Xi Jinping applauds India's 'Panchsheel' agreement as a model for resolving global conflicts
- In Reports
- 06:12 PM, Jun 29, 2024
- Myind Staff
Chinese President Xi Jinping highlighted the significance of the 'Five Principles of Peaceful Coexistence', originally associated with the Non-Aligned Movement, as crucial for addressing contemporary conflicts.
He expressed a desire to enhance China's influence in the Global South amidst ongoing tensions with Western nations.
Xi Jinping invoked the Five Principles of Peaceful Coexistence, known as 'Panchsheel' by India, during a conference in Beijing commemorating its 70th anniversary. He also juxtaposed these principles with his new concept of a Global Security Initiative aimed at envisioning a shared future for mankind.
According to the Indian Ministry of External Affairs, the 'Panchsheel' principles were formally outlined in the Agreement on Trade and Intercourse between the Tibet region of China and India, signed on April 29, 1954.
The 'Panchsheel' principles, also known as the Five Principles of Peaceful Coexistence, emerged as part of the legacy of then Prime Minister Jawaharlal Nehru and his Chinese counterpart Zhou Enlai, during their attempts to resolve the complex boundary issue.
Xi Jinping, addressing a conference in Beijing marking the 70th anniversary of these principles, highlighted their significance in global diplomacy. He specified the principles as 'mutual respect for sovereignty and territorial integrity', 'mutual non-aggression', 'mutual non-interference in each other's internal affairs', 'equality and mutual benefit', and 'peaceful coexistence'.
Xi Jinping noted that these principles were included in joint statements between China and India, as well as China and Myanmar, aiming to establish them as fundamental norms for state-to-state relations.
The conference, attended by former Sri Lankan President Mahinda Rajapaksa and various political leaders and officials associated with China over the years, underscored the enduring relevance of these principles in international relations.
Xi Jinping, in his address, recalled that the 'Panchsheel' or Five Principles of Peaceful Coexistence originated in Asia, specifically India, but quickly gained global prominence. He noted that in 1955, more than 20 Asian and African countries participated in the Bandung Conference, where these principles were discussed and embraced.
The Non-Aligned Movement, established by Jawaharlal Nehru in the 1960s, adopted the 'Panchsheel' principles as foundational to its approach.
"The Five Principles have established a significant historical benchmark for international relations and the rule of law," Xi Jinping remarked during his speech.
Xi Jinping, who entered his unprecedented third five-year term in power last year, has been advocating various initiatives to bolster China's global influence, including the ambitious Belt and Road Initiative (BRI). This initiative has seen substantial Chinese investments in infrastructure projects across smaller countries, leading to concerns about debt diplomacy as some nations struggled to repay loans to China.
“China will establish a Global South Research Centre to enhance support for cooperation among Global South countries,” Xi Jinping announced.
He also outlined plans to offer 1,000 'Five Principles of Peaceful Coexistence Scholarship of Excellence' and 100,000 training opportunities to countries in the Global South over the next five years, underscoring China's commitment to fostering international cooperation based on these principles.
Image source: Indian Express
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