China’s ‘Five Principles’ of Foreign Policy

Context

China recently celebrated the 70th anniversary of the Five Principles of Peaceful Coexistence, a cornerstone of its foreign policy. This concept, originally proposed by China in 1954, is also known as Panchsheel in India.

What are these Five Principles?

The Five Principles were first articulated during talks between India and China, reflecting a mutual desire for peaceful relations amidst their emergence on the global stage post-independence (India in 1947 and China in 1949).
The Five Principles
- Mutual Respect for Territorial Integrity and Sovereignty: Both countries agreed to respect each other's borders and territorial sovereignty.
- Mutual Non-Aggression: Commitment to refrain from acts of aggression or hostility towards each other.
- Mutual Non-Interference: Agreement not to interfere in each other's internal affairs.
- Equality and Mutual Benefit: Interactions based on equality and mutual benefit, fostering cooperation.
- Peaceful Coexistence: Promoting harmony and peaceful relations between nations.
Panchsheel was later included in the Ten Principles of International Peace and Cooperation at the Bandung Conference in April 1955, attended by Afro-Asian countries.

Impact and Evolution

Initially aimed at enhancing trade and cooperation, the Five Principles gained broader recognition at the Bandung Conference in 1955, influencing the Non-Aligned Movement (NAM).
- The Non-Aligned Movement, founded by Jawaharlal Nehru, that rose in the 1960s adopted the 'Panchsheel' or Five Principles as its guiding principles.
However, the Sino-Indian War of 1962 strained relations and diluted the principles' influence.
Current Perspective on China’s Foreign Policy

Modern Context

Despite its historical emphasis on peaceful coexistence, China's contemporary foreign policy under President Xi Jinping has shown assertiveness:

Economic Growth and Assertiveness: China's economic rise has been accompanied by assertive territorial claims in the South China Sea and confrontations with neighboring countries.
Global Relations: Relations with the United States have been marked by competition and tension, challenging American influence globally.
Current Issues: Tensions persist between India and China, notably along the Line of Actual Control (LAC) in Ladakh, despite attempts at diplomatic resolution.

Fact Box: Non-Aligned Movement

Founded: 1961
Formed during the height of the Cold War, the Non-Aligned Movement served as a middle ground for countries unwilling to ally themselves with either the United States or the Soviet Union.
NAM builds its work on ten Bandung principles (including the Panchsheel).
India’s position
- India, a founding member and the largest participant in NAM, played an active role in meetings until the 1970s.
- However, India's leaning towards the USSR caused divisions among smaller NAM members.
- India is now a member of the G20 and has declared itself a nuclear power, shifting focus away from global nuclear disarmament.
- India engages with both new and traditional global powers, participating in initiatives like the Quadrilateral Security Dialogue (Quad) and the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO).