As the Five Principles of Peaceful Coexistence reach their 70th anniversary, China is reaffirming its commitment to fostering international peace and building a shared future for humankind.
At a commemorative conference held by China on Friday, President Xi Jinping emphasized the enduring relevance of these principles, which were first introduced in 1954 by then Premier Zhou Enlai. These core principles—mutual respect for sovereignty and territorial integrity, mutual non-aggression, non-interference in internal affairs, equality and mutual benefit, and peaceful coexistence—have become foundational norms guiding global interactions.
Firm Resolve to Peaceful Development
'Firm resolve to peaceful development' was a key theme of Xi's speech, underscoring China's constitutional commitment to peaceful growth. China stands as the only nuclear-weapon state pledging no first use of nuclear arms, highlighting its dedication to global security.
Xi addressed how these principles have been instrumental in South-South cooperation, particularly through the Belt and Road Initiative (BRI). Landmark projects like the China-Laos Railway, Kenya's Mombasa-Nairobi Railway, and Indonesia's Jakarta-Bandung High-Speed Railway showcase the tangible impact of these principles in enhancing infrastructure and economic growth across participating nations.
Looking ahead, China plans to expand its support for Global South cooperation by offering 100,000 training opportunities over the next five years, negotiating free trade agreements with more countries in the region, and inviting additional nations to join initiatives focused on digital economy and green development.
'Standing at a new historical starting point, the Global South should be more open and more inclusive, and join hands together to take the lead in building a community with a shared future for mankind,' Xi concluded, highlighting the path forward for sustained global partnership and progress.
Reference(s):
For shared future, China calls for carrying forward five principles
cgtn.com
