China Focus: "A to Z" of China's diplomacy under Xi's leadership (1)

A "major-country diplomacy with Chinese characteristics" has taken shape since Xi Jinping became the top leader in late 2012.

Following are 26 key words or phrases that relate to this new style of diplomacy.

AIIB

The Asian Infrastructure Investment Bank (AIIB), a new development bank proposed by China, started operation on Jan. 16, 2016.

The new global multilateral financial institution, to support infrastructure projects in Asia, was formally established in Beijing on Dec. 25, 2015. Headquartered in Beijing, it now has 57 founding members.

AIIB also means a great deal to the global economic governance system. It is a product of the evolving economic landscape, and will help make the global economic governance system more just, equitable and effective.

Belt and Road Initiative

The Belt and Road initiative, which comprises the Silk Road Economic Belt and the 21st Century Maritime Silk Road, was first promulgated by Xi in 2013, who envisioned a trade and infrastructure network that connects Asia with Europe and Africa along the ancient Silk Road routes. Over 70 countries and organizations have voiced support for and willingness to join the initiative.

Climate Change

To fulfill its commitment to the Paris Agreement on climate change, China will cut its carbon emissions per unit of GDP by 60 to 65 percent by 2030 from the 2005 levels; increase non-fossil fuel sources in primary energy consumption to about 20 percent; and peak its carbon emissions by 2030. UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon said China had demonstrated great leadership with its remarkable commitment to the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development.

Destiny

The concept of "a community of common destiny" was first raised in a report approved by the 18th National Congress of the Communist Party of China (CPC) in 2012, expressing the hope of the Chinese people to build a better world together with people from other countries.

It underlines that all nations should raise the awareness that everyone on earth is a member of the community of common destiny, meaning there is a common responsibility to pull together in times of trouble, and strive for common development and lasting peace.

Economic Governance

According to a communique issued after the Fifth Plenary Session of the 18th CPC Central Committee, in the five years from 2016, China will further integrate its economy with the wider global economy, and pursue an open strategy of mutual benefit and win-win, while participating in global economic governance and the provision of public goods, raise its institutional discourse power in global economic governance and establish a far-ranging community of shared interests.

FTA

The latest free trade agreements (FTAs) between China and the Republic of Korea (ROK), and between China and Australia, shows that a "grand free trade strategy" is taking shape, bringing the nation closer to establishing a global free trade network and implementing deeper domestic reforms.

China has signed and implemented 14 FTAs covering 22 countries and regions across Asia, Latin America, Oceania and Europe.

G20

China will host the 2016 G20 Summit in the eastern city of Hangzhou on Sept. 4 to 5 under the theme "Building an innovative, invigorated, interconnected and inclusive world economy."

Host

China has hosted the Conference on Interaction and Confidence Building Measures in Asia (CICA) summit; the Asia-Pacific Economic Forum (APEC) summit; and is preparing for the upcoming G20 summit.

These events provide important opportunities for China to promote multilateral diplomacy at home. China's surging international influence has been translated into increasing global attention, hence, the more active diplomatic push on the home court.

Innovation

Innovation will drive development in the five years from 2016, and China understands how important innovation cooperation with foreign countries will be. For example, China and Switzerland agreed to build an innovative strategic partnership during Swiss President Johann Schneider-Ammann's visit to China in April 2016. It is the first time China has established an innovative partnership with any other country.

Justice

In its relations with developing countries, China applies a more balanced approach between upholding justice and seeking interests, which means it will put justice first, and pay more attention to the needs of developing countries.

Korean Peninsula

As a neighbor of the Korean Peninsula, China plays a vital role in maintaining peace and stability in the region. China supports the denuclearization of the peninsula, opposes conflict and seeks to safeguard the legitimate security rights of all members in the region. This reflects China's commitment to resolving disputes peacefully through dialogue and negotiations.

Legitimate Rights

The actions China has taken in the South China Sea are legitimate reactions to safeguard its territorial sovereignty. China will continue to take reasonable and legitimate approaches to safeguard its territorial sovereignty and maritime rights and interests.

Major-Power Relationship

In 2013, President Xi and his U.S. counterpart Barack Obama agreed to build a new type of major-power relationship between the two countries at the Annenberg Estate in California. Two years later, Xi made his first state visit to the United States. His trip has boosted China-U.S. relations and lifted "trans-Pacific cooperation" to a new level. (mo