This year marks the 70th anniversary of the publication of the Five Principles of Peaceful Coexistence, which were first proposed by then-Premier Zhou Enlai during negotiations between China and India over border issues in 1953. These principles, namely mutual respect for sovereignty and territorial integrity, nonaggression, noninterference in each other’s internal affairs, equality and mutual benefit, and peaceful coexistence, have not become outdated, and continue to serve as an effective remedy to avoid international conflicts and maintain world peace.
In recent years, many international conflicts have arisen due to the violation of these Five Principles. The conflicts between Russia and Ukraine, and Israel and Palestine, for example, have yet to show signs of reaching any resolution. This is largely because the Western bloc, led by the United States, adheres to the principles of “might makes right”, “survival of the fittest”, and the law of the jungle. The US and its close allies have historically fueled regional disputes to promote their own interests and political influence, attempting to preserve their global hegemony.
China was among the victims of Western imperialist hegemony in the past. During the latter stages of the Qing Dynasty (1644-1911), many regions in China became concessions or spheres of influence for Western powers. Today, China has risen to become a major power, but instead of adopting the same approach and establishing a new hegemony to subjugate other countries, it rejects such a hegemony and strives to promote peace and common development in the international community through the Five Principles, joining hands with other countries to establish “a human community with a shared future”.
The Five Principles embody the moral values of China’s traditional Confucian culture, which cherishes the idea of the world as one family and the principle of treating others as oneself. Therefore, each of these principles is not merely based on national interests but takes into consideration the interests of other relevant parties, as well as regional stability and the overall interests of the international community, aligning with universal human values. According to the United Nations Charter, its purposes and principles are to maintain international peace and security, respect the equal rights of peoples, respect the sovereign equality of states, peacefully settle international disputes, and promote international cooperation, which are consistent with the concept of the Five Principles. Therefore, these principles are in line with the UN’s ideals and have gained broad support from countries around the world.
Since the end of World War II, despite ongoing international disputes, a new world war has been averted largely due to China’s role as one of the five permanent members of the UN Security Council, working in collaboration with like-minded countries to support the stability of the international order through the Five Principles. However, to achieve lasting peace for the world, the concerted efforts of other major powers are still needed. In recent years, the US’ attitude toward the Korean Peninsula question, as well as its actions in regional conflicts such as those between Russia and Ukraine and Israel and Palestine, sought to advance its geopolitical strategy at the expense of regional stability and peace. Once tensions escalate and shots are fired, it may intensify the situation and lead to confrontation, turning the Korean Peninsula into another major conflict zone after the ones between Russia and Ukraine, and Israel and Palestine. In a recent meeting on the Korean Peninsula’s nuclear issue at the UN Security Council, the US attempted to shift the blame for the situation on the Korean Peninsula to China. As China’s Deputy Permanent Representative to the UN Geng Shuang pointed out, China has made unremitting efforts to ease the situation on the Korean Peninsula and promote a political resolution, and the US should deeply reflect on its responsibility for the ongoing tensions in the region.
Driven by a hegemonic mindset, some Western countries have resorted to imposing economic pressure and sanctions against other countries including China, often disguised with noble terms such as risk reduction and overcapacity, to maintain or promote their competitive edge. However, within these countries, there are also many voices of opposition from the business community and civil society. Therefore, China does not adopt an “us against them” approach but instead seeks to win people over through virtue, hoping to cooperate with more like-minded countries in the Western world. The strong development and growth of American electric vehicle manufacturer Tesla in China is a good example of mutually beneficial economic cooperation between China and the US. Even during the 2019 riots in Hong Kong, when foreign forces interfered in the city’s affairs, which are China’s internal affairs, Beijing responded with maximum tolerance and patience, demonstrating its commitment to the peace principle and minimizing the impact of the event.
China’s diplomatic philosophy, which embodies the Five Principles, originates from the wisdom of Chinese civilization and is supported by years of practical experience, making it timeless and ever-renewing. However, as the saying goes, “With great power comes great responsibility.” Since China became a major developing country, it must not only possess the humility of a modest gentleman but also be prepared to uphold international order and interests. Therefore, China continues to actively promote the Five Principles in its diplomatic engagements with other countries. It emphasizes the importance of mutual respect for sovereignty and territorial integrity, nonaggression, noninterference in internal affairs, equality and mutual benefit, and peaceful coexistence. These principles serve as a foundation for fostering international cooperation and achieving win-win outcomes.
President Xi Jinping announced at the 70th anniversary commemoration of the Five Principles the establishment of a Global South Research Center. Over the next five years, the center will provide scholarships and training opportunities for countries in the Global South, as well as support agricultural development through funding. These initiatives aim to promote cooperation under free trade arrangements, based on the foundation of the Five Principles, specifically the principles of “equality and mutual benefit” and “peaceful coexistence”. As President Xi stated, “At this historic moment when mankind has to choose between peace and war, prosperity and recession, unity and confrontation, we must champion more than ever the essence of the Five Principles of Peaceful Coexistence, and we must always strive tirelessly for the lofty goal of building a community with a shared future for mankind.”
Edward Wong is a researcher of Hong Kong Sustainable Development Research Institute.
Ivan Chu is a member of the Chinese Association of Hong Kong and Macao Studies.
The views do not necessarily reflect those of China Daily.
