Wang Yi on Chinese Foreign Policy
TL;DR
Wang Yi advocates for a major-country diplomacy reflecting China's growing global assertiveness while defending core national interests.
Key Points
He publicly denounced "unilateral bullying" and trade restrictions in a September 2024 address to the United Nations General Assembly.
In January 2025, he publicly called for Japan to improve its ties with China and stated its existing foreign policy towards China was outdated.
He maintained China's policy towards Taiwan and encouraged the United States to support peaceful reunification as of 2025.
Summary
Foreign Minister Wang Yi strongly champions China's current foreign policy direction, characterized by strategic assertiveness and a commitment to multilateralism framed by Chinese concepts. He consistently emphasizes the centrality of the President's thought in guiding foreign affairs, stating that the Ministry will continue to execute this leadership vision, which promotes a "Community of Shared Future for Mankind" as a core goal for global governance. This approach is used to bolster China's international image as a responsible major country and a partner to the Global South, contrasting it with perceived unilateralism from unnamed opponents.
This assertive stance is coupled with a firm defense of China's core interests, particularly regarding Taiwan, where he has emphasized that no country can suppress China while maintaining good relations. While publicly favoring stability in relations with major powers like the United States and Europe, he remains unyielding on issues considered internal affairs, such as Taiwan and Hong Kong, suggesting a foreign policy that oscillates between pragmatic engagement and unwavering defense of sovereignty.
Key Quotes
In his inaugural press conference as Foreign Affairs Minister in March 2014, Wang characterized this new direction as "proactively striving for achievements to let the world hear of the Chinese solutions and Chinese voices."
Frequently Asked Questions
Wang Yi's main focus is championing China's foreign policy as a major-country diplomacy that is both assertive globally and firm on core national interests. He promotes China’s vision for global governance through concepts like the "Community of Shared Future for Mankind." He seeks to position China as a responsible great power and a mediator for the Global South.
His overall stance remains assertively committed to China's strategic goals, though his rhetoric can appear measured when engaging with powers like the US or Europe. For instance, he has advocated for stable U.S.-China ties while simultaneously warning that no country can suppress China and maintain good relations.
Wang Yi has repeatedly criticized what he terms "unilateral, bullying acts" by the United States and has urged the US not to interfere in China's internal affairs. He advocates for a multipolar world order, suggesting that US attempts to contain China are unwise and doomed to fail.
Sources6
Wang Yi Lays Out Expansive Chinese Foreign Policy Vision in UN Address
FOREIGN POLICY AT THE NATIONAL PEOPLE'S CONGRESS
Wang Yi - Wikipedia
China's New Foreign Policy Moderation—Mixed Regional Implications
China's Foreign Policy 2024: Strategic assertiveness and diplomatic adaptation
Japan’s response to Chinese economic coercion
* This is not an exhaustive list of sources.