Chinese President Praises India’s ‘Panchsheel’ Agreement and Nehru’s Non-Aligned Movement
Beijing, 29th June. Chinese President Xi Jinping has commended India’s ‘Panchsheel’ Agreement and Jawaharlal Nehru’s Non-Aligned Movement, highlighting their relevance in resolving contemporary conflicts and expanding influence in the Global South amid increasing geopolitical tensions with the West.
Speaking at a conference in Beijing commemorating the 70th anniversary of the Five Principles of Peaceful Coexistence, also known as ‘Panchsheel’ in India, Xi Jinping emphasized their significance in global diplomacy. These principles, first formalized in the Agreement on Trade and Intercourse between the Tibet region of China and India in 1954, were a collaborative effort between Nehru and his Chinese counterpart Zhou Enlai aimed at addressing boundary issues, albeit unsuccessfully.
“The Five Principles of Peaceful Coexistence answered the call of the times, marking a historic development,” Xi Jinping remarked, underscoring their foundational values: mutual respect for sovereignty and territorial integrity, mutual non-aggression, mutual non-interference in internal affairs, equality and mutual benefit, and peaceful coexistence.
Xi Jinping noted their integration into bilateral statements between China and India, as well as China and Myanmar, advocating for their adoption as basic norms for state-to-state relations. He highlighted the global reach of ‘Panchsheel’, noting its adoption by more than 20 Asian and African countries at the Bandung Conference in 1955, a pivotal moment for the Non-Aligned Movement initiated by Nehru.
“The Five Principles have set a historic benchmark for international relations and the rule of law,” Xi Jinping asserted, aligning them with the principles of the UN Charter and contemporary international relations trends. He juxtaposed these principles with his new concepts, including the Global Security Initiative (GSI) and the vision of building a Community with a Shared Future for Mankind.
Amidst China’s strategic initiatives like the Belt and Road Initiative (BRI), aimed at enhancing global influence through infrastructure investments, Xi Jinping announced further measures to bolster ties with the Global South. These include the establishment of a Global South Research Centre, scholarships, training opportunities, and a youth leadership programme, aiming to foster South-South cooperation and strengthen China’s ties with developing nations.
Xi Jinping’s address comes against the backdrop of increasing strategic competition with the US and EU, where China seeks to consolidate its influence in Asia, Africa, and Latin America, regions collectively referred to as the Global South.
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