Peace can only enter through an open door

The 20th National Congress of the Communist Party of China was held last month, in which President Xi Jinping reiterated the Party’s commitment in pursuing opening-up, building a community with a shared future, and safeguarding world peace, to name but a few. Such narratives have become high-profile political discourse in China.

The opening-up strategy has borne fruit for China, turning it into the world’s second-largest economy. The world had a large-scale commercial and cultural give-and-take with China in the last decade, which has benefited both sides. That is, wide exchanges made a platform for people to know about China’s national values, ethical code and path to economic development.

Moreover, Chinese people learned from those of other nations. For example, before traveling to China a few years back, I had a blank image of China, the language seemed tough and the people appeared cold and unfriendly. But after traveling to China, have a number of Chinese friends whom I miss and care about, and share the feelings of China’s people in terms of happiness and sadness. When my friends ask about China, I tell them about the ethical code of Chinese men and women, the smiles of Chinese friends, and China’s economic development easily noticeable in skyscrapers and mammoth infrastructure.

Building a “shared future” signifies the broad view of Chinese people and a way of thinking beyond one’s own courtyard. In these troubled times, the world is in dire need of a shared future in which all enjoy peace and prosperity. This narrative means the world is a “global village” and countries are strongly connected to one another. The destinies of all nations are interlocked as the economic crisis hurts prosperity everywhere, the danger of nuclear attacks threatens all nations, the operation of extremists puts the lives of all at risk, and violent deaths outrage the collective conscience. With this in mind, the world, especially countries with economic power, have to seek common ground and settle conflicts through communication rather than confrontation.

Supporting global peace carries great significance as war, threats and insecurity make headlines. The entire world, including the international community, has to put their weight behind peace and no longer let blood be shed anywhere. The heart-wrenching stories of war have to end, as does the suffering of Ukrainian and Russian women in the wake of their losses. No country should fuel a conflagration. Regional and global powers have to support a peaceful end not only to the ongoing war between Ukraine and Russia, but to all challenges threatening global peace.

The Chinese narratives of shared future and global peace give us plenty of reason for optimism. The world will turn into a more secure and prosperous place if China steps up its active and constructive role in global issues and persuades the world to resolve tensions and challenges. The international community, established to put an end to war and public suffering, should also bring warring sides to the negotiating table and let no child lose its life and no mother grieve the death of her child. The world should note all nations share a common destiny and the consequences of war will affect every country around the globe.

The opening-up policy and economic and cultural exchanges will be conducive to peace and prosperity. If one country opens its door to another, both will grow in love and friendship, unwilling to harm each other. Hence, peace and prosperity will enter through the same open doors. Shutting doors means being unwilling to communicate, make friendship or understand each other. To simplify it further, if you as a person avoid hosting your neighbor or shaking their hand, you will neither know nor share any feelings. The world needs an open door so peace and friendship can enter.

The author is a political analyst and senior writer with Daily Outlook Afghanistan. The views don't necessarily reflect those of China Daily.

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