This episode of Henry's Take will explore China's adherence to the Five Principles of Peaceful Coexistence, which mark their 70th anniversary this year. As President Xi Jinping highlighted, these principles have guided China's diplomatic relations with countries of different social systems, emphasizing mutual respect, non-aggression, non-interference, equality, and peaceful coexistence.
The five principles have become increasingly relevant as the world faces conflicts such as the Russia-Ukraine crisis and the Israel-Palestine confrontation. Originating in the 1950s under former Premier Zhou Enlai, these principles have been consistently upheld by China, in contrast with the bloc politics and economic sanctions employed by some Western nations. China has actively facilitated peace talks and contributed significantly to UN peacekeeping operations, demonstrating its commitment to peaceful conflict resolution.
The five principles have underpinned China's cooperative approach through multilateral platforms like the Shanghai Cooperation Organization and BRICS, focusing on development, stability, and peace. In contrast with the perceived double standards and lack of global representation in Western-led institutions, China has sought to foster relationships of equality and mutual respect, particularly with countries in the Global South.
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