Global leaders and experts gathered in Beijing this week to celebrate the 70th anniversary of China's Five Principles of Peaceful Coexistence – a diplomatic blueprint that’s trending again as tensions rise worldwide.
What’s the Buzz?
First introduced in 1954, the five principles are like the OG rulebook for global harmony:
Mutual respect for sovereignty
No aggression
Non-interference in others' affairs
Equality + mutual benefit
Peaceful coexistence
Why It Matters Now
Former South African President Kgalema Motlanthe told reporters: \"These principles are the antidote to today’s trade wars and fractured politics.\" Vietnam’s former top leader Nong Duc Manh added that they’ve become \"international law’s secret sauce\" for conflict resolution.
ASEAN Secretary-General Kao Kim Hourn dropped truth bombs too: \"We need these rules more than ever when TikTok dances between nations get complicated.\"
From History to #FutureGoals
China’s Institute of International Studies president Chen Bo connected the dots: \"This isn’t just about avoiding wars – it’s about building a shared future where countries collab like Avengers, not rivals.\"
Even Italy’s ex-PM Massimo D’Alema stan-worthy: \"Different systems CAN coexist – this playbook proves it.\"
Global South Says Yaaas
Washington DC policy expert Sourabh Gupta told SCMP the principles are \"low-key dominating international law\" as developing nations rise. With 600+ attendees from 100+ countries at the summit, it’s clear these 70-year-old ideas still slay.
Mutual respect for sovereignty
No aggression
Non-interference in others' affairs
Equality + mutual benefit
Peaceful coexistence
Five Principles of Peaceful Coexistence: A…
