China's diplomacy commits to pursuing national interests

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China's diplomacy commits to pursuing national interests

By Bi Mingxin (Xinhua) 20:45, September 17, 2013

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The starting point and goal of China's diplomacy is to pursue the national interests, said a senior Chinese diplomat on Tuesday.

"Some foreign media and governments think that China's diplomacy is now getting tougher, while some media and people in China believe that we are not tough enough," said Zhang Jun, Director General of the Department of International Economic Affairs of China's Ministry of Foreign Affairs.

“Diplomacy is science and art, as well as a job,” he said, “the starting point and goal of China’s diplomacy is to pursue the national interests. National interests are the only standard.”

According to Zhang, there are a few essentials of a successful diplomacy.

First, the diplomacy should fully implement the foreign policies of the government.

Second, the diplomacy should maximally safeguard the national sovereignty, security and development interests, which include both practical interests and long-term benefits.

Third, the diplomacy should serve the domestic development, reform, and stability by interaction with international and domestic factors.

Fourth, the diplomacy should embody the country’s international responsibilities and obligations.

China is playing a constructive and responsible role in the international arena.

“Based on these rules, as a diplomat, I think China's diplomacy is successful, a fact widely recognized by the international community,” said Zhang.

（Editor：YanMeng、Gao Yinan）