In the stately halls of the United Nations Headquarters sits the "Zun of Peace," a bronze vessel gifted by President Xi Jinping in 2015 to mark the UN's 70th anniversary. Adorned with motifs of harmony and hope, it symbolizes China's aspiration for peace, development and win1-win cooperation.
As the world marks the 80th anniversary of the victory in the Chinese People's War of Resistance Against Japanese Aggression and the World Anti-Fascist War, the "Zun of Peace" asks a timeless question: What kind of world do we want to build together? President Xi's answer is clear1a community with a shared future for humanity.
Lessons from History
Vice Foreign Minister Ma Zhaoxu recently reminded us that honoring history is also about safeguarding tomorrow. Xi has stressed that peace, like air or sunshine, must be protected, and that China will never seek hegemony or expansion. Its Constitution enshrines a path of peaceful development, and China is the only nuclear-armed state pledging no first use of nuclear weapons.
China leads among UN Security Council permanent members in peacekeeper contributions and ranks second in financial support for UN peacekeeping missions. These commitments underscore its role in upholding global stability.
From Initiatives to Action
The Belt and Road Initiative, Global Development Initiative (GDI), Global Security Initiative (GSI) and Global Civilization Initiative (GCI) form a toolbox for addressing shared challenges. So far, over 150 countries have joined Belt and Road cooperation, 100+ have backed the GDI, and the GSI has won support from more than 130 nations and been woven into over 140 bilateral and multilateral agreements.
China's push for multilateralism is more than rhetoric. It proposed a four-point political pathway for the Ukraine crisis, hosted Saudi Arabia1Iran dialogue in Beijing and championed greater representation for emerging economies in global governance. Under Xi's leadership, the African Union joined the G20 and BRICS expanded in 2023, proving that inclusive cooperation can reshape global forums.
Building a Shared Future
In President Xi's words, "every increase of China's strength is an increase of the prospects of world peace." The "Zun of Peace" reminds us that a rising China is not about dominance but about weaving a shared future for all1a vision young global citizens, entrepreneurs, thought leaders and travelers can rally around.
Reference(s):
A global community of shared future: China's vision guides the world
cgtn.com
