H.E XI Jinping, President of the People Rebublic of China
By Fatou Sillah
During the commemoration of the 70th anniversary of the Five Principles of Peaceful Coexistence, Chinese President Xi Jinping underscored China’s ongoing dedication to global development and openness. Speaking at the Great Hall of the People in Beijing, President Xi highlighted the significance of the five principles in fostering international cooperation and peace.
“We will actively expand global partnerships based on equality, openness, and cooperation, and commit to expanding shared interests with all countries. China will promote coordination and sound interactions among major countries, and work to foster major-country dynamics featuring peaceful coexistence, overall stability, and balanced development. In its neighborhood, China will adhere to the principle of amity, sincerity, mutual benefit, and inclusiveness as well as the policy of developing friendship and partnership with its neighbors,
“It will seek to deepen friendship, trust and common interests with its neighboring countries. With developing countries, China will stay committed to the principle of sincerity, real results, amity, and good faith, and take the right approach to friendship and interests. It will strengthen unity and cooperation with developing countries and safeguard our common interests. China will practice true multilateralism, and take an active part in the reform and improvement of the global governance system,” He Said.
Xi emphasized the historical importance of managing state-to-state relations to maintain world peace, promote development, and advance humanity. He noted that the Five Principles have been crucial for developing countries in their pursuit of cooperation and self-reliance through unity. These principles have inspired nations in Asia, Africa, and Latin America to support each other against foreign interference, enhancing both south-south and north-south relations.
Reaffirming China’s belief in the equality of all countries, Xi called for collective efforts to overcome global challenges, achieve shared prosperity, and build a world characterized by lasting peace, universal security, and mutual development.
The Five Principles of Peaceful Coexistence, proposed by Prime Minister Zhou Enlai in 1954, consist of mutual respect for sovereignty and territorial integrity, non-aggression, non-interference in internal affairs, equality and mutual benefit, and peaceful coexistence. They remain a cornerstone of China’s foreign policy, reflecting its steadfast commitment to peace, cooperation, and mutual respect in international relations.