The premier reaffirms Zhou Enlai's doctrine of peace without interference Premier Wen Jiabao yesterday marked China's 50-year-old doctrine of peace by declaring the nation will never threaten any countries, pursue expansion or seek hegemony. However, he again warned that it would safeguard its sovereignty and territorial integrity and would not tolerate interference in its internal affairs. The remarks were made during a speech honouring the 50th anniversary of the Five Principles of Peaceful Co-existence in the Great Hall of the People. Put forward by late premier Zhou Enlai during the height of the cold war, the principles are mutual respect for sovereignty and territorial integrity; mutual non-aggression; non-interference in each other's internal affairs; equality and mutual benefit; and peaceful co-existence. In 1954, India and Burma signed a joint declaration with China supporting the doctrine. 'Reality has proven that disregard for national sovereignty, strong bullying of the weak and pushing of hegemonic politics will go nowhere,' Mr Wen said. In an apparent criticism of the United States, he added that resorting to the use or threat of force at every turn could only impede - or even jeopardise - peace and tranquility in the world. Instead, he said, security should be secured through dialogue and stability through co-operation. Mr Wen also reiterated China's long-time stance that there must be greater democracy in international relations. 'No country has the right to impose its will on others, nor can it undermine or deny other countries' sovereignty under whatever excuse,' said Mr Wen. To do its part in building a more peaceful world, Mr Wen pledged that China would vigorously participate in multilateral diplomacy, such as playing a constructive role in the United Nations, while strengthening solidarity with the developing world. Referring to Sino-Indian relations, Mr Wen said the five principles had served the fundamental interests of the two peoples, and contributed to peace, stability and development in Asia. The gathering was the latest event organised by the central government to commemorate the five principles of peace in recent weeks. While the ceremonies did not reveal any new changes to China's international strategy, Jin Canrong , of the School of International Relations at Renmin University, said they did have some significance. 'The events symbolise that Asian nations were able to independently develop and implement their own foreign policy principles,' said Professor Jin.
