These principles were initiated with the purpose of protecting the interests and pursuits of small and weak countries from power politics, Xi said, adding that they categorically oppose imperialism, colonialism and hegemonism, and have laid an important intellectual foundation for a more just and equitable international order.
Having traversed an extraordinary journey of 70 years, the Five Principles of Peaceful Coexistence are a common asset of the international community to be valued, inherited and further promoted, he added.
Noting that the world today faced the historic question of "what kind of world to build and how to build it," Xi said China has answered the call of the times by proposing a community with a shared future for humanity, and the vision is the most effective move to sustain, promote and upgrade the Five Principles of Peaceful Coexistence in the new circumstances.
Xi said the vision of building a community with a shared future for humanity carries forward the same spirit of the Five Principles of Peaceful Coexistence, and both demonstrate the broad vision of the Communist Party of China to contribute more to humanity, and manifest China's firm resolve to follow the path of peaceful development.
"At this historic moment when mankind have to choose between peace and war, prosperity and recession, unity and confrontation, we must champion more than ever the essence of the Five Principles of Peaceful Coexistence, and we must always strive tirelessly for the lofty goal of building a community with a shared future for humanity," Xi said.
He called on the world to uphold the principle of sovereign equality, cement the foundation of mutual respect, turn the vision for peace and security into reality, unite all forces to achieve prosperity, commit to fairness and justice, and embrace an open and inclusive mindset.
"We will continue to champion the Five Principles of Peaceful Coexistence, work with all countries to build a community with a shared future for mankind, and make new and greater contributions to safeguarding world peace and promoting common development," Xi said.
Of all the forces in the world, the Global South stands out with a strong momentum, playing a vital role in promoting human progress, Xi said, adding that standing at a new historical starting point, the Global South should be more open and more inclusive, and join hands together to take the lead in building a community with a shared future for humanity.
