Opinion: Goodwill gestures need matching actions
Guest Commentary by Dr. Summer
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As we bid farewell to 2017 with some relief, the year of 2018 has begun with mixed signs.
The tension on the Korean Peninsula seems to be alleviating with a goodwill gesture from Pyongyang to join in the Winter Olympic Games and positive response from Seoul to prepare for talks on related issues. It’s also been reported that US President Donald Trump and South Korean President Moon Jae-in agreed not to hold joint military drills during the Winter Olympic Games next month. This should serve as a good opportunity to restart the six-party talks on the denuclearization of the Korean Peninsula.
Meanwhile, the Middle East is experiencing more troubles. Violent anti-government protests broke out across Iran in the wake of the turmoil in the region caused by the announcement by White House to move its embassy to Jerusalem. Trump has used the protests as an opportunity to slam the Iran nuclear deal ahead of key legal deadlines looming this month. He may even refuse to renew temporary waivers for US sanctions against Iran, which could lead to a derail of the deal signed in 2015. If that happens, Iran may restart its nuclear program, further complicating the Mideast situation.
 Afghan security forces inspect the explosion scene in Mazar-i-Sharif, Afghanistan on December 30, 2017. At least 11 people injured in a roadside bomb explosion. / VCG Photo

 Afghan security forces inspect the explosion scene in Mazar-i-Sharif, Afghanistan on December 30, 2017. At least 11 people injured in a roadside bomb explosion. / VCG Photo

In another development, the recent suicide bombing killed at least 11 people and wounding 25 others in Kabul, Afghanistan. Besides, the global economy is still faced with a slow recovery as protectionism is making a come-back against the globalization trend. At the same time, impacts of climate change are worsening at an alarming rate while nationalism and xenophobia are on the rise.
There’s no wonder why UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres issued a “red alert ”for the world in his New Year address. He urged the world leaders to make “Narrow the gaps. Bridge the divides. Rebuild trust by bringing people together around common goals” into their New Year resolution, saying that only international unity and cooperation could help solve the crises.
Britain's Prime Minister Theresa May (R) talks with Conservative MP for Wokingham, John Redwood during a visit to the new housing development, Montague Park in Wokingham on January 3, 2018. / VCG Photo

Britain's Prime Minister Theresa May (R) talks with Conservative MP for Wokingham, John Redwood during a visit to the new housing development, Montague Park in Wokingham on January 3, 2018. / VCG Photo

Although faith, trust, unity and change for the better are the key words contained in the new year speeches by world leaders, domestic issues remain the dominant theme, with only a few leaders touching cross border issues.
British Prime Minister Theresa May said Britain needed to come together to fix the social and economic divisions laid bare by the Brexit campaign so as “to make good progress towards a successful Brexit deal, an economy that's fit for the future, and a stronger and fairer society for everyone”. She promised to “work with our partners to tackle global problems like climate change and plastic waste in our oceans”. May also stressed that Britain will work its allies to “continue the fight against all forms of extremism, and support our security services as they work every day to keep us safe” and that “the UK will remain a champion of peace and order around the world”.
Policemen and gendarmes stand guard on Champs-Elysees Avenue in Paris, France on Dec. 31, 2017. Security measures were taken across the country to ensure safety for New Year celebrations. /Xinhua Photo

Policemen and gendarmes stand guard on Champs-Elysees Avenue in Paris, France on Dec. 31, 2017. Security measures were taken across the country to ensure safety for New Year celebrations. /Xinhua Photo

The French president, Emmanuel Macron, in his new year’s speech, insisted that France would succeed in what he called its “universal mission” to “win peace” abroad, with the priority of fighting Islamic terrorism abroad and at home. He also appealed to European citizens “not to give in to nationalists and sceptics”, as he promised to make the European Union “more united, more sovereign and more democratic”. His vision was echoed by German Chancellor Angela Merkel in her new year speech. She pointed out that “the fate of the European Union (EU) will be vital to Germany's future success”. She said she would work with French President Emmanuel Macron to “make Europe fit for the future”.
 Chinese President Xi Jinping delivers a New Year speech to extend New Year greetings to all Chinese, and best wishes to friends all over the world, in Beijing, capital of China, Dec. 31, 2017. / Xinhua Photo

 Chinese President Xi Jinping delivers a New Year speech to extend New Year greetings to all Chinese, and best wishes to friends all over the world, in Beijing, capital of China, Dec. 31, 2017. / Xinhua Photo

All these and more are goodwill gestures, but I think matching actions are needed to turn the wishes into realities, just as Chinese President Xi Jiping said in his new year address: “China will resolutely uphold the authority and stature of the United Nations, fulfill its due international obligations and responsibilities, honor its commitment on climate change, actively pursue the Belt and Road Initiative, and continue its efforts to safeguard world peace, promote global development and uphold the international order. The Chinese will continue to work together with people of all other countries to deliver a future of greater prosperity and peace for mankind”. 
Only when the world leaders take it as his or her responsibility to promote mutual trust instead of reinforcing prejudice by spreading false intelligence, to reach out for common understanding rather than creating hostility by boasting a bigger nuclear arms button, can peoples of the world join hands to fight common enemies, such as famine, disease, environment pollution and terrorism.
(With a doctoral degree in communications from the China University of Communications, the author has been working in the field of international journalism for 30 years. The article reflects the author's opinion, and not necessarily the view of CGTN. )