On December 20, 2021, State Councilor and Foreign Minister Wang Yi attended the opening ceremony of the Symposium on the International Situation and China's Foreign Relations in 2021 in Beijing and delivered a keynote speech entitled "China's Diplomacy in 2021: Embracing a Global Vision and Serving the Nation and its People".

Wang Yi said, during the past year, the world has witnessed a persistent and unchecked pandemic, accelerating changes unseen in a century and a period of turbulence and transformation globally. Confronted by unprecedented challenges, countries around the world are looking for answers and humanity are required to make the right choice. China has all along stood on the right side of history, and on the side of human progress, the side of international equity and justice, and the side of the vast developing countries. The past year has seen us acting under the strong leadership of the CPC Central Committee with Comrade Xi Jinping at its core, embracing a global vision and serving the nation and our people. We have opened up new vistas amidst global changes, turned crises into opportunities in a complex world, and steadfastly forged ahead through struggle as well as cooperation. For China's diplomacy over the past year, the strongest guide of action is head-of-state diplomacy, the most distinct banner is building a community with a shared future for mankind, the most prominent topic is to tell the world stories of the Chinese people and the CPC, and the most remarkable feature is to adapt to changes properly and keep breaking new ground. Underlying everything we have done, there is one clear theme: to serve national rejuvenation amidst a complex situation and advance peaceful development in a fast-changing world. Great endeavors have been made on the nine fronts:

First, facing a once-in-a-century, protracted and resurging pandemic, we have conducted effective anti-COVID diplomacy and fulfilled the responsibility of a major country.

Second, facing multiple risks to global development, we have injected new impetus into economic recovery and created new opportunities for common development.

Third, facing the contest between true and false multilateralism, we have held high the torch of true multilateralism, and firmly upheld the authority of the UN and a stable international order.

Fourth, facing the profound evolution of the international landscape, we have promoted overall steady growth of China's relations with other major countries and endeavored to build a new type of international relations.

Fifth, facing people's aspiration for peace and development, we have encouraged our neighbor countries to jointly build a beautiful homeland and protect regional peace.

Sixth, facing the developing countries' urgent aspiration for revitalization, we have worked vigorously to further develop the potential of South-South cooperation.

Seventh, facing the common challenges for humanity, we have held high the banner of a community with a shared future for mankind and actively promoted reforms of the global governance system.

Eighth, facing external interference and provocations, we have resolutely defended our national sovereignty, security and dignity.

Ninth, facing a grave and complex external environment, we have worked all-out to serve domestic development and acted on our commitment of serving the people through diplomacy.

Wang Yi pointed out, the year of 2022 marks a critical year in the Chinese people's march toward the second centenary goal. The Party will hold its 20th National Congress. Members of the Chinese foreign service will rally even more closely around the CPC Central Committee with Comrade Xi Jinping at its core. We will keep firmly in mind what is most important for our country and endeavor to foster a more stable and favorable external environment for the great cause of the Party and the country. First, we will make utmost efforts to ensure success of the Beijing Winter Olympic Games. Second, we will take proactive steps to tackle the many challenges in the post-COVID era. Third, we will push for the implementation of the Global Development Initiative. Fourth, we will expand and deepen global partnerships. Fifth, we will stay committed to promoting the steady growth of China-U.S. relations. Sixth, we will firmly safeguard China's core interests.

Wang Yi said, seen in the broader context of human progress, the rejuvenation of the Chinese nation represents an unstoppable trend. On our new historic journey ahead, we in the foreign service will follow the guidance of Xi Jinping Thought on Diplomacy, and continue to strive for the goal of building a community with a shared future for mankind, in order to make greater contributions to our country and to the world, and write new chapters for history and for the future.

The Symposium on the International Situation and China's Foreign Relations in 2021 was co-hosted by the China Institute of International Studies and the China Foundation for International Studies.