Qiu Shi (Seeking Truth) in its issue 17/2019 published an article by Politburo member and Director of the Central Foreign Affairs Commission Office dated September 1,  on “thoroughly studying and implementing Xi Jinping Thought on Socialism with Chinese Characteristics for a New Era, especially Xi Jinping Thought on Diplomacy, comprehensively grasping the historical orientation of China’s development and development trends of the world, and continuing to spare no effort in pushing great power diplomacy with Chinese characteristics forward to realize the great rejuvenation of the Chinese nation and promote the creation of a community of shared future for mankind.” After summarising the “glorious achievements” of Chinese diplomacy “under the Party’s guidance” in the first section, Yang Jiechi offered eight recommendations: 1) “To accurately grasp the development trends of China and the world in a new era, advance the important conclusion that the world is facing profound changes unseen in a century”; 2) “To adhere to promoting the creation of a community of shared future for mankind, specify the goals and orientation of external work in a new era”; 3) “To advocate and promote the joint building of the ‘Belt and Road,’ found a new model of all-around external openness and new platform for international cooperation in a new era”; 4) “To deepen and expand the overall external strategic layout, develop a network of global partnerships”; 5) “To actively provide Chinese wisdom and a Chinese approach, thoroughly lead the way in transforming the global governance system”; 6) “To firmly defend national sovereignty, security, and development interests, safeguard reform-based development and national rejuvenation”; 7) “To strengthen exchange and mutual learning with all the world’s countries, firmly hold the high ground of international justice”; and 8) “To persevere with diplomatic authority residing at the party center, strengthen the Party’s centralized and unified leadership over external work.” The third section called for “thoroughly implementing Xi Jinping Thought on Diplomacy";  To adhere to bottom line thinking, guard against and resolve risks and challenges in the external environment”; and be loyal to the party, country, and people.”

(Comment: Portions assessed by CCAS as specially important have been highlighted in bold.)