Beijing, June 28 (EFE).- Chinese President Xi Jinping said Friday that China’s increasing power brings greater world peace during a speech in which he reaffirmed his country’s commitment to a peaceful path of development.
The Chinese leader said China “will not follow the old path of colonial plunder or the crooked path of hegemony when the country is strong,” but rather “will follow the correct path of peaceful development.”
“On issues of peace and security, China has the best record of all major powers,” Xi said, adding that his country “has made efforts to explore its own ways to resolve the most burning issues.”
Among them, he cited “the ‘crisis’ in Ukraine, the Palestinian-Israeli conflict, issues related to the Korean Peninsula, Iran, Myanmar and Afghanistan,” adding that China “has played a constructive role” in these matters.
Xi spoke of “authentic multilateralism,” which consists of “international standards being drafted and maintained jointly by all countries” and that “world affairs are dealt with by all countries through consultations” without allowing that “whoever has the thickest arm” wins.
“China upholds that all countries, regardless of size, strength or weakness, rich or poor, are equal members of the international community; that they should share interests, rights and responsibilities in international affairs and that they should join forces to confront challenges and achieve common prosperity,” the president said.
Xi also called for “international unity and cooperation to confront global challenges” and reiterated “China’s commitment to peaceful development and friendly cooperation with all nations.”
His speech came on the occasion of the 70th anniversary of the so-called “Five Principles of Peaceful Coexistence.”
These include mutual respect for sovereignty and territorial integrity, non-aggression, non-interference in Chinese affairs, internal relations, cooperation and peaceful coexistence, which appear as the official principles of Chinese diplomacy.
Since the beginning of Russia’s large-scale invasion of Ukraine, Beijing has maintained an ambiguous position, calling for respect for the right to territorial integrity of all parties, referring to Ukraine, and ” legitimate security concerns” of all countries, referring to Russia.
Beijing has also reiterated its support for the two-state solution and its “dismay” at Israeli attacks on civilians in Gaza, and its officials have held numerous meetings with representatives of Arab and Muslim countries to reaffirm this position or try to make advance peace negotiations. EFE
aa/lds
