Scholars stress Panchsheel's relevance in new world order

On the eve of the 60th anniversary of Panchsheel, Indian and Chinese scholars today cited Iraq as the living example of how the new interventionist policies by the West in name of curbing terrorism has sowed chaos.
"Under the pretext of humanitarianism or terrorism we are seeing interference in other countries' internal affairs, and even direct attacks leading to chaos. What is happening in Iraq is a lesson for us to reflect on," said Dai Bingguo, a former top Chinese diplomat, stressing the relevance of the five principles of peaceful coexistence.
Dai, who was the State Councillor in the previous Hu Jintao-led administration, said hegemonism was rampant when Panchsheel was unveiled and the world received the Panchsheel treaty signed in 1954 between China and India warmly.

"Peace is in China's DNA. The Five principles were written into Chinese Constitution as well as its diplomatic relations with all the countries," he said.
He said China strictly adhered to the five principles till this day and will not seek to become a super power.
"China is firmly opposed to hegemonism and will not seek to become a superpower. We will not be hegimonistic," he said at a seminar here on the relevance of Panchsheel.

Apparently referring to the intervention by the United States in Iraq, Dai said it's a good example to show that the non-interference principle cannot be ignored.

He hoped all countries in the world particularly the major powers practice and uphold the five principles for peace, stability and prosperity, he said.
China has lined up a two-day celebration programme starting tomorrow to commemorate the 60th year of Panchsheel treaty.
The treaty stresses on mutual respect for sovereignty, non-aggression, non-interference in others' internal affairs, equality and mutual benefit and peaceful coexistence.
Vice President Hamid Ansari and Chinese President Xi Jinping and his Myanmar counterpart U Thein Sein will take part in the celebrations.
Besides taking part in the official function, Ansari who arrived here from Xian today is scheduled to hold talks with Xi and Sein.