Foreign Minister Yang Jiechi and Secretary of Foreign Affairs Patricia Espinosa of Mexico held a joint news conference in Mexico City on 30 July 2010. Yang was asked whether he agreed with the view that the gravity of world power is shifting from the West to the East.

Yang said, I acknowledge existence of such argument that the gravity of world power is shifting from the West to the East, but I do not subscribe to such a view. In my opinion, the emerging trend in the world today is the gradual evolution of world power towards relative equilibrium. It is an inevitable outcome of the growing move towards multipolarity and of deepening economic globalization and rapid revolution in science and technology.

Yang pointed out that the process towards multipolarity includes not only fast growth of major emerging countries but also rising regional power of developing countries in Asia, Africa, and Latin America. Developing countries, like developed countries and groups of developed countries, have become a force to be reckoned with on the world stage.

Yang stressed that greater democracy in international relations is the call of all people in the world. It is in keeping with the development of globalization and the move towards multipolarity. It is also a specific reflection of such development. The birth and development of the G20 is exactly a case in point. In the face of complicated global issues and challenges, the interests of all countries are closely intertwined. Major issues bearing on world peace and development need to be addressed through discussion among countries concerned. They should not, and cannot, be handled through domination of a handful of countries. Countries should and must strengthen dialogue and cooperation for the benefit of win-win progress and common development.

Yang pointed out that an outstanding issue right now is, more often than not, the reasonable positions, propositions, interests and demands of the vast number of developing countries have not received adequate respect and attention. Developing countries need to strengthen cooperation, enhance solidarity and work to seek equal voices and representation in international organizations, as well as equal rights and interests in the community of nations. This will take a long and arduous process. Yet, it is an inevitable trend in the development of history.

Yang said that for the purpose of safeguarding and promoting common interests of developing countries and the fundamental interests of people of all countries, China will work with the international community to actively promote South-South cooperation and North-South dialogue and cooperation, and to facilitate development of the international political and economic order towards a fairer and more equitable direction.