The Five Principles of Peaceful Coexistence initiated six decades ago have been enriched with the development of the times as they have become increasingly important in handling international relations.

In 1954, leaders of China, India and Myanmar initiated the Five Principles, including mutual respect for sovereignty and territorial integrity, mutual non-aggression, non-interference in each other's internal affairs, equality and mutual benefit, and peaceful coexistence.

The past sixty years witnessed rapid pace of globalization and an increasingly interdependent world. However, challenges such as unfair international relations and regional conflicts and wars are reminding us that there is a long way to go to safeguard world peace and promote common development.

Under such circumstances, as Chinese President Xi Jinping has indicated, the spirit of the Five Principles, instead of being outdated, remains as relevant as ever; its significance, rather than diminishing, remains as important as ever; and its role, rather than being weakened, has continued to grow.

Today, new content has been added to the Five Principles in six aspects -- sovereign equality, common security, common development, win-win cooperation, inclusiveness and mutual learning, as well as fairness and justice.

Firstly, no infringement upon the sovereignty and territorial integrity of a country is allowed. The growing common interests shared by the international community should not become the excuse for inciting domestic unrest and separation and overthrowing legitimate governments.

Those actions that violated other countries' sovereignty and territorial integrity under the guise of "humanity" or "anti-terrorism" have caused civilian casualties and severely challenged the international order.

Secondly, a comprehensive, cooperative and sustainable concept that seeks common security is the continuation and development of the Five Principles.

The concept refuses seeking absolute security while sacrificing other countries' interests; it calls for boosting international and regional cooperation to counter growing unconventional threats and terrorism; more importantly, it urges countries to solve disputes through dialogues and negotiation.

Thirdly, the change from "peaceful coexistence" to "peaceful development" reflects China's philosophy of inclusiveness and openness and its clear understanding of sustainable development.

All countries should safeguard and promote an open world economy, and oppose any intentions or actions of harming others to benefit oneself. Besides, only if developing countries enhance their capabilities of self-development and developed countries assume more responsibilities, can more equal and balanced international relations be built.

Fourthly, mutually beneficial cooperation is conducted not only in economy, but also in politics, security and culture. It calls on countries to shoulder common responsibilities, jointly counter such global issues as climate change and Internet security and build a community of common destiny.

Fifthly, since the beginning of the new century, war spread from Afghanistan to Iraq, from Libya to Syria, causing heavy losses. A lack of respect and tolerance between different civilizations is one of the origins of conflict. Only by admitting the diversity of civilizations, communicating with each other on the basis of equality, accommodating and learning from each other, can the world realize long-term peace.

Lastly, the legitimate rights of developing countries can be better upheld through the democratization, legalization and rationalization of international relations as well as the speed-up of reform in global governance.

In developing its relations with both developed and developing countries, China, despite the rise of its strength and global influence, has proved that it will firmly stick to the Five Principles and actively participate in and contribute to improving the international system.

"China will not seek hegemony even if it grows stronger," Xi said. This is a strategic choice China made in accordance with the development of the times and its own fundamental interests.