Responsibility over slogan as foundation for China's global peace efforts

by Ahmed Sallam

Amid escalating global challenges across the world, China emerges as a significant actor, steadfastly fulfilling its international responsibilities. Its approach offers a distinctive model that integrates practical wisdom, humanitarian principles and a strong adherence to the UN Charter.

China is the largest provider of peacekeeping forces among the permanent members of the Security Council. Since its first deployment 35 years ago, the Chinese military has participated in 25 peacekeeping missions, and dispatched over 50,000 personnel to more than 20 countries and regions.

China is the second-largest contributor to the UN peacekeeping budget, accounting for over 15 percent of the total. This underscores Beijing's commitment to shouldering its international responsibilities through partnership, not dominance.

Furthermore, China has established the Peace and Development Trust Fund in collaboration with the United Nations. Since its inception, the fund has supported projects and activities around the world, covering areas including prevention and mediation, peacekeeping and peacebuilding, counterterrorism and peace and security in Africa.

China's conduct as a responsible global actor is also evident in its approach to various world crises. On the Israel-Hamas conflict, China advocated for an immediate ceasefire, urged a return to the two-state solution, and provided urgent humanitarian aid, demonstrating genuine solidarity with the Palestinian people.

Regarding the situation in Sudan, China has called on the parties to the conflict to cease hostilities and de-escalate the situation on the ground and reiterates its support for the sovereignty, unity and territorial integrity of the country.

These positions reflect a distinct Chinese perspective that emphasizes dialogue over pressure and inclusion over exclusion to resolve conflicts. This philosophy is deeply rooted in a long history of peaceful interactions between diverse peoples.

China remains committed to working within the framework of the United Nations, upholding multilateralism, equal partnership and the depoliticization of peace efforts. This choice reflects China's determination to be a force for stability, not conflict, and a reliable partner in maintaining international security.

China's contributions extend beyond peacekeeping forces. It has actively promoted balanced diplomatic efforts to bridge divides and foster trust among conflicting parties. A notable example is China's successful mediation in March 2023 between Saudi Arabia and Iran, leading to the resumption of diplomatic relations after a prolonged period of estrangement. This achievement was widely recognized as a testament to China's capacity to act as an impartial facilitator that prioritizes regional stability over narrow interests.

On the Palestinian issue, China believes that national dialogue is the only viable path forward and has consistently called for unity among Palestinian factions and hosted reconciliation talks, reaffirming its long-standing commitment to the rights of the Palestinian people. Under China's mediation, in July 2024, representatives from 14 Palestinian factions signed a declaration on ending division and strengthening Palestinian national unity.

Regarding the Ukraine crisis, China has adopted an independent and rational stance, calling for an immediate ceasefire, respect for state sovereignty and the return to negotiations. In February 2023, Beijing presented a 12-point proposal, underscoring its rejection of nuclear weapon use, unilateral sanctions, and its support for political resolutions to the crisis.

These three distinct examples reflect the core of Chinese political thought -- the pursuit of a world characterized by peaceful coexistence, mutual respect and equitable multilateralism.

The Chinese model stands as a voice of reason in a world facing turbulence, effectively combining strength and discipline, development and peace and principles with concrete action.

It is a model grounded in tangible efforts rather than empty slogans, in cultivating partnerships rather than imposing agendas, and in achieving a balance between respecting national specificities and fostering international cooperation.

Drawing upon its rich historical heritage and contemporary political wisdom, China presents a compelling image of a major country that places development at the heart of security and champions multilateralism as the bedrock of the international order.

In an era when global cohesion is increasingly vital, China undeniably stands as an indispensable pillar of international peace and stability.

Ahmed Sallam is a former undersecretary of Egypt's State Information Service.