Security issues are inextricably linked to the fate of the world and the survival of mankind. As international security faces complex and interconnected developments, President Xi Jinping proposed the Global Security Initiative in April 2022. This Initiative calls on us to adapt in a spirit of solidarity to the radical changes in international reality and to respond to complex and interrelated security challenges in a mutually beneficial manner. In addition, the Initiative aims to address the root causes of international conflicts, improve the governance of global security, and promote the cooperation of the international community to achieve lasting peace and development for the entire world.

In February this year, China released a “Global Security Initiative Master Plan” that lists twenty key areas of cooperation with clear directions for action, such as strong support for the fundamental role of the United Nations in security governance, efforts for further coordination, and positive interaction between major powers, actively promoting dialogue and peaceful resolution of acute issues, effectively responding to traditional and non-traditional security challenges, constantly strengthening the global security management system and building capacity.

Restoring Relationships

China, Saudi Arabia and Iran signed a joint statement in Beijing in March this year, according to which Saudi Arabia and Iran agreed to restore diplomatic relations and cooperate in various fields. Both sides expressed their intention to respect the purposes and principles of the Charter of the United Nations, resolve their differences through dialogue and diplomacy, and establish a roadmap with a clear timetable for improving their relationship, opening a new page in their bilateral relationship. China’s mediation efforts to achieve this historic reconciliation between Saudi Arabia and Iran, two countries with complex relationships and long-standing rivalries, is an outstanding implementation of the Global Security Initiative, whose success is no coincidence.

China is not interested in the Middle East and has always supported the countries of the region in holding a dialogue on security issues and building an independent security architecture that meets the realities of the region and takes into account the interests of all parties. The fact that China has maintained a fair and honest position for a long time has enabled it to become a mediator that enjoys the confidence of all parties.

The Global Security Initiative argues that we need to chart a new path to security that focuses on dialogue rather than confrontation, partnership rather than alliances, and mutual benefit rather than zero sums. The fact that Saudi Arabia and Iran have joined hands fully proves that, no matter how complex the issues and no matter how great the challenges, provided that we have an equal dialogue characterized by mutual respect, we will certainly be able to find a mutually acceptable solution. .

China presented a document on the security initiative, which lists twenty main areas of cooperation with a clear focus of action.

Europe has experienced the devastating effects of conflict and instability and understands the importance of building a balanced, effective and sustainable security architecture. The security of one country cannot be based on the insecurity of others. The Global Security Initiative concerns a common, comprehensive, cooperative and sustainable concept of security rooted in traditional Chinese culture, which recognizes peace as the most important good and stems from China’s independent and peaceful foreign policy and behavior.

President Xi Jinping recently had a telephone conversation with President Volodymyr Zelensky. This fact is an important step for China in promoting a political settlement of the Ukrainian crisis and once again demonstrates the consistent position of our country in promoting peace and dialogue.

Not long ago, China’s Special Envoy for Eurasian Affairs Li Hui visited Ukraine, Poland, France, Germany, European Union headquarters and Russia, establishing extensive contacts and exchanging views with various parties to find a political solution to the problem. Ukrainian crisis. During his trip, he clarified China’s positions and proposals, and listened to the views and proposals of all parties in order to achieve a broader international consensus. China will continue to cooperate with the international community, playing a constructive role in promoting a political solution to the Ukrainian crisis.

Everyone’s interests

The Global Security Initiative serves the interests of all the peoples of the world and protects peace for all, its implementation requires the solidarity and cooperation of the international community. China is willing to work with other countries along the path outlined in the Initiative so that together they can join hands and cooperate in unity, advancing together towards a better future of lasting peace and global security.

* Mr. Xiao Juncheng is the Chinese Ambassador to Greece.