Chinese President Xi Jinping emphasized the enduring relevance of the Five Principles of Peaceful Coexistence, also known as Panchsheel in India, during a conference marking its 70th anniversary. He underscored these principles as pivotal in addressing contemporary conflicts and emphasized China's intent to expand its influence across the Global South amidst geopolitical tensions with Western powers.
The Five Principles—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—originated from the 1954 Agreement on Trade and Intercourse between Tibet (China) and India. These principles were initially championed by then Prime Minister Jawaharlal Nehru of India and Chinese Premier Zhou Enlai in their efforts to resolve border disputes.
President Xi highlighted that these principles were subsequently endorsed in joint statements with India and Myanmar, advocating for them to become foundational norms in state-to-state relations. He noted their adoption by the Bandung Conference in 1955 and their incorporation into the guiding principles of the Non-Aligned Movement in the 1960s, underscoring their global significance.
Xi Jinping emphasized that the Five Principles align with the principles of the UN Charter and the evolving dynamics of international relations. He juxtaposed these principles with his new concept of a Global Security Initiative and the vision of building a community with a shared future for mankind, initiatives aimed at fostering joint security and cooperation among nations.
In addition to these diplomatic efforts, China announced plans to establish a Global South Research Centre, offer scholarships, training opportunities, and a youth leadership program to countries in the Global South over the next five years. These initiatives reflect China's broader strategy under initiatives like the Belt and Road Initiative (BRI) to enhance its global influence, particularly in Asia, Africa, and Latin America, amidst growing strategic competition with Western powers.
President Xi's remarks and China's initiatives underscore its proactive stance in promoting international cooperation and enhancing its diplomatic and economic footprint across developing nations globally.
