Wang calls for genuine multilateralism, opposes bloc-based confrontation

Foreign Minister Wang Yi on Tuesday called on countries to practice genuine multilateralism, and oppose bloc-based confrontation, saying that "values should not become a weapon of confrontation".

Wang made the comment when addressing a news conference in Beijing held for the release of the white paper "A Global Community of Shared Future: China's Proposals and Actions".

The white paper was released just a few days ahead of the traditional Chinese Mid-Autumn Festival.

Wang noted that Mid-Autumn signifies unity and harmony, and this is in line with the belief of seeking peace, harmony and coexistence as sought after by the global community of shared future vision.

Wang said the world today is faced with great changes unseen in a century, with non-traditional security challenges on the rise, and human society has come to another important juncture.

"The lessons of the two hot wars and one cold war are not far behind us, and there is no future for zero-sum games," he said.

He pointed out that the future needs to be created hand in hand, and all countries should actively practice genuine multilateralism and oppose bloc-based confrontation and "small cliques" among some countries.

He called on nations to resolve divergences between them through dialogue and consultation, and to "oppose the reckless expansion of military alliances that squeeze the security space of other countries".

China also called for strengthening dialogue and cooperation in areas such as biosecurity and cybersecurity, according to the minister.

Wang said the key to common development includes building a fair, transparent and reasonable international economic and trade system in order to bring development back to the center of the global agenda.

Next month, China will host the third Belt and Road Forum for International Cooperation. Wang said Beijing is willing to work with all parties to "deliberate on future plans for common development".

Wang noted that "there is no superiority or inferiority among civilizations" and that values should not be used as a weapon of confrontation.

Nations should work together to promote the common development of various civilizations and "facilitate people from all countries to know better and bond with each other", he said.

On ecological protection, he pointed out that it is crucial to respect, adapt to and protect nature, keep advancing low-carbon sustainable development, and "protect the very homeland of the Earth that enables human beings' survival".