Humans are living in an indivisible security community. The current world is full of instability and turbulence. Changes of the world, of our times and of history are unfolding in ways like never before, various traditional and non-traditional security threats are mounting, posing challenges that must be taken seriously by international community. At such a critical juncture for world peace and development, Chinese President Xi Jinping delivered a keynote speech entitled “Rising to Challenges and Building a Bright Future Through Cooperation” at the opening ceremony of the Boao Forum for Asia Annual Conference 2022, and proposed for the first time a Global Security Initiative. This initiative answers the question posed by the times, that is, “what kind of security concept does the world need and how can countries achieve common security?”, and provides an important and refined plan for global security governance.

The Global Security Initiative champions the commitment in six areas: stay committed to the vision of common, comprehensive, cooperative and sustainable security, and work together to maintain world peace and security; stay committed to respecting the sovereignty and territorial integrity of all countries, uphold non-interference in internal affairs, and respect the independent choices of development paths and social systems made by people in different countries; stay committed to abiding by the purposes and principles of the UN Charter, reject the Cold War mentality, oppose unilateralism, and say no to group politics and bloc confrontation; stay committed to taking the legitimate security concerns of all countries seriously, uphold the principle of indivisible security, build a balanced, effective and sustainable security architecture, and oppose the pursuit of one’s own security at the cost of others’ security; stay committed to peacefully resolving differences and disputes between countries through dialogue and consultation, support all efforts conducive to the peaceful settlement of crises, reject double standards, and oppose the wanton use of unilateral sanctions and long-arm jurisdiction; stay committed to maintaining security in both traditional and non-traditional domains, and work together on regional disputes and global challenges such as terrorism, climate change, cybersecurity and biosecurity. 

The Initiative sets out the core concept, fundamental guidelines, important principles, long-term goals and feasible approach of upholding and achieving global security. With the macro thinking of top-level design and the micro perspective of solving practical problems, the Initiative focuses on both real problems bearing on the security of mankind and the enduring solution to realizing world peace. It contributes Chinese wisdom to making up for the present peace deficit, provides Chinese solution to coping with international security challenges, and will be an important vision guiding the efforts for advancing the building of a community with a shared future for mankind. Moreover, following the trend of the times featuring peace, development and win-win cooperation, the Global Security Initiative and the Global Development Initiative could absolutely echo with each other and run in parallel with mutual promotion, which will support countries around the world in improving people’s livelihood and pursuing social development.

To make the world a better place, major countries must lead by example. China not only proposed the Global Security Initiative, but has been taking concrete actions for its implementation. We will continue to hold the new vision of common, comprehensive, cooperative and sustainable security and work for political settlement of regional hotspot issues, playing a constructive role in maintaining international peace and security.

Africa is an important member of the global family. A peaceful, stable and prosperous Africa will contribute more to human progress. At the beginning of this year, Chinese State Councilor and Foreign Minister Wang Yi proposed the Outlook on Peace and Development in the Horn of Africa during his visit to Africa. The Outlook aims to support regional countries including Ethiopia in addressing security, development and governance challenges, opposing the interference by countries outside the region, and achieving regional peace, prosperity and long-term stability, which has been well received and highly commended by regional countries. Under the guidance of the Global Security Initiative and the Outlook, China will support regional countries in hosting a peace conference at an early date among the Horn of Africa nations, settling disputes through dialogue and negotiation, reaching political consensus, coordinating common actions, and ensuring the long-term peace and stability of the region. No matter how the international situation evolves, China will continue to strengthen confidence, firmly stand together with our African brothers through thick and thin, and work with international partners to play a positive role in promoting peace and security in Africa.

A just cause should be pursued for common good. The future of the world should be decided by all countries working together. China will always hold high the banner of peace, development, cooperation and win-win results, and unswervingly act as a builder of world peace, a guardian of international order and a mediator of hotspot issues. We firmly believe that as long as the whole world acts as one, we can form a strong synergy to build a community with a shared future for mankind and pass on the flame of peace from generation to generation. China stands ready to work with the international community to realize the Global Security Initiative and build a more peaceful, secure and prosperous world !