China to strengthen ties with neighbours: Xi’s first comments since trade war escalates
Chinese President Xi Jinping has pledged to strengthen strategic bonds with neighbouring nations by “appropriately” managing differences and enhanced supply chain ties.
His remarks, which were delivered at a two-day central neighbours work conference that wrapped up on Wednesday, marked the Chinese leader’s first public speech since the escalation of a trade war between Beijing and Washington.
During the high-profile gathering, Xi said that “building a community of a shared future” will prioritise China’s diplomacy with its neighbouring countries.
China’s relations with its neighbors were “at the best level they have been in modern history”, a release from the official Xinhua news agency stated on Wednesday.
“At the same time, (we) are entering a pivotal stage deeply intertwined with shifts in regional dynamics and global developments,” the statement read.
The conference marked the first dedicated session held by China’s top leadership on neighbourhood diplomacy since 2013.