China's foreign relations got off to a good start in the new year. Foreign Minister Wang Yi recently set off on a week-long four-nation trip to Africa, continuing the 35-year tradition of the Chinese foreign minister choosing an African country as the first destination in the new year.

On Monday, China's top leader met with visiting Grenadian Prime Minister Dickon Mitchell, expressing willingness to work with Grenada to enhance the synergy of the development strategies of the two countries, push for more fruits of China-Grenada cooperation and bring more benefits to the two peoples. He said China supports Grenada in independently exploring a development path suited to its national conditions and is willing to provide assistance for Grenada's economic and social development within the framework of South-South cooperation.

On Wednesday, the top leader held talks with visiting Sri Lankan President Anura Kumara Dissanayake, saying China will actively support Sri Lanka's economic development, advance high-quality Belt and Road cooperation, enhance collaboration in modern agriculture, the digital economy and the marine economy, and create new highlights in bilateral cooperation. The same day the top leader had a phone conversation with General Secretary of the Communist Party of Vietnam Central Committee To Lam, expressing the desire to maintain close high-level exchanges with Vietnam, push for more outcomes of bilateral cooperation, and promote people-to-people exchanges.

All these are not only a reflection of China's determination to fulfill its responsibilities as a major power, but also bring benefits to itself and the rest of the world. According to a recent survey of 51,000 people in 46 countries conducted by Global Times, nearly 70 percent of the respondents said that they expect China to play a greater role in international affairs. China's ever-expanding "circle of friends" will surely help it promote high-quality development, advance its high-level opening-up, and make greater contributions to world economic growth.

At the recent ceremony of the handover of presidency of the Group of 77 and China coalition, China's permanent representative to the UN Fu Cong said that no matter how the international situation changes, China's commitment to supporting the development and revitalization of the Global South will remain undiminished. China always matches its words with deeds. As the world's second-largest economy, China will stay true to its original aspiration to support countries in the Global South.