Wang Yi Seeks to Build East Asian Bulwark Amid US Tariff Pressure
Also in this edition: China-Japan Dissonance - China Eyes Mediation in Thailand-Cambodia Dispute - GCI Ministerial Conference - China-DPRK Ties
Here are the key reports and articles that I found noteworthy from the People’s Daily’s edition on Friday, July 11, 2025.
Page 1: Let’s begin by looking at Xi Jinping’s congratulatory message to the GCI Ministerial Meeting. The report says:
“Xi Jinping pointed out that diverse civilisations are the true essence of the world. History shows us that the flourishing of civilisations and the progress of humanity are inseparable from exchanges and mutual learning among civilisations. At present, in a world where transformations and turbulences are interwoven, humanity stands at a new crossroads and urgently needs to transcend civilisational estrangement through exchanges, and transcend civilisational conflict through mutual learning. Xi Jinping emphasised that China is willing to work together with all countries, upholding a view of civilisation that values equality, mutual learning, dialogue, and inclusiveness, practicing the Global Civilisation Initiative, promoting the building of a global network for dialogue and cooperation among civilisations, and injecting new momentum into the progress of human civilisation and the development of world peace. It is hoped that all representatives will engage in in-depth exchanges and build consensus, contributing wisdom and strength to promoting mutual understanding and closeness among peoples of all countries, and the harmonious co-existence and integration of different civilisations.” 习近平指出，多样文明是世界的本色。历史昭示我们，文明的繁盛、人类的进步，都离不开文明的交流互鉴。当前，国际形势变乱交织，人类站在新的十字路口，迫切需要以文明交流超越文明隔阂，以文明互鉴超越文明冲突。习近平强调，中国愿同各国一道，秉持平等、互鉴、对话、包容的文明观，践行全球文明倡议，推动构建全球文明对话合作网络，为人类文明进步、世界和平发展注入新的动力。希望各位代表深入交流、凝聚共识，为促进各国人民相知相亲、不同文明和合共生贡献智慧和力量.
Propaganda chief Li Shulei read out Xi’s letter, while Cai Qi addressed this meeting. Another report on the front page covers his remarks. He said that Xi had proposed GCI two years ago.
“The Global Civilisation Initiative emphasises that civilisation is diverse, advocates harmony in diversity and the sharing of beauty; emphasises that civilisation is common, advocates unity of heart and virtue, walking together on the great path; emphasises that civilisation is developmental, advocates knowing where one comes from and understanding where one is going; emphasises that civilisation is inclusive, advocates dialogue and cooperation, mutual understanding and mutual affinity.” 全球文明倡议强调文明是多样的，主张和而不同、美美与共；强调文明是共通的，主张同心同德、大道同行；强调文明是发展的，主张知所从来、明所将往；强调文明是包容的，主张对话合作、相知相亲.
Cai Qi pointed out that the GCI is rooted in China’s excellent traditional culture, with its core essence being seeking common ground while reserving differences, and harmonious coexistence. It resonates with the cultural concepts of many countries around the world that emphasise diversity, integration, and coexistence, and is highly aligned with the purposes and principles of the UN Charter. Over the past two years, the concepts and propositions of the GCI have increasingly become a global consensus and are continuously being transformed into vivid exploration and practice. 蔡奇指出，全球文明倡议根植于中华优秀传统文化，核心要义是求同存异、和合共生，与世界上很多国家多元融合、共存共生的文化理念相互呼应，与联合国宪章宗旨和原则高度契合。两年多来，全球文明倡议的理念主张日益成为全球性共识，并不断转化为生动探索和实践.
Cai Qi emphasised that as the profound changes unseen in a century accelerate their evolution, the voices of people from all countries seeking peace, development, and cooperation are increasingly rising. However, arguments such as ‘civilisational estrangement’, ‘clash of civilisations’, and ‘civilisational superiority’ continue to resurface from time to time like dregs floating to the surface. There is still a long way to go to safeguard the diversity of civilisations and promote world peace and development. Standing at a new historical crossroads, we must jointly strengthen the exploration of diversified development paths and continuously enrich the forms of human civilisation; we must jointly strengthen cultural inheritance and innovation, and actively promote the protection of cultural heritage and the development of cultural undertakings; we must jointly strengthen cultural exchanges among countries and strive to create an atmosphere of interaction and mutual learning for harmonious coexistence; we must jointly strengthen the construction of platforms and mechanisms, and promote the building of a diverse and multidimensional global network for dialogue and cooperation among civilisations. 蔡奇强调，随着世界百年未有之大变局加速演进，各国人民谋和平、求发展、促合作的呼声日益高涨，但“文明隔阂”“文明冲突”“文明优越”等论调不时沉渣泛起，维护文明多样性、促进世界和平发展仍然任重道远。站在新的历史十字路口，我们要共同加强发展道路的多样化探索，不断丰富人类文明形态；要共同加强文化传承和创新，积极推动文化遗产保护和文化事业发展；要共同加强各国人文往来，努力营造和谐共生的交流互鉴氛围；要共同加强平台机制建设，推动构建多元立体的全球文明对话合作网络.
Next, there’s a report on Li Qiang’s meeting with Egyptian President Sisi. The report says:
Li said that: “China is willing to work with Egypt to take the opportunity of the 70th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between China and Egypt next year to carry forward traditional friendship, consolidate political mutual trust, continue to firmly support each other on issues involving each other’s core interests, continuously enrich the connotation of the China-Egypt comprehensive strategic partnership, and promote greater achievements in cooperation in various fields, moving steadily toward the goal of building a China-Egypt community with a shared future for the new era.” 李强表示，近年来，在两国元首战略引领下，中埃关系蓬勃发展。中方愿同埃方一道，以明年中埃建交70周年为契机，赓续传统友谊，巩固政治互信，在涉及彼此核心利益问题上继续坚定相互支持，不断丰富中埃全面战略伙伴关系内涵，推动两国各领域合作取得更多成果，朝着构建面向新时代的中埃命运共同体的目标持续迈进.
“Li Qiang pointed out that China is willing to strengthen cooperation with Egypt in the fields of economy, trade, finance, manufacturing, new energy, science and technology, and people-to-people exchanges under the BRI framework, and encourage more Chinese companies to invest in Egypt. At present, the international situation is increasingly turbulent, with more chaos and disorder, especially with the prolonged and unresolved conflicts in the West Asia and North Africa region. China is willing to maintain close communication with Egypt, promote an early ceasefire in Gaza, alleviate the humanitarian crisis, and prevent the spillover and escalation of the conflict, making unremitting efforts toward a comprehensive, just, and lasting solution to the Palestinian issue. China is willing to strengthen communication and coordination with Egypt on multilateral platforms such as the UN, BRICS, and the SCO, practice true multilateralism, promote an equal and orderly world multipolarisation and inclusive economic globalisation, and promote the steady and long-term development of China-Arab and China-Africa cooperation.” 李强指出，中方愿同埃方在共建“一带一路”框架下，加强经贸、金融、制造业、新能源、科技、人文等领域合作，鼓励更多有实力的中国企业赴埃投资。当前国际形势动荡加剧、乱象增多，特别是西亚北非地区的冲突纷争久拖难解。中方愿同埃方保持密切沟通，推动尽快平息加沙战火、缓解人道主义危机，防止冲突外溢升级，为全面、公正、持久解决巴勒斯坦问题不懈努力。中方愿同埃方在联合国、金砖国家、上合组织等多边平台加强沟通协调，践行真正的多边主义，推进平等有序的世界多极化和普惠包容的经济全球化，推动中阿、中非合作行稳致远.
Xinhua’s report attributes the following to Sisi:
“Sisi asked Li to convey his sincere greetings and good wishes to Xi. He said that under the leadership of Xi, China has made remarkable achievements in economic and social development. Noting that China is a sincere friend of Egypt, Sisi said that the bilateral relationship has enjoyed steady and smooth development since the establishment of diplomatic ties. Especially in recent years, with the joint efforts of both sides, Egypt and China have established a comprehensive strategic partnership, and bilateral relations have reached the highest level in history, he said. Egypt firmly adheres to the one-China principle and is willing to maintain close high-level exchanges with China, advance Belt and Road cooperation, and deepen collaboration in fields such as economy, trade, investment, new energy, infrastructure and tourism, the Egyptian president said. Egypt welcomes more Chinese enterprises to enter the Egyptian market and is ready to provide facilitation, he added. Sisi said Egypt supports the series of global initiatives proposed by Xi and is committed to strengthening multilateral cooperation with China to promote global peace and development.”
Next, there’s a report on Ding Xuexiang meeting with former US Treasury Secretary Henry Paulson. Xinhua says:
Ding “said that strengthening cooperation between China and the United States based on the principles of mutual respect, peaceful coexistence and win-win cooperation is conducive to sound, sustained development of China-U.S. relations, which can benefit both countries and the world. Stressing that China represents a major factor of certainty in today’s turbulent world, Ding expressed the hope that the United States will view China’s development objectively, respect China’s core interests and major concerns, foster stable and mutually beneficial economic and trade relations, and work with China to fulfill their responsibilities as major countries. ‘We welcome the Paulson Institute and U.S. enterprises to come to China for cooperation, and to play an active role in promoting mutual trust and cooperation between China and the United States,’ Ding said.”
Finally, there’s a report on Zhao Leji’s meeting with Deputy Speaker of South Korea’s National Assembly Lee Hack-young. Xinhua says:
Zhao “noted that China is willing to maintain close exchanges with the ROK to enhance mutual understanding and trust, deepen mutually beneficial cooperation, expand people-to-people and cultural exchanges, and promote the healthy and stable development of bilateral relations under the strategic guidance of the two heads of state. The NPC of China is willing to maintain close exchanges with the National Assembly of the ROK, give play to the role of the exchange mechanism and platform between the legislative bodies, to provide legal guarantees for mutually beneficial cooperation between the two countries, and deepen coordination and cooperation in multilateral mechanisms, Zhao said.”
Page 2: There’s a commentary marking the 64th anniversary of the signing of the China-DPRK Treaty of Friendship, Cooperation and Mutual Assistance. It says:
Over the past 64 years, China and DPRK have upheld the spirit of the treaty, supported each other, worked in close coordination, continuously deepened the friendly cooperation between the two Parties and the two countries, promoted the development of their respective socialist causes, and made positive contributions to safeguarding peace and stability in the region and even the world. 64年来，中朝双方秉持条约精神，相互支持，密切协作，不断深化两党两国友好合作，促进各自社会主义事业发展，为维护地区乃至世界的和平稳定作出积极贡献.
“China and DPRK are friendly neighbours linked by mountains and rivers. The traditional friendship between the two countries was personally forged by the older generation of leaders of the two Parties and the two countries, tempered and refined in the revolutionary struggle of blood and fire, continuously developed during the course of socialist construction, and is a valuable shared asset of both sides. In recent years, General Secretary Xi Jinping and General Secretary Kim Jong Un have maintained close contact and interaction through various forms, guiding and promoting the traditional friendly and cooperative relationship between China and DPRK into a new historical period. China and DPRK have upheld the original aspiration of friendship from generation to generation, strengthened strategic communication, exchanges and cooperation, firmly supported each other, safeguarded the common interests of the two countries, and fully demonstrated the unbreakable and vigorous vitality of the traditional friendship between the two countries.” 中朝是山水相连的友好邻邦。两国传统友谊由两党两国老一辈领导人亲手缔造，在血与火的革命斗争中凝结淬炼，在社会主义建设历程中持续发展，是双方共同的宝贵财富。近年来，习近平总书记和金正恩总书记通过多种形式保持密切交往互动，引领和推动中朝传统友好合作关系进入新的历史时期。中朝双方坚守世代友好初心，密切战略沟通与交流合作，相互坚定支持，维护两国共同利益，充分彰显了中朝传统友谊的牢不可破和勃勃生机.
“This year marks the concluding year of China’s 14th Five-Year Plan. At present, under the strong leadership of the Party Central Committee with Comrade Xi Jinping at its core, the entire Party and the people of all ethnic groups in the country, guided by Xi Jinping Thought on Socialism with Chinese Characteristics for a New Era, are fully, accurately, and comprehensively implementing the new development philosophy, accelerating the construction of a new development pattern, focusing on promoting high-quality development, and comprehensively advancing the building of a strong country and the great cause of national rejuvenation through Chinese-style modernisation. Under the leadership of the Workers’ Party of Korea with General Secretary Kim Jong Un at the core, the Korean people are actively implementing the spirit of successive plenary sessions of the Party Central Committee and comprehensively advancing the various undertakings of socialist construction. As good comrades and good neighbours, China sincerely wishes the brotherly Korean people continuous new and greater achievements in their socialist construction cause. 今年是中国“十四五”规划收官之年，当前全党全国各族人民正在以习近平同志为核心的党中央坚强领导下，以习近平新时代中国特色社会主义思想为指导，完整、准确、全面贯彻新发展理念，加快构建新发展格局，着力推动高质量发展，以中国式现代化全面推进强国建设、民族复兴伟业。朝鲜人民在以金正恩总书记为首的朝鲜劳动党领导下，积极贯彻落实朝鲜劳动党中央历次全会精神，全面推进社会主义各项建设事业。作为好同志、好邻居，中方衷心祝愿兄弟的朝鲜人民在社会主义建设事业中不断取得新的更大成就.
“Looking back, the journey across a thousand mountains is far gone; gazing ahead, the road is filled with ten thousand trees in spring. This year marks the 80th anniversary of the victory of the Chinese People’s War of Resistance Against Japanese Aggression and the World Anti-Fascist War. During the difficult and extraordinary years of war, the peoples of China and DPRK supported each other, fought side by side, and made important contributions to the just cause of humanity. It is the firm position of the Chinese Party and government to maintain, consolidate and develop China-DPRK relations. China is willing to work with the DPRK to follow the important consensus reached by the top leaders of the two parties and the two countries, strengthen strategic communication, deepen mutually beneficial cooperation, and promote people-to-people exchanges, so that the tree of China-DPRK friendship will flourish more, better benefit the two peoples, and make new and greater contributions to peace, stability, development and prosperity in the region and the world.” 回望征途千山远，翘首前路万木春。今年是中国人民抗日战争暨世界反法西斯战争胜利80周年。在艰苦卓绝的战争年代，中朝两国人民相互支持、并肩作战，共同为人类正义事业作出了重要贡献。维护好、巩固好、发展好中朝关系是中国党和政府的坚定立场。中方愿同朝方一道，以两党两国最高领导人达成的重要共识为根本遵循，加强战略沟通，深化互利合作，促进人文交流，让中朝友谊之树更加枝繁叶茂，更好造福两国人民，为地区乃至世界和平稳定与发展繁荣作出新的更大贡献.
Next, there’s a report on the China-ASEAN foreign ministers’ meeting.
“Wang said that China and ASEAN share similar development concepts, common demands and integrated interests. China regards ASEAN as a priority direction for its neighbourhood diplomacy and a pioneer area for promoting the building of a community with a shared future for mankind. We should support and achieve success for each other in promoting the modernisation process of Asia. China has always been the most reliable stabilising force in a turbulent world and the most reliable partner for ASEAN countries to cope with challenges.” 王毅说，中国与东盟发展理念相近、诉求相通、利益相融，视东盟为周边外交优先方向、推动构建人类命运共同体的先行区。我们应在推动亚洲现代化进程中相互支持、相互成就。中方始终是动荡世界中最可信赖的稳定力量，是东盟国家应对挑战最可依靠的合作伙伴.
Firstly, to be a model in defending international fairness and justice. Wang said that China and ASEAN must resolutely safeguard the global system with the United Nations at its core and the international order based on international law. China supports ASEAN’s central position in the regional architecture and its greater role in regional and international affairs. China is willing to work with ASEAN countries to practice open regionalism and true multilateralism and make greater contributions to regional and global governance.
Secondly, to be a model for maintaining regional peace and stability. Wang said that the peace and stability in the region are extremely precious and should be firmly safeguarded, and geopolitical conflicts or bloc confrontations should not be introduced into Asia, adding that China is willing to take the lead in signing the Protocol to the Treaty on the Southeast Asia Nuclear Weapon-Free Zone. Wang said that the South China Sea is the common home of regional countries, rather than a ‘gladiatorial arena’ for major powers, and China is willing to expand cooperation with ASEAN countries in areas such as marine environmental protection, navigation safety, maritime law enforcement and key marine infrastructure, and fully implement the Declaration on the Conduct of Parties in the South China Sea, advance consultations on the Code of Conduct in the South China Sea, and always keep the initiative on the South China Sea issue in our own hands.
Thirdly, to set an example of conducting mutually beneficial and win-win cooperation. Wang said that China is willing to work with ASEAN to build the Version 3.0 China-ASEAN Free Trade Area, implement the Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement to a high quality, and create a high-level free trade network. China is willing to continue to take the high-quality Belt and Road cooperation as the main platform, strengthen connectivity and cooperation in production and supply chains with ASEAN, and create highlights of cooperation in areas such as artificial intelligence, digital transformation and clean energy. China speaks highly of ASEAN's firm commitment to free trade and the multilateral trading system and believes that it is necessary to resolve economic and trade differences through equal dialogue and mutual benefit, safeguard own dignity and the bottom line of principles, and must not do so at the expense of the interests of third parties, Wang said.
Fourthly, to set an example for promoting inclusiveness and mutual learning. China is willing to continue to advocate dialogue, exchanges and mutual learning among different civilisations with ASEAN countries, Wang said, adding that both sides should jointly well organise the ‘Year of People-to-People Exchange’, enhance exchanges in education, youth, think tanks, media and other fields, take concrete actions to implement the Global Civilisation Initiative, and promote mutual understanding, friendship and integration among the people.”
“All parties positively evaluated the China–ASEAN comprehensive strategic partnership. The participating countries said that China–ASEAN cooperation is the most dynamic and the most fruitful, and expressed willingness to accelerate the alignment of development strategies with China, jointly build BRI with high quality, and deepen all-round cooperation in areas such as trade, investment, connectivity, digital transformation, clean energy, and combating transnational crime. They look forward to the signing of the Protocol to upgrade the ASEAN–China Free Trade Area to version 3.0 within this year. They appreciated China’s willingness to take the lead in signing the Protocol to the Southeast Asia Nuclear-Weapon-Free Zone Treaty. They look forward to all parties reaching the ‘Code of Conduct in the South China Sea’ at an early date. They expressed willingness to work with China to jointly uphold multilateralism and the multilateral trading system, and to jointly respond to global challenges. ASEAN agreed to China’s proposal to designate 2026 as the ‘Year of the 5th Anniversary of the Establishment of the China–ASEAN Comprehensive Strategic Partnership’ and to hold celebratory events, and to adopt and implement the ‘Action Plan of the China–ASEAN Comprehensive Strategic Partnership’.” 各方积极评价中国东盟全面战略伙伴关系。与会国家表示，中国东盟合作最具活力、最富成果，愿同中方加快发展战略对接，高质量共建“一带一路”，深化贸易、投资、互联互通、数字转型、清洁能源、打击跨国犯罪等全方位合作，期待东盟—中国自贸区3.0版议定书年内签署。赞赏中方愿意率先签署《东南亚无核武器区条约》议定书。期待各方早日达成“南海行为准则”。愿与中方共同维护多边主义和多边贸易体制，共同应对全球性挑战。东盟同意中方提议，将2026年定为“中国—东盟建立全面战略伙伴关系5周年主题年”并举行庆祝活动，通过并实施《中国—东盟全面战略伙伴关系行动计划》.
There were several other meetings that Wang had in KL. Let’s look at the readouts of these.
First, Wang attended the ASEAN Plus Three countries or 10+3 meeting in Kuala Lumpur. He said: “The more complex the international situation is, the more necessary it is for the Association of Southeast Asian Nations, China, Japan and South Korea to eliminate interference and continue to advance the regional integration process.”
“Since the establishment of the 10+3 cooperation mechanism, we have continuously strengthened our crisis response capabilities, promoted the process of economic integration, and worked together to build up the momentum of new growth drivers, Wang said. Focusing on development and promoting cooperation is the trend and the mainstream in current East Asian cooperation, Wang stated, adding that the countries are still facing challenges such as the impact of unilateralism and protectionism and the abuse of tariffs by certain major powers. Noting the need to continuously enhance cooperation momentum and improve development resilience, Wang put forward four suggestions for the next stage of cooperation.
Firstly, build an integrated East Asia. We should resolutely oppose ‘building walls and barriers.’ China is willing to work with all parties to implement the leaders’ statement and continue to strengthen mutually beneficial cooperation in production and supply chains.
Secondly, build a strong and resilient East Asia. We need to plan the future direction of regional fiscal and financial cooperation. China is willing to work with all parties to explore mechanism innovation and strengthen the level of regional food security cooperation on the basis of enhancing the construction of the 10+3 Emergency Rice Reserve Mechanism.
Thirdly, build an innovative and dynamic East Asia. We must seize the opportunities presented by the new round of technological and industrial revolutions and drive transformation and development with innovation.
Fourthly, build an East Asia with cultural connectivity. We should keep implementing the ‘CAMPUS Asia’ program and promote student exchanges and talent training among the ASEAN Plus Three countries.
Wang stressed that no matter how the external environment changes, China is willing to use its own stable economic development to inject new impetus into the common development of the region, provide new opportunities, and jointly create a brighter future for East Asia.”
Second, Wang met with Touhid Hossain, adviser for foreign affairs of the interim government of Bangladesh. The readout says:
“Wang Yi said that President Xi Jinping and Muhammad Yunus, chief adviser of the interim government of Bangladesh, reached an important consensus on deepening the comprehensive strategic partnership between China and Bangladesh, providing strategic guidance for the development of bilateral relations. China has always adhered to promoting strategic cooperation with Bangladesh on the basis of the Five Principles of Peaceful Coexistence and pursuing a policy of good-neighbourliness and friendship for all Bangladeshi people. This year marks the 50th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between China and Bangladesh, which is of great significance in connecting the past and the future. China supports the governance of the interim government of Bangladesh, supports Bangladesh in holding smooth and stable elections, and in pursuing a development path suited to its own national conditions. China is willing to always be a trustworthy good friend, good neighbour, and good partner of Bangladesh. Wang Yi emphasised that China–Bangladesh cooperation is mutually beneficial and win-win. China has granted Bangladesh zero-tariff treatment on 100% of products, creating opportunities for Bangladesh’s development. The United States, however, has imposed a 35% tariff on Bangladesh, a least developed country. This is neither reasonable nor moral. 王毅表示，习近平主席同孟加拉国临时政府首席顾问尤努斯就深化中孟全面战略伙伴关系达成重要共识，为两国关系发展作出战略指引。中方始终坚持在和平共处五项原则基础上推进同孟方战略合作，奉行面向全体孟加拉国人民的睦邻友好政策。今年是中孟建交50周年，具有承上启下重要意义。中方支持孟临时政府执政，支持孟平稳顺利举行大选，走出符合本国国情的发展道路。中方愿始终做孟方值得信赖的好朋友、好邻居、好伙伴。王毅强调，中孟合作是互利共赢的，中方向孟方提供100%产品零关税待遇，为孟方发展创造机遇。美国却向作为最不发达国家的孟方加征35%关税，既不合理，也不道德.
Wang Yi said that China is committed to building a community with a shared future with neighbouring countries. As the largest neighbouring country of South Asia, China is willing to work hand-in-hand with Bangladesh and other South Asian countries to achieve modernisation and jointly contribute to Asia’s development and rejuvenation. The vice foreign ministers’ trilateral meeting among China, Bangladesh, and Pakistan was successfully held in Kunming. China looks forward to working together with Bangladesh and Pakistan to steadily advance trilateral cooperation and achieve results. 王毅说，中方致力于构建周边命运共同体。作为南亚国家最大邻国，中方愿同孟方及南亚国家携手实现现代化，共同为亚洲发展振兴贡献力量。中孟巴三方副外长会晤在昆明成功举行，期待同孟方、巴方共同努力，扎实推进三方合作，做出成效。
Third, Wang met with his Japanese counterpart Takeshi Iwaya. The readout says:
Wang “said that China and Japan are important close neighbors and the relationship between the two countries is of far-reaching significance beyond the bilateral scope. This year marks the 80th anniversary of the victory in the Chinese People’s War of Resistance Against Japanese Aggression and the World Anti-Fascist War, which is an important opportunity to face up to history and forge ahead into the future. Having a correct perception of and attitude to history has always been a question of morality and of the times that the Japanese side must confront and answer. Wang Yi expressed the hope that the Japanese side will draw profound lessons from history and adhere to the path of peaceful development. On this basis, the two sides can jointly advance the strategic relationship of mutual benefit and strive to build a constructive and stable China-Japan relationship fit for the new era, providing more certainty and new impetus for development to the region and the world.
Wang Yi stated that China’s policy toward Japan has always maintained stability and continuity. Recently, exchanges and interactions at all levels and in all fields between the two sides have become increasingly active, and bilateral relations have shown a momentum of improvement and development. This hard-won situation deserves to be cherished and consolidated. Wang Yi expressed the hope that the Japanese side will establish an objective and correct understanding of China and uphold a positive and rational policy toward China. The four political documents between China and Japan have made clear stipulations on the Taiwan question. The Japanese side must strictly abide by them, match its words with actions, and safeguard the political foundation of bilateral relations.”
The one key point attributed to Takeshi Iwaya is this: “The Japanese side has not changed its position on the Taiwan question as stated in the 1972 Japan-China Joint Statement.”
The Japanese readout covers a whole set of different issues, and does not echo what the Chinese side is saying. Key points:
Regarding China's export controls on rare earth and related magnets, Minister Iwaya expressed serious concern over the significant impact on Japanese companies and strongly called on China to expedite its approval process for export license applications. In response, Minister Wang Yi stated that normal demand for Japanese companies will be secured as long as they comply with relevant regulations and follow the necessary procedures.
Regarding China’s import restrictions on Japanese aquatic products, the two foreign ministers confirmed that there has been steady progress in the relevant process, including China’s announcement regarding the resumption of imports of Japanese aquatic products. Minster Iwaya called on the Chinese side for the early lifting of the remaining import restrictions on ten-prefecture products. In addition, in order to expedite the process of resuming exports of Japanese beef to China, the two foreign ministers exchanged views on the early entry into force of the Agreement on Cooperation in Animal Health and Quarantine.
Minister Iwaya expressed Japan’s serious concerns over the deteriorating situation in the seas and airspace around Japan, such as the situation in the East China Sea, including those situation surrounding the Senkaku Islands, citing incidents, for instance the intrusion of a China coast guard vessel’s helicopter into Japan’s territorial airspace, a Chinese military aircraft’s close approach toward a Self-Defense Force aircraft, the expansion of the aircraft carrier’s operating range and China’s unilateral development of natural resources in the East China Sea, and strongly urged the Chinese side to address these issues. Minister Iwaya pointed out that the cases of Japanese nationals being detained are one of the biggest obstacles to improving people-to-people exchanges and national sentiment between Japan and China and strongly called for the early release of detained Japanese nationals.
Minister Iwaya stated that peace and stability across the Taiwan Strait is important for the international community, including Japan, and China’s large-scale military drills around Taiwan is incompatible with this. Minister Iwaya also opposed attempts to unilaterally change the status quo by force or coercion. In addition, Minister Iwaya expressed Japan’s serious concern over the situation in the South China Sea.
Fourth, Wang met with Sergei Lavrov. The Chinese readout says:
Wang said that “China is willing to work together with Russia to fully implement the various consensuses reached by the two heads of state, continuously enhance the level of China–Russia strategic coordination, safeguard the security and development interests of both countries, and contribute to each other’s development and revitalization. Wang Yi stated that the Asia-Pacific is a highland of development, a hotbed of cooperation, and also the shared neighbourhood of China and Russia. As important dialogue partners of ASEAN, China and Russia should strengthen strategic coordination on East Asian cooperation platforms, support an ASEAN-centered, open and inclusive regional cooperation architecture, properly guide the development direction of the East Asia Summit and the ASEAN Regional Forum, promote the East Asian cooperation mechanisms to further build development consensus, and become an important engine and positive force for global development. 中方愿同俄方一道，全力落实两国元首达成的各项共识，不断提升中俄战略协作水平，维护两国安全和发展利益，助力彼此的发展振兴。王毅表示，亚太是发展的高地、合作的热土，也是中俄的共同周边。中俄作为东盟重要对话伙伴，要加强在东亚合作平台上的战略协作，支持以东盟为中心、开放包容的区域合作架构，把握好东亚峰会和东盟地区论坛正确发展方向，推动东亚合作机制进一步凝聚发展共识，成为全球发展的重要引擎和积极力量.
Lavrov reportedly said: “Both Russia and China support ASEAN’s central role in regional cooperation, are committed to maintaining peace and stability in the Asia-Pacific region, and are vigilant against certain major powers creating divisions and instigating confrontation in the region. Russia will fully support China’s presidency of the SCO, jointly prepare for high-level exchanges and cooperation in various fields in the next stage, and strengthen communication and cooperation under the framework of BRICS and other countries.” 俄中均支持东盟在区域合作中发挥中心作用，致力于维护亚太地区和平稳定，警惕某些大国在本地区制造分裂，鼓动对抗。俄方将全力支持中方担任上合组织轮值主席国，共同筹备好下阶段高层交往和各领域合作，加强在金砖国家等框架下沟通协作.
Lavrov congratulated Wang on the CPC celebrating its 104th anniversary. To this, Wang said “this reflects the traditional friendship between the two sides. The number of members of the Communist Party of China has exceeded 100 million, making it the world’s largest political party, increasingly demonstrating vigorous vitality and dynamism. General Secretary Xi Jinping has pointed out that the Communist Party of China is devoted to the great cause of the Chinese nation for generations to come; at one hundred years old, it is just in its prime of its life.” 王毅感谢俄方对中国共产党成立104年的祝贺，表示这体现了双方的传统友谊。中国共产党党员突破一亿人，成为全球最大政党，日益展现旺盛生机与活力。习近平总书记指出，中国共产党立志于中华民族千秋伟业，百年恰是风华正茂.
They also talked about the Israeli-Palestinian issue and the Iranian issue. “Lavrov introduced Russia’s position and considerations. Wang Yi said that force cannot bring peace and pressure cannot solve problems; dialogue and negotiation are the fundamental way out. China attaches importance to Iran’s commitment not to seek to develop nuclear weapons, and also respects Iran’s right to peacefully use nuclear energy as a party to the NPT. As permanent members of the Security Council and important participants in the comprehensive agreement on the Iranian nuclear issue, China and Russia should continue to strengthen strategic cooperation, promote the political and diplomatic settlement process of the Iranian nuclear issue, jointly maintain the international nuclear non-proliferation system, and promote peace and stability in the Middle East at an early date.” 双方就伊朗核问题交换意见。拉夫罗夫介绍了俄方立场考虑。王毅表示，武力换不来和平，施压不解决问题，对话谈判才是根本出路。中方重视伊方不寻求发展核武器的承诺，也尊重伊朗作为《不扩散核武器条约》缔约国享有的和平利用核能权利。中俄作为安理会常任理事国和伊核问题全面协议重要参与方，应继续加强战略协作，推动伊核问题政治外交解决进程，共同维护国际核不扩散体系，推动中东地区早日实现和平稳定.
The Russian readout of this meeting says:
“The ministers engaged in detailed discussions on cooperation within ASEAN, particularly in light of certain countries’ intensified efforts to establish narrow-bloc military and political mechanisms aimed at undermining the ASEAN-centric system of security and stability in the Asia-Pacific region. Russia and China stand united in opposing actions and plans to militarise the region, including attempts to deploy NATO-standard military infrastructure. The sides exchanged assessments on the resolution of a range of regional and international issues, as well as bilateral collaboration within the United Nations, BRICS, the SCO, the G20, and APEC. The conversation, which reaffirmed the alignment of approaches on the topics discussed, was conducted in the traditionally trust-based and constructive manner characteristic of the Russia-China strategic partnership.”
Fifth, Wang met with Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister of Viet Nam Bui Thanh Son. The Chinese readout says:
“Wang Yi said that in the face of complex and volatile international and regional situations, China is ready to enhance strategic coordination with Viet Nam on the East Asia cooperation platform. China welcomes Viet Nam to become a BRICS partner country, and supports Viet Nam in joining the big family of the Shanghai Cooperation Organization at an early date to jointly uphold true multilateralism and safeguard international fairness and justice. China always opposes economic and trade bullying as well as tariff coercion, and advocates for resolving economic, trade and tariff issues through equal-footed dialogue. China stands ready to work with Viet Nam to jointly uphold multilateral trade rules and systems and safeguard the legitimate interests of all countries through solidarity and self-reliance.”
Next, Wang met with Thailand’s Foreign Minister Maris Sangiampongsa. The Chinese readout says:
“Wang Yi said that China is willing to deepen the integration of interests with Thailand, align development strategies, create new growth points such as digital economy, artificial intelligence, cross-border e-commerce, and green development, and empower the modernisation process of the two countries. It will accelerate the construction of the China-Thailand railway, give play to the demonstration and driving effect of large projects, and implement the development concept of China-Laos-Thailand connectivity. Wang Yi said that the United States abuses tariffs, undermines the free trade system, and interferes with the stability of the global production and supply chain. It is believed that Thailand and ASEAN countries will safeguard their respective legitimate interests, resist unilateralism and bullying, deepen the construction of the Lancang-Mekong countries' community of shared future, and promote the healthy development of East Asian cooperation. China is committed to signing the China-ASEAN Free Trade Area 3.0 protocol with ASEAN within this year, expanding the common market, and safeguarding the WTO rules and multilateral trading system with practical actions.” 王毅表示，中方愿同泰方深化利益融合，深入对接发展战略，打造数字经济、人工智能、跨境电商、绿色发展等新增长点，赋能两国各自现代化进程。加快中泰铁路建设，发挥大项目示范带动效应，让中老泰联通发展构想落地。王毅表示，美国滥施关税，破坏自由贸易体系，干扰全球产供链稳定。相信泰方和东盟国家将维护好各自正当利益，抵制单边主义和强权霸凌，深化澜湄国家命运共同体建设，推动东亚合作健康发展。中方致力于同东盟年内签署中国—东盟自贸区3.0版议定书，扩大共同市场，以实际行动维护世贸组织规则和多边贸易体制.
“Wang Yi stressed that Thailand and Cambodia are both good neighbours and friends of China. Regarding the Thai-Cambodian border dispute, China hopes that the two sides will meet each other in good faith, properly resolve the problem through friendly dialogue and consultation, and promote the situation to cool down and stabilise as soon as possible. China is willing to uphold an objective and fair position and play a constructive role in the peaceful coexistence of Thailand and Cambodia. 王毅强调，泰国和柬埔寨都是中国的好邻居、好朋友。对于泰柬边境争端，中方希望双方本着善意相向而行，通过友好对话协商妥善解决问题，推动事态尽快降温回稳。中方愿秉持客观公正立场，为泰柬和睦相处发挥建设性作用.
Maris Sangiampongsa is quoted as having said that:
“Thailand firmly adheres to the One-China principle and looks forward to strengthening high-level exchanges with China, enhancing cooperation in areas such as connectivity, economy and trade, agriculture, and combating transnational crime, and deepening Lancang–Mekong cooperation to better achieve common development. Thailand firmly supports multilateralism, is committed to upholding the multilateral trading system, and hopes to restore normal trade order as soon as possible. Territorial and boundary issues should not be resolved through the use of force. Thailand thanks China for maintaining an objective and fair position, and for mediating to encourage peace and promote dialogue. Thailand is willing, in the spirit of good-neighbourliness and friendship, to resolve disputes through bilateral channels and consultation. 泰国坚定恪守一个中国原则，期待同中方加强高层交往，密切互联互通、经贸、农业、打击跨国犯罪等领域合作，深化澜湄合作，更好实现共同发展。泰国坚定支持多边主义，致力于维护多边贸易体制，希望尽早恢复正常贸易秩序。处理领土边界问题不能诉诸武力。感谢中方秉持客观公允立场，居中劝和促谈。泰方愿本着睦邻友好精神，通过双边渠道协商化解争议.
Finally, Wang met with his Cambodian counterpart Prak Sokhonn. The Chinese readout stresses some interesting points:
Wang said: “It is hoped that both sides will take stronger and more effective measures to resolutely crack down on cross-border crimes such as online gambling, telecom fraud, counterfeiting, and smuggling, thoroughly eliminate these malignant tumours, and safeguard the safety of the two peoples. Wang Yi emphasised that the United States imposing high tariffs on Cambodia and Southeast Asian countries is an attempt to deprive all parties of their legitimate right to development. It is believed that Southeast Asian countries are capable of properly handling complex situations, upholding principled positions, and safeguarding their own interests as well as the common interests of all parties.” 希望双方采取更有力、更有效措施，坚决打击网赌电诈、制假走私等跨境犯罪，彻底铲除毒瘤，维护两国人民安全。王毅强调，美国向柬方及东南亚国家征收高关税，是企图剥夺各方的正当发展权利。相信东南亚各国有能力应对好复杂局面，坚守原则立场，维护自身利益和各方共同利益.
Prak Sokhonn reportedly said that Cambodia “thanks China for providing Cambodia with zero-tariff treatment on 100% of tariff items. This is an act of friendship and brotherhood, a tremendous help to Cambodia, and forms a sharp contrast with the US imposing 36% tariffs on Cambodia. Cambodia is willing to resolve differences with the US through negotiations, but will not abandon its own principles and interests, nor sacrifice third-party interests.” 感谢中国向柬埔寨提供100%税目产品零关税待遇，这是朋友和兄弟之举，是对柬方的巨大帮助，同美方对柬加征36%关税形成鲜明对比。柬方愿同美方通过谈判化解分歧，但不会放弃自身原则和利益，也不会牺牲第三方利益.
The readout adds: “Wang Yi listened to Prak Sokhonn’s briefing on the Cambodia-Thailand border situation and said that although Cambodia and Thailand’s positions are not entirely aligned, both sides have the will to control the situation and calm tensions. Cambodia and Thailand are immovable neighbours, and I believe they can certainly uphold the spirit of valuing peace and being good neighbours to properly handle this issue. China will maintain an impartial and fair position, respond to the parties’ needs, and play a constructive role in this regard.” 王毅听取了布拉索昆关于柬泰边境形势的介绍，表示柬泰双方立场虽然不尽相同，但都有管控局势、平息事态的意愿。柬泰是搬不走的邻居，相信一定能秉持以和为贵、与邻为善的精神，妥善处理这一问题。中方将坚持不偏不倚、公道公允立场，响应当事方需求，为此发挥建设性作用.