On 2nd July 2014, H.E. Mr. Wang Fukang, Chinese Ambassador to Maldives, published an article titled "Advocating the Five Principles of Peaceful Coexistence and Bringing China-Maldives Relations to a New High" on Miadhu, one of the major newspapers in Maldives. Other local media including Sun Online has also made reports on the article. Below is the full content of the article:
Six decades ago, Premier Zhou Enlai of the People’s Republic of China, through joint statements with Prime Minister Nehru of India and Prime Minister U Nu of Burma, developed and advocated the Five Principles of Peaceful Coexistence, opening an important chapter in the history of international relations.
A few days ago, leaders of China, India and Myanmar have gathered in Beijing to mark the 60th anniversary of the Five Principles of Peaceful Coexistence. I would like to take this opportunity to also share with our readers about the past, present and future of the Five Principles and how they benefit the China-Maldives Relations.
I. What are the Five Principles of Peaceful Coexistence?
The Five Principles of Peaceful Coexistence include "mutual respect for each other's territorial integrity and sovereignty", "mutual non-aggression", "non-interference in each other's internal affairs", "equality and cooperation for mutual benefit", and "peaceful co-existence". These five principles are mutual premises for each other and, as an integrated and interconnected concept, symbolize the values of sovereignty, justice, democracy and the rule of law.
Only when countries mutually respect each other's territorial integrity and sovereignty, can they achieve mutual non-aggression and non-interference. Only when mutual non-aggression and non-interference are realized, can countries benefit mutually and coexist peacefully. And only through mutual benefit and peaceful co-existence, can we guarantee mutual respect among different countries.
II. What is the role of Five Principles of Peaceful Coexistence in the past?
The Five Principles of Peaceful Coexistence have not only promoted the friendly relations among China, India and Myanmar, but also laid the foundation for the ten principles issued at the historic Asian-African Conference in Bandung, Indonesia in 1955, formed the basis for the Non-Aligned Movement, as well as been adopted by the UN on many occasions.
For the past six decades, the Five Principles of Peaceful Coexistence have stood the test of international vicissitudes and won wide recognition and approval among the international community, thus becoming a set of fundamental principles governing the relations among different countries and played an important part in global peace, stability and development.
III. What is the current situation and future of the Five Principles of Peaceful Coexistence?
In the age of globalisation, countries and peoples are more interconnected with each other, and the ideals of peace and development have been worshipped more than ever, yet injustice and inequalities are still pronounced problems in international relations. Therefore, we need the Five Principles of Peaceful Coexistence more than before to achieve peace and development for all mankind.
In his speech at the ceremony marking 60th anniversary of the Five Principles of Peaceful Coexistence, President Xi Jinping gave new content to the Five Principles with 6 aspects: "sovereign equality", "common security", "common development", "win-win cooperation", "inclusiveness and mutual learning", "fairness and justice". Such aspects represent China’s adherence to as well as development of the Five Principles in a new era. Therefore China will continue to preserve and advocate these principles in international affairs.
With the Five Principles of Peaceful Coexistence enshrined in China’s constitution, and honoured as the foundation rock of China’s foreign policy, and with the new six aspects of the Five Principles, President Xi Jinping has declared to the world again that China will unswervingly follow the road of peaceful development, carry out friendly relations and cooperation with all countries on the basis of the Five Principles of Peaceful Coexistence, and follow the win-win strategy of opening up for mutual benefit.
IV. How do the Five Principles of Peaceful Coexistence benefit China-Maldives Relations?
Under the guidance of the Five Principles of Peaceful Coexistence, China and Maldives established diplomatic relations in 1972. Since then, we have always treated each other with mutual respect and equality, no matter how the international situation changes. The relations between our two countries have maintained smooth development, thus becoming a shining example of countries of different sizes coexisting in peace and cooperating with mutual benefit.
On the aspect of mutual respect for territorial integrity and sovereignty and mutual non-interference in internal affairs, China has always stayed out of the domestic politics of Maldives, with full respect to the political system and development paths that Maldivians have chosen based on their own situation, and strong support to the effort of Maldives in maintaining its independence, sovereignty and national pride. In the meantime, Maldives has always shown staunch support to the One China Policy, rendering China its valuable support on issues like Taiwan and Tibet.
On the aspect of equality and cooperation for mutual benefit, China has always provided assistance to the development of Maldives wherever it can. The National Museum of Maldives, the Foreign Ministry building, as well as the new housing units in Hulhumale have all become new symbols of China-Maldives friendship. In the meantime, Maldives has also provided assistance to China during the Wenchuan Mega Earthquake in 2008, and has welcomed the Chinese tourists with open arms. In 2013, the total number of Chinese citizens visiting Maldives reached 331,000, taking up 29.5% of the total foreign tourist arrival, thus making more contribution to the economic and social development of Maldives at the same time.
Based on the above positive developments, China and Maldives has furthered their peaceful co-existence, becoming good neighbours, good friends and good partners with mutual trust.
Looking back to our past, China has always attached great importance to the development of China-Maldives relations, and viewed Maldives as its important partner for cooperation in South Asia and Indian Ocean Region. Looking into the future, our relations are even more promising with historical opportunities ahead. China will put into practice the concepts of amity, sincerity, mutual benefit and inclusiveness in its neighbourhood diplomacy, deepen the win-win cooperation with neighbouring countries including Maldives, and enable its own development to better benefit Maldives. China is also promoting important cooperation initiatives of building "Silk Road Economic Belt" and "21st Century Maritime Silk Road", with a view to bringing more development opportunities to regional countries.
We will work with Maldives to closely connect the development strategies of our two countries, to strengthen our traditional friendship, to deepen our cooperation in all areas, and to bring more benefits to our two peoples. Let us join hands to further develop the Five Principles of Peaceful Coexistence, engage ourselves in a common path of peaceful, cooperative and joint development, and push the relations between China and Maldives to a new high with a better future for all!