In a pivotal address at the 19th East Asia Summit held in Vientiane on October 11, 2024, Chinese Premier Li Qiang outlined China's commitment to fostering peace, stability, and development in the Asia-Pacific region.
Premier Li began by acknowledging the challenges of the current global landscape, marked by turbulence and slow economic recovery. He highlighted the significance of the 70th anniversary of the Five Principles of Peaceful Coexistence, emphasizing their enduring relevance and the need for a renewed commitment to these foundational guidelines.
Commitment to Peace: Li stressed the importance of maintaining peace and stability, particularly in regions plagued by conflict. He called for concrete actions to make Planet Earth a harmonious home, underscoring that peaceful coexistence is both a simple concept and a challenging practice.
Development-Focused Asia: Highlighting Asia's rapid development over the past decades, the Premier underscored the role of mutual respect and cooperation in driving progress. He advocated for continued friendship and partnership, opposing bloc confrontations and promoting synergy for inclusive growth.
Equity and Justice: Addressing the calls from developing countries for a more equitable international governance system, Li reaffirmed China's dedication to upholding multilateralism and striving for a just global order. He emphasized that the Five Principles were designed to protect the interests of smaller and weaker nations.
Premier Li also touched upon regional security, particularly the South China Sea, reiterating China's commitment to international law and peaceful dialogue. He assured that there are no obstacles to freedom of navigation and highlighted ongoing consultations for a Code of Conduct in the South China Sea.
Concluding his speech, Li Qiang reaffirmed China's readiness to collaborate with all parties to uphold the Five Principles of Peaceful Coexistence and build a community with a shared future for mankind. He called for strengthened consensus, deeper mutual trust, and enhanced cooperation to navigate the challenges of the modern world.
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Full Text: Speech by Chinese Premier Li Qiang at 19th East Asia Summit
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