Striving for a closer China-Tonga Community
with a Shared Future
Mr. Ruan Dewen
Chargé dʼAffaires ad interim of the Embassy of the People’s Republic of China in the Kingdom of Tonga
In the universe there is only one Earth, the shared home of humanity. Unfortunately, this planet on which we rely for our subsistence is facing immense and unprecedented crises, both known and unknown, both foreseeable and unforeseeable. Whether human civilization can survive these has become an existential issue that must be squarely faced. “Where is humanity headed?” More and more people have come to the realization that rather than amassing material wealth, the most pressing task is to find a guiding beacon for the sustainable development of human civilization, because we all care about our future.
Recently, the Central Conference on Work Relating to Foreign Affairs was held in Beijing, China. Xi Jinping, President of the People’s Republic of China, delivered an important address. He presented a systematic review of the historic achievements and valuable experience of major-country diplomacy with Chinese characteristics in the new era, gave a profound exposition on the international environment and historical mission of China’s external work on the new journey, and made comprehensive plans for China’s external work for the present and coming periods.
It was pointed out at the conference that building a community with a shared future for mankind is the core tenet of Xi Jinping Thought on Diplomacy and also the noble goal pursued by China in conducting major-country diplomacy with Chinese characteristics for the new era. It is how China proposes to solve the questions of what kind of world to build and how to build it based on the deepening understanding of the laws governing the development of human society. It reflects the Chinese Communists’ worldview, perception of order, and values, accords with the common aspiration of people in all countries, and points the direction for the progress of world civilizations.
Since the dawn of this new era, building a community with a shared future for mankind has developed from a Chinese initiative to an international consensus, from a promising vision to substantive actions, and from a conceptual proposition to a scientific system. It has served as a glorious banner leading the progress of the times.
In summary, in building a community with a shared future for mankind, the goal is to build an open, inclusive, clean and beautiful world of lasting peace, universal security and shared prosperity, the pathway is promoting global governance that features extensive consultation and joint contribution for shared benefit, the guiding principle is to apply the common values of humanity, the basic underpinning lies in building a new type of international relations, the strategic guidance comes from the implementation of the Global Development Initiative, the Global Security Initiative and the Global Civilization Initiative, and the platform for action is high-quality Belt and Road cooperation. On this basis, we seek to bring countries together to meet challenges and achieve prosperity for all, and usher in a bright future of peace, security, prosperity and progress for our world.
Building a community with a shared future for mankind has been fully reflected in China’s relations with Tonga and other Pacific island countries. In 2018, President Xi Jinping held a collective meeting with leaders of PICs having diplomatic relations with China, and agreed to elevate bilateral relations to a compehensive strategic parternership featuring mutual respect and common development. In 2022, then State Councilor and Foreign Minister Wang Yi visited Tonga and other PICs, emphasizing that China consistently states that all countries, big or small, are eaqul. When developing friendly relations with Tonga and other PICs, China will uphold justice and pursuing shared interests and follow the principle of sincerity, real results, affinity and good faith. China treats PICs as an important part of South-South cooperation and an important partner in building a community with a shared future for mankind.
Great transformation is accelerating across the world. Changes of the world, of our times, and of historical significance are unfolding like never before, and the world has entered a new period of turbulence and transformation. This is an era of promise and an era of challenges. At yet another crossroads in history, we have to choose between unity and division, between opening up and closing off, between cooperation and confrontation. With the overall interests of humanity at stake, this choice tests the wisdom of all countries.
Given the series of major issues and challenges facing the world today, China calls for an equal and orderly multipolar world and a universally beneficial and inclusive economic globalization.
An equal and orderly multipolar world is one in which all countries, regardless of size, are treated as equals, hegemonism and power politics are rejected, and democracy is truly promoted in international relations. The purposes and principles of the United Nations Charter must be observed by all, and true multilateralism must be practiced.
A universally beneficial and inclusive economic globalization is one that meets the common needs of all countries, especially the developing countries, and properly addresses the development imbalances between and within countries resulting from the global allocation of resources. It is also important to firmly promote trade and investment liberalization and facilitation and make economic globalization more open, inclusive, balanced and beneficial to all.
Last year, we just celebrated the 25th anniversary of the establishment of the diplomatic relations between the People’s Republic of China and the Kingdom of Tonga. As an old Chinese saying goes, “A partnership forged with the right approach defies geographical distance; it is thicker than glue and stronger than metal and stone.” Over the past quarter century, we have made important progress and achieved fruitful outcomes in a wide range of areas, including high-level communication, trade and economic cooperation, as well as people-to-people and cultural exchanges. China-Tonga relations have become a model of solidarity, cooperation, and joint development among developing countries and countries of different sizes.
Facts have proven that China and Tonga are good friends, good brothers and sisters who can trust and rely on each other. Standing at a new historical starting point, China will continue to work with Tonga in the same direction, enhance political mutual trust, deepen cooperation in priority areas, increase the quality and effectiveness of the comprehensive strategic partnership, deliver more benefits to the people, and jointly deliver a brighter future for the world.