Consul General of the People’s Republic of China in Lagos, Ms. YAN Yuqing, has amplified the need for the implementation of the five principles of peaceful coexistence listed as mutual respect for sovereignty and territorial integrity, mutual non-aggression, mutual non-interference in each other’s internal affairs, equality and mutual benefit, and peaceful coexistence.
She noted that this year marks the 70th Anniversary of the Five Principles of Peaceful Coexistence, as 70 years ago, the Chinese leadership specified the principles, which were welcomed by all countries of the world, especially the vast number of developing countries.
“In the Bandung Conference in 1955, ten principles for handling state-to-state relations on the basis of the Five Principles were proposed, advocating the Bandung spirit of solidarity, friendship and cooperation. The Non-Aligned Movement that rose in the 1960s adopted the Five Principles as its guiding principles. The Declaration on Principles of International Law in 1970 and many other important international documents, endorsed the Five Principles.
According to her, the long-term friendly and cooperative relationship between China and Nigeria also benefits from the principles. On February 10, 1971, the governments of China and Nigeria signed the joint communiqué establishing ambassadorial-level diplomatic relations. The joint communiqué explicitly stated that both governments agreed to develop diplomatic, friendly, and cooperative relations between the two countries based on the principles of mutual respect for sovereignty and territorial integrity, mutual non-aggression, mutual non-interference in each other’s internal affairs, equality and mutual benefit, and peaceful coexistence. For over half a century, the two countries have consistently developed comprehensive, multi-faceted, and mutually beneficial cooperative relations based on the five principles of peaceful coexistence.
“The greatest truths are the simplest, and hard work is the key”. Today, we have come to a new historical juncture. Chinese President Xi Jinping put forward the vision of building a community with a shared future for mankind, providing a new answer to what kind of world to build and how to build it. This is the best way to inherit, advance and enrich the Five Principles of Peaceful Coexistence under new circumstances. As President Xi Jinping puts it, the baton of history is passed from generation to generation, and the cause of human progress moves forward from one era to another as mankind seek answers to the questions of the times.
The implementation of the Five Principles of Peaceful Coexistence is an ongoing process. So is the building of a community with a shared future for mankind. China stands ready to work with all countries, including Nigeria, through greater unity, cooperation, communication and understanding to meet global challenges and build a beautiful world together.
We need to foster a pattern of universal security with joint contribution for shared benefit. China and Nigeria need to endeavour to enhance political mutual trust, and further support each other on matters related to its core interests and major concerns. We need to promote a wave of development and prosperity with opening up and cooperation. China advocates and promotes a universally beneficial and inclusive economic globalisation, enabling the people of China and Nigeria to share in the fruits of development together. Nigeria has become China’s largest engineering contracting market in Africa, the third-largest trading partner, and a major destination for Chinese investment.
“We need to open up new vistas for human civilisation with inclusiveness, cultural exchange and mutual learning. Both China and Nigeria are nations with long histories and splendid civilisations. The Chinese Film Festivals are successfully held annually in Nigeria. Since the beginning of this year, the Chinese Consulate-General in Lagos has initiated the Lagos Forum series of academic activities, deepening academic exchanges and strengthening mutual understanding and trust between Chinese and Nigerian scholars.
“We need to steer the future of global governance with fairness and justice. China and Nigeria need to strengthen coordination and cooperation in multilateral affairs and jointly uphold the international system with the United Nations at its core and the international order underpinned by international law,” she said.
