BEIJING -- President Xi Jinping has engaged in extensive diplomatic efforts both at home and abroad this spring, cementing a closer bond with neighboring countries, advocating unity and cooperation, and injecting certainty and stability into a turbulent world.

CLOSER BOND WITH NEIGHBORING COUNTRIES

In a world grappling with growing uncertainty and instability fueled by protectionism and unilateralism, China has reaffirmed the continuity and stability of its neighborhood diplomacy and its vision for lasting peace and shared development in Asia.

The first major international event that China hosted in 2025 is the 9th Asian Winter Games from Feb 7 to 14 in the city of Harbin, capital of Northeast China's Heilongjiang province. It brought together leaders from many of China's neighboring countries, including Brunei, Kyrgyzstan, Pakistan, Thailand and the Republic of Korea.

At a banquet hosted by Xi and his wife, Peng Liyuan, ahead of the opening ceremony of the games, the Chinese leader called on Asia to uphold the common dream of peace and harmony, jointly respond to all sorts of security challenges, and contribute to building an equal and orderly multipolar world.

Xi's Southeast Asia visit, his first overseas trip this year, highlighted China's dedication to deepening traditional ties, expanding practical cooperation, and advancing its vision of building a community with a shared future with its neighbors.

From April 14 to 18, Xi paid state visits to Vietnam, Malaysia and Cambodia. China signed a record 108 cooperation documents with the three countries in total, which span a wide range of fields, from infrastructure to digital and green economy. A focal point of the tour was high-quality Belt and Road cooperation with the aim of enhancing regional connectivity and creating development opportunities.

The trip came after a central conference on work related to neighboring countries held in Beijing from April 8 to 9. At the conference, Xi called for building a community with a shared future with neighboring countries and striving to open new ground for the country's neighborhood work.

The conference noted China's relations with its neighboring countries are currently at their best in modern times, and are also entering a critical phase where regional dynamics and global transformations are deeply intertwined.

A flurry of diplomatic activities show how China, a major country, gets along with its neighbors, international observers said.

In his talks with Sri Lankan President Anura Kumara Dissanayake on Jan 15, Xi said China will continue to support Sri Lanka in maintaining its national independence, sovereignty and territorial integrity.

Extending condolences to Myanmar leader over the massive earthquake in late March, Xi said China is ready to provide assistance, and support efforts to overcome the disaster and rebuild homes at an early date.