On March 8, 2026, Member of the Political Bureau of the CPC Central Committee and Foreign Minister Wang Yi spoke of neighborhood diplomacy in response to a question.

Wang Yi said, neighbors helping neighbors and building an amicable neighborhood is part of Chinese tradition and culture. China always places the neighboring region in a priority position of its diplomatic agenda. President Xi Jinping has put forth the principle of amity, sincerity, mutual benefit and inclusiveness for China’s neighborhood diplomacy in the new era. Last year, the CPC Central Committee held the first conference on work related to neighboring countries, further setting the goal of building a community with a shared future with neighboring countries. This is welcomed and supported by the neighboring countries.

Wang Yi pointed out, the world is entering a period of turbulence, but Asia has managed to maintain overall stability and rapid growth, contributing over 60 percent of global growth in the past year. This is no easy feat, but a result of the collective efforts of China and the neighboring countries. Surely, there are often political changes within countries in the region, and complex, sensitive issues left from history still exist between countries. But the underlying character of good-neighborliness and friendship remains unchanged, and the prevailing trend of win-win cooperation remains unchanged.

Wang Yi said, a key factor underpinning peace and stability in the region is China’s steadfast commitment to the policy on fostering an amicable, secure and prosperous neighborhood, to the principle of amity, sincerity, mutual benefit and inclusiveness, to the vision of shared future for humanity, and to open regionalism and true multilateralism. Imagine this: Should China act like some traditional powers bent on carving out spheres of influence, provoking camp-based rivalry and even adopting a beggar-thy-neighbor approach, would Asia still be as stable as it is today? Would the international community still be able to benefit from the development opportunities of Asia? Facts show that China is always an anchor for regional security, an engine for development and prosperity, and a champion of the shared values of Asian countries. We are happy and proud to play this role, and we stand ready to step up such efforts in the future.