President Xi Promises China Will Stick to the Peace Path
Celebrating 50 Years at the United Nations
On Monday, October 25, President Xi Jinping declared that China will always uphold world peace and keep to international rules—a calm message after the U.S. and others raised concerns over China’s growing global assertiveness.
Tension in the Taiwan Strait
- Earlier this month, Taiwan warned that military friction with China was at its worst in over forty years.
- Some worry China might attempt a hard‑take of the self‑governed island it claims.
Core Points from Xi’s Speech
In his remarks at the UN celebration, Xi pledged China would remain “the builder of world peace” and “protect of international order.” He fought against:
- Hegemony and power politics
- Unilateralism and protectionism
And called for stronger global teamwork on:
- Regional conflicts
- Anti‑terrorism efforts
- Climate change
- Cybersecurity
- Biosecurity
“Common Values”— Xi’s New Catchphrase
He urged every nation to champion shared ideals of peace, growth, justice, democracy, and freedom— a phrase he first coined for the 100th anniversary of the Communist Party. The speech underscored China’s pledge to defend these shared values worldwide.
Historical Context: The UNSC Seat Switch
When the UN voted in 1971 to recognize the People’s Republic of China as China’s sole representative, Taiwan lost its place in the organization. Today, Taiwan’s foreign ministry is calling for the UN to allow “meaningful participation,” insisting the island never belonged to the People’s Republic and that its government has no right to speak for the island’s people.
Key Points from Taiwan’s Appeal
- Request that the UN “not repeatedly succumb to the political pressure of the Chinese government.”
- Demand for fair treatment and inclusive dialogue.
China’s Wider Assertiveness
Besides tensions with Taiwan, China is sharpening its claims on:
- Himalayan border lands with India
- Territories in the South China Sea disputed with several Southeast Asian countries
- Islands in the East China Sea contested by Japan
Xi’s Call for Global Governance Reform
He argued that international rules should be set by all 193 UN member states, not just by a few powerful nations. The subtle critique aimed at the U.S. influence over global institutions.
Final Takeaway
China’s pledge is clear: All nations should always abide by international rules, not only when they fit the agenda. Xi’s message shows China’s intention to keep peace on the global stage, even as it navigates complex regional disputes.
