Chinese President Xi Jinping attends the plenary meeting of the Johannesburg Summit of the Forum on China-Africa Cooperation in Johannesburg, South Africa, Dec. 5, 2015. (Xinhua/Li Tao)

Throughout the year 2015, China's diplomacy has seen major progress in displaying three characteristics.

Firstly, China's diplomatic activities promote the notion of the "Chinese dream."

A peaceful international environment is needed in order to realize the Chinese dream of great national rejuvenation. China's diplomacy is tasked with promoting the link between global development opportunities and opportunities in China, and with pursuing positive interactions and mutually beneficial cooperation between China and other countries.

The "Belt and Road" initiatives are crucial for pushing forward China's domestic development while sticking to the "opening up" policy and expanding cooperation between China and other countries. Joint cooperation between China's Silk Road Economic Belt and the Eurasian Economic Union was implemented during Xi's visit to Russia.

Secondly, China's diplomatic activities showcase China as being aware of its responsibilities as a major power.

China volunteers to play a contributing role by offering more for the well-being of countries across the world, displaying “big country diplomacy with Chinese characteristics.”

2015 marks the 70th anniversary of the founding of the United Nations (UN) and victory in the anti-fascist war. China firmly upholds the post-war international order, which was built by the UN in accordance with the principles of the UN Charter. It is the cornerstone of global peace and stability.

The UN Security Council held a public debate on promoting global peace and security through China's proposals. China will establish a 1 billion dollar China-UN Peace and Development Fund and join the new UN Peacekeeping Capability Readiness System, said Xi Jinping at the annual debate of the 70th session of the General Assembly.

China will also make efforts to help achieve sustainable development goals. China will build the South-South cooperation fund to assist developing countries in implementing their post-2015 development agenda, as well as in setting up an international development center to facilitate exchange between countries on theories and practices suited to their respective national conditions. At the G20 summit, China called for the implementation of the UN's sustainable development agenda for 2030, injecting strong vigor into the fair and inclusive development.

China makes a positive contribution in dealing with global challenges. Xi proposed solutions to climate change and urged all relevant parties to build consensus during his speech at the opening ceremony of the Paris climate summit on Nov. 30, 2015.

Thirdly, China's diplomatic activities help build a new type of international relations, featuring mutually beneficial cooperation. 

China and the UK commit to building a global comprehensive strategic partnership for the 21st century, displaying a new kind of international relations. The new China-Africa strategic partnership is upgraded to a comprehensive strategic cooperative partnership, and the parties involved agreed to make greater contributions to building a new type of international relations.