Speaking at the opening of the 20th Chinese Communist Party Congress, President Xi Jinping criticized hegemonic pretensions, the intimidating use of force against the weakest, deceit and violence in times of unprecedented challenges to peace, security, development and global governance.

He assured that his country will maintain an independent, peaceful foreign policy of respect for the sovereignty and territorial integrity of others, but also persist in cooperation and friendship, building a new type of international relations and opening up.

“China will not fail to provide new opportunities for the world with self-development (…) promote the liberalization and facilitation of trade and investment and boost bilateral, regional and multilateral cooperation,” Xi said. He denied his country’s expansionist or hegemonic plans, and stressed the defensive nature of military development.

The President spoke out against protectionism, wall-building, uncoupling and breaking supply chains, imposing unilateral sanctions and pressure.

He reaffirmed that Beijing will uphold the rules-based international order, promote a greater role for organizations such as the Brics group and advance its global development and security initiatives as an alternative to accelerate prosperity and peace on the planet.

rgh/ymr