Head-of-state diplomacy key role in enhancing ties

The multiple bilateral meetings between Chinese President Xi Jinping and leaders from different countries, including Australia, the United Kingdom, Mexico, Germany and France, on the sidelines of the G20 Summit in Rio de Janeiro on Monday and Tuesday highlight once again the key role head-of-state diplomacy plays in China's international relations.

The positive and warm responses of the foreign leaders to President Xi's call to maintain healthy bilateral ties between China and their respective countries on the basis of mutual respect, win-win cooperation and equality demonstrate the importance they attach to relations with China as the world's second-largest economy and a responsible major country dedicated to world peace and development.

Their responses also underscore the broad common interests between their countries and China in both the economy and trade spheres and in addressing common challenges. The amicable atmosphere of the meetings and the broad common understandings and consensus that have been reached on not only deepening win-win cooperation but also the necessity of addressing differences through negotiations and dialogues should drive home the message that, in these leaders' eyes, China is by no means a threat to their countries, as some Western China-bashing politicians peddle, but a cooperative and friendly partner, and that China's development by no means brings risks and uncertainties, but rather opportunities and a source of stability.