China's Foreign Minister Wang Yi stated during a press conference in Beijing, on Thursday, that China aims to become a global force for peace and stability.
 
"In the face of complex turmoil in the international environment, China will persist in being a force for peace, a force for stability, and a force for progress in the world," Wang told reporters. 

Wang delivered these remarks during China's largest annual political assembly, which commenced earlier this week in Beijing.
 
The current year's assembly is under close scrutiny for indications of Chinese leaders' confidence amid ongoing geopolitical tensions, including those across the Taiwan Strait and the third year of the war in Ukraine.
 
This comes shortly after Australia and Southeast Asian nations concluded a three-day summit on Wednesday, jointly advocating for moderation in the disputed South China Sea, despite taking part in alliances with the US that challenge China's growing influence, increasing tensions.

Australia organized a summit in Melbourne with the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) to commemorate the 50th anniversary of their partnership. 

In a different context, the joint statement also urged a "rules-based" order in the Indo-Pacific, the South China Sea, amid increasing US provocations.
 
It is worth noting that the Philippines summoned China's deputy chief of mission in Manila on Tuesday. The purpose was to lodge a protest against what the Philippines claimed were "aggressive actions" by Chinese naval forces during a resupply mission, on Tuesday, for Filipino troops stationed on a contested shoal in the South China Sea.

On its part, China stated that it implemented "control measures" in response to what it called the "illegal intrusion" of Philippine ships into waters it asserts its claims over. Additionally, China accused a Filipino ship of "intentionally" colliding with a Chinese vessel.
 
"We resolutely oppose all acts of hegemony and bullying, and will strongly uphold national sovereignty and security as well as development interests," Wang said on Thursday. 

China asserts neutrality in Ukraine, seeks peace settlement 

China's increasing political influence has led to tensions on various fronts, as Western powers have criticized Beijing for what they perceive as a reluctance to denounce "Moscow's invasion of Ukraine" in February 2022.

On this note, China asserts its neutrality in the Ukraine war, but its strategic alliance with Russia has strengthened since the conflict's onset.
 
"China and Russia have set a new paradigm for major power relations that is completely different from the old Cold War era," Wang told journalists on Thursday, stressing that bilateral ties rested on "the basis of non-alignment, non-confrontation and non-targeting of third parties." 

Chinese Special Representative on Eurasian Affairs Li Hui, on Sunday, reiterated that China is prepared to pursue efforts and act as a mediator to seek a peace settlement to the Ukrainian crisis. The diplomat embarked on his second European tour on Saturday, with plans to visit Russia, Ukraine, the EU headquarters, Poland, Germany, and France.

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