Interview: China's new international relations concept brings countries closer: EU expert

The Chinese concept of a new type of international relations featuring "win-win cooperation" is pushing various countries around the world to move closer to each other, a European Union (EU) expert said in a recent interview with Xinhua.

Chinese President Xi Jinping has on multiple occasions stressed a need to "build new international relations" with a "win-win cooperation" at its core, in order to build a common destiny for humankind, said Etienne Reuter, a former senior advisor to the European Commission.

China and other major powers are committed to enhancing understanding and cooperation, while developing countries are working more closely together, said Reuter.

The revival of the ancient Silk Road under China's Belt and Road Initiative, announced in 2013, brings together the Chinese economy with foreign investment and business interests, said Reuter, founder of Elliott Consultants, a Brussels consulting firm specializing in European and international affairs.

It is part of a policy of partnership promoting mutual benefits and advantages, said Reuter, who is also an expert on Asian and European affairs.

"The new Chinese strategy encourages reconciliation, commitment and cooperation between the various countries of the world to form a community," said Reuter.

"China is at the forefront as a world power and assumes its responsibilities for peace and the welfare of humankind," he said.

An essential dimension of the new approach remains the assertion that China is still a developing country and is in full solidarity with other developing nations, he said.

It offers trade and assistance to developing countries both in Africa and Latin America and to those in the immediate vicinity in Asia, he added.

China combines this solidarity with a generous approach to lending and mutually beneficial investments, said Reuter, who was the first head of the Delegation of the European Commission in Hong Kong and Macao.

This policy is based on not only a political vision but also an economic and cultural one, as evidenced by scholarships and internship opportunities that China offers to the youth of partner developing countries, Reuter said.

However, the concept of new international relations is not confined to just between developing countries.

During the last three years, President Xi has committed to working with the United States to establish a new type of major-country relationship, Reuter noted..

The country is also deepening its relations with Russia, the EU and other major countries and regions, playing an increasing role as a permanent member of the UN Security Council and at other multinational forums, he said.@ Xi attaches much importance to "the special but very pragmatic" relations with the United States, the EU and Russia, said Reuter.

"It is true that upon taking office, President Xi Jinping has shown he is a strong and visionary president who gave a new impetus to China's action on the world stage," he added.

Reuter noted that this action corresponds with the new reality of the economic power of China and its will and ambition to take responsibility for the peace and welfare of humankind.

In terms of domestic policy, Xi has shown a strong commitment to reforming economic and social structures, including through environmental policy measures, the fight against corruption and changes in family policy and residence permits.

Domestic and foreign policies are related, said Reuter, adding that the environmental problems plaguing China have undoubtedly encouraged a positive approach on an international scale, with China, the United States. and the EU reaching an agreement in Paris on global warming. Endi