President Xi made these commitments within the context of celebrating the Five Principles of Peaceful Coexistence, which were officially initiated seventy years ago. He emphasized the enduring relevance of these principles in today’s world, stating, “The Five Principles of Peaceful Coexistence have transcended time and space and overcome estrangement, showing robust resilience and everlasting relevance.”
The Five Principles—mutual respect for sovereignty and territorial integrity, mutual non-aggression, mutual non-interference in each other’s internal affairs, equality and mutual benefit, and peaceful coexistence—have played a significant role in shaping international relations.
Xi highlighted their historical impact, noting that they were first specified in the China-India and China-Myanmar joint statements and later endorsed at the Bandung Conference in 1955. Since then, they have been incorporated into important international documents and widely recognized by the global community.
President Xi underscored the importance of these principles in guiding international relations and promoting global peace. He stated, “The Five Principles provide a whole set of basic norms for peaceful coexistence among countries across political, security, economic, and diplomatic domains.”
Xi also addressed the need for continued international cooperation, particularly in the face of contemporary global challenges. He proposed the Vision of Building a Community with a Shared Future for Mankind, which he described as carrying forward the same spirit of the Five Principles. This vision aims to create a world of lasting peace, universal security, and shared prosperity through mutual respect and cooperation.
“The Vision captures the reality that all countries have a shared future and intertwined interests, and sets a new model of equality and coexistence for international relations,” Xi said. He called for all nations to uphold the common values of humanity, promote global governance based on extensive consultation and joint contribution, and foster a new type of international relations.
Looking forward, Xi reiterated China’s commitment to peaceful development and international cooperation. He announced that China will renew its contributions to various global initiatives, including the WTO’s Aid for Trade initiative and the China Program, and continue supporting the Initiative on International Trade and Economic Cooperation Framework for Digital Economy and Green Development. By 2030, China’s imports from fellow developing countries is expected to exceed $8 trillion.
To further support Global South cooperation, Xi revealed that China will make an additional contribution equivalent to $10 million to support agricultural development. He stated, “China’s resolve to stay on the path of peaceful development will not change. We will never take the trodden path of colonial plundering, or the wrong path of seeking hegemony when one becomes strong.”
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