Peaceful Development Is a Prominent Characteristic of Chinese Modernization

Peaceful development: the genes of Chinese civilization

The Chinese people and nation have been peace-loving since ancient times. The ancient Chinese believed that “When the path is just, the common good will reign over across the country,” and advocated “being benevolent and living in friendship with neighbors” as well as “peace among all nations,” and they profoundly understood that “Regardless of size, a state partial to war will perish.” Thus, a love of peace runs through the veins of the Chinese people and the Chinese nation.

Peaceful development: the correct strategic choice for the Chinese people

The Chinese people desire peace more ardently, and the Chinese nation is more resolute in its opposition to war, than anyone else. Following the founding of the PRC, China proposed the Five Principles of Peaceful Coexistence and has stayed true to the principle of equality of all countries big or small, strong or weak, rich or poor. After the launch of reform and opening up, China declared peace and development to be contemporary themes around the world and adjusted its relationships with major powers while strengthening solidarity and cooperation with developing countries. In the new era that began in 2012, the CPC Central Committee with Xi Jinping at its core has pursued major-country diplomacy with Chinese characteristics, pushed for the development of a new type of international relations, and cherished humanity’s shared values of peace, development, fairness, justice, democracy, and freedom. It has promoted higher-standard opening up, developed the Belt and Road Initiative to a high standard, and strived to build a global community of shared future. China is managing to rebuild its international image and increase its international influence, moving ever closer to the center of the global stage.

Peaceful development: the trend of world development and the correct path for humanity

The fate of the world must lie in the hands of all countries. Global changes of a magnitude unseen in a century are occurring, the old colonial systems have collapsed, and the confrontation between blocs of the Cold War is long gone. Many emerging markets and developing countries are developing rapidly, and countries all over the world are becoming more interconnected and interdependent. Nevertheless, humanity still faces a myriad of challenges. Regional flashpoints are continually emerging, conventional and non-conventional security threats are becoming inextricably linked, and deficits in peace, development, security, and governance are growing. The Global Development Initiative, Global Security Initiative, and Global Civilizations Initiative proposed by President Xi are three pillars in the construction of a global community of shared future, and they contribute Chinese insight and strength toward solving humanity’s common problems.