Progress for human society and contribution to world peace: China Daily editorial

The 70th anniversary of the founding of the People's Republic of China, which will fall on Tuesday, offers an opportunity to look back to the past to seek lessons and look forward to the future with hope.

A war-torn country besieged from almost all sides, New China, instead of being stifled in its cradle, as many detractors predicted, rose from the rubble to battle through the odds and take a development path that transformed it into the world's second-largest economy.

It is the Chinese people's need for a life of prosperity and dignity that has spurred the Communist Party of China to blaze the path of socialism with Chinese characteristics in order to boost economic and social development.

China has always upheld the Five Principles of Peaceful Coexistence, featuring mutual respect, mutual non-aggression, non-interference in other countries' internal affairs, equality and cooperation for mutual benefit. By never interfering in the internal affairs of other countries or currying favor with big countries, China has played a vital role in maintaining regional stability.

In focusing on China's variables over the past 70 years — China's share in the world economy has grown from a fraction to almost one sixth — people often ignore its invariables such as the principles of peaceful coexistence and its commitment to sustainable development.

It is this commitment that is the "secret" behind China's development on all fronts. And it is this commitment that will ensure China's foreign policy does not swerve from the path of mutual respect, mutual benefit and non-aggression.

As the white paper, "China of the New Era and the World", published by the State Council Information Office on Friday, says, propelled by its commitment and the practical needs of the world, China has proposed to build a community with a shared future for mankind through mechanisms such as the Belt and Road Initiative.

This will strengthen the economic globalization trend despite the setbacks caused by unilateralism and trade protectionism to free trade and multilateralism.

China's development path is unique in that it comprises Chinese characteristics and a global vision. Dedicated to the interests of all humanity, China has never forgotten to provide the world with more and better public goods, as it has greatly benefited from the international community on its development path. But that does not mean China has any ulterior motives.

True, global powers in the past have sought hegemony, but China should not be judged against the experience of some Western powers.

The pursuit of peaceful development is not diplomatic rhetoric or an act of expediency for China. Instead, it is a demonstration of China's confidence and solemn commitment that it will never pursue hegemony or pose a threat to another country, no matter how the global situation changes.

Over the past 70 years, while endeavoring to realize their own development, the Chinese people have also contributed to world peace and promoted common development with other countries as part of their efforts to strengthen economic globalization.

This trend will remain unchanged, and China will continue to provide the international community with more public goods, and promote global peace, stability and prosperity.