CG Lin Jing, published on Cape Times, May 20

On April 21, 2022, China’s President Xi Jinping proposed the Global Security Initiative (GSI) when delivering a keynote speech via video at the opening ceremony of the Boao Forum for Asia Annual Conference 2022. The initiative champions commitments in six areas, emphasising that we humanity are living in an indivisible security community and that security is a prerequisite for development. 

The GSI advocates commitments in six areas for the effective maintenance of peace and stability in the world as follows: 

It is important that we stay committed to the vision of common, comprehensive, cooperative and sustainable security, and work together to maintain world peace and security.

Stay committed to respecting the sovereignty and territorial integrity of all countries, uphold non-interference in internal affairs, and respect the independent choices of development paths and social systems made by people in different countries.

Stay committed to abiding by the purposes and principles of the UN Charter, reject the Cold War mentality, oppose unilateralism, and say no to group politics and bloc confrontation.

Stay committed to taking the legitimate security concerns of all countries seriously, uphold the principle of indivisible security, build a balanced, effective and sustainable security architecture, and oppose the pursuit of one’s own security at the cost of others’ security.

Stay committed to peacefully resolving differences and disputes between countries through dialogue and consultation, support all efforts conducive to the peaceful settlement of crises, reject double standards, and oppose the wanton use of unilateral sanctions and long-arm jurisdiction.

Stay committed to maintaining security in both traditional and non-traditional domains, and work together on regional disputes and global challenges such as terrorism, climate change, cybersecurity and biosecurity.

President Xi Jinping’s proposal of the GSI is a thoughtful response to the urgent needs of the times and the international community, and a comprehensive reflection on future development. This initiative answers the global topic of “what kind of security concept countries call for and how to achieve common security”, fully reflecting President Xi Jinping’s internationalist spirit and China’s sense of responsibility of a major country. It offers China’s wisdom and solution to global security dilemmas.

With the threat of the once-in-a-century pandemic still looming and the Ukraine crisis in a tug-of-war, humanity needs more than ever to adhere to the concept of a community with a shared destiny and to say no to the Cold War mentality and ideological prejudices. We must resolutely resist the spread of Cold War mentality driven by unilateralism and call for peace negotiations. Past lessons have taught us that neither war nor sanction is the solution to disputes, and that only friendly dialogue and consultation is the most effective way to resolve differences. China is committed to establishing cooperative and interactive relations with other countries through friendly dialogue and consultation and opposes unilateralism undermining peace talks or fanning the flames. China is willing to build mutual trust, resolve disputes and promote security with other countries through dialogue.

In dealing with global security hots pot issues, China has played a fair-minded and objective role. Its just position and constructive efforts have been witnessed by all in promoting the de-escalation of the conflict between Russia and Ukraine, in maintaining the political and diplomatic settlement of the Iranian nuclear issue, and in supporting the peaceful, stable and orderly development of Afghanistan. 

As the country that put forward this major initiative, China looks forward to a world on track for healthy and stable development, which will benefit the people of China, South Africa, and all other countries. The GSI welcomes the participation of all countries.