Commemorative event for International Day of Peace held in Nanjing

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01:51

The ongoing pursuit for world peace continues to grow in scope.

A three-day commemorative event for International Day of Peace 2018 is underway in Nanjing, east China's Jiangsu Province. The biannual event is being held on a higher level this year, with over 150 current and former officials, think tank experts, and peace advocates in attendance.

Song Tao, minister of the International Department of the Central Committee of the Communist Party of China, read out a congratulatory message from President Xi Jinping ahead of 2018 International Day of Peace: "Chinese people know the value of peace, and we stand firm on our commitment to follow a path of peaceful development, and be a protector of world order."

Chinese vice president Wang Qishan delivers a keynote speech. /‍CGTN Photo

Since 2015, President Xi has trimmed military personnel by 300,000. The Chinese government says it aims to step up its commitment to peace in a world threatened by conflict.

In his keynote address, Chinese vice president Wang Qishan reiterated China's philosophy of promoting a community of shared destiny for mankind. "In recent times, anti-globalization sentiment is rising, the international community faces threats of isolationism, extremism, and fragmentations in politics. We urge all countries to replace conflicts with cooperation," said Vice President Wang.

This has been China's philosophy on the global stage since 2011 and is solidified in the nation's constitution. "This philosophy is something any peace-loving nation can learn and benefit from. For example, the Belt and Road Initiative can promote peaceful co-development between countries, such as Nepal," said Prachanda, former prime minister of Nepal.

Experts will hold a seminar on the international security situation on Thursday, when the three-day event concludes.