President calls on envoys to forge deeper friendships

He noted that the over 1.4 billion Chinese people form a strong support base for the whole diplomatic mission, and that diplomats should deliver warmth to every Chinese citizen abroad.

On defending national interests, Xi urged the envoys to bolster their-confidence, stay clearheaded, and "resolutely guard the country's sovereignty, security and development interests".

Chinese diplomats should make good use of multilateral mechanisms and rules, and engage the international community extensively for understanding and support, he said.