Benchmark, Prime Guidance, Historic Wisdom, Common Asset: China’s Xi Jinping On Panchsheel

Chinese President Xi Jinping on Friday called on the international community to carry forward the Five Principles of Peaceful Coexistence (Panchsheel) in the new global context, advocating for a collective effort to build a community with a shared future for humanity. Xi made these remarks while addressing the Conference Marking the 70th Anniversary of the Five Principles of Peaceful Coexistence in Beijing.

The conference, presided over by Chinese Premier Li Qiang, saw the attendance of senior Chinese officials including Cai Qi. Around 600 participants, including former foreign political figures, representatives of international and regional organizations, envoys from over 100 countries, experts, scholars, and media and business representatives, were present. The event also featured a luncheon and four sub-forums.

Xi highlighted the enduring relevance of the Five Principles of Peaceful Coexistence, stating, “Over the past 70 years, these principles have transcended time and space, overcoming estrangement and becoming open, inclusive, and universally applicable norms for international relations and fundamental principles of international law.” He emphasized that the principles have set a historic benchmark for international relations and international rule of law, serving as prime guidance for establishing and developing relations between countries with different social systems.

“These principles were initiated to protect the interests and pursuits of small and weak countries from power politics,” Xi said, adding that they categorically oppose imperialism, colonialism, and hegemonism, providing a significant intellectual foundation for a more just and equitable international order.

Xi further remarked on the principles’ significance as a common asset of the international community, asserting, “Having traversed an extraordinary journey of 70 years, the Five Principles of Peaceful Coexistence are to be valued, inherited, and further promoted.” He underscored the principles’ role in fostering mutual respect and development among nations.

Reflecting on the current global landscape, Xi addressed the critical question of “what kind of world to build and how to build it.” He noted, “China has answered the call of the times by proposing a community with a shared future for humanity, a vision that sustains, promotes, and upgrades the Five Principles of Peaceful Coexistence under new circumstances.” This vision, Xi said, carries forward the spirit of Panchsheel and embodies China’s commitment to peaceful development.

“At this historic moment when mankind has to choose between peace and war, prosperity and recession, unity and confrontation, we must champion the essence of the Five Principles of Peaceful Coexistence more than ever and strive tirelessly for the lofty goal of building a community with a shared future for humanity,” Xi declared. He urged the global community to uphold sovereign equality, mutual respect, and peace and security, while embracing an open and inclusive mindset.

Former Myanmar President U Thein Sein noted the widespread recognition and incorporation of these principles into many international agreements. Gao Fei, vice president of China Foreign Affairs University, highlighted their enduring importance in maintaining global peace and stability.

Former Ethiopian President Mulatu Teshome remarked, “The vision of building a community with a shared future for humanity reflects the broadest common aspiration of people worldwide for peace, development, and stability.” Dilma Rousseff, president of the New Development Bank and former Brazilian president, added that these principles provide a robust foundation for addressing common global challenges.

Xi also called for stronger cooperation among Global South countries, highlighting their pivotal role in promoting human progress. He announced eight initiatives to support Global South cooperation, including personnel training, youth exchanges, economic development, free trade, agriculture, digital economy, and green ecology.

The Five Principles of Peaceful Coexistence, also known as Panchsheel, were first articulated in a 1954 treaty between China and India and have since been embraced in various international contexts. These principles are designed to guide relations between states, promoting peace and cooperation.

The first principle, mutual respect for each other’s territorial integrity and sovereignty, emphasizes the importance of recognizing and respecting the geographical boundaries and political independence of other nations. This principle seeks to ensure that countries honor each other’s territorial claims and political authority without interference.

The second principle, mutual non-aggression, asserts that states should not engage in military actions or other forms of aggression against one another. By renouncing aggression, this principle aims to prevent conflicts and promote a stable international environment.

Mutual non-interference in each other’s internal affairs is the third principle, advocating that countries refrain from meddling in the domestic issues of other states. This principle upholds the right of nations to manage their own affairs without external intervention, fostering respect for national sovereignty.

The fourth principle, equality and mutual benefit, underscores that interactions between states should be based on equality and should yield benefits for all parties involved. This principle promotes fairness and reciprocal advantages in international relations.

Finally, the principle of peaceful coexistence encourages states to strive for harmony and avoid conflicts. By fostering an environment of peace and mutual understanding, this principle seeks to build a more cooperative and stable world order.

Together, these principles aim to establish a framework for peaceful and constructive relations between nations, particularly in the context of the Cold War and the era of decolonisation.