Xi Jinping "Constructive Role in Korean Peninsula Issue... Will Not Take the Path of Hegemony Seizure"

Former Prime Minister Lee Hae-chan's Attendance Draws Attention

An event outlining China's foreign relations direction was held in Beijing on the 28th, where President Xi Jinping praised his constructive role in international issues, including the Korean Peninsula. Former Prime Minister Lee Hae-chan also attended the event, drawing attention.

In a speech at the '70th Anniversary of the Announcement of the Five Principles of Peaceful Coexistence' commemorative conference held at the Great Hall of the People in Beijing, Chinese President Xi Jinping said, "China is striving to find ways to resolve major issues," adding, "We are playing a constructive role in issues related to the Ukraine crisis, Israel-Palestine conflict, the Korean Peninsula, Iran, Myanmar, Afghanistan, and others." He explained, "As China's power expands, the hope for world peace will grow even greater."

[Image source=AFP Yonhap News]

President Xi continued, "Our determination to cooperate amicably with all countries will not change," emphasizing, "We are actively expanding global partnerships based on equality, openness, and cooperation and working to broaden the consensus of interests with all countries." He also stated, "We will not follow the old path of colonial invasion, nor the distorted path of seizing hegemony as the country grows stronger," stressing, "We must oppose bloc confrontation, the building of small groups, and forced siding together with all countries to fulfill the wish for peace."

Furthermore, he pointed out, "As China's economy develops to a high level, it has injected strong momentum into global economic development," and criticized, "Creating small groups to build barriers, decoupling, and supply chain disruptions are actions that go against the flow of history and only harm the common interests of the international community."

Former Prime Minister Lee Hae-chan (second from left) is seated in the guest section at the commemorative event for the 70th anniversary of the "Five Principles of Peaceful Coexistence in China," held on the 28th at the Great Hall of the People in Beijing. (Photo by Beijing Correspondent Joint Coverage Team)

The Five Principles of Peaceful Coexistence form the basic framework of China's foreign relations and were first mentioned in December 1953 when then-Premier Zhou Enlai met with the Indian delegation. At that time, the principles were announced, including mutual respect for territorial sovereignty, mutual non-aggression, mutual non-interference in internal affairs, reciprocity and equality, and peaceful coexistence, with some terms later revised.

The event was attended by a large number of Chinese leaders, including President Xi, and foreign guests such as former Prime Minister Lee Hae-chan, former Japanese Prime Minister Yukio Hatoyama, and former Myanmar President Thein Sein were invited.