China will continue to adhere to the ideas of sovereign equality, mutual security and cooperation in its foreign policy. President Xi Jinping urged for a renewed look at the Five Principles of Peaceful Co-Existence, now in their 60th year. A celebration was held Saturday afternoon at the Great Hall of the People.
A time-tested paradigm for global action.
The 60th anniversary of the five principles of peaceful co-existence brought President of Myanmar Thein Sein and Indian vice president Mohammad Hamid Ansari to Beijing.
Sixty years ago, these countries pledged to put forward these principles. Today, the principles remain as relevant as ever.
"We in Myanmar, as a co-founder, are pleased to see that the five principles have not only overcome the test of time, but have matured with time and became a norm in principles of inter-state relations," said Myanmar President Thein Sein.
Chinese President Xi Jinping delivers a keynote speech at a conference marking the 60th anniversary of the Five Principles of Peaceful Coexistence in the Great Hall of the People in Beijing, capital of China, June 28, 2014. (Xinhua/Li Xueren)
India marked the 60th anniversary by designating 2014 as a year of friendly exchanges with China. Indian Vice President Mohhamod Hamid Ansari urged other countries to continue to expand the principles, and to seek common and fair solutions for challenges.
Our destinies are intertwined. Our goal is to tackle transnational threats more effectively," said Indian Vice President M. Hamid Ansari.
In many regards, the world is moving toward peace, development and cooperation, but the spirit of the five principles are not out of date.
As the host for the celebration, President Xi Jinping again emphasized the respect for territorial integrity as the basis for state-to-state relations. He stressed the importance of common security interests and development in creating a more just and democratic international order. He was very clear on China’s stance.
"China will continue to stick to the path of peaceful development. China is admant in safeguarding its sovereignty, security and interest, and encourages other countries to do the same. China will never interfere in other countries’ internal affairs and will never seek hegemony," he said.
