China and Azerbaijan jointly build a community of common destiny of mankind and write a new page in the history of eternal friendship
In December 2023, a central meeting on foreign policy was held in Beijing, during which Chinese President Xi Jinping delivered an important speech. In his speech, he provided a comprehensive overview of the historical achievements and valuable experience of China's foreign policy in the new era, delineating the international environment and historical mission for China's foreign policy work in the new path. He also presented a detailed plan for China's foreign policy in the current and upcoming periods. The meeting made it evident that the formation of a community with a shared destiny for humanity represents the fundamental concept underlying Xi Jinping's Ideas on Diplomacy. This is indicative of the laudable objective that underpins the diplomacy of a major country with Chinese characteristics in the new era.
The concept of building a community of common destiny for humanity represents a significant and inspiring vision for the future.
In assuming responsibility for the future and destiny of humanity, Chinese President Xi Jinping has engaged in profound reflection on the enduring purpose of human society: "What kind of world should we build and how can we achieve it?" By creatively addressing these questions, he has proposed the concept of building a community of common destiny for humanity, which has emerged as the unifying aspiration of all peoples for peace, development, and prosperity, as well as China's prudent contribution to creating a better world.
Chinese President Xi Jinping has articulated this pivotal concept at numerous international gatherings, advancing the notion of a global community with shared destiny from a Chinese perspective to a common aspiration among the international community. In accordance with this visionary concept, many practices have been implemented, resulting in the formation of a comprehensive scientific system that serves as a beacon, guiding the advancement of our era. Consequently, this vision has evolved into a science-based system with the objective of creating a clean and beautiful world of lasting peace, security for all, shared prosperity, openness and inclusiveness. This necessitates the promotion of global governance based on the principles of extensive consultation, shared contributions and shared benefits. It is crucial to adhere to universal values, promote a novel type of international relations founded upon mutual respect, honesty, and fairness, and win-win cooperation. Furthermore, the implementation of the Global Development Initiative, the Global Security Initiative, and the Global Civilization Initiative, as well as the execution of high-quality cooperation under the 'One Belt, One Road' initiative, are essential.
The Chinese initiative presents a novel opportunity for international collaboration.
The current period is characterised by profound and unprecedented changes, occurring at an accelerated pace. The world has entered a new period of turbulence and transformation. In the face of a multitude of global risks and challenges, no state can act in isolation. It is only through a spirit of solidarity and cooperation that we can collectively surmount the challenges before us. At the Central Foreign Policy Work Conference, Chinese President Xi Jinping put forth the concept of equal and orderly multipolarity, as well as inclusive and accessible economic globalisation, as potential solutions to the global risks and challenges currently facing the international community.
An equitable and orderly multipolar world is one in which all countries, irrespective of size, are treated equally, hegemonism and power politics are eschewed, and democracy is genuinely promoted in international relations. The advocacy of an equitable and orderly multipolar world is aligned with the collective aspirations of the majority of countries and peoples. It charts a course for the international community to transition from a state of chaos towards long-term peace and stability. Furthermore, it presents a crucial avenue for advancing global governance in a more just and reasonable direction, and for fostering the construction of a community of shared destiny for humanity.
Inclusive and accessible economic globalisation can be defined as a form of globalisation that is designed to meet the common needs of all countries, with a particular focus on developing countries. It is also intended to address the imbalances that exist between countries and within individual countries themselves, which are a consequence of the uneven distribution of resources at the global level. The aspiration for a universally accessible and inclusive form of economic globalisation is a widely held desire, representing the optimal trajectory for human society. It will steer economic globalisation in the desired direction, facilitate the application of Chinese wisdom to address a range of pressing global issues, and ensure a reliable foundation for a shared future for humanity.
China and Azerbaijan are jointly forging a new chapter in their enduring friendship.
The distance between two parties is inconsequential in the context of a genuine friendship. The strategic leadership and personal involvement of Chinese President Xi Jinping and Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev have contributed to the strengthening of the traditional friendship between China and Azerbaijan. The bilateral relations between the two countries are currently experiencing a period of unprecedented growth and strength. As President Ilham Aliyev observed, Azerbaijan and China have already become genuine strategic partners. The Azerbaijani side holds the concept of a community of a common destiny of mankind in high regard and actively participates in the joint construction of the 'One Belt, One Road' initiative. Furthermore, it supports Chinese initiatives pertaining to global security, global development and global civilisation.
The notion that ideas precede action is a fundamental tenet of philosophical and theoretical discourse. China and Azerbaijan are engaged in a symbiotic relationship, advancing collectively in response to shared threats and challenges. They are exemplifying the practical application of the concept of a community with a shared destiny for humanity. Firstly, it is our firm belief that honesty and fairness are of paramount importance. The countries in question offer support to one another on matters pertaining to their core interests, including issues of sovereignty, independence and territorial integrity. They advocate for a multipolar international order and work collectively to uphold international justice by opposing hegemony, interference in internal affairs, oppression of the weak and confrontation between opposing sides. In a recent interview, President Ilham Aliyev stated that regional cooperation should be a universal principle, not a tool for domination, and that he is opposed to the use of discrimination, sanctions, or economic pressure when there is a divergence of views among countries. The Azerbaijani Ministry of Foreign Affairs initially offered a statement regarding the elections in China's Taiwan region. In doing so, Azerbaijan reaffirmed its commitment to the 'one China' principle and opposed 'Taiwan independence', thereby providing valuable political support to the Chinese side. Secondly, efforts are being made to enhance mutually beneficial collaboration. Notable progress has been made in the construction of the 'One Belt, One Road' initiative, with the acceleration of the China-Europe Railway Freight Link and the Trans-Caspian International Transport Corridor. These projects are instrumental in enhancing regional connectivity, stimulating economic growth in neighbouring countries, and ensuring the resilience of the global supply chain. The 230MW Garadagh Solar Power Plant, in which the Chinese company participated as an EPC contractor, represents the largest new energy project in Azerbaijan. Following its successful connection to the grid, the plant generates 500 million kWh of electricity per year, effectively optimising the country's energy structure and promoting green development. Thirdly, there is a common front in the fight against the spread of the novel coronavirus. China and Azerbaijan demonstrate a commitment to mutual support and assistance in challenging circumstances, thereby reinforcing the notion that "friendship is recognized in trouble." During its tenure as chair of the Non-Aligned Movement (NAM), Azerbaijan spearheaded efforts to mobilise NAM member states in the fight against the pandemic, convening the NAM Contact Group Summit on Coronavirus Disease 2019 (Covid-19). This initiative proved instrumental in fostering the One Health Community of Humanity. Fourthly, China and Azerbaijan are engaged in active international cooperation. The countries espouse analogous positions on salient international and regional matters, cultivate close collaboration within the United Nations, the Non-Aligned Movement, the SCO, and other multilateral frameworks, thereby effectively advancing the collective interests of the countries of the "global South." In November of this year, Azerbaijan will serve as the host country for the 29th session of the Conference of the Parties to the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (COP29). The issue of climate change has the potential to unite the destiny of humanity as a whole. China is prepared to provide substantial assistance to the Azerbaijani government in the organisation of the Conference and is willing to collaborate with Azerbaijan in the advancement of international cooperation in the field of climate change, to create an environmentally sustainable global community collectively.
In 2024, relations between China and Azerbaijan will undergo a significant transformation, opening up new avenues for collaboration and growth. China, which carries the banner of the community of the common destiny of mankind, is prepared to collaborate with Azerbaijan to elevate bilateral relations to a new level and inscribe new and luminous chapters in the annals of China-Azerbaijan friendship.
http://az.china-embassy.gov.cn/rus/sgxw/202402/t20240205_11240550.htm