Deeply Comprehending the Theoretical Character of Xi Jinping Thought on Diplomacy in Originating from and Guiding the Times
The Party Committee of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs
In the great journey of advancing the cause of socialism with Chinese characteristics in the New Era, the CPC Central Committee with Comrade Xi Jinping at its core has undertaken a series of major innovations in diplomatic theory and practice, leading external work toward historical achievements and historical transformations. To fully reflect the original contributions and latest developments of Xi Jinping Thought on Socialism with Chinese Characteristics for the New Era in the field of diplomacy, the Study Outline for Xi Jinping Thought on Diplomacy was updated and republished last November. This serves as an authoritative auxiliary reading for the vast number of Party members, cadres, and the masses to study, contemplate, and practice Xi Jinping Thought on Diplomacy. We must deeply understand the theoretical character of this significant thought—its persistence in advancing with the times and its leading of the trends of the age—and further arm our minds, guide our practice, and promote our work with Xi Jinping Thought on Diplomacy.
Grasping New Situations and Answering New Questions is the Inexhaustible Source of Theoretical Innovation
Problems are the slogans of the age; Xi Jinping Thought on Diplomacy is a constantly developing, open, and scientific system. General Secretary Xi Jinping has personally designed and engaged in its implementation. With a strong sense of mission, profound strategic thinking, and a broad concern for the world [1], he has observed trends and navigated situations, standing bravely at the forefront of the times. With a scientific attitude and the spirit of truth, he has judged new trends and answered new questions, constantly opening new horizons for the theory of major-country diplomacy with Chinese characteristics.
Keenly perceiving new changes in the development of the international situation. The accelerated evolution of the changes unseen in a century is the epochal background for the enrichment and development of Xi Jinping Thought on Diplomacy. Currently, the chaotic aspects of the international situation have become more prominent, with peace and security facing severe challenges. The Global Peace Index 2025 indicates that the level of global peace has dropped to its lowest point in nearly 20 years, as hot-spot issues such as the Ukraine crisis and the Palestinian-Israeli conflict persist. Protectionism and the "generalized concept of security" are on the rise; tariff wars and tech wars launched by certain countries for selfish gains have dragged down global trade and economic growth, causing a significant slowdown in human development. Conversely, the transformational aspects of the world landscape are developing deeply, and the international balance of power is undergoing profound adjustments. The "Global South" now accounts for over 40% of the global economy, and new mechanisms created by Global South countries, such as BRICS and the Shanghai Cooperation Organization, are playing increasingly important roles. General Secretary Xi Jinping, observing the general trend, planning for the overall situation, and grasping the fundamental issues, has further revealed the essence and laws of the situation based on his major judgment of "changes unseen in a century." He pointed out that the world has entered a new period of turbulence and transformation, and the collective rise of the Global South is a distinct hallmark of these great changes. He has gained deep insight into the main threads of the evolution of the international landscape, pointing out that the general direction of human development and progress will not change, the logic of world history moving forward through twists and turns will not change, and the major trend of the international community sharing a common destiny will not change. He clearly opposes acts of hegemony, high-handedness, and bullying, emphasizing that hegemonism, power politics, unilateralism, and protectionism run counter to the trend of the times, are unpopular, and will find little support [2]. His insights have cleared the mist to guide the direction of Chinese diplomacy and lead the international community toward positive expectations.
Accurately grasping the new orientation of the relationship between China and the world. "China can only do well when the world does well; when China does well, the world becomes even better." This is the underlying logic of China's development of relations with the world. Facing severe challenges in the external environment, China has injected strong momentum into promoting common development with great resilience and abundant vitality. It has provided powerful support for maintaining international fairness and justice through self-reliance and the courage and ability to struggle [3]. Through the successful exploration of Chinese-path modernization, it has broadened the path for the vast number of developing countries to move toward modernization independently. China has become a pivotal force for peace, development, and progress in a world intertwined with change and disorder. More and more countries value China's role and opportunities, hoping to understand and learn from China's governance and underlying principles; however, certain forces continue to spread various forms of the "China threat" theory. Xi Jinping Thought on Diplomacy profoundly reveals the historic changes in China's relationship with the world: China is now able to grasp more historical initiative and influence the direction of world development to a greater extent. Chinese-path modernization has shattered the myth that "modernization equals Westernization," and the great rejuvenation of the Chinese nation is unstoppable. It clarifies that major-country diplomacy with Chinese characteristics will enter a new stage where greater accomplishments are possible. It must create a more favorable international environment and provide more solid strategic support for the great cause of comprehensively promoting the construction of a strong country and national rejuvenation through Chinese-path modernization. It emphasizes that the road ahead cannot be perfectly smooth; there will certainly be difficulties and obstacles, and we may encounter major tests of high winds, surging waves, or even perilous storms. We must strike out bravely with the spirit of "the greater the danger, the further we advance," meeting difficulties head-on. We must dare to struggle and be good at struggling, relying on tenacious struggle to open up new realms for the development of our cause. The series of major judgments proposed by General Secretary Xi Jinping provides a scientific guide for formulating our external strategy and planning our foreign work.
Scientifically answering new dilemmas in international relations theory. Answering major questions in international affairs is the fundamental task of international relations theory. Looking at history since the dawn of the modern era, traditional international relations theories have clung to Eurocentrism, believing in "the law of the jungle" where "the weak are the prey of the strong" and "the winner takes all," and obsessing over the "clash of civilizations." Facing profound changes that move a thousand miles a day, these theories fail to provide the keys to resolving old contradictions and new problems, and sometimes even repeat the mistakes of "carrying firewood to put out a fire" or "drinking poison to quench thirst" [4]. Unilateralism and protectionism are clamoring, while "neo-imperialism" and "neo-colonialism" run rampant. The deficits in peace, development, security, and governance are worsening; the root cause lies in the increasingly prominent "ideological deficit." The times call for a new type of international relations theory that is both national and global. General Secretary Xi Jinping has continuously developed Chinese theory within the grand practice of China, advocating for peaceful development to transcend conflict and confrontation, common security to replace absolute security, mutual benefit and win-win results to discard zero-sum games, exchange and mutual learning to prevent the clash of civilizations, and green development to care for our planetary home. He advocates for a new path to security characterized by dialogue rather than confrontation, partnership rather than alliance, and win-win results rather than zero-sum games. He has guided the joint construction of the "Belt and Road," an enormously inclusive development platform, and promoted the construction of a more just and reasonable global governance system. He has found the basic path for mankind to solve global problems and contributed important conceptual public goods to the world.
Leading the Times and Shaping the World is the Powerful Force of Theoretical Innovation
Xi Jinping Thought on Diplomacy originates from practice and in turn guides practice. It is both the fundamental follow-through and action guide for our country's external work in the New Era, and it effectively promotes the world toward a bright future of peace, security, prosperity, and progress, possessing profound epochal value and the powerful force of truth.
The power to lead the times is increasingly manifest. Xi Jinping Thought on Diplomacy continuously deepens the understanding of the laws of human social development, grasps the logic of historical progress, and points out the direction of human progress. By holding high a single banner, it clarifies that building a community with a shared future for humanity is where the future of all people lies and is the noble goal pursued by major-country diplomacy with Chinese characteristics in the New Era, sketching the vision and path for humanity to move toward a better future. It identifies two major propositions: using "equality and order" to answer where world multipolarity is headed, and using "universally beneficial and inclusive" to calibrate various deviations occurring in the process of economic globalization. It advocates that while developing themselves, all countries should enhance global prosperity, moving the world from disorder toward lasting peace and stability. He has successively proposed the Global Development Initiative, the Global Security Initiative, the Global Civilization Initiative, and the Global Governance Initiative, seeking development prospects of openness and innovation, mutual benefit and inclusiveness; creating a security landscape of fairness, justice, and collective participation; promoting civilization exchanges characterized by harmony without uniformity and inclusiveness; and pushing for a more just and reasonable global governance system. This provides a systematic and comprehensive Chinese solution for responding to the new challenges facing humanity.
The power of moral appeal has become more distinct. First, the concept of seeking common ground is winning more hearts. The concept of building a community with a shared future for humanity has been written into UN General Assembly resolutions for nine consecutive years. China has reached consensus on building communities with a shared future with more than 30 countries, and the construction of regional communities with a shared future with Central Asia, ASEAN, Africa, Arab countries, and Latin American and Caribbean countries is progressing steadily. The joint construction of the "Belt and Road" has become the largest and most widely covered international cooperation platform, joined by more than three-quarters of the world's countries and over 30 international organizations. Once the Global Governance Initiative was proposed, it quickly received responses from more than 150 countries and international organizations. Second, measures taken to uphold justice are widely supported. China clearly opposes hegemony, high-handedness, and bullying. It has stepped forward in tariff and trade wars, consolidating a broad consensus against unilateralism and protectionism. Upholding an objective and fair stance and actively promoting peace through talks, China’s approach to solving hot-spot issues with its own characteristics has been widely praised by all parties. China actively speaks out for justice for the vast number of developing countries, promoting the correction of historical injustices and strengthening the "Southern voice" in the global governance system. Third, the belief in walking the "Great Way" [5] is highly acclaimed. Xi Jinping Thought on Diplomacy guides Chinese diplomacy to uphold the principles of "self-confidence and self-reliance, openness and inclusiveness, fairness and justice, and win-win cooperation." This includes building "five major homes" of peace, tranquility, prosperity, beauty, and friendship with neighboring countries; pursuing "six modernizations" with Africa; constructing "five major cooperation patterns" with Arab states; and advancing "five major projects" for a China-Latin America community with a shared future. China has granted zero-tariff treatment to 100% of products from the least developed countries that have diplomatic ties with it, and promoted the implementation of zero-tariff measures for 100% of products from 53 African countries with diplomatic ties, winning international moral support. Observers believe that Chinese wisdom and Chinese solutions have become a beacon guiding the world's steady progress, making significant contributions to the cause of global peace and development.
The power to guide practice is becoming more majestic. Under the guidance of Xi Jinping Thought on Diplomacy, Chinese diplomacy has forged ahead through difficulties, creating a more favorable international environment and providing more solid strategic support for the cause of building a strong country and national rejuvenation. We have comprehensively expanded our network of global partnerships, with the number of countries having diplomatic ties with China increasing to 183, and China becoming a major trading partner of more than 150 countries and regions. Serving domestic high-quality development, we have signed 23 free trade agreements with 30 countries and regions. To date, we have implemented unilateral visa-free entry for 50 countries and transit visa-free policies for 55 countries; in the first three quarters of 2025, over 20 million foreigners entered China via visa-free policies. Leading the reform and improvement of the global governance system, we have worked with more than 30 countries to establish the International Organization for Mediation and initiated the World AI Cooperation Organization, filling gaps in governance mechanisms. Firmly carrying the responsibility of "diplomacy for the people" on our shoulders, we have pushed for cooperation with relevant countries to combat transnational crimes, particularly telecommunications and network fraud, successfully rescuing a number of stranded personnel and repatriating or persuading the return of tens of thousands of fraud suspects. Facing tests of high winds, surging waves, or even perilous storms, the diplomatic corps has kept in mind the important requirements proposed by General Secretary Xi Jinping, striving to be practitioners loyal to the Party, pioneers in courageous development, defenders of national interests, and promoters of comprehensively and strictly governing the Party—forging a "diplomatic iron army" capable of shouldering the heavy responsibility of national rejuvenation.
Adhering to the Marxist Standpoint, Viewpoint, and Method is an Inevitable Requirement for Theoretical Innovation
Since the New Era began, our Party has continuously deepened its understanding of the laws of the Party’s theoretical innovation, proposing a series of new thoughts, viewpoints, and judgments, such as the "Two Combinations" and the "Six Must-Adheres." Xi Jinping Thought on Diplomacy persists in combining theory with practice and unifying epistemology with methodology, setting a model for advancing theoretical innovation through materialism and dialectics, and shining with the brilliance of Marxist truth.
Persisting in the "Two Combinations." The "Two Combinations" are a major creation in the Sinicization and modernization of Marxism, and the source of vitality for theoretical innovation. Xi Jinping Thought on Diplomacy uses the "arrow" of Sinicized and modernized Marxism to shoot at the "target" of the specific realities of diplomatic work. It reaches accurate understandings consistent with objective laws regarding the international situation and global trends, and makes strategic deployments consistent with China’s reality and the requirements of the times regarding diplomatic goals and tasks, effectively guiding the practice of major-country diplomacy with Chinese characteristics. Xi Jinping Thought on Diplomacy integrates the essence of Marxist thought with the cream of fine traditional Chinese culture, and incorporates common values that the masses "use daily without being aware of them." It creatively transforms and innovatively develops fine traditional Chinese concepts such as "Grand Unity under Heaven" (tiān xià dà tóng), "harmony without uniformity" (hé ér bù tóng), "benevolence toward neighbors" (qīn rén shàn lín), and "the unity of man and nature" (tiān rén hé yī). These are injected into new diplomatic initiatives and propositions, ensuring that contemporary Chinese diplomacy is imbued with firm cultural self-confidence, exhibiting distinct Chinese characteristics, style, and flair, and possessing a grand historical depth.
Being adept at upholding the fundamentals and breaking new ground. Upholding the fundamentals and breaking new ground is an important ideological method for our Party’s governance of the country in the New Era. The enrichment and development of Xi Jinping Thought on Diplomacy is a process of developing through inheritance and breaking new ground while upholding the fundamentals. On one hand, it adheres to the fine traditions and fundamental direction of Chinese diplomacy, unswervingly upholding the basic principles of Marxism, the comprehensive leadership of the Party, and socialism with Chinese characteristics. On the other hand, it dares to explore and open up new horizons. Proceeding from the current reality and fundamental trend of a shared future and shared global responsibilities for human society, it proposes new propositions such as equal and orderly world multipolarity, universally beneficial and inclusive economic globalization, the building of a community of life for man and Nature [6], and the Open and Inclusive Cooperation Initiative for the Global South. At the same time, it systematically summarizes the valuable experience of major-country diplomacy with Chinese characteristics in the New Era, focusing on new situations, tasks, and requirements to guide the continuous innovation and upgrading of diplomatic concepts, systems, and capabilities. Xi Jinping Thought on Diplomacy insists that upholding the fundamentals and breaking new ground complement each other, maintaining a dialectical unity between adherence to principle and creativity; this significantly enhances the scientific rigor, foresight, proactivity, and creativity of foreign-related work.
Adhering to self-confidence and self-reliance. Self-confidence is the innate spiritual temperament of the Communist Party of China, and self-reliance is an important principle for founding the Party and the country. As an important component of the cause of socialism with Chinese characteristics, diplomatic work must take firm confidence in our path, theory, system, and culture as the source of strength and the foundation of belief for conducting foreign affairs. Independence and self-reliance are the prerequisites and foundation for China to manifest its responsibility as a major country on the international stage. General Secretary Xi Jinping has emphasized: "We must persist in placing the development of our country and nation on the basis of our own strength," "China's problems must be approached from China's basic national conditions," and "China's affairs must be decided and handled by the Chinese people themselves." In the face of great struggles [7], General Secretary Xi Jinping emphasized: "Whenever risks and challenges arise that endanger our country's core interests and major principles, the fundamental interests of our people, or the achievement of the Two Centenary Goals and the realization of the great rejuvenation of the Chinese nation, we must engage in a resolute struggle, without wavering or retreating, until victory is won." Under the guidance of Xi Jinping Thought on Diplomacy, Chinese diplomacy in the New Era persists in taking socialism with Chinese characteristics as its foundation, strengthens strategic confidence, maintains an unremitting pursuit of the noble goal of building a community with a shared future for humanity, and firmly safeguards national sovereignty, security, and development interests. This fully embodies the national will, national spirit, and international image of China in the New Era.
Applying systems thinking. Systems thinking is an important Marxist method and tool for understanding and transforming the world. For example, regarding top-level design, it clarifies that adhering to the Party's leadership over foreign-related work is the fundamental guarantee; it clarifies that the Party Central Committee’s centralized authority over diplomacy is the core principle and fundamental manifestation of achieving the Party’s centralized and unified leadership over foreign-related work, continuously consolidating and expanding the great coordination pattern in which the Party exercises overall leadership and coordinates all parties. The formulation and implementation of the Regulations of the Communist Party of China on the Leadership of Foreign Affairs Work ensures that the Party Central Committee's foreign policy decisions and deployments are implemented to the letter, improving the institutionalized, standardized, and scientific level of foreign affairs work. Regarding the systematization and academic grounding of the theoretical system, it clarifies the mission and purpose of Chinese diplomacy in the New Era, the policies and principles to be upheld in foreign-related work, and the unique style that shapes Chinese diplomacy. In particular, it clarifies that promoting the building of a community with a shared future for humanity is the main thread of diplomatic work, and defines the "four beams and eight pillars" [8] of this scientific system, namely: taking the construction of a world of lasting peace, universal security, common prosperity, openness and inclusiveness, and cleanliness and beauty as the goal; taking the promotion of global governance through extensive consultation, joint contribution, and shared benefits as the path; taking the practice of the common values of humanity as the universal norm; taking the promotion of a new type of international relations as the basic support; taking the implementation of the four major Global Initiatives [9] as the strategic lead; and taking high-quality cooperation under the Belt and Road Initiative as the important practical platform. Xi Jinping Thought on Diplomacy adheres to the scientific method of systems thinking, continuously strengthening the overall planning, systemic integration, and synergistic efficiency of foreign-related work in the New Era.
Always maintaining a global vision. Maintaining a global vision [10] is a historical experience from the Party's century-long struggle, and it is also a position, viewpoint, and method that must be grasped to promote theoretical innovation. Every step of innovation in Xi Jinping Thought on Diplomacy upholds the broad world sentiments of Communists and reflects China’s responsibility as a major country. Guided by Xi Jinping Thought on Diplomacy, Chinese diplomacy follows the "Great Way" [11], upholds justice, takes practical action to safeguard world peace and development, and stands at the forefront of promoting the progress of human civilization. China actively plays its role as a permanent member of the UN Security Council, becoming the permanent member that contributes the most peacekeepers; it actively promotes the political settlement of hotspot issues, mediating and calling for solutions to the Ukraine crisis and the Palestinian-Israeli conflict, and successfully facilitating the reconciliation between Saudi Arabia and Iran and the dialogue between Cambodia and Thailand; it resolutely opposes "decoupling and severing chains" or "building walls and barriers," maintaining the security, stability, and smoothness of global industrial and supply chains; and it takes practical actions to address climate change and lead green development. Seeking progress for humanity and the "Great Harmony" [12] for the world, Chinese diplomacy practices the noble pursuits and original aspirations of a major party and a major country, demonstrating a broad mind and noble spirit that sublates [13] and transcends traditional major-country diplomacy.
Practicing "diplomacy for the people." Any theory divorced from the people is bloodless, and any theory that does not benefit the people lacks vitality. Xi Jinping Thought on Diplomacy adheres to a people-centered approach, firmly safeguards the fundamental interests of the state and the people, and takes the people's sense of gain, security, and satisfaction as the important yardstick for measuring diplomatic work. It insists on taking the people's dreams as its own, guiding diplomatic work to actively serve domestic high-quality development and high-level opening up, creating a favorable external environment and gaining more understanding and support for the realization of the Second Centenary Goal. It insists on using the people's friendship as a bridge, giving play to the unique role of people-to-people diplomacy, moving people with sincerity, heart, and emotion, bringing the Chinese and foreign peoples closer together, and allowing the small streams of people-to-people friendship to converge into a powerful force promoting world peace and development. Chinese diplomacy is the people's diplomacy; rooted in the people, keeping the people in mind, and benefiting the people, it provides inexhaustible momentum for us to overcome difficulties and forge ahead with courage.
Ideology guides the direction; the time for struggle is now. We must unite more closely around the Party Central Committee with Comrade Xi Jinping at its core, profoundly understand the decisive significance of the Two Establishments, strengthen the Four Consciousnesses, firm up the Four Confidences, and achieve the Two Upholds. Taking the deep study and understanding of the Outline for the Study of Xi Jinping Thought on Diplomacy (2025 Edition) as an opportunity, we must completely, accurately, and comprehensively implement the spirit of General Secretary Xi Jinping's important instructions and the Party Central Committee's decisions and deployments. We must strengthen political loyalty, continuously improve our ability to serve and guarantee head-of-state diplomacy, and strive with a strong sense of mission to open a new chapter in major-country diplomacy with Chinese characteristics, promote the building of a community with a shared future for humanity, and make new contributions to the cause of building a strong country and national rejuvenation.