On February 7, 2024, Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi claimed that Washington was trying to suppress Beijing and emphasized the importance of a “multipolar” world order. Wang Yi, who said that relations with Russia would be deepened and strengthened, criticized the sanctions imposed by the United States of America (USA) on Chinese companies. Stating that these sanctions have become “surprising” and “incomprehensible”, the Minister referred to the “unilateralism” and “protectionism” of the US.[1]
Noting that relations with the US are “critical” but ties with Russia will be further strengthened in the coming months, Wang Yi praised the “strategic guidance” undertaken by Chinese President Xi Jinping and Russian President Vladimir Putin to strengthen the relationship, and stated that bilateral trade reached a record of $240 billion last year. Wang Yi said that Russian natural gas heats Chinese homes, while Chinese cars travel on Russian roads.[2]
Russia’s gas exports to China have increased since the start of the war in Ukraine, helping it withstand the economic hardship caused by the decline in shipments to Europe. China sold more than 841,000 vehicles to Russia last year, making it the largest export market for China’s automakers. At the same time, total exports increased by 54% compared to 2022.[3]
In addition to all these, Wang Yi, who said that the US could not fulfill its promises and was “obsessed” with suppressing China, emphasized the importance of mutual respect and said that “it is unacceptable that some countries are at the table and others are not”. Bilateral relations have softened somewhat since Xi Jinping met with U.S. President Joe Biden in November. Reminding that Biden promised not to support Taiwan’s independence, Wang Yi added that countries that do this “will burn themselves from playing with fire”.[4]
Speaking at the annual press conference, the Chinese Foreign Minister discussed the conflicts in Ukraine and Gaza and China’s relationship with Europe. Emphasizing the extent of all this, he highlighted a trend that he described as “a multipolar world that is no longer ruled by Washington’s hegemony”.[5]
This has been an important part of the “borderless” friendship announced by China and Russia in February 2022. It took place immediately before Russia’s invasion of Ukraine. Beijing supported Moscow diplomatically and economically after the invasion, which caused a reaction from Western leaders. At the same time, Wang Yi said, “China-Russia relations are moving in line with the trend of multipolarity”.[6]
As part of multipolarity, China’s foreign policy is increasingly focused on the importance of the Global South. Wang Yi said that China is “not the silent majority of the Global South, but the power that is reshaping the international order”.[7]
Observers thought Wang had been seen as a temporary interim solution since former Foreign Minister Qin Gang was dismissed last year. However, the agenda for this year’s meetings did not mention personnel changes. Wang Yi is also the Director of the Chinese Communist Party’s (CCP) Foreign Affairs Commission. This is a position that has more power than the Secretary of State.
China’s foreign policy vision is increasingly distinctly focused on a multipolar world order. This orientation reflects an approach that questions the traditional hegemonic position of the United States and emphasizes changes in the global balance of power. Recent statements by Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi are a concrete expression of this vision and can help us better understand China’s strategic goals, especially when compared to its relations with Russia.
Wang Yi explained the US sanctions through “unilateralism” and “protectionism” policies and emphasized that China adopts a more fair and egalitarian approach in international relations. Ultimately, the U.S. policies towards China adversely affect international stability and security.
As Wang Yi emphasized, China-Russia relations are getting stronger and stronger. The increase in trade volume and cooperation in the field of energy emphasize the strategic importance of these relations. The increase in Russia’s gas exports to China during the Ukraine Crisis shows that these relations are based on mutual interests. A joint action between China and Russia could change the balance in international relations and shake the traditional hegemonic position of the United States.
Wang Yi’s statements emphasize China’s relations with the countries of the Global South and its belief in a multipolar world order. This marks a significant shift at a time when the balance of power is shifting and international relations are evolving towards a more diversified structure, with the expansion of China’s foreign policy, which has traditionally focused on the West.
As a result, Wang Yi’s statements show that China’s foreign policy is evolving more and more clearly towards a multipolar world order. This could increase tensions in U.S.-China relations while allowing China to strengthen its relations with Russia and other global powers. However, the realization of this vision could shake the traditional balance of power in international relations and lead to new areas of conflict. For this reason, China’s cooperation with Russia for multipolar world building will continue to face a great reaction from the West.
[1] “China Pledges to Deepen Russia Ties and Criticises US ‘Obsession’ with Suppressing Beijing”, The Guardian, https://www.theguardian.com/world/2024/mar/07/china-pledges-to-deepen-russia-ties-and-criticises-us-obsession-with-suppressing-beijing, (Date of Access: 09.03.2023).
[2] “China Accuses US of Devising Tactics, Criticises ‘Obsession’ with Suppressing Beijing” Firstpost, https://www.firstpost.com/world/china-accuses-us-of-devising-tactics-criticises-obsession-with-suppressing-beijing-13746289.html, (Date of Access: 09.03.2023).
[3] “China Criticizes US for Suppressing Its Rise While Touting Partnership With Russia”, Voice of America, https://www.voanews.com/a/china-criticizes-us-for-suppressing-its-rise-while-touting-partnership-with-russia/7517486.html, (Date of Access: 09.03.2023).
[4] “China Pledges to Deepen Russia Ties and Criticises US ‘Obsession’ with Suppressing Beijing”, The Guardian, https://www.theguardian.com/world/2024/mar/07/china-pledges-to-deepen-russia-ties-and-criticises-us-obsession-with-suppressing-beijing, (Date of Access: 09.03.2023).
[5] “China Accuses US of Devising Tactics, Criticises ‘Obsession’ with Suppressing Beijing” Firstpost, https://www.firstpost.com/world/china-accuses-us-of-devising-tactics-criticises-obsession-with-suppressing-beijing-13746289.html, (Date of Access: 09.03.2023).
[6] “China Criticizes US for Suppressing Its Rise While Touting Partnership With Russia”, Voice of America, https://www.voanews.com/a/china-criticizes-us-for-suppressing-its-rise-while-touting-partnership-with-russia/7517486.html, (Date of Access: 09.03.2023).
[7] “China Pledges to Deepen Russia Ties and Criticises US ‘Obsession’ with Suppressing Beijing”, The Guardian, https://www.theguardian.com/world/2024/mar/07/china-pledges-to-deepen-russia-ties-and-criticises-us-obsession-with-suppressing-beijing, (Date of Access: 09.03.2023).
