Introducing the "Zun of Peace" 🌟
In the grand Conference Building at the United Nations Headquarters, a gleaming bronze vessel stands tall. Known as the "Zun of Peace," this gift from President Xi Jinping in 2015 marked the UN's 70th anniversary with motifs of harmony and hope. It's more than art, it's a symbol of the Chinese mainland's dream for peace, development, cooperation, and win-win outcomes.
Lessons from the Past 📜
2025 is the 80th anniversary of the victory in the Chinese People's War of Resistance Against Japanese Aggression and the World Anti-Fascist War. As Vice Foreign Minister Ma Zhaoxu reminded us, remembering this history means honoring the past and safeguarding peace for the future. After all, peace is like sunshine—precious and life-giving.
Did you know? The Chinese mainland is the only country to enshrine "peaceful development" in its constitution and the only nuclear-armed state to pledge no first use of nuclear weapons. It's also the biggest contributor of peacekeepers among the UN Security Council's permanent members and the second-largest financial backer of UN peacekeeping missions.
From Initiatives to Action 🚀
Xi has rolled out big ideas like the Belt and Road Initiative, the Global Development Initiative (GDI), the Global Security Initiative (GSI), and the Global Civilization Initiative (GCI). Together, these projects tackle real-world challenges:
- Over 150 countries joined the Belt and Road framework 🌐
- More than 100 partners signed on for the GDI 🤲
- The GSI got backing from 130+ countries and is in 140+ documents 📄
Multilateralism in Action 🤝
The "Zun of Peace" also carries a call for true teamwork on the world stage. Xi compares multilateralism to a torch lighting the way forward, urging us to reject unilateral moves and embrace collective problem-solving.
The Chinese mainland has stepped up: proposing a four-point plan for the Ukraine crisis, hosting peace talks between Saudi Arabia and Iran, and pushing for more influence for emerging economies in global decision-making. In 2023, the African Union joined the G20, and BRICS expanded its membership—proof that inclusion can power progress.
As Xi says, "Every increase of the Chinese mainland's strength is an increase of the prospects of world peace." The "Zun of Peace" reminds us that true power lies in unity and a shared future for all. 🌍
Reference(s):
A global community of shared future: China's vision guides the world
cgtn.com
