China’s Xi Jinping calls on countries to unite against ‘iron curtain of confrontation’

The “Five Principles of Peaceful Coexistence” have been the “foundation” of Chinese international policy since the fifties, Xi said in a keynote speech at an event marking the 70th anniversary of the principle in Beijing.

The foundation emphasizing mutual respect for independence and territorial integrity and non-interference in the internal affairs of each party was first incorporated in an agreement between China and India in 1954, known in India as the “Panchsheel” treaty. Known in.

Xi said the rules have shown “enduring relevance” and have become “universally applicable basic norms for global relations”.

Xi also delivered a strong message on “China’s determination to promote common development around the world” – a year after Beijing announced that the Communist Party’s historic fiscal target-setting Third Plenary Session will be held from July 15 to 18. .

“China will open itself more widely to the outside world. Its door will never be closed,” Xi said, accompanied by a credible transcript. “We plan, and in some cases are already taking, major steps to deepen reform across the board and expand institutional openness.”

According to China’s reliable Xinhua news agency, the plenum will focus on “deepening reform and advancing Chinese modernization.”

Xi pledged, “We will create a business environment that is more firmly based on the market and the rule of law and in line with international standards.”

In a brief message to the US and Europe, which have imposed high price lists on many Chinese products and want to reduce high-tech access, he said: “‘Small yards with high fences’, decoupling, and industrial and supply Breaking the chains is against the tide of history and will do nothing but harm the common interests of the international community.”

“World affairs should be handled through broad consultation, not dictated by the more powerful,” he said. “In the era of economic globalization, what is needed is not gaps of division but bridges of communication, not iron curtains of confrontation but highways of cooperation.”

Noting the historical parallels between now and the fifties, when the region was beset by the Cold War and claims such as “might is right”, he said the five principles “are geared towards peaceful resolution of historical issues and global disputes. Presenting a new path. ,

“We will never follow the well-worn path of colonial plunder, or the false path of seeking hegemony when someone becomes stronger. We will remain on the right path of peaceful development,” Xi said at the match, which was attended by former Myanmar President Thein Sein and former Vietnamese Communist Party general secretary Nong Duc Man.

A decade ago, Xi had invited current President Thein Sein and India’s next Vice President Mohammad Hamid Ansari for a special event in Beijing.

China’s relations with India and several other neighbours, particularly Japan and the Philippines, have soured over the past decade due to bitter border disputes.

Amid its all-out competition with the United States, Beijing is likely to face intense scrutiny and resistance over Xi’s assertive “major power diplomacy”, which aims to help China “take center stage in the world” and become a “moral” world leader. To help in becoming power. Request”.

Earlier, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky offered a broad stance on Beijing at the Shangri-Los Angeles Forum security forum in Singapore, questioning China’s claim of “neutrality” and calling it “a tool in the hands of (Russian President Vladimir) Accused of becoming.” )Putin”

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China urged to help end Ukraine war through President Volodymyr Zelensky at Shangri-Los Angeles discussion

China urged to help end Ukraine war through President Volodymyr Zelensky at Shangri-Los Angeles discussion

Saurabh Gupta, a senior policy expert at the Institute for China-United States Research in Washington, said Beijing was right that the five rules had become part of general global regulation and became “more relevant” with the condition. Within a foot of the World South, however, the optics were less than ideal.

“The message embodied in the five principles is certainly alive and well; It has not lost its charm. However, given the minimal compliance of the message of peaceful co-existence in its neighborhood by its principal envoy, China, the political aspects associated with the five principles have become tarnished,” he said.

In his remarks on Friday, Xi praised China’s “constructive role” on a long list of global hotspots, including Ukraine, the Israel-Hamas war, the Korean Peninsula, Iran, Myanmar and Afghanistan.

“Among the world’s major countries, China has the best track record with respect to peace and security. It is exploring a uniquely Chinese approach to resolving hotspot issues… Every increase in China’s power is an increase in the prospects for world peace,” he said.

Xi also continued his signature initiative of “building a community with a shared future” as an advanced model of the Five Principles, as he called on the United Nations and developing countries to come forward to shape a pristine global layout. called upon. “New Developments and Challenges”.

“Standing at a new historical starting point, the Global South must be more open and more inclusive, and join hands to lead the building of a community with a shared future for mankind,” he said.

Witnesses say Beijing’s repeated emphasis on non-intervention and appreciation of independence is partly aimed at curbing complaints about its arbitrary tactics over problems it considers internal matters, including Taiwan, Hong Kong and Xinjiang. .

Yun Soler, co-director of the East Asia Program and director of the China Program at the Washington-based Stimson Center, said that despite the growing complaints, China believes it is following the five rules.

“Indeed, China can see its various global security, development and civilization initiatives following the mantra of the five principles. Those principles can apply regardless of China’s power position, and the principles have a certain internal logic that persists,” he said.

“The principles rather than the operational framework have been more ideal, so China can always call it the desired endgame and a work in progress.”