By Manzie Vincent Doh
BEIJING — (September 21—M4Relay) —The People’s Republic of China is today noted for its options in bilateral relations with the international communities. China’s foreign policy is based on mutual respect, peaceful coexistence and friendship with the rest of the world. The country is well known for its peaceful options in issues which are indispensable to world peace.
At the ongoing 65th Session of the United Nations General Assembly in New York, China has made great strides which continue to support and confirm its position for greater peace and integration in the world. In this article, we spotlight some of the crucial actions so far taken by China – thus confirming her crusading role for peace, friendship and mutual respect in the world.
Chinese Foreign Minister Yang Jiechi on Monday, September 20, 2010 held a meeting with UN General Assembly President Joseph Deiss at UN Headquarters on the sidelines of a high-level meeting on anti-poverty goals.
The foreign minister voiced hope for the General Assembly to attach greater importance to development issues, proactively implement the outcomes of the UN high-level meeting, pay attention to the concerns of developing countries and further promote international development cooperation.
On Monday morning, Yang also held separate meetings with Arab League Secretary-General Amr Moussa and the foreign ministers of Kazakhstan, Indonesia and Switzerland.
He told Mousa that China hopes for a stronger Sino-Arab strategic relationship of cooperation, and that China remains committed to supporting the just cause of the Palestinian people in seeking legitimate national interests.
Another step supporting China’s role as a peace crusader in the world was clearly seen in China’s position over the Iranian nuclear palaver. While the United States and her British ally pressed for sanctions against Iran, China stood for dialogue in resolving the nuclear issue.
On the sinking of the South Korean ship in which North Korea was accused of being responsible for the sinking of the ship, China called for thorough investigations into the matter, and warned against any precipitated attacks or retaliation by South Korea against the accused North Korea. China’s top leadership continuously pressed for dialogue in the issue. On the other side, the United States and her friends were already warming up for a possible military showdown against North Korea as they out rightly backed South Korea.
Recognizing China’s growing role in world peace and friendship among nations, a senior UN official said on July 30, 2010 that the United Nations will continue and grow cooperation with China in the area of peacekeeping.
“We are extremely pleased with China’s participation in the UN peacekeeping operation,” UN peacekeeping Chief Alain Le Roy told Xinhua at a reception held at the residence of Chinese Mission to the United Nations.
The event was to commemorate the 83rd anniversary of the founding of the Chinese People’s Liberation Army (PLA), which is celebrated on August 1. The event also marked the 20 years of China’s participation in UN peacekeeping operations.
Chinese peacekeepers have demonstrated “a great degree of professionalism, discipline and dedication,” Le Roy said, adding that he was deeply impressed by their “fantastic job” in many UN bases.
“It is our task to make sure that Chinese representation is adequate and at high-level both in the UN headquarters and in the field” said the UN under-secretary-general.
Over the past 20 years, China has participated in 18 UN peacekeeping operations, and dispatched a total of 15,000 peacekeepers; among them nine lost their lives in the line of duty.
At present, around 2,000 Chinese officers and soldiers are involved in nine of the 15 UN peacekeeping operations.
China is now a major troop contributor to UN peacekeeping operations, and has the largest number of UN peacekeepers among the five permanent members of the UN Security Council.
Le Roy said he expects more cooperation with China in the future.
“We are glad to know that China will continuously and steadily increase its participation in UN peacekeeping, and we are eager to continue and grow our cooperation with China,” he said.
China definitely is an Eldorado of peace, and the rest of the world looks on China when international pressures mount on issues that could tear the world apart.