In a call for global unity, Chinese President Xi Jinping has urged nations to embrace the Five Principles of Peaceful Coexistence to build a community with a shared future for mankind. Speaking at a commemorative conference in Beijing on Friday marking the 70th anniversary of the principles, Xi highlighted their enduring significance in fostering international peace and cooperation.
Renewing Commitment to Peaceful Development
First articulated in 1954 by then Chinese Premier Zhou Enlai, the Five Principles—mutual respect for sovereignty and territorial integrity, mutual non-aggression, non-interference in each other’s internal affairs, equality and mutual benefit, and peaceful coexistence—have served as foundational guidelines for international relations. These principles have facilitated cooperation among countries with diverse historical backgrounds, social systems, and cultural traditions.
“Seventy years on, the Five Principles have withstood the test of time and remain as relevant as ever,” Xi stated. He emphasized that China’s vision of building a community with a shared future for mankind is a continuation and enhancement of these principles, reflecting the nation’s unwavering commitment to peaceful development.
China distinguishes itself as the only country to have enshrined peaceful development in its Constitution and among the nuclear-weapon states, it has pledged no first use of nuclear weapons. Xi underscored that China’s approach aims to foster global security through dialogue over confrontation and partnership over alliance.
Championing Global South Cooperation
The Five Principles were originally proposed to protect the interests of smaller and less powerful nations from the dominance of great powers. Today, they continue to guide collaboration among countries in the Global South, promoting solidarity and mutual development.
Under the Belt and Road Initiative (BRI) proposed by China, many developing countries have enhanced their development capacities through cooperation in transportation, agriculture, energy, and communication. Landmark projects such as the China-Laos Railway, Kenya’s Mombasa-Nairobi Railway, and Indonesia’s Jakarta-Bandung High-Speed Railway exemplify this collaboration, boosting regional connectivity and economic growth.
President Xi announced several initiatives to further support Global South cooperation. These include providing 100,000 training opportunities over the next five years, exploring free trade arrangements with more countries, and inviting nations to join the Initiative on International Trade and Economic Cooperation Framework for Digital Economy and Green Development. He noted that China’s imports from fellow developing countries are expected to exceed $8 trillion by 2030.
“At this new historical starting point, the Global South should be more open and inclusive,” Xi asserted. “By joining hands, we can lead the way in building a community with a shared future for mankind.”
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For shared future, China calls for carrying forward five principles
cgtn.com
