1. In May 2024, His Majesty King Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa successfully visited China and, together with the Chinese President Xi Jinping, announced the establishment of a comprehensive strategic partnership between Bahrain and China. As the Chinese Ambassador to Bahrain, how do you assess the development of the China-Bahrain comprehensive strategic partnership?

Bahrain is a good friend and partner of China in the Gulf region. Over the 36 years of the diplomatic relations, the two countries have consistently treated each other with sincerity and maintained friendly interactions, ensuring steady and healthy development of bilateral ties. In May 2024, His Majesty King Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa successfully visited China and, together with the Chinese President Xi Jinping, announced the establishment of the comprehensive strategic partnership between Bahrain and China, which is a milestone in the history of the bilateral relations.

Over the past year and more, the two sides have worked hand in hand to actively implement the consensus reached by the two heads of state, and have steadily advanced the China-Bahrain comprehensive strategic partnership to greater depth and substance. Political mutual trust has deepened, with both sides firmly supporting each other on issues concerning the core interests and major concerns. China supports and once again congratulates Bahrain on its election as a non-permanent member of the United Nations Security Council. Economic and trade cooperation has flourished, with bilateral trade reaching $2.305 billion in 2024, marking a year-on-year increase of 5.35%. Chinese cars have gained significant popularity and have become the top choice for many Bahraini families when purchasing vehicles. Cultural and people-to-people exchanges have been vibrant. In May 2024, direct flights between Bahrain and China were launched, and this June China introduced a unilateral visa-free policy for Bahraini citizens, providing greater convenience for Bahraini people traveling to China. Every month, over ten Bahraini government officials and friends from various sectors travel to China to participate in seminars. The Confucius Institute at the University of Bahrain and five private schools are actively promoting Chinese language education. Cultural activities such as Chinese tourism exhibitions, Chinese painting exhibitions, and Chinese artistic performances have been successively held in Bahrain. China welcomes and hopes that Bahrain will actively take part in various trade fairs and exhibitions in China, showcasing its tourism resources to attract more Chinese tourists to Bahrain.

Looking ahead, China is ready to work with Bahrain under the strategic guidance of the two heads of state to continue firmly supporting each other, pursuing common development, and achieving fruitful outcomes in practical cooperation across various fields, so as to continuously enriching the connotation of the China-Bahrain comprehensive strategic partnership and delivering tangible benefits to the two peoples.

2. The Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) Summit was successfully held in Tianjin a few days ago. Could you please provide an overview of this Summit, particularly in terms of the key outcomes achieved?

From August 31 to September 1, the SCO Summit was held in Tianjin, China. This marks the fifth time China has hosted the SCO Summit and the largest gathering since the organization’s establishment. The Chinese President Xi Jinping chaired the meeting of the SCO Council of Heads of State and the “SCO Plus” meeting, engaging with 23 foreign leaders or their representatives, as well as 10 heads of international organizations, to discuss friendship, cooperation, and shared development.

The summit yielded exceptionally fruitful outcomes, with leaders engaging in in-depth discussions on carrying forward the “Shanghai Spirit” and steering the SCO toward steady and sustained development. They put forward a series of proposals and reached extensive consensus. Key achievements include the formulation of the SCO’s development strategy for the next decade, a collective reaffirmation of safeguarding the outcomes of World War II, a clear stance in support of the multilateral trading system, the establishment of four security cooperation centers, the political decision to launch the SCO Development Bank, the establishment of six platforms for practical cooperation, the adoption of six action plans for high-quality development, and significant breakthroughs in advancing the organization’s institutional reforms.

The Tianjin Summit, held at a critical time in history, was a gathering marked with friendship, unity, and substantial achievements, propelling the SCO into a new phase of high-quality development characterized by greater solidarity, enhanced collaboration, renewed vitality, and increased effectiveness. “Shared aspirations are a source of strength and advantage, while embracing differences demonstrates breadth of vision and wisdom.” China welcomes and hopes that Bahrain, as a SCO dialogue partner, will actively participate in the various activities and cooperation initiatives of the organization.

     3.During the “SCO Plus” meeting, the Chinese President Xi Jinping proposed the Global Governance Initiative, which has sparked strong reactions and widespread resonance within the international community. What are the core principles of this initiative, and what are China’s expectations for its outcome?

The highlight of the Tianjin Summit was the Global Governance Initiative proposed by the Chinese President Xi Jinping, making this summit a milestone for guidance of human advancement.

In response to the governance deficit facing the world today, President Xi called for upholding sovereign equality, adhering to international rule of law, practicing multilateralism, promoting a people-centered approach, and emphasizing action-oriented solutions. President Xi urged countries worldwide to jointly build a more just and equitable global governance system and work hand in hand toward a community with a shared future for humanity. These five core principles clarify the founding values, methods, and pathways for reforming and improving global governance, which are deeply aligned with the purposes and principles of the UN Charter and will help countries leverage multilateral mechanisms such as the UN to promote the reform and modernization of the global governance system, enabling it to more effectively address the challenges of our times.

This year marks the 80th anniversary of the victory of the World Anti-Fascist War and the founding of the UN, making it a pivotal year for global governance. The proposal of the Global Governance Initiative at this moment aligns with the common aspirations of people worldwide and addresses the urgent needs of the contemporary world. Since its introduction, the initiative has been welcomed and supported by the leaders of participating countries and heads of international organizations, and will receive more positive responses and broader recognition from the international community.

4. This year marks the 80th Anniversary of the Victory of the Chinese People’s War of Resistance Against Japanese Aggression and the World Anti-Fascist War. The military parade on 3rd September in Beijing has been successfully concluded. How would you assess the message conveyed by this parade to the international community?

September 3rd marks the 80th Anniversary of the Victory of the Chinese People’s War of Resistance Against Japanese Aggression and the World Anti-Fascist War, and is a day of celebration for the Chinese people and all peace-loving nations and peoples around the world. On this day, Beijing held grand commemorations, including a large-scale military parade, to honor this great and solemn occasion together with the global community. Chinese President Xi Jiping delivered a speech at the gathering and reviewed troops. The event was attended by 61 foreign heads of state, government leaders, high-level representatives from relevant countries, heads of international organizations, and other distinguished guests.

The purpose of holding the commemorations is to honor history, cherish the memory of fallen heroes, value peace, and forge a brighter future. The future of humanity is interconnected, and only through treating one another as equals, fostering harmonious coexistence, and extending mutual support can nations and peoples safeguard collective security, eliminate the causes of war, and prevent the repetition of historical tragedies.

History not only carries the past but also enlightens the future. The Chinese People’s War of Resistance Against Japanese Aggression was an integral part of the World Anti-Fascist War. The Chinese people made tremendous sacrifices and significant contributions to saving human civilization and defending world peace. As humanity once again faces historic choices between peace and war, dialogue and confrontation, mutual benefit and zero-sum games, this parade vividly demonstrated the continuation of the great spirit of resistance and national resilience in the new era. It sent a powerful message to the world: China remains committed to promoting a correct view of WWII history, resolutely upholding the post-war international order, and firmly defending international fairness and justice.

China will always be a force for peace, stability, and progress in the world. We stand ready to work with all countries, including Bahrain, to uphold global fairness and justice, inject new momentum into China-Arab and China-GCC relations, promote common development for humanity, and firmly uphold the belief that justice will prevail, peace will prevail, and the people will prevail!

5. The conflict in Gaza continues, and the humanitarian situation has drawn widespread concern from the international community. What is China’s position on this issue?

China’s position on the Palestinian issue has been consistent and clear. We firmly stand with the Palestinian people and with justice and righteousness. Gaza belongs to the Palestinian people and is an inalienable part of Palestinian territory. The Palestinian issue has always been at the core of the Middle East problem. Without the implementation of the two-state solution, the logic of repaying grievance with grievance will not cease, the cycle of violence begetting violence will not end, and peace and stability in the Middle East will remain unattainable, threatening the peace and security of all nations.

Regarding the current severe situation in Gaza, China calls for the utmost urgency in promoting a comprehensive ceasefire and alleviating the humanitarian crisis. It is essential to adhere to the principle of “Palestinian governance by Palestinians” to advance the administration of Gaza and the West Bank. Support must be given to strengthening internal unity among Palestinians and assisting them in enhancing governance capacity and economic resilience. The momentum for peace through the implementation of the “two-state solution” must be maintained and advanced.

China stands ready to work with the international community, including Bahrain, to strive for an early end to the hostilities in Gaza, mitigate the humanitarian catastrophe, implement the “two-state solution”, and ultimately achieve a comprehensive, just, and lasting resolution to the Palestinian issue.