On February 15, 2024, the 60th Munich Security Conference was held in Munich, Germany, an annual global gathering focused on defense and diplomacy. With the world undergoing accelerating changes, China’s top diplomat, Wang Yi elaborated on China’s propositions for building a community with a shared future for mankind and advocating for an equal and orderly multipolar world.
On February 15, 2024, the 60th Munich Security Conference was held in Munich, southern Germany, amidst a turbulent period of geopolitical conflicts and economic uncertainty that could escalate further in 2024.
The United Nations Secretary-General Antonio Guterres inaugurated the session. China’s top diplomat Wang Yi, Israeli President Isaac Herzog, Palestinian Prime Minister Mohammad Shtayyeh, U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken, U.S. Vice President Kamala Harris, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, German Chancellor Olaf Scholz, EU Commission President Ursula von der Leyen, and government chiefs of Lebanon, Qatar and Iraq, were among the top 180 leaders attending the conference, an annual global gathering focused on defense and diplomacy.
With the world undergoing accelerating changes and entering a new period of turbulence and change, Wang elaborated on China’s propositions for building a community with a shared future for mankind and advocating for an equal and orderly multipolar world at the Munich Security Conference.
On the Russia-Ukraine conflict, Wang stated, “No matter the changes in the international situation, China as a responsible major country will always maintain the continuity and stability of its major policies and resolutely stay a force for stability in a turbulent world.”
China says it is a neutral party in the conflict but has been criticized for refusing to condemn Moscow for its invasion of Ukraine. “China-Russia relations do not involve forming alliances, creating opposition, or targeting third parties,” Wang said.
“They are normal relations between two neighboring major countries. China opposes pushing responsibility for the Ukraine crisis onto China. China has already done a lot of constructive work (on Ukraine). We will continue to play a positive role,” he added.
Vice President Kamala Harris, also emphasized the importance of unwavering support for Ukraine, urging the United States not to allow political games to hinder aid delivery. Harris commended Zelensky’s courage and reiterated the US commitment to democracy and supporting Ukraine.
Regarding the Israel-Hamas war, Wang reiterated calling for an immediate ceasefire and the opening of channels for humanitarian aid in the area. “We cannot allow this humanitarian disaster to continue,” he said. Many other delegations including China expressed the need for international efforts towards a two-state solution, arguing that it was the only way to lower regional tensions.
In a world getting increasingly bipolar and witnessing major conflicts in Europe and the Middle East, it was, at the very, least comforting to see world leaders gathered to discuss peace. Leading the way was Yi who underscored China’s desire for world peace and its stance on principles. Let’s hope such leadership inspires other countries to wake up and end the horror of prevailing conflicts in Gaza and Ukraine.
