In world full of turmoil, China ‘stands firm as a mountain’ with compatriots

SCMP | March 8, 2026, 9 p.m. | Original

Pledge from Foreign Minister Wang Yi at most-watched press briefing comes as global volatility tests supply chains and regional influence

4 -MIN READ 4 -MIN

People watch a Chinese New Year performance of traditional Chinese dances with a sculptural flag of the Communist Party seen in the background, in Beijing on March 1. Photo: AFP

China has vowed to firmly safeguard its overseas interests – a core objective reaffirmed in its latest five-year plan – at a time when global volatility is testing supply chains and regional influence.

Foreign Minister Wang Yi said on Sunday that Beijing would continue to strengthen its capacity to protect Chinese interests and citizens abroad, put the people first, and develop a global system for security and risk prevention.

According to analysts, his remarks reflect the growing pressures on Beijing – from regional conflicts to commercial disputes and hostility with the US.

These could be crucial factors in shaping its foreign policy direction, they said.

Beijing lays out its views on world order at Chinese Foreign Minister’s press conference

Beijing lays out its views on world order at Chinese Foreign Minister’s press conference

Addressing a high-profile press conference in Beijing, Wang underscored China’s unwavering commitment to its citizens abroad.

“I want to tell our compatriots overseas: while the world before you is fraught with turmoil, the motherland behind you stands as firm as a mountain,” Wang said.

Agility and adaptability are in Hong Kong’s DNA, former leader CY Leung says Beijing’s message is clear: Hong Kong must shape up and speed up