayed the unique humanistic and people-centered spirit of Xi Jinping Thought on Diplomacy through profound humanistic care, an egalitarian and inclusive value orientation, and a practical path of universal benefit and win-win results. This spirit does not stem from ideological export or geopolitical maneuvering; rather, it is rooted in deep empathy for the shared future of all humanity, sincere respect for the diversity of civilizations, and a broad resonance with the desire to realize development alongside the vast number of developing countries. This is both a contemporary flash of brilliance from Chinese civilization and an echo of the common values of all humanity [27] in our era.
Moderator: Respect and care for human value must ultimately be manifested in satisfying people’s needs for a better life. If a theory consists only of conceptual constructions without practical impact, its appeal will be difficult to sustain. The Chinese concepts and solutions proposed by Xi Jinping Thought on Diplomacy possess strong contemporary relevance and practicality; in reality, they have already made world-renowned contributions to addressing global challenges and promoting peace and development.
Xing Liju: Fine traditional Chinese culture values credibility and upholds righteousness, emphasizing that "one’s words must be trustworthy and one’s actions must be fruitful" [28] and "the person of noble character regards righteousness as the highest priority" [29]. In maintaining world peace and promoting common development, China is both an active advocate and a firm man of action. Today, cooperation under the Belt and Road Initiative has expanded to more than 150 countries and over 30 international organizations. It includes both numerous infrastructure achievements and concrete, "small yet beautiful" [30] livelihood projects. This "road to happiness" benefiting the world is growing wider, achieving an organic unity of "hard connectivity," "soft connectivity," and "heart-to-heart connectivity." More than 80 countries have joined the "Group of Friends of the Global Development Initiative," and the Global Development Initiative has pushed for the implementation of over 1,100 projects. Over 130 countries and international organizations support the Global Security Initiative, and the 78th UN General Assembly unanimously passed a resolution to establish the International Day for Dialogue among Civilizations. The global governance outlook of "extensive consultation, joint contribution, and shared benefits" has received widespread support and an enthusiastic response from the international community. The four global initiatives inject stability and certainty into a turbulent world from the dimensions of development, security, civilization, and governance, respectively. The core of humanism is care for people. Under the guidance of Xi Jinping Thought on Diplomacy, major-country diplomacy with Chinese characteristics responds to the expectations of people in all countries for peace, development, cooperation, and win-win results, putting into practice the transformation of the humanistic spirit into concrete actions that benefit the people of all nations.
Diao Daming: Today's world is far from peaceful. Regional hotspots emerge one after another, conflicts and crises persist and recur, tariff and trade wars impact the world economic order, and unilateral bullying strikes at multilateral mechanisms. New and old challenges arise incessantly. The humanistic appeal of Xi Jinping Thought on Diplomacy manifests the responsibility of a major power within such a volatile international environment, demonstrating a contribution that keeps the future of humanity in mind and the well-being of the people at heart. For example, in March of this year, President Xi Jinping met and held in-depth exchanges with over 40 global chairmen and CEOs of foreign enterprises as well as representatives of business associations, persisting in openness and cooperation despite the headwinds. In September, at the "SCO Plus" meeting, he solemnly proposed a global governance initiative, providing a new solution to solve the increasingly serious governance deficit. These concepts and practices are particularly precious, highlighting the way Xi Jinping Thought on Diplomacy advances with the times and its commitment to the era. "Take one's stand in the center of the world and walk the Great Way of the world" [31]. Under the guidance of Xi Jinping Thought on Diplomacy, China will, as always, join hands with all nations to serve as a force for peace, stability, and progress amidst the global changes unseen in a century, making even greater contributions to promote the building of a community with a shared future for humanity.