China today made a strong pitch for a "new architecture" of Asia-Pacific security cooperation along with India, Myanmar and others as it targeted the US on the Iraq imbroglio, saying any attempt to oust the legitimate regime of a country through illegal means should be opposed.
Quoting Rabindranath Tagore at the 60th anniversary of Panchsheel, the five principles of peaceful coexistence, in the presence of Vice President Hamid Ansari and Myanmar President Thein Sein, Chinese President Xi Jinping said it is "unacceptable to have security just for one country or some countries while leaving the rest insecure."
Though Xi made no direct mention of the US or Iraq, his remarks came close on the heels of Chinese leaders citing Iraq as the living example of how the new interventionist policies by the West in name of curbing terrorism has sowed chaos.
"We should work for a new architecture of Asia-Pacific security cooperation that is open, transparent and equality- based, and bring all countries together in a common endeavor to maintain peace and security in both our region and the world," Xi said, adding that China will never seek hegemony no matter how strong it becomes.
Ansari, who is on a five-day visit to China, said India, China and Myanmar are bound by age-old linkages and geography.
"We need a new paradigm for global action. Our destinies are intertwined. Our quest is, should be, for a framework in which opportunities and challenges for the betterment of our societies co-exist," he said addressing a commemorative meeting of the 60th anniversary of the Panchsheel.
"In this endeavour, Panchsheel can act as a catalyst to help us better coordinate our efforts, enhance mutual understanding, share developmental experiences and tackle trans-national threats more effectively," he said.
Ansari said India and China have to narrow down differences and build on convergences by exploiting the potential of Panchsheel, propounded by the two countries along with Myanmar in 1954.
"On the way forward, we have to build on our convergences and narrow down our differences. Panchsheel can help us exploit this potential for cooperation and come up with fresh, innovative initiatives to improve the lives of our people," Ansari said.
Myanmar President Sein said the countries have to work hand in hand and tell the world to recognise these principles. China and India are economic power houses of the region and they will have to lead.
"We are confident that the five principles will play a greater role in inter-state relations. The relations between the three countries can be consolidated," Sein said.
