And fourth, we are making all-round progress in industrial capacity cooperation. We have institutionalized such cooperation with almost 20 countries and created a new model of cooperation with Kazakhstan. A large number of key cooperation projects have been launched in various countries.

　　“一带一路”倡议是中国的，但机遇是世界的。提出这一倡议，顺应了亚欧大陆要发展、要合作的普遍呼声，标志着中国从一个国际体系的参与者快速转向公共产品的提供者。“一带一路”秉持共商、共建、共享原则，奉行的不是“门罗主义”，更不是扩张主义，而是开放主义。“一带一路”带给未来世界的，一定是一幅亚欧大陆共同发展繁荣的新的历史画卷。

　　The Belt and Road Initiative is China’s idea, but its opportunities belong to the world. This initiative echoes the general call of Asian and European countries for development and cooperation. It shows that China is transitioning rapidly from a participant in the international system to a provider of public goods. In building the Belt and Road, we follow the principle of wide consultation, joint contribution and shared benefit. It is an open initiative, not the Monroe Doctrine or some expansionism. What it unfolds before the world will be a new historical painting of shared development and prosperity on the entire Eurasian continent.

　　埃及《七日报》记者：今年初主席在地区局势紧张的时候首访中东，这是否意味着中国正在调整中东政策?

　　Alyoum Alsabea: Early this year, President Xi Jinping made his first visit to the Middle East against the background of rising regional tensions. Does it signal a shift in China’s Middle East policy?

　　王毅：在中东事务上，中国从来都不是“看客”。我们一直支持阿拉伯国家争取民族独立解放，与地区各国有着越来越密切的经贸联系，同时也在积极致力于中东的和平稳定。中国在中东不搞势力范围，也不寻求代理人。我们要做的，就是本着客观公正态度，着力劝和促谈，光明磊落、坦坦荡荡。这恰恰成为中国的优势所在，中东各国都欢迎和期待中国发挥更大的作用。

　　Wang Yi: When it comes to Middle East affairs, China has never been a mere onlooker. We have all along supported the Arab countries’ quest for independence and liberation, we enjoy ever closer economic and trade ties with the region, and we are contributing actively to peace and stability in the Middle East. China does not seek any sphere of influence in the Middle East, nor do we look for any proxy. Our approach is the opposite. We adopt an objective and impartial attitude, we try to facilitate peace talks, and our position is selfless and aboveboard. This is China’s unique strength. All the countries in the Middle East welcome and look to China to play a bigger role.

　　今年年初，主席首次出访就选择了中东，对沙特、埃及和伊朗三国成功进行历史性访问，开辟了中国与中东关系的新篇章。如果说中国的政策有哪些变化的话，那就是我们愿意在共建“一带一路”框架下，更积极地和中东国家深化各领域互利合作。在坚持不干涉内政基础上，更积极地参与推动中东热点问题的政治解决。

　　At the start of this year, President Xi Jinping chose the Middle East for his first overseas trip. He made a historic visit to Saudi Arabia, Egypt and Iran, and opened a new chapter of relations between China and the Middle East. If there is any change in China’s policy toward the region, it is that in the context of building the Belt and Road, we want to play a more active role and deepen win-win cooperation with countries in the Middle East. And on the basis of not interfering in other countries’ internal affairs, we want to play a more active role in seeking the political settlement of burning issues in the region.

　　《北京青年报》记者：中国公民走出国门的人数越来越多，海外风险也在加大，外交部将采取哪些措施保护海外中国公民和机构的安全?

　　Beijing Youth Daily: More and more Chinese citizens are traveling abroad. They are exposed to growing risks in foreign countries. What measures will the Foreign Ministry take to protect overseas Chinese citizens and institutions?

　　王毅：去年中国内地公民出境增长了近10%，突破1.2亿人次。中国公民出境旅游目的地国家和地区已达150多个，在海外的各类劳务人员超过100万，海外留学人员达到近200万。这一方面说明我们的国家快速发展，人民生活水平不断提高，但另一方面，也给海外领事保护工作带来巨大压力。坦率地讲，我们资源有限，手段不足，能力建设也亟待加强。

　　Wang Yi: Last year, mainland citizens made over 120 million overseas visits, a growth rate of almost 10 percent. Over 150 countries and territories have become destinations for Chinese tourists. There are over one million Chinese working abroad and close to two million Chinese studying abroad. This shows that our country is developing rapidly and the life of our people is getting better every day. On the other hand, it also puts enormous strain on consular protection. To be honest, our resources and tools are limited, and our capacity is not yet up to the task.

　　但不管面对多大困难，本着外交为民的宗旨，我们都会尽心竭力，做好领事保护工作。仅过去一年，外交部和驻外使领馆就处理了8万多起领保案件，平均每天处理235起，每6分钟就有1起。其中12308领保热线累计接听十几万次电话，协助166个驻外使领馆处理了1.5万起案件。我们还成功解救了在海外被绑架的55位同胞，从陷入战火中的也门安全撤离613名同胞，从尼泊尔地震灾区接回6000多名同胞。说起民众关心的护照“含金量”，去年一年我们又同18个国家达成了便利人员往来的安排。给予持普通护照的中国公民免签和落地签的国家和地区达到54个。当然，这个数字与大家的期待还有不小距离，我们的努力决不会放松。

　　Having said this, we will do everything in our power to provide consular protection, bearing in mind that diplomacy must serve the people. In the course of last year, the Foreign Ministry and our diplomatic and consular missions abroad handled over 80,000 consular cases, or 235 cases per day, one case every six minutes. The 12308 consular protection hotline received over 100,000 phone calls and helped 166 of our overseas missions handle 15,000 consular cases. We successfully rescued 55 Chinese who had been abducted abroad. We evacuated 613 Chinese from conflict-ridden Yemen and over 6,000 Chinese from quake-hit Nepal. I know people care a lot about the “value” of the Chinese passport. Last year, we reached arrangements with another 18 countries to facilitate mutual travel. The number of countries and territories that give visa-free or visa-upon-landing treatment to ordinary Chinese citizens has reached 54. Of course, this figure still falls short of people’s expectations, but I can assure you that we will never relax our efforts.

　　领保工作永远在路上。事先预防而非事后补救，才是最好的保护。预防性领保将是我们今后的方向，比如加强安全防范意识的普及、在有条件国家设立警民合作中心、聘用当地领保联络员等，要把领保工作关口向国外前移，缩短领保反应时间，提高工作效率。尽量把问题解决在当地，避免大规模转移带来不必要的损失。总之，人民的利益大于天。同胞走到哪里，我们的领事保护与服务就应跟随到哪里。我们将全力为大家撑起一把越来越牢固的保护伞。

　　Consular protection is never-ending work. The best approach is prevention beforehand rather than remedy afterwards. So we will focus more on preventive consular protection. For example, we will enhance the security awareness of our people and in countries where conditions allow, we will set up police-civilian cooperation centers and appoint local liaison officers for consular protection. We want to move the first line of consular protection to foreign countries, shorten the response time and make our work more efficient. We will try to solve problems locally so as to avoid the unnecessary cost associated with large-scale evacuation. In short, the interests of the people are paramount. Consular protection and service must go wherever our compatriots have gone. We will do our level best to put up an ever stronger umbrella for Chinese people abroad.

　　日本《每日新闻》记者：请问您如何看待中日关系的现状?中日关系问题到底出在哪里，改善出路又在哪里?

　　Mainichi Shimbun: How do you see the current state of affairs in China-Japan relations? What is the underlying problem in the relationship and how can it be improved?

　　王毅：由于日方在历史等问题上的错误做法，这些年中日关系伤得不轻。尽管在双方有识之士努力下，两国关系出现了改善迹象，但前景仍不容乐观。因为日本政府和领导人一方面不断声称愿意改善日中关系，一方面又刻意到处给中国制造麻烦。这是一种典型的双面人的做法。

　　Wang Yi: Japan’s wrong approach to history and other issues in recent years has dealt a body blow to China-Japan relations. Thanks to the efforts of wise people on both sides, there are signs of improvement in the relationship, but I don’t see any grounds for optimism. On the one hand, the Japanese government and leaders say nice things about wanting to improve relations. On the other hand, they are making trouble for China at every turn. This is a typical case of double-dealing.

　　中日两国比邻而居，隔海相望，两国人民也有着友好传统。我们当然希望中日关系能够真正好起来。但俗话讲，治病要断根。对于中日关系而言，病根就在于日本当政者的对华认知出了问题。面对中国的发展，究竟是把中国当作朋友还是敌人，当作伙伴还是对手?日方应认真想好这个问题，想透这个问题。

　　China and Japan are neighbors facing each other across the sea and there is a tradition of friendship between our people. Of course, we want to see real improvement in China-Japan relations. But as a saying goes, to cure a disease, you have to address the underlying problem. As far as China-Japan relations are concerned, the underlying problem is that some politicians in Japan have the wrong perception about China. Do they view a growing China as a friend or a foe, a partner or an adversary? The Japanese side needs to give serious thought to this question and make the right choice.

　　新华社记者：过去一年欧洲国家和中国越走越近，您怎么看这种变化?

　　Xinhua News Agency: The past year saw closer relations between Europe and China. How do you see this change?

　　王毅：对欧外交是去年中国外交的一大亮点。尤其是主席对英国进行“超级国事访问”，掀起中欧合作的新高潮。我们同欧洲各国关系呈现竞相发展、相互促进的新态势。

　　Wang Yi: Diplomatic engagement with Europe was a highlight of China’s diplomacy last year. President Xi’s “super” state visit to Britain created a new wave of China-Europe cooperation. As a result, you see the simultaneous and complementary development of relations between China and various European countries.

　　中欧关系的积极变化不是一时之计，而是长远和必然的选择。中国始终把欧洲作为多极化进程中的重要一极，欧洲开始更加客观平和地看待中国的发展崛起。曾几何时，中欧之间摩擦不断，但尘埃落定之后，欧洲发现，中欧之间其实不会发生战略对抗，也没有根本利害冲突，相反合作需要越来越大，共同利益越来越多。当然，事物总是辩证的，中欧之间还会出现这样那样的问题，但彼此一定会越走越近，步伐也会越来越稳。

　　The positive change in China-Europe relations is not a temporary phenomenon; it is a long-term and inevitable choice. China has always regarded Europe an important pole in a multi-polar world, and Europe has come to view China’s development and rise in a more objective and sensible way. There was a time when China-Europe relations were beset by recurring frictions. But after the dust settled down, Europe has found that China and Europe are not headed for strategic rivalry and that there is no clash of fundamental interests between us. On the contrary, we have an increasing need for cooperation and a growing set of common interests. Of course, everything has two sides. Problems of one kind or another will arise in China-Europe relations. But I am sure the two sides will move closer to each other and our joint steps will be more steady.

　　下一步，我们愿与欧洲切实推进和平、增长、改革、文明四大伙伴关系的建设。这是一个世纪工程，也是中欧双方对人类发展进步应做出的贡献。

　　Going forward, we want to make concrete efforts with Europe to advance our partnerships for peace, growth, reform and civilization. This is our shared commitment in the 21st century and the due contribution that China and Europe can make to the development and progress of mankind.

　　柬埔寨《高棉日报》记者：3月下旬将举行澜沧江—湄公河合作首次领导人会议。中国将如何支持东盟的发展?

　　The Cambodia Daily: The first Lancang-Mekong River Cooperation Leaders’ Meeting will take place in late March. How will China support ASEAN’s development?

　　王毅：今年是中国和东盟建立对话关系的“银婚”之年。25年来，中国与东盟关系经受了各种考验，合作取得了累累硕果。当前，中国和东盟关系又站在新的起点上。我们将进一步践行主席提出的亲诚惠容周边外交理念，打造更加紧密的中国—东盟命运共同体。

　　Wang Yi: This year is, if you will, the “silver wedding” anniversary of dialogue relations between China and ASEAN. For a quarter century, our relationship has stood all kinds of tests and our cooperation has borne rich fruits. Now the relationship has reached a new starting point. We will further follow President Xi’s guideline of amity, sincerity, mutual benefit and inclusiveness for dealing with our neighbors, and work hard to build an ever closer China-ASEAN community of common destiny.

　　我们愿把东盟作为“一带一路”合作的优先伙伴。建设好中老、中泰铁路和中国印尼雅万高铁等项目，以此为契机积极推动泛亚铁路网建设，让中国与东盟各国人民更加方便地相互往来。

　　We see ASEAN as a preferred partner in Belt and Road cooperation. We want to ensure the success of the China-Laos Railway, the China-Thailand Railway and the Jakarta-Bangdung High-speed Railway that China and Indonesia are building together. These are important building blocks of the Pan-Asian Railway Network. When they are completed, the people of China and ASEAN countries will find it easier to visit each other.

　　我们愿把东盟作为对外自贸合作的优先伙伴。实施好中国—东盟自贸区升级版，给双方企业和人民带来更多实惠。积极推进区域全面经济伙伴关系协定(RCEP)谈判，力争年内完成。

　　ASEAN is our preferred partner in FTA cooperation. We want to ensure the success of the upgraded version of the China-ASEAN FTA, so as to bring more benefits to businesses and people on both sides. And we want to actively advance the RCEP negotiation and try to wrap it up before the end of the year.

　　我们愿把东盟作为区域合作的优先伙伴。本月底，李克强总理将邀请澜沧江—湄公河流域所有国家，也就是越南、老挝、柬埔寨、缅甸、泰国的领导人齐聚海南，举行澜湄合作首次领导人会议。澜湄一江连六国。我们同饮一江水，命运紧相连。澜湄合作的特征是更接地气，更重效率。目前已有78个早期收获项目。澜湄合作是中国—东盟合作的有益补充，还可助力东盟的整体和均衡发展。

　　ASEAN is our preferred partner in regional cooperation. At the end of this month, Premier Li Keqiang will invite the leaders of all countries along the Lancang-Mekong River, namely Vietnam, Laos, Cambodia, Myanmar and Thailand, to gather in Hainan Province for the first Lancang-Mekong River Cooperation Leaders’ Meeting. The Lancang and Mekong connect all six countries. We drink from the same river, and our destinies are intertwined. What makes Lancang-Mekong River cooperation different is that it is more down-to-earth and more efficient. To date, we have prepared 78 early harvest items. Lancang-Mekong River cooperation is a useful supplement to China-ASEAN cooperation. It can help boost the holistic and balanced development of ASEAN.

　　我们还愿把东盟作为海上合作的优先伙伴，用好中国—东盟海上合作基金，加强在海洋经济、海洋环保、海上安全等领域合作。同时也愿探讨建立南海沿岸国合作机制，把南海这个共同家园维护好，建设好。

　　ASEAN is also our preferred partner in maritime cooperation. We want to make good use of the China-ASEAN Maritime Cooperation Fund, and step up cooperation on the ocean economy, marine environmental protection and maritime security. In the meantime, we want to explore the possibility of establishing a South China Sea littoral states cooperation mechanism, and work together to maintain and build our common home, the South China Sea.

　　中国新闻社记者：缅甸现政府任期将在3月底结束。中方对缅新政府有何期待?密松电站等项目的前景怎样?

　　China News Service: The term of the current government in Myanmar will end in late March. What is China’s expectation for the incoming government? What about the prospects of Myitsone Dam and other Chinese-invested projects?

　　王毅：中缅友好根植于两国人民心间，有着强大生命力，不会因缅甸国内形势变化而改变。我们对中缅关系的未来充满信心。

　　Wang Yi: China-Myanmar friendship is rooted in the heart of people on both sides; it is strong and dynamic. It will not be weakened by the changes in Myanmar’s domestic situation. We have every confidence about the future of China-Myanmar relations.

　　昂山素季女士以及她领导的民盟与中国一直有友好交往，彼此了解和信任不断增加。我们对缅甸的未来同样充满信心。

　　Daw Aung San Suu Kyi and the NLD under her leadership have had longstanding friendly contacts with China; our mutual understanding and trust have been growing. So we also have every confidence about Myanmar’s future.

　　中缅是搬不走的邻居。中国愿意帮助缅甸更好、更快发展起来。密松电站是一个商业合作项目，履行了完整审批手续。合作中遇到一些困难，是“成长中的烦恼”，双方将继续积极妥善处理。我们对中缅互利合作的未来当然也充满信心。

　　China and Myanmar are neighbors and we will remain so forever. We would like to help Myanmar achieve better and faster development. The Myitsone Dam is a commercial project that has cleared all the approval procedures. There are some difficulties in the cooperation. These are “growing pains” which the two sides will continue to manage in an active and appropriate way. So of course, we also have every confidence about the future of win-win cooperation between China and Myanmar.

　　赞比亚《每日邮报》记者：当前国际经济形势低迷，中国经济增速放缓和对大宗商品的需求下降，中非经贸合作和中国对非援助能不能得到有效落实?

　　Zambia Daily Mail: The world economy is sluggish. China’s growth is slowing down and its demand for commodities is dropping. Will this affect China-Africa economic cooperation and China’s development aid to Africa?

　　王毅：今年是中非建交60周年。世界变了，中国和非洲也在变，但不变的是中非之间彼此信赖、相互支持的深厚友谊。

　　Wang Yi: China’s diplomatic relations with African countries go back 60 years. In the meantime, the world has changed, and so have China and Africa. But what remains unchanged is the deep bond of friendship, mutual trust and mutual support between China and Africa.

　　去年底，主席宣布实施对非十大合作计划。这个计划的最大特点就是要从迄今主要依靠资源类产品的贸易模式转向更多开展投资和产业合作，通过鼓励更多中国企业走进非洲，帮助非洲加快工业化进程，提高自主发展能力。因此，这一计划可谓正逢其时，恰恰可以有效应对当前国际经济形势变化给非洲带来的新挑战。中国一向言出必行。峰会刚刚过去3个月，我们已经和20多个非洲国家对接，积极落实峰会成果，一批早期收获项目即将落地，中非产能合作基金也已启动运行。

　　At the end of last year, President Xi announced 10 cooperation plans for China and Africa. The most salient feature of these plans is that we want to transition from a trade pattern that has so far been dominated by resource products to more investment and industrial cooperation. By encouraging more Chinese businesses to invest in Africa, we want to help the continent accelerate its industrialization and boost its capacity for development. So these plans couldn’t have come at a better time. They are designed precisely to help Africa deal with the new challenges from the global economy. When China makes a promise, it always delivers. Just three months after the China-Africa summit, we have gotten into touch with over 20 African countries to follow up on the outcomes of the summit. A number of early harvest items will materialize soon, and the China-Africa Fund for Industrial Cooperation is already up and running.

　　多年来，外界对中非合作有各种议论。但非洲自己最有发言权。去年中非峰会上，多位非洲领导人公开表示，中国从来没有殖民过非洲，而是帮助非洲摆脱贫困、实现发展，为非洲带来了新生;非洲一直在寻找一个有着共同利益和真正可靠的合作伙伴，最终找到了中国。他们的发言在现场引发强烈共鸣，真正代表了广大非洲人民的心声。

　　For many years, there are all kinds of comments about China-Africa cooperation, but the African people know the best. At last year’s summit, many African leaders stated publicly that China has never colonized Africa. Rather, China has helped Africa to emerge from poverty and realize development, and China has brought new life to Africa. They also said that Africa has been searching for a truly reliable partner with common interests. Eventually, they have found such a partner in China. These statements struck a chord with many in the audience; the African leaders spoke the mind of the African people.

　　“外交小灵通”网友：中国外交这么忙，究竟在忙什么呢?跟我们老百姓的生活有关系吗?

　　Question from a Diplo-Chat follower: China’s diplomacy is very busy. What are you busy with? Does what you do have an impact on the lives of ordinary people?

　　王毅：很高兴回答来自网友的问题。首先愿借这个机会感谢广大网友对外交工作的关心和支持。

　　Wang Yi: I’m glad to have the opportunity to answer a question from the netizens. Let me first thank all the netizens for their understanding and support for China’s diplomacy.

　　这位网友说得很对，中国外交这几年的确非常忙，但忙得很有必要，很有收获。

　　The netizen is right in noting that China’s diplomacy has been pretty busy in the last few years. In my view, it’s worthwhile and fruitful.

　　必要，是因为这个世界上的事情越来越离不开中国的参与。三年来，主席20次出访，相当于环绕地球飞行10圈。所到之处都刮起强劲“中国风”。中国在国际上的地位越来越高，中国人的腰板越来越硬。

　　Our hard work is worthwhile, because more and more problems in the world cannot be resolved without Chinese participation. In the last three years, President Xi has made 20 overseas visits and he has flown enough miles to circle the globe 10 times. Everywhere he traveled, he created a strong “Chinese whirlwind”. Today, China has an ever higher international standing. Wherever Chinese people go, they can hold their head high.

　　收获，是因为中国外交不仅“高大上”，而且“接地气”。大家看到，中国的领导人，甚至我们的主席、总理都在出访期间亲自做“讲解员”和“推销员”。他们心里想着的是国内的发展建设，装着的是人民的利益福祉。

　　Our hard work has also been fruitful, because China’s diplomacy is not only “high-flying” but also “down-to-earth”. As you can see, our leaders, including our President and our Premier, have often acted as “presenters” and “salesmen” of Chinese equipment and technology on foreign trips. Even when they are abroad, what they think about is China’s development and the wellbeing of the Chinese people.

　　我只举一个例子。今年1月习主席访问伊朗后4天，首列“义乌—德黑兰”货运班列通车，为义乌7万多家商户开辟了成本更低、效率更高的快捷通道，让他们拥有更多商机、更好收益。其实还有很多这样的事例和故事，大家如有兴趣，请点击一下“外交小灵通”。

　　Let me give you just one example. Four days after President Xi visited Iran in January, the first freight train ran on the Yiwu-Tehran railway. The railway provided a cost-effective channel of transportation for over 70,000 businesses in Yiwu, creating more business opportunities and better profits for them. There are many more such stories. If you’re interested, you can follow the Diplo-Chat Weibo account.

　　最近外交部推出了一项促进地方发展与开放的新举措，那就是外交搭台，地方唱戏。在外交部蓝厅为地方省区市举办全球推介活动，邀请各国驻华使节及企业参加，彼此零距离交流，面对面对接。上个星期，主办了首场推介宁夏活动，反响很好。今后大概每两三个月举行一次，欢迎各省区市踊跃参与。

　　Recently, the Foreign Ministry created a new platform to showcase and promote the development and opening of Chinese provinces. In the Blue Hall of the Foreign Ministry, we organized a promotional event and invited foreign diplomatic envoys and businesses to have face-to-face discussions with the representatives of Chinese provinces. Last week, the first event focusing on Ningxia was a great success. In the future, we plan to hold such an event once every few months. We welcome the active participation of Chinese provinces, autonomous regions and municipalities.

　　中国外交今后还会越来越忙，服务和支持国内发展的力度会越来越大，我们老百姓从中分享的红包也会越来越多。

　　In short, China’s diplomacy will only get busier. We’ll provide ever stronger services and support for China’s development, and Chinese people can expect more benefits from China’s diplomacy.

　　记者会历时2小时，500多名中外记者参加。

　　The press conference lasted two hours and was attended by more than 500 Chinese and foreign journalists.

（编辑：何莹莹）