Guo Jiping Article Defines Contours of the Handshake Xi is Offering Trump - China & Tajikistan Ink Key Treaty - Wang Wants Pakistan to 'Intensify' Iran War Mediation
Here are the key reports and articles from the People’s Daily’s edition on Wednesday, May 13, 2026.
Page 1: The front page is dominated by Xi Jinping’s meeting with visiting leaders. First, the readout of Xi’s meeting with Tajik President Emomali Rahmon says:
President Xi congratulated Tajikistan on the 35th anniversary of its independence and on the major achievements of its national development. President Xi noted that steadfast mutual support is the defining feature of China-Tajikistan relations. No matter how the external environment evolves, China and Tajikistan will remain good neighbors looking out for each other, good friends sharing candor and mutual trust, and good partners pursuing joint development. The signing of the China-Tajikistan Treaty on Permanent Good-Neighborliness, Friendship and Cooperation will fully demonstrate the high-level political mutual trust between the two countries and provide a solid underpinning for China-Tajikistan everlasting friendship. China stands ready to work with the Tajik side to build an even closer China-Tajikistan community with a shared future and deliver greater benefits to the people of the two countries.”
“President Xi stressed that China will, as always, support Tajikistan in following a development path suited to its national conditions and in upholding national independence, sovereignty and security. This year, China begins the implementation of its 15th Five-Year Plan. Tajikistan is also advancing its National Development Strategy for the period up to 2030. The two sides should focus on high-quality Belt and Road cooperation and further align their development strategies to support the pursuit of their respective development goals. The two sides should build on the strong momentum of economic and trade cooperation, tap into greater cooperation potential, and enhance both the scale and quality of trade and investment. The two sides should guarantee the implementation of major projects and expand cooperation on green energy, digital economy, smart city and artificial intelligence to further boost sci-tech innovation. The two sides should deepen people-to-people exchanges and cultivate a new model of sub-national cooperation to enhance mutual understanding and friendship between the two peoples. The two sides should also step up law enforcement and security cooperation and resolutely crack down on the three forces of terrorism, separatism and extremism to jointly uphold regional stability. China welcomes Tajikistan as a new signatory to the IOMed Convention and stands ready to strengthen cooperation under the U.N., the SCO, the China-Central Asia mechanism and other frameworks to promote true multilateralism and work for the building of a more just and equitable global governance system.”
As per the readout, Rahmon said:
“The signing of the Tajikistan-China Treaty on Permanent Good-Neighborliness, Friendship and Cooperation today brings bilateral relations into a new historical stage and will open up new prospects for long-term cooperation between the two countries. Taiwan is an inalienable part of China, and Tajikistan firmly adheres to the one-China principle. Tajikistan looks forward to working with China to strengthen practical cooperation in such areas as critical minerals, artificial intelligence and sci-tech innovation, facilitate mutual personnel visits, enhance educational exchanges and promote greater development of bilateral relations. The Global Governance Initiative put forward by President Xi is of great significance to the world. Tajikistan highly appreciates China’s unremitting efforts to promote the political settlement of international hotspot issues and its important role in easing the situation in the Middle East. Tajikistan is ready to strengthen multilateral cooperation with China and jointly combat the three forces of terrorism, separatism and extremism and transnational crimes to maintain regional stability.”
The two sides issued a joint statement, along with that, deals were inked in domains like party-to-party exchanges, economy, trade and investment, artificial intelligence, green mining, media agriculture, culture, education, housing development, inspection and quarantine and market supervision.
Tajik media reports that the two sides signed 31 cooperation documents in all. The entire list is available here.
There’s also a report on Li Qiang and Zhao Leji meeting Rahmon. Xinhua’s report on the Li-Rahmon meeting says:
“Noting that the two countries are working closely to build a China-Tajikistan community with a shared future at a higher level, Li said China stands ready to further cement political mutual trust with Tajikistan, step up mutual support on issues concerning each other’s core interests, and resolutely oppose interference by any external forces. China is willing to work with Tajikistan to strive for more solid progress in promoting the China-Tajikistan comprehensive strategic cooperative partnership in the new era, injecting fresh momentum into the development and prosperity of both countries. The Chinese side stands ready to work with the Tajik side to continue leveraging the role of the intergovernmental economic and trade cooperation committee, steadily expand the scale of trade, improve the quality and effectiveness of investment cooperation, and deepen cooperation in such areas as mineral resources, green industries, digital economy and infrastructure, Li said. He noted that China is willing to import more high-quality products from Tajikistan and encourage more competitive Chinese enterprises to invest in the country. He stressed the need for both countries to continue deepening exchanges and cooperation in culture, education, health, sub-national cooperation and other fields, accelerate the mutual establishment of cultural centers, and further consolidate public support for the friendship between the two countries. China and Tajikistan are both important forces in the Global South, Li said, adding that the two sides should strengthen coordination and collaboration under such frameworks as the United Nations, the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) and the China-Central Asia mechanism, and work with all parties to uphold multilateralism, promote openness and win-win cooperation, and build a more just and equitable global governance system. China will fully support Tajikistan in hosting this year’s meeting of the Council of Heads of Government of Member States of the SCO, Li pointed out.”
Zhao told him that “China’s NPC is ready to strengthen exchanges and cooperation with the parliament of Tajikistan to provide a legal guarantee for the long-term healthy and stable development of China-Tajikistan relations.”
The full text of the China-Tajikistan Treaty on Permanent Good-Neighborliness, Friendship and Cooperation is available on Page 2. Article 15 says that the treaty shall remain in force for an indefinite period (本条约长期有效.), unless either party chooses to terminate it. Then, there’s a procedure outlined. Some of the text is really interesting:
Article 1: The contracting parties shall, in accordance with the generally recognised principles and norms of international law, comprehensively develop a long-term and stable strategic partnership on the basis of the principles of mutual respect for sovereignty and territorial integrity, mutual non-aggression, non-interference in each other’s internal affairs, equality and mutual benefit, and peaceful coexistence. 第一条缔约双方根据公认的国际法原则和准则，在相互尊重主权和领土完整、互不侵犯、互不干涉内政、平等互利、和平共处的原则基础上，全面发展长期稳定的战略伙伴关系.
Article 2 has Tajikistan backing the One-China principle. Article 3 says that “the Contracting Parties shall strictly abide by all border agreements and documents signed by the two countries, and are committed to building the border between the two countries into a border of permanent peace and friendship passed down from generation to generation.” 第三条缔约双方将严格遵守两国签订的所有边界协定和文件，致力于将两国边界建设成永久和平、世代友好的边界.
Article 4: Neither contracting party shall join any alliance or bloc that undermines the sovereignty, security, or territorial integrity of the other contracting party, nor shall it take any such action, including the conclusion of treaties with third countries to such effect, or support any action hostile to the other Contracting Party. Neither contracting party shall permit a third country to utilize its territory to engage in any activity that undermines the interests of the other Contracting Party, including the use of its territory to undermine the sovereignty, security, or territorial integrity of the other contracting party. Neither Contracting Party shall permit the establishment within its territory of any organisation or group that undermines the sovereignty, security, or territorial integrity of the other contracting party, and shall prohibit the activities of any such organisation or group. 第四条缔约一方不参加任何损害缔约另一方主权、安全和领土完整的联盟或集团，不采取任何此类行动，包括不同第三国缔结此类条约，不支持任何敌视缔约另一方的行动。缔约一方不得允许第三国利用本国领土从事任何损害缔约另一方利益的活动，包括利用其领土损害缔约另一方的主权、安全和领土完整。缔约一方不得允许在本国领土上成立损害缔约另一方主权、安全和领土完整的组织或团伙，并禁止其活动.
Article 5 In the event of a complex situation or crisis emerging internationally or regionally that may constitute a threat to the peace or security interests of one of the contracting parties, the two contracting parties shall immediately consult and formulate measures to prevent the threat. 第五条一旦国际和地区出现复杂局势或爆发危机，有可能对缔约一方的和平或安全利益构成威胁，缔约双方将立即协商，制定防止威胁的措施.
Article 6 covers the need for dialogue between foreign ministers and legislatures. The next couple of points are around collaboration related to BRI and in governance experiences. Article 9 deals with commitments to combat crimes, terrorism, etc.
Article 10: The two contracting parties shall continue to deepen mutual trust in the military sphere, carry out military and military-technical cooperation not directed against third parties, strengthen military exchanges at all levels, expand mutually beneficial cooperation in military personnel training, and safeguard the common interests of the two contracting parties and regional security. 第十条缔约双方将继续深化军事领域互信，开展不针对第三方的军事和军技合作，加强各层级军事交流，拓展军事人员培训方面的互利合作，维护缔约双方共同利益和地区安全.
The four global initiatives and the vision of a community with a shared future for mankind is written into the document. Also written into the text is that “the two contracting parties jointly oppose unilateralism, protectionism, and economic bullying, and support and uphold the rules-based multilateral trading system with the World Trade Organization (WTO) at its core. The contracting parties reaffirm the importance of development issues in the work of the WTO, and support WTO reform to enhance its effectiveness and enable it to play a greater role in global economic governance.” 缔约双方共同反对单边主义、保护主义和经济霸凌，支持和维护以世贸组织为核心、以规则为基础的多边贸易体制。缔约双方重申发展议题在世贸组织工作中的重要性，支持世贸组织改革以增强其有效性并在全球经济治理中发挥更大作用.
Also on Page 2, the full text of the joint statement has been published. Key points:
The two sides have established a strategic dialogue mechanism between the two countries’ foreign ministers
“Both sides emphasise that they will firmly support each other on issues involving their respective core interests, and resolutely oppose interference in internal affairs by external forces, as well as the application of double standards. The Tajik side firmly supports the One China principle, recognises that there is only one China in the world, that Taiwan is an inalienable part of China’s territory, and that the government of the People’s Republic of China is the sole legal government representing the whole of China. The Tajik side opposes ‘Taiwan independence’ in any form, reiterates that it will not conduct any form of official exchanges with Taiwan, supports all efforts made by the Chinese government to realize national reunification, and emphasises that the authority of United Nations General Assembly Resolution 2758 is beyond question. The Tajik side firmly supports the Chinese side’s just position on issues related to Xinjiang, Hong Kong and Tibet. The Chinese side, as always, firmly supports Tajikistan’s independence, sovereignty and territorial integrity, supports the development path independently chosen by the Tajik side, and the efforts it has made to safeguard national security and stability, development and prosperity, as well as to protect historical and cultural identity and promote the common values of all humanity.”
三、双方强调将在涉及彼此核心利益问题上相互坚定支持，坚决反对外部势力干涉内政，坚决反对搞双重标准。塔方坚定支持一个中国原则，承认世界上只有一个中国，台湾是中国领土不可分割的一部分，中华人民共和国政府是代表全中国的唯一合法政府。塔方反对任何形式的“台独”，重申不同台湾开展任何形式的官方往来，支持中国政府为实现国家统一所作的一切努力，强调联合国大会第2758号决议的权威性不容置疑。塔方坚定支持中方在涉疆、涉港、涉藏等问题上的正义立场。中方一如既往坚定支持塔吉克斯坦的独立、主权和领土完整，支持塔方自主选择的发展道路，为维护国家安全稳定、发展繁荣以及保护历史文化认同、弘扬全人类价值观所作的努力.
Both sides emphasise that ensuring security and sustainable development is an important issue faced by the international community. In view of this, strengthening security cooperation between the two countries is of important significance. Both sides will jointly combat the ‘three forces’, as well as activities such as money laundering, drug and weapons smuggling, cybercrime, transnational organized crime, economic crime, cross-border corruption, and illegal immigration. Both sides agreed to continue strengthening security measures for BRI projects, and safeguard the safety of enterprises and personnel of the two countries. In view of this, both sides emphasised the importance of the ‘Dushanbe Process’ on combating terrorism and its financing as a multilateral platform for strengthening international counterterrorism and anti-extremism cooperation, and believe it is necessary to continue supporting the development of this process in order to safeguard international and regional stability. The Chinese side welcomes and supports the Tajik side in holding the fifth high-level conference within the framework of the ‘Dushanbe Process’ at United Nations Headquarters in New York in June 2026. Both sides will strengthen exchanges and cooperation in the field of emergency management, and properly build and utilize the China-Tajikistan Work Safety Regulations and Standards Retrieval Platform. The Chinese side is willing to support the Tajik side in building a search-and-rescue training center and a mine safety technology center, and jointly strengthen emergency management capacity building. Both sides positively evaluated the work of the China-Tajikistan Joint Commission on Border Affairs and instructed relevant departments to further strengthen the construction of this mechanism. Both sides positively evaluated the level of friendly cooperation relations between the two militaries, and are willing to continue strengthening cooperation in the defense field and carry out mutual visits of delegations, personnel training, and joint counterterrorism cooperation.
四、双方强调，保障安全与可持续发展是国际社会面临的重要问题。鉴此，两国加强安全合作具有重要意义。双方将共同打击“三股势力”，以及洗钱、毒品和武器走私、网络犯罪、跨国有组织犯罪、经济犯罪、跨境腐败和非法移民等活动。双方同意继续加强共建“一带一路”项目安保举措，保障两国企业和人员安全。鉴此，双方强调打击恐怖主义及其融资“杜尚别进程”作为加强国际反恐怖主义和极端主义合作多边平台的重要性，认为有必要继续支持该进程发展，维护国际和地区稳定。中方欢迎并支持塔方于2026年6月在纽约联合国总部举行“杜尚别进程”框架内第五次高级别会议。双方将加强应急管理领域交流合作，建设好利用好中国—塔吉克斯坦安全生产法规标准检索平台。中方愿支持塔方建设搜救培训中心和矿山安全技术中心，共同加强应急管理能力建设。双方积极评价中塔国界联合委员会工作，责成相关部门进一步加强该机制建设。双方积极评价两军友好合作关系水平，愿继续加强防务领域合作，开展团组互访、人员培训和联合反恐合作.’
In terms of BRI, the document talks about cooperation in areas like “in fields such as industry, information and communication technology, trade and economy, investment, connectivity, and green mining.” “Both sides will adopt effective measures to further expand the scale of bilateral trade, optimise the trade structure, deepen cooperation in service trade, e-commerce, digital economy, and sustainable development, jointly maintain the stability and security of industrial and supply chains, and explore new opportunities for trade and innovation cooperation between the two countries. Both sides emphasised that strengthening regional transportation and port infrastructure connectivity under the BRI framework is of important significance. Both sides are willing to promote the establishment of a bilateral port cooperation mechanism, strengthen practical cooperation at ports, continue advancing the modernization and upgrading of the China-Tajikistan highway and the Karasu–Kulma Pass port, ensure smooth operation of the port, and raise port customs clearance capacity and the level of connectivity between the two countries.”
“Both sides will actively promote exchanges of young scientists and push for practical results in areas such as technology transfer, joint research, and jointly building scientific research platforms, providing solid support for jointly cultivating new quality productive forces in the two countries.”
“Based on the key role played by the Tajik side in advancing the water resources and climate agenda, both sides are willing to provide support for the activities of the Regional Coordination Centre for Glacier Research in Dushanbe. The Chinese side will provide technical assistance in the field of monitoring glacier melting using modern remote sensing technology. Both sides are willing to deepen agricultural cooperation and continue expanding practical cooperation in agricultural trade, investment, science and technology, and the training of agricultural professionals. Both sides are willing to uphold the principle of mutual benefit and develop cooperation across the entire industrial chain in the mineral sector, while strengthening joint personnel training. Both sides are willing to implement joint renewable energy projects, including cooperation in equipment, technology, standards, and other areas related to photovoltaics, wind power, energy storage, and other green energy fields.
双方高度评价中塔政府间经贸合作委员会发挥的重要作用。双方将采取有效措施进一步扩大双边贸易规模，优化贸易结构，深化服务贸易、电子商务、数字经济和可持续发展领域合作，共同维护产业链供应链稳定安全，发掘两国贸易和创新合作的新机遇。双方强调在共建“一带一路”倡议框架下加强区域交通和口岸基础设施互联互通具有重要意义。双方愿推动建立双边口岸合作机制，加强口岸务实合作，继续推进中塔公路、卡拉苏—阔勒买口岸现代化改造，保障口岸畅通运行，提升口岸通关能力和两国互联互通水平。双方强调不断深化科技创新合作具有重要意义，高度评价中塔科技合作委员会发挥的重要作用。双方将积极促进青年科学家交流，推动在技术转移、联合研究、共建科研平台等方面取得务实成果，为两国共同培育新质生产力提供坚实支撑。基于塔方在推进水资源和气候议程中发挥的关键作用，双方愿为杜尚别区域冰川中心活动提供支持。中方将在使用现代遥感技术监测冰川融化领域提供技术协助。双方愿深化农业合作，继续扩大农业贸易、投资、科技和农业专业人才培养等务实合作。双方愿秉持互惠互利原则，发展矿产领域全产业链合作，加强人才联合培养。双方愿实施可再生能源共同项目，包括光伏、风电、储能及其他绿色能源领域装备、技术、标准等合作。
The next bit revolves around enhancing people-to-people exchanges, easing visa procedures, cooperation in healthcare and traditional medicine, and education.
This is followed by focussing on global issues and global governance:
“In the face of unprecedented global challenges, both sides will firmly uphold the international system with the United Nations at its core, the international order based on international law, and the basic norms governing international relations based on the purposes and principles of the UN Charter. Both sides are committed to promoting an equal and orderly multipolar world and universally beneficial and inclusive economic globalization, opposing all forms of unilateralism and protectionism, calling for the practice of true multilateralism, advancing the democratization of international relations, and jointly safeguarding international fairness and justice. Both sides will strengthen coordination and cooperation within the framework of the United Nations, maintain cooperation on matters of common concern in multilateral settings, and promote the building of a more just and reasonable global governance system.
Both sides are willing to further deepen comprehensive strategic coordination within the frameworks of mechanisms such as the United Nations, the Shanghai Cooperation Organization, the China–Central Asia mechanism, and the Conference on Interaction and Confidence Building Measures in Asia, and jointly respond to global and regional challenges. Both sides highly evaluate the important role played by the China–Central Asia mechanism in strengthening coordination between China and Central Asian countries, and will strive to ensure the complete success of the third China–Central Asia Summit to be held in China in 2027.
The Tajik side highly appreciates and supports the concept proposed by the Chinese side of building a community with a shared future for mankind, as well as the Global Development Initiative, the Global Security Initiative, the Global Civilization Initiative, and the Global Governance Initiative, and believes that the above initiatives are of important significance for realising the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals and safeguarding world security and development. The Chinese side welcomes the Tajik side’s joining the International Organization for Mediation, and both sides are willing to use this as a platform to promote the peaceful settlement of international disputes and contribute strength to promoting the development of the international order in a more just and reasonable direction. The Chinese side notes the leading role played by the Tajik side on the international stage in advancing the water resources and climate agenda, and welcomes and supports the Tajik side in hosting the fourth high-level conference of the ‘Water for Sustainable Development’ 2018–2028 Action Decade in 2026.” 七、面对前所未有的全球性挑战，双方将坚定捍卫以联合国为核心的国际体系、以国际法为基础的国际秩序、以联合国宪章宗旨和原则为基础的国际关系基本准则。双方致力于推动平等有序的世界多极化和普惠包容的经济全球化，反对各种形式的单边主义、保护主义，呼吁践行真正的多边主义，推进国际关系民主化，共同维护国际公平正义。双方将加强在联合国框架内的协调配合，在多边场合就共同关心的事务保持合作，推动构建更加公正合理的全球治理体系。双方愿进一步深化在联合国、上海合作组织、中国—中亚机制、亚洲相互协作与信任措施会议等机制框架内的全方位战略协作，共同应对全球和地区挑战。双方高度评价中国—中亚机制为加强中国同中亚国家协作发挥的重要作用，将努力确保2027年在中国举办的第三届中国—中亚峰会圆满成功。塔方高度赞赏并支持中方提出的构建人类命运共同体理念以及全球发展倡议、全球安全倡议、全球文明倡议和全球治理倡议，认为上述倡议对实现联合国可持续发展目标、维护世界安全与发展具有重要意义。中方欢迎塔方加入国际调解院，双方愿以此为平台推动和平解决国际争端，为推动国际秩序朝着更加公正合理的方向发展贡献力量。中方注意到塔方在国际舞台为推进水资源和气候议程发挥的引领作用，欢迎并支持塔方于2026年举办“水促进可持续发展”2018—2028十年行动第四届高级别会议.
Next on AI, the document says:
“Both sides will promote the formulation of joint plans in the fields of AI research and practical application, including e-governance, digital government services, smart agriculture, industrial automation, and cybersecurity. China stands ready to provide Tajikistan with advanced digital technologies and capabilities, and to jointly cultivate high-caliber talent in this field. The Tajik side believes that the Chinese side’s initiative to establish a World Artificial Intelligence Cooperation Organization is a practical action to promote the beneficial and inclusive development of AI, and will jointly advance global governance and international cooperation on AI together with the Chinese side. Both sides emphasised the importance of the United Nations General Assembly’s adoption of the resolution proposed by the Tajik side on ‘The Role of Artificial Intelligence in Creating New Opportunities for Sustainable Development in Central Asia’, and believe that the implementation of this resolution, including the two countries’ cooperation in establishing a Regional Artificial Intelligence Center in Dushanbe, will create new opportunities for sustainable development in the Central Asian region.” 双方将推动在人工智能研究和务实应用领域制定联合计划，包括电子管理、数字政务、智慧农业、工业自动化和网络安全领域。中方愿向塔方提供先进数字技术和能力，联合培养该领域高素质人才。塔方认为中方倡议成立世界人工智能合作组织是促进人工智能向善普惠发展的实际行动，将同中方共同推进人工智能全球治理和国际合作。双方强调联合国大会通过塔方提出的“人工智能为中亚地区可持续发展创造新机遇方面的作用”决议的重要性，认为该决议的实施，包括两国合作建立杜尚别人工智能中心为中亚地区可持续发展创造新机遇.
Finally, the two sides reaffirm that an Afghanistan that is independent, neutral, united, peaceful, free from terrorism, war and drugs, and living in peace and harmony with all neighbouring countries, accords with the common interests of the Afghan people and countries of the region. Both sides support Afghanistan in governing prudently, focusing on development, resolutely combating terrorism, maintaining good-neighbourly friendship, and realising lasting peace and long-term stability at an early date. Both sides note that the humanitarian situation in Afghanistan remains severe, and support the international community in continuing to provide necessary assistance to the Afghan people suffering from the hardships of war. Both sides call on regional countries and the international community to strengthen bilateral and multilateral counterterrorism cooperation with Afghanistan. Both sides welcome comprehensive measures to eliminate terrorism as soon as possible and address all challenges and threats originating from within Afghanistan. Both sides reaffirmed that they will continue advancing the construction of the China–Tajikistan–Afghanistan transport corridor. 九、双方重申，独立、中立、统一、和平，远离恐怖主义、战争和毒品并同所有邻国和平和谐相处的阿富汗，符合阿富汗人民和地区各国的共同利益。双方支持阿富汗稳健施政、聚焦发展、坚决打恐、睦邻友好，早日实现长治久安。双方注意到阿富汗人道主义现状依然严峻，支持国际社会继续向饱受战乱困苦的阿富汗人民提供必要援助。双方呼吁地区国家和国际社会同阿富汗加强双多边反恐合作。双方欢迎综合施策尽早清除恐怖主义，应对来自阿富汗境内的所有挑战和威胁。双方重申，将继续推进中国—塔吉克斯坦—阿富汗交通走廊建设.
The readout of Xi’s meeting with Crown Prince of Brunei Haji Al-Muhtadee Billah says:
Xi said that “last year, Sultan Haji Hassanal Bolkiah Mu’izzaddin Waddaulah and him reached the important consensus of building a China-Brunei community with a shared future, opening a brand new chapter in bilateral relations. This year marks the 35th anniversary of the establishment of China-Brunei diplomatic ties. In a changing and turbulent world, the two sides should stay committed to the vision of a China-Brunei community with a shared future, strengthen strategic communication and deepen practical cooperation to provide more positive energy for peace and stability in the region.”
“President Xi Jinping emphasized that this year China has begun to implement its 15th Five-Year Plan for economic and social development, and Brunei is advancing toward its Wawasan 2035. The two sides should leverage the synergy to take China-Brunei cooperation to a new height. First, the two sides should be strategic partners with a high-degree of mutual trust, and continue to firmly support each other and promote exchanges and cooperation across the board in a coordinated way. Second, the two sides should be development partners in win-win cooperation, and advance major flagship cooperation projects and expand cooperation in such emerging sectors as artificial intelligence and the digital economy. Third, the two sides should build cultural ties to enhance mutual understanding and amity, jointly act on the Globalization Civilization Initiative and step up people-to-people exchanges to create new highlights of people-to-people connectivity. Fourth, the two sides should be partners in global governance, and work with other ASEAN countries to develop a closer China-ASEAN community with a shared future and build this region into a shining example of peace, stability, development and prosperity in a world undergoing profound changes.”
Interestingly, the Crown Prince said that: “Brunei is firmly committed to the one-China policy. Brunei is ready to work with China to advance the vision of building a community with a shared future decided on by the two heads of state, deepen the strategic cooperative partnership, maintain close high-level engagement and strengthen trade and investment cooperation to deliver benefits to the two peoples. Under the visionary leadership of President Xi Jinping, China has made major achievements in its economic and social development and produced remarkable outcomes in poverty reduction. He expressed his confidence that China will successfully implement its new blueprint of the 15th Five-Year Plan and make greater progress. China has played a crucial role in promoting world peace and stability and upholding multilateralism and the international order. Brunei highly commends the vision of building a community with a shared future for humanity and the Global Governance Initiative put forward by President Xi Jinping. The ASEAN-China comprehensive strategic partnership is beneficial for the region. Brunei looks forward to closely collaborating with China to deepen ASEAN-China cooperation and safeguard regional prosperity and stability.”
Han Zheng also met with the Crown Prince.
Next, we have a report on Xi’s meeting with UNESCO Director General Khaled El-Enany. Xi said that “China actively supports the work of UNESCO, and the two sides have done many things for safeguarding world peace and promoting global development.” He added:
“The world’s prevailing trend of peace, development, cooperation and win-win interactions remains unchanged, but with the resurgence of the Cold War mentality, hegemonism and unilateralism, global governance has come to a new fork in the road. He underlined that China is committed to practicing true multilateralism, supports and upholds the authority of the United Nations, and supports UNESCO in playing an important role in global governance. He said that China is ready to work with UNESCO to implement the four global initiatives, enable people of all countries to share in the progress in education, science and culture, better respond to the common challenges facing human society, and jointly build a community with a shared future for humanity. He stressed the need for the two sides to deepen cooperation in areas such as artificial intelligence (AI), open science and digital education, advocate respect for the diversity of civilizations, promote mutual respect and harmonious coexistence among different civilizations, strengthen cooperation with the Global South countries, and promote cultural heritage preservation and cultural exchanges and mutual learning.”
Another report on the page informs that Li Qiang has sent a message to Peter Magyar on assuming office as Hungary’s prime minister. “Li said that China has always regarded Hungary as an important partner in Europe. He expressed willingness to work with the Hungarian side to carry forward traditional friendship, enhance mutual political trust, deepen practical cooperation, and promote the steady and sustained development of China-Hungary relations, so as to better benefit the peoples of both countries.”
Page 2: There’s a report on Wang Yi’s call with his Pakistani counterpart Ishaq Dar.
Dar briefed the Chinese side on the recent situation regarding Pakistan’s mediation in bringing Iran and the United States to talks, expressed gratitude for China’s support of Pakistan’s efforts to promote dialogue, and looked forward to strengthening coordination with China to jointly play a positive role in maintaining regional peace and stability. 达尔介绍了巴方斡旋伊朗与美国接谈近期情况，感谢中方支持巴方促谈努力，期待同中方加强协调配合，共同为维护地区和平稳定发挥积极作用.
Wang Yi reiterated the Chinese side’s principled position, appreciated the Pakistani side for facilitating U.S.-Iran negotiations and extending the temporary ceasefire, and expressed hope that the Pakistani side would maintain confidence and intensify mediation efforts, making contributions toward properly resolving the issue of keeping the Strait of Hormuz open and restoring regional peace at an early date, which is also the common wish of the international community. The Chinese side will continue supporting the Pakistani side’s mediation and make its own efforts toward this end. 王毅重申中方原则立场，赞赏巴方促成美伊谈判并延长临时停火，希望巴方保持信心、加大斡旋，为妥善解决霍尔木兹海峡开放问题、早日恢复地区和平做出贡献，这也是国际社会的普遍愿望。中方将继续支持巴方的调解并为此做出自己的努力.
Wang Yi stated that in a few days China and Pakistan will usher in the 75th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between the two countries. Both sides should jointly organize commemorative activities well, closely maintain high-level exchanges, strengthen strategic communication, consolidate the ironclad friendship, advance practical cooperation, better safeguard each other’s core interests and the common interests of China and Pakistan, and push the China-Pakistan all-weather strategic cooperative partnership to a new level. In a world characterized by intertwined changes and turbulence, both sides should leverage multilateral platforms, such as the United Nations, to voice the just stance of China and Pakistan, and to jointly uphold multilateralism. 王毅表示，再过几天中巴两国将迎来建交75周年纪念日，双方要共同办好纪念活动，密切高层交往，加强战略沟通，巩固铁杆友谊，推进务实合作，更好维护彼此核心利益和中巴共同利益，推动中巴全天候战略合作伙伴关系迈上新台阶。面对变乱交织的世界，双方应在联合国等多边平台发出中巴正义声音，共同捍卫多边主义.
Page 3: There’s a very long Guo Jiping article on US-China relations. This is a very interesting article; it underscores a sense of confidence with which Beijing seems to be approaching the meetings between Xi and Trump. Some key takeaways before I get to the text:
First, the title clearly says that China-US ties cannot go back to the way they once were; they cannot go back to the past. But there is a future that can be built. And the author is outlining the contours of that future. 中美关系回不到过去，但能够有一个更好的未来.
Second, the author appears to be arguing that this summit is the product of Chinese demonstration of strength and resolve and the changes in the international landscape, which have altered American calculations and cognition of China. Of course, there’s still some way to go before Washington truly grasps that China cannot be contained and multipolarity is inevitable. Nevertheless, China-US engagements have become more equal, the author contends.
Third, Taiwan remains at the top of Beijing’s agenda. And in this regard, the view that the article is presenting is that this is where Trump himself must direct American policy, if he desires a positive relationship with Beijing. Also, if the US administration grasps this core aspect well, other differences can be addressed, i.e. “by grasping the larger picture, one can also handle the smaller details.
Finally, the article outlines a series of domains in terms of global governance issues in which China and the US can work together. But the kicker is that this must be done within the context of the following strategic terms: “China is willing to work with the US to advance an equal and orderly multipolar world, abide by universally recognised international rules, and improve the global governance system on the principle of extensive consultation, joint contribution, and shared benefits.”
Here’s a deep dive into the article: The author begins by saying that “China-US relations have reached an entirely new historical juncture. The handshake between the Chinese and US leaders once again will undoubtedly mark a new milestone.” 历经波折起伏，中美关系已走到全新的历史方位。中美元首又一次握手，必将是一个具有里程碑意义的新起点.
The author argues that:
“From years to months, from the running-in period of ‘fighting and talking’ to the gradual accumulation of consensus and clarification of direction, through repeated confrontations and dialogues, the mentality and methods with which China and the United States deal with each other have gradually changed. Today, dialogue between the two sides is more equal, communication more pragmatic, and bottom lines clearer. China-US relations are showing the possibility of opening a new situation through resilience.” 从多年到数月，从“打打谈谈”的磨合到逐步积累共识、明确方向，通过一次次交锋与对话，中美打交道的心态与方式渐渐发生变化。今天，双方对话更平等、沟通更务实、底线更清晰，中美关系展现出韧性中开新局的可能.
“Looking at current China-US relations, confidence is rising among the two countries’ various sectors and the international community that the two sides can resolve their differences through equal consultation. Behind this change in confidence lies deeper changes in cognition and in the broader landscape. For two major countries like China and the US to deal with each other, the most important thing is to establish correct strategic cognition; they must answer well the overarching question of whether China and the US are rivals or partners. China does not challenge or seek to replace the US, and is glad to see the US prosper and develop. At the same time, the Chinese side’s will to safeguard its own legitimate rights and interests is equally unwavering. Over these years, in the face of tariff wars and trade wars, the Chinese side has been willing to ‘talk’ and has dared to ‘fight’, holding fast to principles and bottom lines. This has not only demonstrated hard-core strength and won international respect, but also created the possibility for both sides to return to the negotiating table and resolve differences through dialogue and consultation.
Amid changing winds and clouds, China has remained consistent: its commitment to the goal of stable, healthy, and sustainable China-US relations has not changed; its principle of handling China-US relations according to mutual respect, peaceful coexistence, and win-win cooperation has not changed; its position of firmly safeguarding its own sovereignty, security, and development interests has not changed; and its desire to continue the traditional friendship between the Chinese and American peoples has not changed. In describing the current state of China-US relations, the international community often uses keywords such as ‘trustworthy’ and ‘responsible’ to characterise China’s role and interpret China’s part.
The changes in the China-US interaction model have brought more people to realise that China’s growth and strengthening is the broad trend of history, and that any attempt to contain or suppress China cannot possibly succeed. It has become a consensus within international strategic circles that interactions between China and the United States are becoming increasingly equal, and that the US is viewing China with a more level gaze. This is not only a reflection of development trends and the balance of power, but also a return to rationality and maturity.
审视当前的中美关系，两国各界和国际社会对双方通过平等协商解决分歧的信心在上升。信心变化背后，是更深层次的认知之变、格局之变。中美两个大国打交道，最重要的是树立正确的战略认知，要回答好中美到底是对手还是伙伴这个管总的问题。中国不挑战、不寻求取代美国，乐见美国繁荣发展。与此同时，中方维护自身正当权益的意志同样坚定不移。这些年，面对关税战、贸易战，中方愿“谈”敢“打”，坚守原则与底线，不仅彰显了硬核实力，赢得了国际尊重，也为双方回到谈判桌前，通过对话协商解决分歧创造了可能。风云变幻中，中方坚守始终如一：致力于中美关系稳定、健康、可持续发展的目标没有变；按照相互尊重、和平共处、合作共赢处理中美关系的原则没有变；坚定维护自身主权、安全、发展利益的立场没有变；赓续中美人民传统友谊的愿望没有变。在描述当前中美关系时，国际社会常用“可信任”“负责任”等关键词定位中国角色，解读中国作用。中美互动模式的变化，让更多人认识到：中国发展壮大是历史大势，任何遏制打压中国的企图都不可能成功。中美双方互动越来越平等，美国看中国的眼光更加平视，已成为国际战略界的共识。这不仅是发展态势、力量格局的映照，更是理性与成熟的回归。
In the second section, the article stresses the importance of head of state diplomacy, before turning to the Taiwan issue.
“Strategic guidance is also manifested in the clear marking of dangerous reefs. The Taiwan issue is the most important and most sensitive core issue in China-US relations, and also concerns the political foundation of China-US relations. President Xi Jinping has many times made clear to President Trump the Chinese side’s principled position on the Taiwan issue, emphasising that Taiwan is China’s territory, that the Chinese side must safeguard national sovereignty and territorial integrity, and will never allow Taiwan to split off. Clearly defining principles and bottom lines is precisely the responsible undertaking needed to prevent serious risks from emerging in China-US relations. By grasping the larger picture, one can also handle the smaller details. Acting in a spirit of responsibility to history, to the people, and to the world, China has consistently taken head-of-state diplomacy as its guide, actively pushing to explore the building of a strategic, constructive, and stable China-US relationship, and adding a force of stability to a turbulent world through positive China-US interactions.” 战略领航，也展现在对危险暗礁的清晰标注。台湾问题是中美关系中最重要、最敏感的核心问题，也事关中美关系的政治基础。习近平主席多次同特朗普总统表明中方在台湾问题上的原则立场，强调台湾是中国的领土，中方必须捍卫国家主权和领土完整，永远不可能让台湾分裂出去。明确原则底线，正是防止中美关系出现严重风险的责任担当。得其大者可以兼其小。本着对历史、对人民、对世界负责的态度，中方始终以元首外交为引领，积极推动探索构建具有战略性、建设性、稳定性的中美关系，以中美的良性互动，为动荡不安的世界增添稳定性力量.
In the third section, the article argues that the trade and tariff wars launched by the US have “disrupted normal economic and trade cooperation” and “have not only failed to solve the US trade deficit in goods or its problems of industrial competitiveness, but on the contrary have caused American businesses and consumers to pay a heavy price.” It then calls for getting past zero-sum games to a cooperative approach to economic ties.
Section four talks about the importance of people-to-people and cultural engagements; and then the final section focuses on the world order.
“Currently, the international situation is undergoing the most profound transformation since the end of WWII. Geopolitical conflicts are occurring frequently, economic globalisation is encountering headwinds, the global governance deficit has become more prominent, and the common challenges faced by humanity are unprecedented. In the face of the changes of the times, as permanent members of the United Nations Security Council and the world’s two largest economies, China and the United States bear heavier responsibilities. Whether the two sides can demonstrate the bearing of major powers and show the responsibility of major powers by doing more major, practical, and good things beneficial to the world concerns the well-being of the peoples of the two countries and the future and destiny of humanity.
Advancing global development cannot be done without China-US cooperation. The world economy cannot bear having its top two economies fall into ‘decoupling and breaking chains.’ The two sides should be partners and friends, allow economic and trade cooperation to continue serving as the ballast of China-US relations and as a propeller for world economic growth, and jointly safeguard the stability of global industrial and supply chains. This year, China and the US will respectively host the APEC Economic Leaders’ Meeting and the G20 Summit. Both meetings will have major impacts on global economic governance. The two sides should support each other, respond to regional and world expectations, and strive to add momentum to global development through positive outcomes.
Safeguarding peace and security cannot be done without China-US cooperation. At present, the situation in the Middle East remains tense, and the risk of conflict spillover is rising. China has always held that force is not the way to solve problems; it has persistently worked for peace, and supports all efforts conducive to restoring peace. To achieve lasting peace and stability in the world, the stability of the international order must be safeguarded. During the World Anti-Fascist War, China and the US fought side by side and made enormous sacrifices to establish the postwar international order. Today, the two sides ought to jointly safeguard this hard-won and important achievement, consolidating the foundation of order and creating a favourable environment for countries to coexist peacefully.
Improving global governance cannot be done without China-US cooperation. The world today still has many difficult problems; in such areas as cracking down on illegal migration and telecom fraud, anti-money laundering, AI, and responding to infectious diseases, China-US cooperation is crucial. The two countries jointly meeting challenges and creating the future together is the wish of the people and of the world. Major powers possess more resources and greater capabilities, and they ought all the more to take the lead in obeying rules, keeping their word, and abiding by the rule of law. China is willing to work with the US to advance an equal and orderly multipolar world, abide by universally recognised international rules, and improve the global governance system on the principle of extensive consultation, joint contribution, and shared benefits.
When China and the United States cooperate, the world is stable; when China and the United States fight, the world worries. In the face of new circumstances and new challenges, both China and the United States should uphold a sense of responsibility, send clearer signals of stability, broaden the path of cooperation, and inject stronger positive energy into the world’s efforts to meet challenges and create the future.”
当前，国际形势正经历二战结束以来最深刻演变，地缘冲突频发，经济全球化遭遇逆流，全球治理赤字更加突出，人类共同面临的挑战前所未有。面对时代之变，作为联合国安理会常任理事国、全球前两大经济体，中美肩上的责任更重了。双方能否展现大国格局、拿出大国担当，多办一些有利于世界的大事、实事、好事，攸关两国人民福祉和人类前途命运。推动全球发展，离不开中美合作。世界经济经不起前两大经济体陷入“脱钩断链”。双方应该做伙伴、做朋友，让经贸合作继续成为中美关系的压舱石，成为世界经济增长的推进器，共同维护全球产业链供应链稳定。今年，中美将分别举办亚太经合组织领导人非正式会议和二十国集团峰会。两场会议都将对全球经济治理产生重要影响。双方理应相互支持，回应地区与世界期待，争取以积极成果为全球发展增添动能。维护和平安全，离不开中美合作。当前，中东局势持续紧张，冲突外溢风险上升。中方始终认为，武力不是解决问题的办法，坚持为和平奔走，支持一切有利于恢复和平的努力。要实现世界长治久安，就必须维护国际秩序稳定。世界反法西斯战争中，中美为建立战后国际秩序并肩作战，付出巨大牺牲。今天，双方理应共同维护这个来之不易的重要成果，为各国和平相处夯实秩序根基、创造良好环境。完善全球治理，离不开中美合作。当今世界还有很多难题，在打击非法移民和电信诈骗、反洗钱、人工智能、应对传染疾病等领域，中美合作至关重要。两国合力应对挑战、共创未来，是人民之盼、世界之盼。大国拥有更多资源、更大能力，更应带头守规矩、讲信用、遵法治。中国愿同美方一道，推动建设平等有序的世界多极化，遵守普遍公认的国际规则，以共商共建共享为原则，推动完善全球治理体系。中美合，世界安；中美斗，世界忧。面对新形势、新挑战，中美双方都应秉持责任意识，把稳定的信号释放得更充分，把合作的道路走得更宽广，为世界应对挑战、开创未来注入更强劲的正能量。
Also on the page is an article on Trump’s visit authored by Zhang Siyuan. The key point is:
“President Xi Jinping, summing up the experiences and lessons of several decades of China-US engagements, proposed that China and the US should respect each other, coexist peacefully, and pursue win-win cooperation, and that China and the US must find the correct way to get along with each other. The Earth is large enough to accommodate the respective development and common development of China and the US. It is believed that President Trump’s visit to China this time will help both sides find the correct way to get along, and help lengthen the list of cooperation between the two countries and shorten the list of problems, injecting new momentum into the development of bilateral relations. It will also help both sides work together to do more major, practical, and good things beneficial to the two countries and the world.” 习近平主席总结中美交往几十年的经验教训，提出中美应该相互尊重、和平共处、合作共赢，中美必须找到正确的相处之道。地球足够大，容得下中美各自和共同发展。相信特朗普总统此次访华，有助于双方找到正确相处之道；有助于拉长两国合作的清单，压缩问题清单，为两国关系发展注入新动力；有助于双方携手多办一些有利于两国和世界的大事、实事、好事.
“As two major countries with different national conditions, it is inevitable that China and the US will have some differences; the key is to respect each other’s core interests and major concerns and find appropriate ways to resolve problems. China is at a critical period of comprehensively advancing the building of a strong country and the great cause of national rejuvenation through Chinese-style modernisation, and its determination to safeguard national sovereignty, security, and development interests is unwavering. The Taiwan issue is the core of China’s core interests, the foundation of the political foundation of China-US relations, and the first red line that cannot be crossed in China-US relations. The Us side should, through concrete actions, abide by the One-China principle and the three China-US joint communiqués, immediately stop arms sales to Taiwan, and properly handle the Taiwan issue. Since last year, China and the US, upholding the spirit of equality, respect, and mutual benefit, have successively conducted six rounds of economic and trade consultations and are currently carrying out a new round of consultations, achieving a series of consultation results. This fully demonstrates that the two sides are completely capable of managing differences through equal dialogue and consultation, achieving outcomes satisfactory to the peoples of both countries, and reaching consensus welcomed by the international community. 作为两个国情不同的大国，中美之间难免会有一些分歧，关键是要尊重彼此核心利益和重大关切，找到妥善解决问题的办法。中国正处于以中国式现代化全面推进强国建设、民族复兴伟业的关键时期，维护国家主权、安全、发展利益的决心坚定不移。台湾问题是中国核心利益中的核心，是中美关系政治基础中的基础，是中美关系第一条不可逾越的红线。美方应当以实际行动恪守一个中国原则和中美三个联合公报，立即停止对台售武，妥善处理台湾问题。去年以来，中美秉承平等、尊重、互惠精神，先后开展了6轮经贸磋商，正在进行新一轮磋商，取得了一系列磋商成果。这充分表明，双方完全可以通过平等对话磋商管控分歧，取得让两国人民都满意的成果，达成国际社会都欢迎的共识.