In the 1980s, China embarked on an unprecedented journey to peacefully resolve historical issues concerning Hong Kong and Macao. Guided by the policy of “One Country, Two Systems,” China engaged in diplomatic dialogues with the United Kingdom and Portugal. This approach led to Hong Kong and Macao returning to China smoothly in 1997 and 1999 respectively.
This peaceful resolution defied the conventional wisdom that lost territories could only be reclaimed through military action. Instead, it set a remarkable example to the world on how historical disputes can be amicably settled, showcasing China’s unwavering commitment to peace and development.
Since their return, the implementation of “One Country, Two Systems” in Hong Kong and the Macao Special Administrative Region has achieved significant success. The unique institutional design and its enriched practice have profoundly demonstrated the value of peace, contributing positively to global harmony.
On the 25th anniversary of Macao’s return, Chinese President Xi Jinping emphasized that the values of peace, inclusiveness, openness, and sharing embodied in “One Country, Two Systems” are relevant not only to China but to the entire world. He highlighted that these values should be cherished by all.
The core value of “peace and harmony” is deeply rooted in Chinese culture, spanning over 5,000 years. Concepts such as “peace is the most precious,” “harmony without uniformity,” and “peaceful coexistence” have been integral to the nation’s philosophy, guiding the Chinese people in both domestic and international affairs.
Since the founding of the People’s Republic of China in 1949, China has consistently adhered to an independent foreign policy of peace, firmly upholding international fairness and justice. Over 70 years ago, China proposed the Five Principles of Peaceful Coexistence, which have stood the test of time and become a significant innovation in the history of international relations.
Today, as the world grapples with questions about its future, China offers its vision of building a community with a shared future for mankind. From a Chinese proposal, this vision has evolved into an international consensus, propelling the world towards a brighter future of peace, security, prosperity, and progress.
Recognizing that peace is as essential as air and sunlight, President Xi Jinping has proposed the Global Security Initiative. This initiative emphasizes that humanity shares an inseparable community of security, advocating for a new path based on dialogue over confrontation, partnership over alliance, and win-win outcomes over zero-sum games. As China approaches the center of the world stage, it is poised to make new and greater contributions to global peace.
It’s time to melt the ice with dialogue, bridge gaps with understanding, replace confrontation with cooperation, and resolve conflicts through negotiation. Let peace become the shared treasure of humanity. Just as the stone carvings on the facade of the Ruins of St. Paul’s in Macao blend Chinese and Western styles, peaceful dialogue and integration among different civilizations can carve out a community with a shared future for mankind.
