Beijing, June 29 – Chinese Premier Wen Jiabao today marked the 50th anniversary of his nation’s “foreign policy of peace” with a call for greater democracy on the world stage and less “hegemony and power politics” in international diplomacy. Wen also maintained that national sovereignty was inviolable, but played little heed to the “right of self-determination”, especially as it pertains to disputed territories of Taiwan, Tibet and Xinjiang. “It is imperative to have greater democracy in international relations …, no country has the right to impose its will on others, nor can it undermine or deny other’s sovereignty under whatever excuse,” Wen said in a speech at the Great Hall of the People.
“Facts have proven that such practices as disregarding other’s sovereignty, bullying the small and the weak by dint of one’s size and power, and pursuing hegemony and power politics will not get anywhere.” For 50 years, China’s diplomacy has been based on “the Five Principles of Peaceful Coexistence.” The principles became central to the non-aligned movement, especially during the Cold War. The principles refer to mutual respect for sovereignty and territorial integrity, mutual non-aggression, non-interference in each other’s internal affairs, equality and mutual benefit, and peaceful coexistence. Wen said the principles were still valid in the 21st century, but that the “old security concept” of military alliances and arms build-ups should be dropped.
“The Cold War mentality must be done away with in favour of a new security concept featuring mutual trust, mutual benefit, equality and cooperation,” Wen said. “China will never threaten anyone, pursue expansion or seek hegemony.” Nations should work together to fight terrorism, weapons proliferation, drug trafficking, trans-boundary crimes and other security threats as well as global concerns like HIV/AIDS and environmental degradation, he said.
During today’s commemorations, Chinese President Hu Jintao exchanged congratulatory messages with Indian President Abdul Kalam.
