Experts hail enduring relevance of China's Five Principles of Peaceful Coexistence

As this year marks the 70th anniversary of the Five Principles of Peaceful Coexistence initiated by China, these principles have shown even greater relevance in promoting global peace under the current circumstances, experts said.

The Conference Marking the 70th Anniversary of the Five Principles of Peaceful Coexistence was held on June 28 in Beijing, where China reaffirmed its adherence to these principles.

The five principles — mutual respect for sovereignty and territorial integrity, mutual nonaggression, mutual noninterference in each other's internal affairs, equality and mutual benefit, and peaceful coexistence — have been the bedrock of China's independent foreign policy of peace since they were proposed by the Chinese leadership in the 1950s.

Adhere Cavince, a Kenyan expert on international relations, said marking the 70th Anniversary of the Five Principles of Peaceful Coexistence is a timely reminder of what the world needs the most at this moment when tensions and conflicts are increasingly being witnessed around the world.

"By respecting other countries' territorial integrity and adopting friendly posture toward other countries, it is possible for the world to jointly push forward the outcomes for peaceful development and benefit for all humanity," Cavince said.

Nasser Bouchiba, president of the Africa-China Cooperation Association for Development in Morocco, highlighted that the principles of peaceful coexistence proposed by China carry significant forward-looking implications for peace and development.

"In today's intricate global landscape, the importance of peaceful coexistence is greater than ever. It is essential for nations, especially neighboring ones, to foster relationships grounded in mutual respect and the pursuit of peace, rather than falling prey to geopolitical conflicts," he said.

"Developing countries must prioritize the principles of peaceful development and unite to increase their influence and development opportunities. In navigating the new international environment, promoting and achieving peaceful development through multilateralism is vital. The peaceful coexistence initiated and consistently practiced by Chinese leaders represents a critical and necessary path forward," Bouchiba said.

Yang Ran contributed to this story.