China pushes peace and development

China Daily, Asia News Network, Beijing

Against a backdrop of dramatic changes in the international arena, China, through its diplomacy, has made unremitting efforts to safeguard world peace and promote common prosperity.

In his report during the opening ceremony of the 16th National Congress of the Communist Party of China (CPC), Jiang Zemin said: "No matter how the international situation changes, we will, as always, pursue the independent foreign policy of peace. The purpose of China's foreign policy is to maintain world peace and promote common development.

"Peace and development remain the themes of our era. The growing trends toward world multipolarization and economic globalization have brought with them opportunities and favorable conditions for world peace and development.

"However, the old international political and economic order, which is unfair and irrational, has yet to be changed fundamentally. The world is far from being tranquil and humankind is faced with many grave challenges."

Facing dizzy international changes, the third generation leadership of the CPC, with Jiang at its core, has scored one victory after another in the diplomatic arena with great courage and skill.

A retrospect of China's diplomacy during the period following the Fourth Plenary Session of the 13th CPC Central Committee in 1989 gives ample proof of the diplomatic skills of the CPC third generation leadership.

In November 1993, the first official meeting between Jiang and former U.S. President Bill Clinton took place in Seattle in the United States. It improved Sino-U.S. relations after 1989 and opened a channel for ensuing high-level exchange meetings.

China withstood the impact of the collapse of the Soviet Union and drastic changes in Eastern Europe and eventually saw the removal of sanctions imposed on it by Western countries, gaining a firm foothold on the international stage.

On July 1, 1997, the Chinese government resumed sovereignty over Hong Kong and on Dec. 20, 1999, Macao also returned to the embrace of the motherland, signaling the "one country, two systems" concept had become a reality and that a giant step had been taken towards China's reunification.

In September 2000, at China's request, the heads of state of all five permanent members of the United Nations (UN) Security Council held a summit, the first ever in the UN's 55-year history.

In October 2001, in Shanghai, Jiang, together with leaders from other members of the Asia Pacific Economic Cooperation forum, posed for photos in elegant traditional Chinese clothes in a demonstration of solidarity in the aftermath of the Sept. 11 terrorist attacks in the United States.

Last month, Jiang and U.S. President George W. Bush had their third meeting within a year at Bush's Texas ranch to continue the important top-level discussions between the world's largest developing nation and the world's largest developed nation.

Following an in-depth exchange of views, Jiang and Bush reached consensus on a series of major issues.

Over the past 13 years, China has responded well to international crises and built up its image as a responsible country in the world.

China attaches great importance to strengthening relations with its neighbors.

The relationship between China and the Association of Southeast Asian Nations has evolved in a positive manner. China and the association have agreed to establish a free-trade zone in 2010. This represents a new breakthrough in China's development of relations with its neighbors.

In addition, China, Russia, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan and Uzbekistan established the Shanghai Co-operation Organization in 2001. Initiated by China, it is the first international organization to be founded in China and named after a Chinese city.

China has erected a stable framework for its relationships with developed countries in the world.

From a strategic, long-term perspective, China has furthered Sino-U.S. relations in spite of obstacles. The two countries have confirmed their mutual important responsibilities to safeguard world peace and promote common development and have agreed to advance Sino-U.S. constructive and co-operative relations.

China has stressed the United States should observe the principles contained in the three Sino-U.S. Joint Communiques and honor its commitments on the Taiwan question. The U.S. is committed to adhering to the principles contained in the three communiques, the one-China policy and opposes "Taiwan independence."

China and Russia continue to develop their strategic partnership of cooperation. Relations between China and the European Union have evolved positively.

Sino-Japanese ties have also witnessed new progress. In his address to 13,000 people attending a celebration commemorating the 30th anniversary of the normalization of Sino-Japanese diplomatic relations, Jiang stressed the importance of adhering to the guiding principle of "taking history as a mirror and looking forward to the future."

China has consolidated relations and developed solidarity and co-operations with developing countries. China has conducted frequent high-level exchanges with developing countries around the world and engaged in important co-operative activities, including the China-Africa Co-operation Forum in Beijing in October 2000.

China has actively participated in multilateral activities with the UN, stressing the important role of the UN and its Security Council in safeguarding international peace and security.

China has also furthered international co-operation with regard to the economy, environment, development and other social issues and has promoted and implemented a new security concept.

All of these achievements have been made possible by China's strategic evaluation of the international situation.

"Peace and development remain the themes of our era," Jiang said. "The world needs peace, the people need co-operation, countries need development and societies need progress. Together, these make up the mainstream of our era."

Diplomacy influences the rise or fall of a nation. It is a main battlefield for safeguarding state sovereignty.

During the past 13 years, in the struggle to throw off sanctions imposed on China by Western countries, in the struggle against pro- "Taiwan independence" and separatist forces and in dealing with the "embassy bombing" and "military jet collision" incidents, China has demonstrated its strong principles while at the same time showing flexibility in seeking solutions.

China's determination to preserve its state sovereignty and national dignity, along with the wisdom it has shown in dealing with crises, has earned it acclaim and support from the international community.

"We are ready to work with all nations to advance the lofty cause of world peace and development," Jiang said.