David Ferguson on China's diplomatic philosophy in the new era

Interview Series: Community with a Shared Future for Mankind

EP01: David Ferguson on China's diplomatic philosophy in the new era

In the summer of 2022, the 4th volume of Xi Jinping: The Governance of China was published. 2022 also marks the 16th year of its English editor, David Ferguson's life in China. Before becoming the English editor of such an important series, Mr. Ferguson had also worked as a reporter in China, dedicated to telling a more balanced story about the country, one that captures the truth with first-hand experience rather than hypothesis. Today, facing the drastic changes in the international community, we are very honoured to have a chance to speak with Mr. Ferguson, and hear his understanding of a global community of shared future.

Q: So, Mr. Ferguson, thanks for joining us.

David Ferguson: I’m delighted to be here.

Q: So, the experience of editing Xi Jinping: The Governance of China must have given you some in-depth insights into Xi’s thoughts. What’s your general impression of China’s diplomatic philosophy in the new era?

David Ferguson: I think, one of the most interesting aspects of President Xi’s diplomatic thought is that China is and continues to see itself as a developing country. China’s economy is now the second biggest in the world, shortly to become the biggest, but overall, China is still a developing country. And it’s very important, and I think interesting, to see that China still sees itself as a spokesperson for the developing world. China itself is developing very fast, but unlike other countries in history, China is not trying to develop in order to join the ranks of the powerful. China is not trying to create power blocs to further its own interests. China always talks about the importance of giving developing countries a voice. And China always emphasises that its own development is to allow its friends and its neighbours to board the train and continue on the journey towards shared prosperity.

Q: Thank you. So, what’s your understanding of the concept of a global community of shared future, and how would you comment on this concept?

David Ferguson: Well, there are three elements to “global community of a shared future”. One is “global”, one is “community”, and one is “shared future”. The point about “global” is that it’s for all. And the point about “shared future” is that President Xi always emphasises, he speaks a lot about this strategy, about this concept. He talks a lot to international audiences and he always emphasises that we all share a common destiny. We all share, we all have a shared future whether we like it or not. And that is the context in which we have to work, which we have to operate. And what China’s strategy involves and what President Xi is talking about is that third element “community”. Because what we don’t have is a community in the respects and adapts to the fact that we share that common destiny that we sure share that common future. So, building a global community of a shard future means recognizing that it’s for all, recognizing that we have a shared future and focusing on that third part, building a community where we’re all acting together in the mutual interests of everyone.