Ji Zhiye is a member of the 13th National Committee of the Chinese People's Political Consultative Conference (CPPCC),former president and director of the academic committee of the China Institute of Contemporary International Relations, and doctoral supervisor. [Photo provided to cppcc.gov.cn]

Ji Zhiye (center) attends an international security situation seminar in Zhuhai, South China's Guangdong province, in December 2022. [Photo provided to cppcc.gov.cn]

Ji Zhiye, a member of the 13th National Committee of the Chinese People's Political Consultative Conference (CPPCC), former president and director of the academic committee of the China Institute of Contemporary International Relations, and doctoral supervisor, said that he was "very surprised" that he won the 2022 excellent performance award of the National Committee of the CPPCC.

On the reasons why he was given the award, Ji said that "Perhaps it is because I have been performing my duties conscientiously and have never been absent from any meetings. With various tasks at hand, the work of the CPPCC will always be my first priority."

Ji has an earnest attitude towards all his work as a member of the National Committee of the CPPCC, such as his proposals, surveys, consultations, and reading notes.

For him, carrying out his duties conscientiously is not only an attitude, but also a kind of ability.

Performing duties conscientiously

2022 marked the last year for Ji to perform his duties as a member of the 13th National Committee of the CPPCC, but that doesn't mean he has been taking it easy.

In the past year, Ji has participated in the activities of three reading groups hosted by the Committee on Foreign Affairs of the CPPCC National Committee. According to statistics, Ji wrote nearly 20,000 Chinese characters of reading notes and reading materials.

Reading is a very meaningful activity, he said. "It broadens my horizons and enhances my understanding of some professional fields. In particular, through online and offline communication activities, I was inspired by the insights of other CPPCC members, and they also enlightened my academic research. "

As a member of the Committee on Foreign Affairs, Ji has never been absent from meetings, studies or seminars due to personal reasons.

In addition, as a doctoral supervisor, Ji has paid special attention to talent training. During the fifth session of the 13th CPPCC National Committee in 2022, he submitted two proposals on how to attract overseas research talents and deepen the reform of the academician system, both of which were jointly signed by other CPPCC members.

The Ministry of Science and Technology, the Chinese Academy of Sciences, and the Chinese Academy of Engineering, gave replies to the proposals respectively, responding to the specific issues and deployment at each stage.

Distinctive characteristics of the sector for friendship with foreign countries

Engaged in the study of international relations, Ji has made great achievements in the fields of Sino-Russian relations, Eurasian issues and global issues.

He became a member of the participating group of friendship with foreign countries of the 13th CPPCC National Committee in 2018.

The focus of the participating group is to study how to tell China's stories well, and make the voice of China heard.

"An effective way is telling Chinese stories through foreigners. We need to give full play to the role of non-governmental organizations, media, and think tanks, and they will help the international community understand the real China in an all-round way," he said.

In the reading group on "telling China's stories well", organized by the Committee on Foreign Affairs, he explained by giving an example: "During the Chinese People's War of Resistance against Japanese Aggression, American journalists Edgar Snow, Agnes Smedley and others risked their lives to come to Yan'an to learn about the work of the Communist Party of China. Their works, such as The Red Star Shines over China and China's Red Army Marches, were sold to all over the world, telling the story of CPC to the world with their unique understanding, which has played a great role in publicity."

This is one of the successful cases of telling China's stories well in history, he noted.

After deep consideration, Ji wrote an article on the difficulties and countermeasures in telling the story of the CPC to the international community, and many of his views were echoed by fellow committee members.

Making proposals on the Belt and Road Initiative for three consecutive years

In Ji's view, qualified CPPCC members should advise on governance and help build consensus.

"Through proposals and surveys, CPPCC members make objective and fair suggestions and provide reference for the Party and the country's decision-making," he said. It is important to closely contact the people of all sectors and vigorously publicize major policies of the Party and the country.

"This requires researchers to seek truth from facts, and combine China's principles and policies with the international situation, to facilitate the public's understanding," he added.

Starting from the second session of the 13th CPPCC National Committee in 2019, Ji submitted proposals on Belt and Road development for three consecutive years.

In 2019, his proposal was on promoting the high-quality development of the Belt and Road.

In May 2020 during the third session of the 13th CPPCC National Committee, Ji submitted a proposal on anti-pandemic cooperation to promote the construction of the Belt and Road, such as supporting the WHO's joint research and development of COVID-19 vaccines and promoting traditional Chinese medicine to other countries and regions.

In 2021, his proposal was on carrying out project construction around the concerns of people in countries participating in the Belt and Road Initiative, in a bid to enhance the sense of gain of the people.

To his delight, some Chinese enterprises have changed their ways in which they participate in the construction of the Belt and Road. For example, Chinese companies have invested more in"small yetsmart" projects on the African continent that directly benefit villages, including drinking water wells, primary schools, health centers, sports facilities and other projects.

In 2023, Ji has retired from his leadership position, and has more time to concentrate on his international relations research.

"I hope to work harder in academic research as long as my physical condition allows. I would like to sum up the knowledge and views I have accumulated over the years, and try my best to play a positive role in international relations research," he said.