Forum on world peace & security opens in Beijing

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Politicians, key opinion leaders and researchers from all around the globe are trying to find solutions to security challenges. That's the agenda for the seventh World Peace Forum, which is organized by one of China’s top universities, Tsinghua University in Beijing.

In 2018, the two-day forum has its eye on three things: Equality, equity, and justice.

Yang Jiechi, Director of the Office of the Foreign Affairs Commission of the CPC Central Committee, said that in this day and age, no one could stay unscathed from external risks or achieve so-called "absolute security" on their own. Hence, all must stick together.

The seventh World Peace Forum opens at Tsinghua University from July 14 to 15. /CGTN Photo

Discussions during the forum include not only anti-terrorism and anti-nuclear proliferation, but also trade conflicts and financial risks.

Many speakers said trade conflicts may lead to a global crisis, and that dialogues are important.

Shaukat Aziz, former Pakistani prime minister, said that it is important to keep channels of communication open even with the most difficult circumstances and situations.

Hundreds of politicians, key opinion leaders, and researchers gather in Tsinghua University in Beijing for discussion about world peace. /CGTN photo

“We must never run away from dialogue and diplomacy. These are the key factors for solving the issues we face," he added.

Cooperation with each other is encouraged. According to the former president of the European Council, Herman Van Rompuy, the EU wants a positive agenda with China, about what both can do to the bilateral relationship. China and the EU will then stand stronger in our endeavors for keeping the world economy as open as possible.

“The upcoming EU-China summit will hopefully mark a turning point," he said.

Beijing is stressing the importance of common development, saying that it would fundamentally solve much of the global conflict and turbulence.

Le Yucheng, Chinese vice minister of foreign affairs, said that China is steadfast in opposing any form of protectionism and unilateralism, and in upholding multilateralism, free trade, and the rules-based multilateral trading regime.

He said that China has worked toward a more open, inclusive, balanced economic globalization that benefits all.

"China would continue to play an important role to benefit the world in its efforts to resolve global and regional hot spots and contribute to UN peacekeeping missions," Le added.

During various sessions following the opening ceremony, participants said this is a time when security issues are more interconnected, contagious and perilous.

They believe that it’s imperative for all sides of the group, to share their thoughts, and find ways to safeguard world peace and security.