Peaceful coexistence policy makes China benign power

Introduction

This year marks the 70th anniversary of the Five Principles of Peaceful Coexistence. President Xi Jinping called on the international community during the conference in Beijing on 28 June, 2024 to carry forward the Five Principles of Peaceful Coexistence under the new circumstances and jointly build a community with a shared future for mankind and providing a strong driving force for human progress.

In the wake of the Second World War, national independence and liberation movements swept across the globe, and the colonial system around the world crumbled and collapsed. At the same time, the world was overshadowed by the dark clouds of the Cold War and menaced by the rampant clamors that "Might is right." Newly independent countries aspired to safeguard their sovereignty and grow their national economy.

New China followed the principle of independence, actively sought peaceful coexistence with all countries, and endeavored to improve its external environment, especially in its neighborhood.

Against this backdrop, the Chinese leadership specified the Five Principles in their entirety for the first time, namely, 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.
This article is dedicated to the commemoration of the 70the anniversary of the Five Principles of Peaceful Coexistence.

My Experience in China

I made my first visit to China in 2001 when I studied at the National Defense University of Chinese People’s Liberation Army (PLA), and I also visited Hong Kong. I was appointed as the Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of the Kingdom of Tonga to the People’s Republic of China in 2010.

I was shocked at the dramatic changes that had taken place in China. For instance, the number of terminals at Beijing Capital International Airport (BCIA) has increased from one back in 2001 to three. For foreigners who have been away from China for some time will be surprised at its rapid development and vitality in every sector.

I know that the Communist Party of China (CPC) has been a roaring success. From around 50 party members when founded to the current 99.18 million, the CPC has done an amazing job in the world’s most populous country, both politically and economically. It has been fascinating to witness all these developments.

My colleagues who have taken buses or subways all agree that public transport in China is highly developed. I didn’t have the chance because I lived in the diplomatic compound and is a walking distance to my office, which is very convenient. Speaking of that, it reminds me one of my friends from the Pacific Islands whom I recently met.

He enjoyed cycling around the traditional hutong streets in Beijing. As for me, I find time after work to go for a leisurely walk along the road. In my opinion, this is the best way to explore the secrets. You can discover many interesting stories among ordinary Chinese, and find they live happily and peacefully.

When I was at the National Defence University of the PLA in 2001, I prefer to go hiking or picnic at weekends out from the city, with a few friends. I felt great to occasionally escape from a population of 20 million people and watch spectacular views. The Great Wall has always been a favorite place to sight see and take friends to.

Apart from this, I had also been to a small village with Charming sceneries. There were ducks swimming in the stream. The traditional lifestyle has lasted for centuries, but electric wires and solar panels on rooftops revealed a modern side. Being close to Beijing, this ancient village is also undergoing development and changes.

China has made considerable efforts to preserve and pass on its traditional culture. Although it is impossible for China to halt modernization, the government emphasizes the protection of China’s splendid traditions. Every time I cross the Second East Ring Road, I wonder, what it used to be like as the original city wall in the 1950s. Sometimes, improvement and development are simply unavoidable.

Shanghai is my favorite city and I went there quite often because my son studied in Shanghai PLA Second Military Medical University. China is undergoing rapid development in every aspect, and the development speed in Shanghai is amazing. The development of port cities such as Xiamen and Tianjin is also very fast. There are at least nine other major coastal cities, including Qindao, Ningbo, Dalian, etc.

Ten years ago, some Chinese companies such as Huawei and ZTE were already prospering in the international market. Companies all grow through the stimulus of competition, as competition promotes innovation. Some overseas companies are firmly engaged, and compete in a friendly manner with their Chinese counterparts.

Undoubtedly, China will play a significant role in the world arena. I have full confidence in the peaceful rise of China because historically, China has never been an aggressive power. Europe and the world at large should learn from this.

There were several visits from Tonga to China, including delegations led by the Prime Minister and the Speaker. After meetings with Chinese officials, they were pleased with the efforts made by China to help Pacific Islands Countries. It is not an easy task, but China and Pacific Islands can learn from each other as developing countries.

China’s rise does not bring conflict

The rise of China has been free of wars, not a single bullet has been fired. In comparison to numerous developed countries, China has risen, “in the eyes of others,” without gunship and artillery. China has not misused its muscle and its military, coveted and colonized parts of other countries, or waged an arms race. China has not plundered spices and oil, exploited slaves, or exported opium. China has not posed as a human rights mentor, salesperson for democracy and international police.

The “rise” of China is a contribution, not just a retort, to the world. China’s domestic and foreign policies follow a common theme of peace abroad and harmony at home. Chinese culture calls for sharing joys and sorrows together, prizing friendship more than trade, good faith more than interests and friendship more than your own life.

This is a cultural trait that has permeated the domestic and foreign policy of each Chinese dynasty. China treasures peace, are harmonious yet different, develop domestically while building reciprocal relationships with the rest of the world.

In Beijing, during my term of Ambassadorship, I witnessed many friends from abroad who appreciate the harmonious philosophy of China.

Ambassador of Italy (Attilo Massimo Iannucci), confirmed that China is “willing to establish diplomatic ties with any other country based on equality, mutual benefits, and respect for sovereignty and territorial integrity.” Ambassador of Indonesia (Imron Cotan) said, “We admire the fact that Chinese people take harmony as an important principle in daily affairs and interpersonal relationship, one firmly embedded in the Chinese culture”.

Irish Ambassador (Declan Kelleher) said, “We strongly support China’s involvement in international affairs, which can improve the world’s stability and harmony”. China advocates harmony and is building a harmonious world. The world needs peace. The world needs China.

The Five Principle of Peaceful Coexistence and its Application in the South Pacific Islands

The Five Principles are as follows:

1. Mutual respect for each other’s territorial integrity and sovereignty

2. Mutual non-aggression

3. Mutual non-interference in each other’s internal affairs

4. Equality and mutual benefit

5. Peaceful co-existence

The Five Principles of Peaceful Coexistence were proposed by the Chinese government in the 1950s and served as an effective weapon for the newborn Chinese government to break through the isolation and containment and expand its exchanges in the international arena.

As an open and inclusive principle of international law, they reflect the values of sovereignty, justice, democracy, and respect for law. They also embody the essential features of a new international relationship, which is suitable for countries with different social systems and development levels, and different in size. They were a great step forward in the history of international relations.

Beijing’s relationship with the Pacific Islands dates back to the early 1970s when China established diplomatic relations with a number of independent developing nations in the South Pacific. It is over the last few decades that China has become a major aid donor to the Pacific Island Countries.

According to China’s two white papers on foreign aid record, eight of the 14 Pacific states received 4.2 per cent of Chinese total aid or US$1.75 billion between 1950 and 2009, and four per cent (US$58.1 million) between 2010 and 2012. According to research from the Lowy Institute, China was the second largest aid provider in the Pacific (after Australia) between 2011 and 2018, both in terms of committed aid (US$5.88 billion) and spent aid (US$1.26 billion).

In 1987 China signed protocols 2 and 3 of the Treaty of Rarotonga (South Pacific Nuclear Free Zone Treaty), which recognizes the Pacific as a zone free of nuclear weapons. Since 1990, the country has participated as a dialogue partner in the annual “Post Forum Partners’ Dialogue” of the PIF which takes place at the ministerial level.

Beijing’s goal is strengthening its friendly and cooperative links to the forum and its member states. During these consultations, China promised to apply the principles of mutual respect, equality and mutual prosperity, and unanimity through consultation. In April 2004, China also joined the “South Pacific Tourism Organization” (SPTO) as the first member state from outside the region.

Moreover, most Pacific Island states that have benefited so far from China’s increasing trade and investment as well as from debt relief and debt extensions, are not gifted with any Pacific Islands’ minerals, marine, forestry, and tourism resources. They offer few investment opportunities to the Chinese enterprises.

China has extended debt relief to developing countries worth a combined of US$2.1 billion under the G20 framework, the highest among the group’s members in terms of the amount deferred. (China’s formal Finance Minister Liu Kun stated before the 15th G20 Leaders’ Summit in November 2020).

China adheres to the five principles of peaceful coexistence which are to respect PICs’ choice in political system and development path suited to their own national conditions; non-interference in internal affairs of PICs; support PICs in their just struggle for safeguarding their independence, sovereignty and territorial integrity; and their efforts in maintaining their states stability, unity; and promoting the development of society and economy.

In the year 2006, China and PICs collaborated to create the China-Pacific Island Countries Economic Development and Cooperation Forum (CPICEDCF). CPICEDCF is an official forum between the People’s Republic of China and Pacific Island Countries. CPICEDCF is an important platform for dialogue and cooperation between China and PICs, and has played an important role in leading and promoting China-Pacific Islands relations.

CPICEDCF is a continuity of China’s central government political agenda towards Pacific Islands which seek to solidify economic, political and diplomatic ties. China and Pacific Islands have witnessed a rapid development of the CPICEDCF over the last 15 years. Since the CPICEDCF’s creation, both Pacific Islands countries and China have witnessed an incredible economic growth.

Conclusion

China loves peace. From their bitter sufferings from war and poverty, Chinese people have learned the value of peace and the pressing need of development. They see that only peace can allow them to live and work in prosperity and contentment and that only development can bring them decent living. Therefore, the central goal of China’s diplomacy is to create a peaceful and stable international environment for its development. In the meantime, China strives to make its due contribution to world peace and development. It never engages in aggression or expansion, never seeks hegemony, and remains a staunch force for upholding regional and world peace and stability.

Pacific Island Countries must proactively monitor and review the relationship in terms of the Five Principles of Peaceful Coexistence so that its interests are safeguarded, and a win-win situation ensured.

Recently, the third plenary session of the 20th Central Committee of the Communist Party of China was held in Beijing. The essence of Five Principles of Peaceful Coexistence was also fully reflected at the plenary session. The plenary session stated that China must remain firm in pursuing an independent foreign policy of peace, be dedicated to promoting a community with a shared future for humanity, and foster a favorable external environment for further deepening reform comprehensively and advancing Chinese modernization. The plenary session not only carries major importance for China’s own development, but will also have a significant impact on the world.

Moreover, the session sent a strong message to the world about China’s steadfast commitment to reform and opening up. As far as I know, the Resolution adopted at the plenary session put forward over 300 important reform measures and made systemic plans on further deepening reform comprehensively and advancing Chinese modernization.

I am confident that their implementation will create huge opportunities for the world, and Pacific Island Countries should seize this opportunity to engage in mutually beneficial cooperation, thrive and prosper together with China.