China's president was busy in 2014 building global cooperation

"It used to be case that China's foreign policy was primarily meant to serve China's economic development, which was the most important goal above all else. The new goals are the 'two centenary goals' which are more specific and ambitious than just economic development."

THE DIPLOMAT

"On a more conciliatory note, Xi told officials at the meeting that China sought 'peaceful development' and opposed the 'willful use or threat of force'."

AGENCE FRANCE-PRESSE

"Xi's remarks (at the meeting on foreign affairs) are the latest indication that China is adopting more conciliatory foreign policy tactics and addressing fears its economic growth will inevitably spawn a more muscular diplomatic and military approach."

REUTERS

"Xi's government has been laying down plans for a very different foreign policy－one that seeks to replace the American-built post-1945 international system with its own. There is clearly a debate going on in Beijing, but if China continues down this path, it would constitute the most significant and dangerous shift in international politics in 25 years. China producing more 'public goods'－jargon for things that people need and enjoy but cannot pay for (like national parks or clean air)－would be a great step forward."

THE WASHINGTON POST

"Xi Jinping did so (spell out his foreign policy vision) in a speech at the end of November apparently intended in part to reassure China's neighbors that a strong and rising China need not be feared."

THE ECONOMIST

"China's president, Communist Party boss and army chief Xi Jinping, bolstered his credentials as a world leader during the recent gathering of Asia-Pacific leaders at the APEC summit in Beijing. But among the general populace, his tough international image, a wide-ranging crackdown on corruption and a series of carefully managed events, have transformed him into 'Xi Dada', or 'Xi Bigbig', winning him hearts and minds in the world's most populous nation."

THE IRISH TIMES

"Mr. Xi did not mention the United States by name but took an unmistakable jab at Washington, saying, 'The growing trend toward a multipolar world will not change,' a reference to the Chinese view that America's post-Cold War role as the sole superpower is drawing to a close."

THE NEW YORK TIMES

"China must establish 'big country diplomacy with Chinese characteristics', Chinese President Xi Jinping said in a speech that laid out his goals for making the nation a major strategic power, a further sign he's jettisoned a long-standing policy to limit involvement in foreign affairs. The speech by Mr Xi reflects how China is shifting from its long-held dictum 'hide your brightness, bide your time', as set by late leader Deng Xiaoping more than 20 years ago. Since coming to power, Mr Xi has traveled extensively in Asia, Europe and Africa and recently hosted the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation forum, touting China's role as a major security and economic power after years of US dominance in the region."

BLOOMBERG