Country vows to promote world peace

Vice-President Han Zheng called on Thursday for collaborative and coordinated actions to address mounting global problems and challenges, and he reiterated China's commitment to promoting world peace, security and prosperity.

Han made the remarks in a keynote speech delivered at an event marking the International Day of Peace 2024 in Jinan, the capital of Shandong province.

The International Day of Peace is observed annually around the world on Sept 21. Established in 1981 by a unanimous United Nations resolution, the day provides a globally shared date for all humanity to commit to peace despite differences and to contribute to building a culture of peace.

The event came at a moment when regional conflicts are flaring up, including the Gaza conflict and the Ukraine crisis, amid rising geopolitical tensions. It gathered more than 180 representatives from over 100 political organizations, peace groups and security think tanks from around the world.

Han highlighted the interconnectedness of humanity in the global village, saying that the world is an indivisible community with a shared future, where peace, development and win-win cooperation constitute an unstoppable global trend.

As a permanent member of the UN Security Council and a significant player in the Global South, China is committed to working with countries from around the world to uphold peace, security and prosperity, he said.

As the UN Summit of the Future is about to be held on Sunday and Monday, Han underscored the need to leverage the critical role of the UN in safeguarding world peace, promoting common development and collaborating to address global challenges.

While highlighting the significance of sustainable development as a foundation for lasting peace, he called for a commitment to inclusive and balanced international development to ensure that all nations, particularly those in the Global South, have the opportunity to participate in, contribute to and benefit from global progress.

In a video message delivered at the event, UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres expressed concerns over the security situation globally, saying that peace, which he described as "the ultimate prize for all humanity", is under attack. He called for cultivating a culture of peace, and replacing division, disempowerment and despair with justice, equality and hope for all.

Participants at the International Day of Peace event hailed the important role of the Global Development Initiative, the Global Security Initiative and the Global Civilization Initiative, all proposed by President Xi Jinping, in promoting global peace and development in the context of the current international landscape.

They said that the initiatives, which are interrelated and mutually promoted, set the right course for the world to address the deficits in peace, development and governance and respond to common challenges.

Sommad Pholsena, vice-president of the National Assembly of Laos and president of the Lao Committee for Peace and Solidarity, expressed appreciation for China's long-standing efforts and contributions to promoting world peace, security and development.

China plays a central role in addressing a range of global issues such as climate change, food security and international disputes, making significant contributions to maintaining regional and international peace, stability and sustainable development, he said.

Kgalema Motlanthe, former president of South Africa, said that the China-proposed initiatives, including the Belt and Road Initiative, have created a situation in which the confidence of African countries has been raised to a higher level, because they understand and appreciate that "we have a very reliable partner and friend".