SONG TAO

As pointed out in theResolution of the Central Committee of the Communist Party of China on the Major Achievements and Historical Experience of the Party over the Past Century, through continued efforts, we have advanced major-country diplomacy with Chinese characteristics on all fronts. The concept of building a community with a shared future for mankind has become a banner leading trends of the times and human progress. China has broken new ground in its diplomatic endeavors amid profound global challenges, and turned crises into opportunities amid complex situations on the international stage. Since the 18th National Congress of the CPC, under the strong leadership of the CPC Central Committee with Comrade Xi Jinping at its core, historical achievements have been made in the international work of the CPC. The international work of the CPC is increasingly becoming a significant manifestation of the major country diplomacy with Chinese characteristics, which makes due contribution to serving the great rejuvenation of the Chinese nation and promoting human progress, while fully demonstrating the magnificent style of a major party of a major country.

I. The international work of the CPC fully reflects the will of the Party and the intrinsic nature of major country diplomacy with Chinese characteristics: It is international exchanges conducted by the whole Party under the leadership of the CPC Central Committee.

With the purpose of serving the goals of the Party, the international work of the CPC upholds Comrade Xi Jinping’s core position on the Party Central Committee and in the Party as a whole, and upholds the Central Committee’s authority and its centralized, unified leadership in every aspect of its work. The centralized, unified leadership of theParty is the defining feature of China’s diplomacy, which is the fundamental political guarantee for the strides taken in China’s major country diplomacy in the new era. The Party’s international work is closely linked to and thrives together with the Party. International exchanges of the Party have been conducted under the leadership of the CPC Central Committee, which is a direct reflection of the Party’s will in diplomacy. As an important front in the cause of the Party, an integral component of the overall diplomatic work and a significant manifestation of the major country diplomacy with Chinese characteristics, the international work of the CPC defines itself by loyalty to the Party and serving the Party’s lofty goals. The greatest strength comes from the centralized, unified leadership of the CPC Central Committee with Comrade Xi Jinping at its core. Since the 18th National Congress of the CPC, with the personal guidance and instructions of General Secretary Xi Jinping, the international work of the Party has registered new progress and opened new vistas, presenting unique and spectacular highlights for major country diplomacy with Chinese characteristics. Under the strong leadership of the CPC Central Committee with Comrade Xi Jinping at its core, we in the international work of the Party have always kept in mind the overall interests of the country, and steadfastly implemented the decisions of the Central Committee. We have taken steady and well-defined steps to proceed with our work, while always firmly upholding Comrade Xi Jinping’s core position on the Party Central Committee and in the Party as a whole, and upholding the Central Committee’s authority and its centralized, unified leadership.

Bearing in mind the fundamental nature of our work, namely, serving the Party, we shoulder great responsibili-ties and keep breaking new ground, playing an increasingly important role in the overall endeavors of the Party and the country.As stressed by General Secretary Xi Jinping, when it comes to upholding the Party’s overall leadership, an issue that bears on the future of the Party and the country, everyone should have a high degree of political awareness and should never waver. Hence, in the international work of the CPC, we always highlight the distinct features of the Party, with the goal of getting across to more audience Xi Jinping Thought on Socialism with Chinese Characteristics. More and more political parties have a better understanding about the leadership of the CPC and Chinese-style socialism in the new era, as more people sympathize with and support the cause of socialism with Chinese characteristics. Taking the safeguarding of the security of the Party’s governance and our socialist system as top priority, we work with and have in-depth communication with foreign political parties and organizations, social organizations, and think tanks. Meanwhile, we also forcefully push back against any smearing or attack on our Party, contributing to consolidating the governance foundation of the Party and demonstrating our absolute loyalty to the Party through concrete actions. To better fulfill the missions of the Party and consolidate its ruling position, we have also conduced in-depth analysis on the successful experience of foreign political parties, with a view to providing relevant references for the decision-making of the CPC Central Committee. We also build platforms to cultivate the global vision of Party cadres to better navigate the ever-changing international landscape. All these efforts will help the Party remain a strong political party at the forefront of the times.

On July 6th, 2021, General Secretary Xi Jinping attends the CPC and World Political Parties Summit and delivers a keynote speech. (Photo/Xinhua)

With active support and extensive participation of the whole Party, pooling the efforts of various localities and departments, an architecture of great coordination has taken shape for the CPC’s international work.The international work of the Party is an important cause led by the Central Committee with coordinated efforts from the entire Party. A great synergy has been built to bring out respective strengths to the largest extent in the service of the overall interests of the Party and the country, hence solid progress in major country diplomacy with Chinese characteristics.

Since the 18th National Congress of the CPC, different localities and departments have contributed their due share to the international work of the Party through various means such as receiving foreign delegations or sending CPC delegations on foreign trips or hosting important meetings and multilateral political parties exchange events. The Thematic Briefing of “Stories of CPC-Practice of Xi Jinping Thought on Socialism with Chinese Characteristics” has become a brand name, with 14 sessions held so far in 12 provinces (autonomous regions and municipalities). Since 2020, around 30 Party Committees at the provincial level have engaged in 60 events involving the Party’s international exchanges, which fully demonstrates the architecture of great coordination in promoting the Party’s international work.

II. The international work of the Party fully demonstrates the distinct features of major country diplomacy with Chinese characteristics: It is guided by Marxism and its latest development--Xi Jinping Thought on Socialism with Chinese Characteristics for a New Era. Together with progressive forces around the world, the international work of the CPC contributes to adapting Marxism to local contexts and the development of world socialism.

The instructions of General Secretary Xi Jinping on the international work of the Party are a manifestation of Xi Jinping Thought on Socialism with Chinese Characteristics for a New Era in party diplomacy, which are based on concrete practice and provide a fundamental guidance for the CPC’s international work.Throughout the historical periods of revolution, development and reform, the international work of the Party has always tried to grasp the trends of history and answer the questions of the times through applying Marxism and its latest developments. Since the 18th National Congress of the CPC, General Secretary Xi Jinping has put forward a holistic system of theories on the Party’s international work, laying out its fundamental functions, major tasks, guiding principles and approaches, bringing the understanding of the underlying laws of the Party’s international work to a new height. General Secretary Xi Jinping’s instructions on the CPC’s international work have further substantiated Marxist theories on international relations and party relations, constituting another major theoretical breakthrough and offering a guide to action for our futurework.

The international work of the CPC always follows the Marxist positions, viewpoints and methods in understanding the world and handles China’s relations with the rest of the world in the context of the general trend of human development, the grand scheme of things amid global changes, and the entire course of Chinese history.Since the 18th National Congress of the CPC, we have followed through on the important instructions of General Secretary Xi Jinping relating to the CPC’s international work. We uphold dialectical and historical materialism in our work as we apply the basic tenets of Marxism to the fact that socialism has entered into a new era in China and to the tasks of our major country diplomacy. We conduct in-depth analysis of the evolving international situation, world configuration, party politics and the changing trends of capitalism and socialism. Following the changes of the world closely, we make continuous efforts to grasp and handle the relations between China and the world and between the CPC and the world.

Upholding our distinct political features, we in the in-ternational work of the CPC work together with Marxist political parties and progressive forces around the world to conduct in-depth theoretical exchanges with a view to promoting the adaption of Marxism to local realities and new circumstances, thus making important contribution to the development of world socialism and progress of humanity.Socialism with Chinese characteristics makes great achievements, creating a new model for human advancement, and expanding the channels for modernization. It offers a new option for other countries and nations that want to speed up their development while preserving their independence, and inspires Marxist political parties and progressive forces to have further theoretical exchanges with the CPC. The strength of party-toparty exchanges has been vigorously tapped. Through the mutual briefing of the major outcomes of respective party congresses and central committee meetings as well as the hosting of theoretical seminars, we have further consolidated relations with the socialist countries of the DPRK, Vietnam, the Laos, and Cuba. Meanwhile, we have actively expanded interactions with other communist and progressive forces and maintained institutionalized exchanges with communist parties in Russia and South Africa. All these efforts have paid off in promoting innovations in theory and practice and will see Marxism emanate mightier and more compelling power of truth in the 21st century. In May 2021, around 200 representatives of 58 Marxist political parties of 48 countries attended the World Symposium for Marxist Political Parties. The participants are of the view that the CPC has made unprecedented achievements, which has fully demonstrated the strengths of the socialist system and the great vigor and vitality of Marxism.

The World Symposium for Marxist Political Parties is held by IDCPC on May 27th, 2021, Beijing. (Photo/IDCPC)

III. The international work of the Party fully demon-strates the original aspiration of China’s major country diplomacy: Putting the people front and center, the international work of the Party takes a “three-pronged” approach of political party diplomacy, public diplomacy and peopleto-people diplomacy in striving for the shared aspirations of people around the world for a better life.

Abiding by the principle of putting people first, we in the international work of the Party firmly safeguard the rights of the Chinese people to a better life by creating a favorable international environment.When it comes to the Taiwan question and issues related to Hong Kong, Xinjiang, Tibet, maritime rights and human rights, we have in-depth exchanges with foreign political parties and presented them with the merits of the matter. As a result, a large number of foreign political parties and organizations take just positions and speak up for China, providing strong support for our efforts to safeguard the core interests and fundamental rights of the Chinese people. Meanwhile, the CPC also actively engages in promoting the settlement of hotspot regional and international issues through dialogue, contributing to world peace and development and creating an enabling environment for China’s modernization. Through deepening “political party +” cooperation mechanisms and bringing into full play platforms for promoting international economic cooperation through the Party channel, we align our work with the requests of relevant departments and localities for greater international exchanges. We match up Chinese and foreign businesses through such events as the “political party exchanges plus practical cooperation” dialogues, which further promotes China’s opening up and high-quality development in various regions. Giving full play to the principal status of the people and serving their interests, the international work of the CPC has set it apart from the “minority diplomacy” or “capital diplomacy” of certain countries that serve the interests of a small number of elites backed by capital and interest groups in pursuit of votes or profits.

With a global vision for building a community with a shared future for mankind, the international work of the CPC is committed to combining the interests of the Chinese people with the interests of people around the world, and linking the Chinese dream with the dreams of other countries.While pursuing happiness for the Chinese people and rejuvenation of the Chinese nation, the CPC also contributes to human progress and world harmony. The Party has been cogitating on the future of humanity with a view to making new and greater contribution to humanity. Serving national rejuvenation and promoting human progress is the main theme of China’s major country diplomacy, which also fully reflects the Party’s founding mission in its international work. In his keynote address at the CPC and World Political Parties Summit, General Secretary Xi Jinping elaborated on the routes to building a community with a shared future for mankind, demonstrating the global vision of the CPC in seeking happiness for the Chinese people and progress of humanity. In face of new circumstances and new challenges, the CPC has been working conscientiously for concrete progress of Belt and Road cooperation and the Global Development Initiative with a view to promoting equitable, effective and coordinated global development, which also gives expression to the Chinese people’s aspirations to work with people around the world in solidarity and build a community with a shared future for mankind and a better world.

On Feb. 23rd, 2022, the inauguration ceremony of Mwalimu Julius Nyerere Leadership School co-founded by six parties in southern Africa is held. (Photo/IDCPC)

We follow the mass line in the international work of the Party with the purpose of winning the hearts and minds of the international community. Carrying forward our fine tradition of “from the people and to the people”, we reach out ever wider to political parties and organizations as well as the ordinary people, fully leveraging our “three-pronged” approach of political party diplomacy, public diplomacy and peopleto-people diplomacy. Our work covers not only the elites but also the grassroots on a dual track of both official and non-governmental diplomacy. Touching the hearts of the people with sincerity, we give full play to the strength of people-to-people diplomacy in its diversity, directness and flexibility. Focusing on promoting peopleto-people exchanges within the BRI framework, we organize multilateral events such as the China-Africa People’s Forum, BRICS Political Parties, Think Tanks and Civil Society Organizations Forum, and Civil Society 20, among others. We synergize resources to bring real benefits to relevant countries by delivering schools, water facilities and launching “Brightness Action” programs for cataract patients, thus laying a solid foundation for longterm and steady development of state-tostate relations and building public support for major country diplomacy with Chinese characteristics.

IV. The international work of the CPC fully demonstrates the unique strength of major country diplomacy with Chinese characteristics: Through its theoretical capacity and moral appeal, the CPC provides political guidance to the international community. A new type of party-to-party relations adds new impetus to a new type of international relations.

Carrying forward the fine tradition of “working on the mind”, the international work of the CPC has a unique political feature and strength, providing the international community with guidance in terms of direction, concept, perception and responsibility.As an important force in the political arena, political parties are the fountainhead of domestic and foreign policies in the great majority of countries in the world, which represent the will of the people and guide public opinion. To “work on the mind” of the international community is reflected, first and foremost, in the political guidance and moral appeal of the CPC. In his keynote address at the CPC and the World Political Parties Summit, General Secretary Xi Jinping called on political parties around the world to shoulder the responsibilities of steering the course, building consensus, promoting development, enhancing cooperation and improving governance. The message that consultation and cooperation among political parties will help promote coordination and collaboration among countries and stronger solidarity in dealing with common challenges has been warmly responded to by the international community.

In active response to the growing trend of political parties in a great number of developing countries to “l(fā)ook east”, we in the international work of the CPC carry out experience sharing with our counterparts around the world to share our philosophies.With changes unseen in a century as the rising trend of the East continues, developing countries are yearning for greater development and better governance. When looking east, they shift their focus from the achievements of China to the reasons behind and from specific policies to development path. It is their ardent hope to learn more about the secret recipes of China’s success. They expect to share in the dividends of China’s development, but more importantly, the ideas and philosophies of the CPC that work. They are not only thinking about “why the CPC has succeeded”, but also “how we can succeed as well”. Over the years, we have invited foreign political party delegations to China and shared with them experience in a wide range of areas such as party building, economic development, poverty reduction, and social governance. After the outbreak of COVID-19, we have kept up our communication on-line, helping political parties enhance their governance capacity and internal growth momentums based on their needs.

Transcending differences in ideologies and social systems, the international work of the CPC aims at building global partnerships of political parties to promote the sound and steady growth of state-to-state relations.As pointed out by General Secretary Xi Jinping, political parties in various countries should strengthen mutual trust, dialogue, and coordination. A new type of party-to-party relations should be explored on the basis of a new model of international relations. This new type of party-to-party relations seeks to expand common ground while reserving differences and enhances mutual respect and mutual learning. Since the 18th National Congress of the CPC, our Party has not only deepened solidarity and cooperation with world Marxist parties and progressive forces, but also stepped up institutionalized exchanges with major parties of major countries, while developing closer ties with political parties of neighboring countries and developing countries. To date, the CPC has maintained regular exchanges with over 500 political parties and organizations. A multi-form, multi-level international network for party-to-party exchanges and cooperation has taken shape. Our exchanges are never hampered by ideological differences or divergent social systems. We do not “import” models from other countries, nor do we want to “export” the Chinese model. Inter-party relations have continuously guided, consolidated, and promoted state-to-state relations. We continue enhancing dialogues between the ruling parties of China and Russia, thus consolidating political and strategic mutual trust and promoting mutually-beneficial cooperation between the two countries across the board. In face of complex changes in major country relations, we properly handle the balances of competition vs. cooperation, and exchanges vs. confrontation. Further success is made in the China -U.S. Political Party Leaders Dialogue, which adds to the positive energy for bilateral relations to return to the right track. We also develop mature political party exchange mechanisms with Germany, France, the UK and Japan. Through inter-party communication, we have increased trust and dispelled suspicion, thus promoting the sound and steady growth of state-to-state relations.

Ambassadors and Consuls General from ten countries from Southeast and South Asia in Guilin, China in 2021 for the exchanges themed on “forging a community of Chinese nation in the journey from poverty alleviation to common prosperity—practice in the ethnic areas of Guangxi” at the invitation of the IDCPC. (Photo/IDCPC)

The Thematic Briefing on “Stories of the CPC—Jiangxi’s Achievements in Practicing Xi Jinping Thought on Socialism with Chinese Characteristics for a New Era” held in Nanchang, Jiangxi, 2019. (Photo/IDCPC)

V. The international work of the CPC fully demonstrates the magnificent style of China’s major country diplomacy: Deeply rooted in the fine traditional Chinese culture and giving full play to the strength of working on the people, the international work of the CPC advocates the common values of humanity from the very root of policy and decision-making, building political consensus for improving global governance.

Drawing from the profound strength of fine traditional Chinese culture, the international work of the CPC gives vivid expression to the character of China’s major country diplomacy with its emphasis on sincerity, equity, trust and morality.In the international work of the CPC, we have always followed the principle of pursuing the greater good and shared interests, as advocated by General Secretary Xi Jinping. In our exchanges with political parties of developing countries, we abide by the principle of sincerity, practical results, affinity and good faith. When it comes to justice, we never bend to pressure or deviate from our course for the pursuit of self-interests. Guided by sincerity and good faith, we make new friends while renewing old friendships. We honor our words with both ruling parties and parties in waiting, with both incumbents and retired dignitaries. Foreign political parties are impressed with the depth of such exchanges, but more importantly, the warmth. It is the consistent position of the CPC that political parties, big or small, strong or weak, are all equal. The leaders of many political parties spoke from the bottom of their hearts when saying that the CPC acts in a way as a big party should, but without its airs. It is the common impression of political parties in their interactions with the CPC that it never imposes its ideas on others nor interferes into the internal affairs of other countries. Instead, all parties are equal in their interactions. At the most crucial junctures of the fight against COVID-19, the CPC provided badly needed assistance to over 200 political parties and organizations of 70-plus countries to the best of its ability. Through launching such campaigns as the “Joint Action against COVID-19 within the Framework of the Silk Road Community Building Initiative”, the CPC shoulders responsibilities that befit a major party of a major country.

Applying the essence of traditional Chinese culture, the international work of the Party substantiates and expands common human values, contributing wisdom of the CPC and pooling the strength of political parties for improving global governance.Facing governance deficit, trust deficit, peace deficit and development deficit in the international arena, we in the international work of the Party work with political parties around the world to uphold the global governance concept featuring extensive consultation, joint contribution and shared benefits. In our international exchanges, we follow the Chinese adages of “peace is precious”, “unity through diversity” and “keeping an open mind like the ocean taking in countless rivers”. In such a spirit we advocate mutual respect and mutual learning among political parties. Believing in “Do not do to others what you would not like others to do to you”, we initiate in-depth discussions on topics such as multilateralism, greater democracy in international relations and climate change to make the system of global governance more fair and just. Together with over 240 political parties of more than 110 countries, we issued aJoint Open Letter from World Political Parties Concerning Closer Interna-tional Cooperation against COVID-19. A total number of 355 political parties, social organizations and think tanks of 140 countries and regions released theJoint Statement of World Political Parties, Social Organizations and Think Tanks on Making Independent Efforts to Explore the Path Toward Democracy and Working Together to Promote Common Development, sending out, loud and clear, the message that “democracy is not the exclusive privilege of a few countries”. Around 200 think tanks around the world spoke with one voice against a new “Cold War” and for solidarity amid adversities. Upholding the common values of mankind, the CPC works together with political parties around the world to address the root causes of the “four deficits”, thus steering the wheels of history toward a brighter future with the strength of political parties.

Giving full play to the unique wisdoms of fine traditional Chinese culture, the international work of the Party gives a cultural and historical touch to China’s major country diplomacy.People to people contacts is a strength of the Party’s international work. The international exchanges of the Party bring us into frequent contact with leaders and dignitaries of political parties. Focusing on each and every individual, our interactions are often long-term and take diversified forms. Friendship is nurtured with time. Since the 18th National Congress of the CPC, we have made a lot of innovations in the ways and means we interact with foreign friends. Drawn closer to the Chinese culture, our foreign friends have a deeper understanding about China and the CPC. Always paying attention to the details, we make full use of elements and symbols of the Chinese culture and engage in cultural diplomacy, such as inviting dignitaries of foreign political parties to experience for themselves traditional cultural activities.

On the new journey ahead in the new era, we will ride the wind and cleave the waves and unite more closely around the CPC Central Committee with Comrade Xi Jinping at the core. Xi Jinping Thought on Socialism with Chinese Characteristics for a New Era and the important instructions of Xi Jinping on the international work of the Party provide the fundamental guidance for our endeavors ahead. We will continue to reflect upon and give true meaning to the instruction that “the international work of the CPC is a significant manifestation of the major country diplomacy with Chinese characteristics”. With great cohesion and an unyielding spirit, we will bring about more innovations in theory and practice and contribute to the realization of the second centenary goal and the great rejuvenation of the Chinese nation!

Supported by the China NGO Network for International Exchanges and the China Charity Federation, China’s Blue Sky Rescue carrying out COVID-19 disinfection practice and prevention training in Cambodia. (Photo/IDCPC)