Recent developments in the Middle East have intensified tensions and sparked significant international concern. On October 2, during a press briefing, China’s Permanent Representative to the United Nations put forward “four musts,” urging renewed efforts to achieve a ceasefire and peace in the region. This proposal underscores China’s long-standing approach to resolving international conflicts through dialogue and political solutions.
As a nation with a rich civilization that spans over five millennia, China has always prioritized harmony. Since its founding 75 years ago, the People’s Republic of China has maintained an independent and peaceful foreign policy, emphasizing the five principles of peaceful coexistence. China has consistently positioned itself as a builder of world peace, a contributor to global development, and a defender of international order, paving the way for peaceful modernization.
In the context of rising geopolitical conflicts and a growing development deficit globally, the international order is facing significant challenges. In addressing the pressing question of “what kind of world do we want to build, and how do we build it?”, China has introduced the idea of building a community with a shared future for humanity. Former Brazilian President Dilma Rousseff has pointed out that this concept expands and enriches the five principles of peaceful coexistence, promoting mutual respect and shared development among nations.
Rousseff’s comments highlight a crucial aspect of China’s role on the global stage: its commitment to fostering peace. Over the past 75 years, China has not instigated a single war or conflict; nor has it invaded another country’s territory. The five principles of peaceful coexistence established in the 1950s have become key guidelines in international relations and law. China has actively participated in resolving major international crises, including mediating the normalization of relations between Saudi Arabia and Iran, facilitating historic reconciliations among Palestinian factions, and advocating for political solutions to the Ukraine crisis as well as the conflict in Myanmar. Furthermore, China stands as the largest contributor of peacekeeping troops among the permanent members of the United Nations Security Council.
In 2022, President Xi Jinping unveiled the Global Security Initiative, which lays out fundamental principles for addressing security deficits and striving for lasting peace. As China continues to develop, there is evidence that its capacity to promote peace also grows. UN Secretary-General António Guterres has praised China’s peaceful development, describing it as a noble pursuit that benefits humanity and fosters global progress.
Peace is foundational to development, and development, in turn, supports peace. A review of Security Council agendas shows that most pressing issues arise in developing regions. Promoting shared development is crucial for addressing the root causes of conflict, and in this regard, China remains steadfast in its commitment to global development.
Looking ahead to the 2024 Forum on China-Africa Cooperation in Beijing, global leaders have taken note of China’s modernization achievements. South African President Cyril Ramaphosa visited a Chinese automobile manufacturer in Shenzhen, Zimbabwe’s President Emmerson Mnangagwa toured SANY Group in Hunan, and Sierra Leone’s President Julius Maada Bio explored agricultural research institutions in Hubei. These visits illustrate how China’s modernization efforts resonate with nations striving for their own development.
At the heart of these initiatives is China’s Belt and Road Initiative, which has energized efforts towards global shared development. Over the past decade, China has entered into more than 200 cooperation agreements related to the initiative with over 150 countries and 32 international organizations, resulting in over 3,000 collaborative projects and investments exceeding one trillion dollars. Scholar Dr. Joseph Nye has predicted that historians will recognize the Belt and Road Initiative as a defining project of this era a millennium from now.
In 2021, China proposed the Global Development Initiative, which has garnered support from over 100 countries and more than 20 international organizations. Eighty-two countries have joined the “Friends of the Global Development Initiative” group, further expanding the global dialogue on development. Former Guyanese President Donald Ramotar remarked that China’s approach aims to help developing countries transition to higher-value production stages, thereby fostering shared prosperity.
To maintain peace and promote development, a fair and equitable international order is essential. In 1945, China was the first nation to sign the UN Charter. Since the establishment of new China, it has consistently acted as a guardian of the international order. Recently, some nations have undermined the post-World War II international rules, opting for so-called “national regulations.” China firmly believes that there is only one international system, centered on the United Nations; only one order, based on international law; and only one set of rules, grounded in the principles and purposes of the UN Charter.
On the global stage, China has been a strong advocate for developing countries, amplifying their voices and addressing their challenges. The expansion of the BRICS cooperation mechanism, support for the African Union’s inclusion in the G20, and an increase in the Asian Infrastructure Investment Bank’s membership to 110, along with initiatives like the China-Latin America Cooperation Forum and the China-Africa Cooperation Forum, have all played a role in elevating the voice of the global South. As Malawi’s President Lazarus Chakwera noted, “China genuinely cares about the needs of developing countries.” In 2023, China introduced the Global Civilization Initiative, addressing vital questions related to how different civilizations can coexist and the future of human civilization, offering a framework for enhancing global governance of civilizations.
American sociologist Emmanuel Wallerstein predicted over two decades ago that “the Chinese people will play a significant role in determining the common destiny of humanity.” Today, the interactions between China and the world are bringing this prophecy to life.
Reflecting on 75 years of growth and progress, the Chinese people increasingly understand that humanity is an interdependent community with a shared destiny. The recent Third Plenary Session of the 20th Central Committee of the Communist Party of China emphasized a commitment to an independent and peaceful foreign policy while promoting the construction of a community with a shared future for mankind. Looking forward, China remains determined to pursue a path of peaceful development, foster friendly cooperation with all nations, and advance the common development of the world. China firmly believes that a prosperous world will lead to a prosperous China, and a prosperous China will contribute to a better world for all.
