SPECIAl | Chinese top diplomat Wang Yi at Munich Security Conference
As the Munich Security Conference unfolds amidst global uncertainties, Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi articulated China's stance on international relations.
Editor’s Notes: What are the highlights of Chinese top diplomat, Foreign Minister Wang Yi’s speech and conversation at this year’s Munich Security Conference?
Video: Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi at the MSC 2025: China is committed to a multipolar world
Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi calls for multipolar world order. Wang Yi asserted that China promotes an equal and orderly multipolar world, advocating against domination by major countries and the oppression of weaker nations. China to work for an equal and orderly multipolar world.
Wang Yi on international rules: Upholding system with UN at its core.
Wang Yi on China-U.S. ties: Correct attitude is mutual respect. China's policy towards the United States maintains continuity and stability. However, if the U.S. insists on suppressing and containing China, China will resolutely fight back against the unilateral bullying of the U.S., and safeguard China's national sovereignty, national dignity and legitimate development rights, he said.
Wang Yi: China backs dialogue for Russia-Ukraine conflict resolution.
Highlighting initiatives like the Belt and Road and the Global Gateway from Europe, Wang Yi proposed collaboration for common development in regions such as Africa and the Middle East, aiming to foster global peace and stability.
The following is the full script of Wang Yi’s keynote speech issued by Chinese Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
A Steadfast Constructive Force in a Changing World
坚定做变革世界中的建设性力量 (Chinese version)
Keynote Speech by H.E. Wang Yi
At the 61st Munich Security Conference
Conversation with China
Munich, February 14, 2025
Your Excellency Chairman Christoph Heusgen,
Dear Friends,
Colleagues,
The world we live in is an increasing mix of turbulence and transformation. Many people are asking the same question: Where is it headed? If I may borrow the theme of this year’s Munich Security Report, it is headed toward multipolarization. When the United Nations was founded 80 years ago, it had only 51 member states; today, 193 countries ride in the same big boat. A multipolar world is not only a historical inevitability; it is also becoming a reality.
Will multipolarity bring chaos, conflict and confrontation? Does it mean domination by major countries and the strong bullying the weak? China’s answer is, we should work for an equal and orderly multipolar world. This is another major proposition put forward by President Xi Jinping, and it represents our sincere expectation for a multipolar world. China will surely be a factor of certainty in this multipolar system, and strive to be a steadfast constructive force in a changing world.
Here, I want to make four points.
First, it is important to advocate equal treatment. Rivalry between big powers had brought disaster to humanity, as evidenced by the lessons of the two world wars in the not-so-distant past. Whether it is the colonial system or the core-periphery structure, unequal orders are bound to meet their demise. Independence and autonomy is sought across the world, and greater democracy in international relations is unstoppable. Equal rights, equal opportunities and equal rules should become the basic principles of a multipolar world.
It is in this principle that China advocates equality among all countries regardless of size, and calls for increasing the representation and say of developing countries in the international system. This will not lead to “Westlessness,”(“西方的缺失”) but will deliver more positive-sum results to the world. The Munich Security Conference has invited more participants from Global South countries in recent years. This is a wise thing to do. Every country should have their voice heard. Every country should be able to find their place and play their role in a multipolar paradigm.
Second, it is important to respect international rule of law. As an old Chinese saying goes, circles and squares cannot be drawn without compasses and rulers (中国有句古话，没有规矩，不成方圆。), which means nothing can be accomplished without following norms and standards. The purposes and principles of the U.N. Charter provide fundamental guidance for handling international relations. They are also an important cornerstone of a multipolar world. The world today is witnessing incessant chaos and confusion, and one important reason is that some countries believe might makes right and have opened a Pandora’s box marked the law of the jungle. (当今世界乱象频出，一个重要原因就是有些国家迷信实力至上，打开了丛林法则的潘多拉盒子。) In reality, all countries, regardless of size or strength, are stakeholders in international rule of law. The multipolar paradigm must not be a state of disarray. Without norms and standards, one may be at the table yesterday but end up on the menu tomorrow. Major countries must take the lead in honoring their words and upholding rule of law, and must not say one thing but do another, or engage in zero-sum game.(多极格局不能是无序的状态，如果没有了规矩，昨天在餐桌边，明天就可能在菜单上。大国要带头讲诚信、讲法治，坚决摒弃言行不一、零和博弈。)
It is based on the above points of view that China resolutely upholds the authority of international rule of law, and actively fulfills its international responsibilities and obligations. It is a member of almost all universal intergovernmental organizations and a party to over 600 international conventions. It never practices exceptionalism, still less cherrypicking. It is providing the greatest certainty in this uncertain world. I wish to emphasize that there should be no double standards in observing international law. Respect for all countries’ sovereignty and territorial integrity should mean support for China’s complete reunification. (我要强调的是，在遵守国际法上不能搞双重标准，尊重各国的主权和领土完整就应该支持中国实现完全统一。)
Third, it is important to practice multilateralism. In the face of emerging global challenges, no country can stay unaffected, and the “we first” approach in international relations only leads to a lose-lose result. The U.N. is at the core of practicing multilateralism and advancing global governance. This edifice has shielded all countries from wind and rain for nearly 80 years, and is all the more needed in the multipolar world of the future. We should cement its foundation, rather than destroy its pillars. We should take up our responsibilities on governing global issues, rather than seek self-interests only. We should tackle common challenges in solidarity, rather than resort to bloc confrontation.
It is from this understanding that China upholds true multilateralism and advocates the vision on global governance featuring extensive consultation and joint contribution for shared benefit. We have firmly upheld the authority and stature of the U.N., and contributed to more than 20 percent of the U.N. regular budget. We have acted earnestly on the Paris Agreement on climate change, and built the world’s largest clean power generation system. We have also proposed and delivered on the Global Development Initiative, the Global Security Initiative and the Global Civilization Initiative, providing public goods for improving global governance.
Fourth, it is important to pursue openness and mutual benefit. Development holds the key to addressing various problems. The multipolar world should be one where all countries develop together. Protectionism offers no way out, and arbitrary tariffs produce no winners. Decoupling (脱钩断链) deprives one of opportunities, and a “small yard with high fences” (小院高墙) only ends up constraining oneself. It is important to pursue open cooperation, and support an equal and orderly multipolar world with a universally beneficial and inclusive economic globalization.
It is for this goal that China stays committed to sharing development opportunities with all countries. An Australian scholar called China an “enabler,” (“赋能型大国”) which I find very fitting. With a five-percent GDP growth last year, China contributed to nearly 30 percent of the world economic growth. It has served as an important engine for global economic growth, and shared with the world the benefit of its supersized market. China is willing to synergize high-quality Belt and Road cooperation with the European Union’s Global Gateway strategy, so as to empower each other and empower the entire world. (中国愿推动高质量共建“一带一路”同欧盟“全球门户”战略对接，赋能彼此，也赋能世界。)
Friends,
China has always seen in Europe an important pole in the multipolar world. The two sides are partners, not rivals. (中方始终认为欧洲是多极世界的重要一极，中欧双方是伙伴而不是对手。) This year marks the 50th anniversary of China-EU diplomatic relations. Taking this opportunity, China is willing to work with the European side to deepen strategic communication and mutually beneficial cooperation, and steer the world to a bright future of peace, security, prosperity and progress.
Thank you.
Here is the whole “Conversation with China” on YouTube channel.
Dr. Christoph Heusgen, Chairman of the Munich Security Conference
Thank you very much, Director Wang Yi, for your speech and also for sticking to the 10 minutes. We appreciate that. You mentioned the international order, and this is something that I also highlighted in my introductory remarks—the need to respect the UN Charter. We see now a lot of questioning of this. We see Russia invading Ukraine. We have seen from the American president these last weeks where he threatened to use force, invading Greenland and Panama, and also the displacement of Palestinians. Your country has been accused of violating the law of the sea and the Universal Declaration of Human Rights. Now you are traveling from here to New York to the Security Council. Do you continue to believe in the United Nations? Do you believe in the charter of the UN, and will you work for a reform of the UN and the UN Charter? How high is that on your priority?
Wang Yi:
Well, thank you for your question, Mr. Chairman. I think you mentioned two key words: one is order, the other is rules. Over the years, some have claimed that China seeks to change the current order and starts a new one; however, the country that is truly challenging the order, breaking agreements, and withdrawing from international organizations is making Europe feel the chill every day. (这些年，总有人说中国要改变秩序、另起炉灶。但现在真正挑战秩序、毁约退群的国家让欧洲每天都能感受到阵阵袭来的寒意。) China has developed within the current international order and has benefited from it, so what China is doing and will do is, as most countries expect, to move the order in a more just and reasonable direction. (中国是在现行秩序中发展起来的，是这一秩序的受益者，我们要做的，就是按照大多数国家的愿望，推动这一秩序朝更加公正合理的方向发展。)
Different parties may have varying understandings of international rules, there should be one fundamental shared perception, which is to uphold the international system with the United Nations at its core and adhere to the basic principles of international relations based on the purposes and principles of the UN Charter. This should be the highest common denominator for the international community. As long as everyone agrees on this point, there will be no room for double standards to exist. For major regional and international issues, as Mr. Chairman said, we will have the same yardstick for judging them.
China is aware of its international responsibilities and is willing to provide more public goods to the international community. Chinese President Xi Jinping has put forward a series of important initiatives, including the Global Development Initiative, the Global Security Initiative, and the Global Civilization Initiative, to urge the international community to take action and work together to address the increasingly severe deficits in development, security and governance.
President Xi has also proposed the lofty goal of building a community with a shared future for mankind, calling on countries to transcend differences in history, culture, social systems and ideologies to protect the only planet that humanity shares and build a global village with a shared future.
This vision not only reflects the internationalist ideals of the CPC members, but also embodies the traditional Chinese concept of all under heaven belongs to the people, and this has garnered increasing understanding, recognition and support from many countries.
Dr. Christoph Heusgen:
Thank you. One of the topics here since 2022 has been Russia's invasion of Ukraine. At the MSC just a few days before Russia's invasion, you stated, and I quote, "The sovereignty, independence and territorial integrity of all countries should be respected and safeguarded. This is a basic norm of international relations that embodies the purposes of the UN Charter. It is also the consistent, principled position of China. And that applies equally to Ukraine." So you confirmed the charter of the United Nations. Now today, Russia has become what John McCain once said here at the Munich Security Conference, "China's gas station." I would add, it's a gas station with an army. This means you have a lot of influence on Ukraine. Do you see a possibility now that there is more pressure, and finally more pressure to finish this war, that from your end, you could maybe do something on your side of the gas station and maybe cut the possibility of Russia to supply gas to your country or lower the price or stop some of the dual-use goods that are coming there so that there is more pressure on Russia to finally finish this war?
Wang Yi:
China and Russia are neighboring major countries with a long shared border. Having drawn lessons from past twists and turns, the two countries have explored and established a comprehensive strategic partnership of coordination for a new era, characterized by non-alliance, non-confrontation and not targeting any third party. China and Russia have maintained normal economic and trade relation. You mentioned, can China stop buying gas from Russia? Well, I'd like to ask this: If China does not import oil and gas from Russia, how could it meet its demands and ensure the need of more than 1.4 billion Chinese people? (中俄之间有着正常的经贸往来。试问，如果中国不从俄罗斯进口油气，如何弥补缺口，保障14亿多中国民众的需求？) It is simply not possible and it is dangerous because some countries politicize economic and trade issues to put pressure on China. We cannot let that happen. We must be responsible to our people.
When it comes to regional hotspot issues, China has consistently advocated for settling global disputes and conflicts through dialogue, consultation and political means, which applies equally to the Ukraine issue. From the day after the crisis broke out, China put forward the resolution through dialogue and consultation. President Xi Jinping has put forward a four-point proposal, which is the most authoritative interpretation of China's position, stating that the sovereignty and territorial integrity of all countries should be respected, that the purposes and principles of the UN Charter should be adhered to, that the legitimate security concerns of all parties should be taken into account, and that all efforts toward peace should be supported. We have actively engaged in mediation based on these principles and have launched the “Friends for Peace” Group with Brazil and other countries of the Global South. The evolving situation has proven that China's proposal is objective, fair, rational and pragmatic, reflecting the broad consensus of the international community.
The endpoint of any conflict is the negotiating table, and history will ultimately be just. (任何冲突的终点都是谈判桌，历史最终一定是公正的。) China welcomes all efforts committed to peace, including the peace talks consensus reached by the United States and Russia, and all parties and stakeholders can participate in the peace talks process in a timely manner. The conflict has been unfolding on European soil, and Europe needs to play a role for peace, jointly solve the root causes of the crisis, find a balanced, effective and sustainable security framework, and achieve long-term peace and stability in the continent. (战事发生在欧洲大地，欧洲更有必要为和平发挥作用，共同解决危机的根源性问题，找到均衡、有效、可持续的安全框架，实现欧洲的长治久安。)
Dr. Christoph Heusgen:
Thank you. We have run out of time, but I would at least very briefly ask you to give us a sneak preview of how you think the relationship between the US and China will develop. I know this is on many people's minds here.
Wang Yi:
I'd like to tell you that China maintains a stable and consistent policy toward the United States and does not easily flip-flop or reverse the policy, demonstrating its strategic resolve as well as international credibility as a major country. (中国对美政策保持着稳定性和连贯性，不会轻易翻烙饼，这体现了大国的战略定力和国际信誉。) Our policy is based on the three principles proposed by President Xi Jinping: mutual respect, peaceful coexistence, and win-win cooperation. China and the United States have different social systems, which are choices made by their people, so it is unrealistic to attempt to change or even upend the other party's system. (中美社会制度不同，这是各自人民的选择，想要改造甚至颠覆对方是不现实的。) Mutual respect is the premise for China-US interactions. Peaceful coexistence is also a natural course of action as China and the U.S. must not come into conflict; otherwise, the world will suffer. (和平共处更是理所当然，中美两个大国总不能冲突起来，否则世界就要遭殃。) So dialogue is needed, and efforts shall be made to strengthen dialogue and enhance understanding and build trust. Win-win cooperation is essential because the international community expects China and the U.S. to collaborate, and global challenges require both countries to join hands. This is also an international responsibility that China and the US should shoulder.
China is ready, following these three principles, to build stable, sound, and sustainable bilateral relations with the U.S. and find the right way for these two major countries to live alongside each other on this planet. China hope that the U.S. can meet China halfway. (中方已经准备好按照这三原则，同美方构建稳定、健康、可持续的双边关系，找到两个大国在这个星球上的正确相处之道，希望美方同中方相向而行。) However, if the U.S. insists on suppressing and containing China, China will resolutely fight back against the unilateral bullying of the U.S., and safeguard China's national sovereignty, national dignity and legitimate development rights. (但如果美方不愿意，执意还要打压中国、遏制中国，我们必将奉陪到底，必将坚定回击美方的单边霸凌行径，必将坚决捍卫中国的国家主权、民族尊严和正当发展权利。) This commitment also serves to uphold international fairness and justice, and to maintain the basic norms of international relations. (中国这样做，也是为了维护国际公平正义，为了维护国际关系基本准则。) Chinese people have never believed in superstitions and are not afraid of ghosts. The new China has developed and grown amid overcoming various difficulties and obstacles. (中国人从来不信邪、不怕鬼，新中国就是在战胜各种艰难险阻中发展壮大起来的。)
An old saying in China reads: "As the Nature changes vigorously, a man of virtue should strive continuously to strengthen himself." (天行健君子以自强不息) Another vivid sentence goes as: "Let him be strong, and the breeze caresses the hillocks; let him be peremptory, and the moon shines on the great river. This reflects the temperament of the Chinese people and the character of the Chinese nation." (他强任他强，清风拂山岗；他横任他横，明月照大江) No matter which way the wind blows—north, south, east, or west—we will remain calm and unshakable. (任尔东西南北风，我自泰然处之，岿然不动。) I know this might not be the easiest to translate, and there might be different versions in terms of translation. We welcome discussions for more versions, and you might turn to DeepSeek for some help.
We are confident in the future of the world, and also the future of China-U.S, relations. There is only one direction that we should strive toward - the three principles I repeatedly mentioned, which is also the biggest expectation of international community.
Dr. Christoph Heusgen:
Thank you. Thank you very much for this proverb. We see if we have ChatGPT or so translating it, but I thought the English translation we got was pretty good. Thank you for being here. I hope, I sincerely hope also, you can use the possibility of Munich to meet with representatives of the new U.S. administration. It would be very good that what you are also proposing—more talks and discussion on these issues—would materialize here in Munich. I wish you again good luck on your trip to New York and thank you for being such a good guest here at the Munich Security Conference. Thank you. All the best.
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