China Global Television Network: This year, China is in the chair of BRICS, and APEC and G20 will also be meeting in Asia this year. What role does China expect emerging markets and developing countries (EMDCs) to play in global governance?

Wang Yi: BRICS countries are a fine example of EMDCs seeking strength from unity and a crucial force for advancing global governance. After five years, the baton of the BRICS chairmanship is once again passed to China. We will hold a summit and more than 160 events. We will work with other BRICS countries under the theme of "forming a high-quality partnership to jointly create a new era of global development" to deepen BRICS cooperation across the board, make BRICS shine brighter, burnish BRICS credentials for South-South cooperation, and inspire hope and confidence for a joint effort by all countries to beat the pandemic and promote global recovery.

We will guide the reform of the global governance system with the principle of equity and justice and put forth BRICS proposals for improving global governance in the post-COVID era. We will prioritize vaccine cooperation and expand public health collaboration to cement BRICS defenses against the COVID-19 pandemic. We will fully advance cooperation in such areas as economy, trade, finance, innovation, digital economy, green development and poverty reduction to create a BRICS fast track for global development. And we will deepen BRICS-plus cooperation, strengthen strategic coordination among EMDCs and make BRICS contributions to building a global partnership for development.

In the course of this year, China, Thailand and Indonesia will host the BRICS Summit, APEC Economic Leaders' Meeting and G20 Summit respectively. Asia's time has come in global governance. In the race of global governance, we look forward to seeing EMDCs turning from "followers" to "forerunners" and even "pacesetters". Together, we can play a more active role, speak with a bigger voice, help make the international order more just and equitable, and promote more open, inclusive, balanced and win-win globalization for all.

Press Trust of India: The India-China relations continue to remain at rock bottom. How does China see the prospect of bilateral ties this year?

Wang Yi: China-India relations have encountered some setbacks in recent years, which do not serve the fundamental interests of the two countries and the two peoples. As regards the boundary question left over from history, China has all along advocated managing differences through equal-footed consultation, actively seeking a fair and equitable settlement, and meanwhile not letting it affect or interfere with the bigger picture of bilateral cooperation.

As we have seen, some forces have always sought to stoke tension between China and India and division between regions. Their attempts have put more and more thoughtful people in reflection and on alert. More people have come to realize that for China and India, both major countries with a population of over a billion, only by staying independent can we firmly grasp our own destiny and realize our goals of development and rejuvenation.

China and India have a combined population of over 2.8 billion and account for one third of humanity. When our two countries achieve stability and prosperity and live in peace and harmony, global peace and prosperity will have a solid foundation. As an Indian proverb goes, "Help your brother's boat across, and your own will reach the shore." We hope that India will work with China to uphold the strategic consensus that our two countries "pose no threat but offer development opportunities to each other" and continue to build mutual trust, avoid misunderstanding and miscalculation, so that we will be partners for mutual success instead of adversaries of mutual attrition. We must make sure that our relationship moves forward on the right track, bring more benefits to our peoples and make greater contribution to the region and the world.

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