On January 9, 2012, Vice Foreign Minister Cheng Guoping accepted an exclusive interview with Economy & Nation Weekly of Xinhua News Agency. He answered questions mainly concerning the current international situation, China-Russia relations, relations between China and CIS Central Asian countries, and the development of Shanghai Cooperation Organization.

Vice Minister Cheng noted that the current international situation is undergoing profound and complex changes; the aspect of turbulence becomes more prominent, but peace, development and cooperation remain the trend of the times. Under the new situation, we should more firmly implement the guideline on external work set by the CPC Central Committee and keep forging ahead in an innovative way so as to maintain and expand China's national interests. We should, on a priority basis, increase the input into the diplomacy with surrounding countries, and stabilize and develop good relations with major powers. The comprehensive strategic partnership between China and Russia is facing important development opportunities. The two sides will strive to achieve greater development of bilateral relations by focusing on the central task of implementing the important consensus reached by the leaders. China will work closely with member states of the Shanghai Cooperation Organization, strive to host a successful summit of the Shanghai Cooperation Organization in China and push for the constant development of the Shanghai Cooperation organization.