File photo: Xinhua

Over the past years, Xi Jinping, general secretary of the Communist Party of China Central Committee, has advanced head-of-state diplomacy and charted course for major-country diplomacy with Chinese characteristics, a senior Chinese diplomat said.

Xi also offered navigation for the world facing changes and turmoil, Vice-Foreign Minister Ma Zhaoxu made the comments at a news conference on Thursday about China's diplomacy since the 18th National Congress of the Communist Party of China.

Xi proposed a series of new concepts, propositions and initiatives that bear Chinese characteristics, meet international expectations and conform to the trend of history, Ma said.

The general secretary also "takes the lead and sets an example" in taking actions, Ma said.

In the past 10 years, Xi has made 42 trips abroad, covering five continents and 69 countries, and he has hosted more than 100 heads of state and government at home, "achieving full coverage of important countries, regions and international organizations", Ma said.

By doing so, Xi has helped China build a more comprehensive and solid global partnership network, winning cooperation and friendship from all over the world, Ma added.

During the Beijing Olympic Winter Games this year, Xi held over 20 bilateral events with leaders. During his recent visit to Central Asia, Xi attended 31 events within 48 hours, taking China's relations with relevant countries to a new level, Ma said.

Since the start of the COVID-19 pandemic, Xi actively carried out cloud diplomacy and made 181 phone conversations with foreign leaders and heads of international organizations.

Xi attended 78 major foreign affairs events by video link, bringing together a strong joint force for international cooperation in the fight against the novel coronavirus, Ma said.