New law provides an unequivocally clear picture of China's independent foreign policy of peace: China Daily editorial

The highlight of the just concluded third meeting of the 14th National People's Congress Standing Committee was no doubt its adoption of the country's first Law on Foreign Relations on Wednesday.

Some observers seem particularly interested in Article 33, which claims for the country "the right to take, as called for, measures to counter or take restrictive measures against acts that endanger its sovereignty, national security and development interests".

Although they focus on the law's stipulations on sanctions, even read the entire law as an effort to expand Beijing's "legal toolbox" against foreign hostility, the new legislation goes far beyond the concerns of the moment. It makes better sense to view it as a comprehensive codification of the Communist Party of China leadership's understanding of diplomacy and foreign policy.

As the name of the law indicates, this is a blanket legislation that defines the orientation and sets the tone for the country's foreign policy overall.

In contrast to the prevailing Western narrative that puts the emphasis on Chinese diplomacy being "assertive", unduly exaggerating the "wolf warrior" aspect, the law presents a different picture. One in which peace dominates.

Article 4 of the law reiterates the country's continued commitment to the "Five Principles of Peaceful Co-existence", which has always been New China's diplomatic compass. It takes one step forward in stating the country adheres to a path of peaceful development, reform and opening-up as a fundamental national strategy.

While it does accentuate such special concerns as combining domestic conditions with universal principles regarding human rights, and promotes the China-proposed Belt and Road Initiative, the law has by and large presented a broader globalist vision than it is popularly perceived. Article 18 promises to "promote coordination and sound interaction with other major countries" and grow relations with neighboring countries in accordance with the principle of "amity, sincerity, mutual benefit and inclusiveness". Article 19 commits to preserving the UN-centered international system, international order based on international law, and basic principles of international relations based on the principles and purposes of the UN Charter. And Article 23 vows to promote "peace, development, fairness, justice, democracy, freedom" as common human values.

Calling for the three initiatives China has proposed — on development, security and civilization — to be put into action, the law asserts that the country stays true to the vision of global governance featuring extensive consultation and joint contribution for shared benefits, and to the vision of common, comprehensive, cooperative, and sustainable global security. It also asserts that the country works for economic globalization that is more open, inclusive, balanced and beneficial to all.

For anyone wanting a better understanding of the community with a shared future for mankind that China is urging countries to help build, the law in its entirety offers a clear picture of what China envisions.