A view of Karot Hydropower Plant, the first hydropower investment project under the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor, in Punjab Province, Pakistan, June 22, 2022. /Xinhua
Editor's note: March 2023 marks the 10th anniversary when the concept of "community with a shared future for mankind" was first introduced by China. To celebrate this occasion, CGTN is working with the Institute for a Community with Shared Future from Communication University of China, to invite researchers specialized in the field from around the world to contribute their visions. Mehreen Gul is the Deputy Director of Pakistan Research Center for a Community with Shared Future (PRCCSF) in Islamabad, Pakistan. The article reflects the author's views and not necessarily those of CGTN.
The world is confronting several unprecedented risks which can spread the Cold War mentality. Civil conflicts, unilateralism and protectionism have been on the rise since COVID-19 spread. It is in this environment that world peace and development are fading. Security and governance are once again in danger. Moreover, there are traditional and non-traditional security threats that have to be controlled.
China is a prominent country that combats the pandemic successfully with its robust policies. Since past decades China is proposing various initiatives for international peace, development and prosperity. The United Nations also endorsed the tenacious efforts of China in advocating a community with shared future for mankind and many countries shouldered Chinese policies.
However, the current global security policies need profound review. For this mission, world peace, security and promoting global development and prosperity should be the common aim of all countries.
Global Security Initiative (GSI), proposed by Chinese President Xi Jinping, calls upon countries to consider the growing international challenges in the spirit of solidarity and address the intertwined security threats with a win-win approach. The GSI will improve the global security governance and stability to uphold durable peace and development internationally. The GSI is to provide a safe and stable environment for international relations, economic development, and global peace.
The initiative focuses on four major aspects of global security. Firstly, political security. China plans to foster peaceful co-existence among nations, support the peaceful settlement of disputes, and promote stability in global political environments. The country also emphasizes the principles of non-interference, mutual respect, and equality among nations.
Moreover, economic security. The initiative is to ensure economic stability and sustainable development across the globe. The country supports free trade, promotes international investment, and fosters economic cooperation and development.
Furthermore, military security. China advocates for the peaceful settlement of disputes through dialogue and negotiations. The country also emphasizes the need for disarmament, arms control, and non-proliferation of weapons of mass destruction.
And the fourth one, social security. China believes in the importance of maintaining social stability and promoting social justice to ensure global security. The country supports human rights, poverty reduction, and sustainable development.
A view of the Lahore Converter Station of the ±660kV Matiari-Lahore high-voltage direct current (HVDC) transmission line project under the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor on the outskirts of Lahore, in Pakistan's eastern Punjab province, September 6, 2021. /Xinhua
The GSI has received mixed reactions from around the world. Some argue that China's growing military and economic power has caused concern among neighboring countries and has led to increased tensions in the region. However, China maintains that its intentions are peaceful, and the initiative aims to create a more stable and secure global environment for all. It is our common aspiration to achieve lasting world peace so that all countries can enjoy a peaceful and stable external environment and their people can live a happy life with their rights fully guaranteed.
The GSI focuses on staying committed to the vision of common, comprehensive, cooperative and sustainable security. It is also devoted to respecting the sovereignty and territorial integrity of all countries and committed to abiding by the purposes and principles of the UN Charter. Besides, it is committed to peacefully resolving differences and disputes between countries through dialogue and consultation and staying committed to maintaining security in both traditional and non-traditional domains.
Keeping these essential points in mind, China is ready to conduct bilateral and multilateral security assistance to all countries and international and regional organizations under the context of the GSI, and actively promote harmonization of security concepts and convergence of interests.
China calls on all parties to carry out cooperation in aspects including but not limited to the following ones: Pursue mutual learning and complementarity and jointly endorse world peace and tranquility; actively participate in formulating a New Agenda for Peace and other proposals put forth in Our Common Agenda by the UN Secretary-General; support UN efforts to enhance conflict avoidance and fully harness the peace-building architecture to assist post-conflict states in peace-building; further leverage the Secretary-General's Peace and Security Sub-Fund of the China-UN Peace and Development Trust Fund and support a bigger UN role in global security affairs.
In my view, China has played a significant role in providing peace and stability, not only in the region but also for all countries. Pakistan appreciates Chinese efforts and the GSI. GSI will harness the security among nations and will enable them to face the traditional and non-traditional threats.
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