Vice-minister Ma did not specifically mention this, although his choice of words seemed to hit back at the West in a veiled retort.
“There are indeed some forces in the world that attempt to go against the trend of history, cling to a Cold War mentality and zero-sum game, and are bent on putting together small circles, waging a new Cold War, drawing ideological lines, stoking bloc-based confrontation and wilfully pursue power politics, bullying and hegemonism,” he said.
“That represents the biggest threat to the world order.”
Mr Ma maintained that the goal of China’s foreign policy was to safeguard world peace and advance common development, and that a divided world order would “only push the world to a dead end”.
“Having the courage and ability in carrying out our fight is a fine tradition and distinctive character of China’s diplomacy,” he said, adding that China’s diplomatic corp will enhance its ability to safeguard the country’s national interests and dignity.
SUCCESSION AND CONTINUITY
Moving forward, China’s foreign policy leadership is set to undergo a shake-up, with the Communist Party’s top foreign affairs official and Politburo member Yang Jiechi expected to step down at the age of 72.
The country’s current foreign minister Wang Yi, who is 68, could fill the post if an exception to the party’s unofficial retirement rule is made, experts say. The party’s unofficial retirement age is 68.