On September 6th, while the evening breeze swept across the Bay of Benguela in Luanda, Angola, the sound of a newborn’s cry filled the air from the Chinese Navy’s hospital ship, the “Peace Ark,” which was on a humanitarian mission known as “Harmonious Mission – 2024.” This momentous occasion marked the birth of Angola’s first “Peace Baby.”
Sonia Lima’s husband shared their joy, saying, “We’ve decided to name our child Andre Peace.” He highlighted that the name not only honors the unique circumstances of the child’s birth aboard the “Peace Ark,” but it also symbolizes the enduring friendship between China and Angola.
The “Peace Ark” serves as a vivid representation of the Chinese military’s commitment to global peace and its role in fostering a community with a shared future for humanity. The Chinese nation is recognized for its deep-rooted love for peace, showcasing remarkable principles of peaceful coexistence, and China’s path of modernization is one of peaceful development.
In a poignant speech on September 30 during the 75th anniversary reception of the People’s Republic of China, President Xi Jinping reaffirmed the country’s dedication to maintaining world peace and promoting mutual development. “We will always adhere to our diplomatic principles, advocate common values for humanity, and pursue a multipolar world that is equal and orderly,” he declared.
In South Sudan’s Western Bahr el Ghazal region, a new police station painted in blue and white stands proudly, named after the late Chinese peacekeeper, Sun Dongxing. “We named it after Sun Dongxing to express our gratitude and celebrate the friendship between our two nations,” said Abdel Johnson, the police chief of Wau.
Sun was deployed to Wau in 2008 for a peacekeeping mission, where he revitalized a rundown local police station, demonstrating cooperation and commitment to community. For the past 16 years, the “Dongxing Police Station” has become a symbol of peace and friendship, with Chinese peacekeepers continuing that legacy. This past May, Peacekeeper Chen Bochong arrived in South Sudan as part of China’s 10th peacekeeping police contingent, stating, “The ‘Dongxing Police Station’ is a testament to Sino-African friendship. We aim to showcase the professionalism of Chinese police on the international stage.”
South Sudanese senior police officer Kong Meir Ayok commended China’s efforts, saying, “China has always been a messenger of peace, helping South Sudan maintain social stability. I am very grateful to China.”
Over the past 75 years since the founding of New China, the nation has adhered to a path of peaceful development, standing firm as a force for world peace. China is the only major country that has enshrined peaceful development in its constitution and party charter and remains the only permanent member of the UN Security Council that promises not to initiate the use of nuclear weapons.
UN Secretary-General António Guterres has remarked that China’s peaceful development represents a noble cause in human history, benefiting peace and progress for all.
In July, representatives from 14 Palestinian factions gathered in Beijing’s Great Hall of the People to sign the “Beijing Declaration on Ending the Division and Strengthening Palestinian National Unity,” a significant milestone aimed at resolving the Palestinian issue and achieving stability in the Middle East. Mahmoud Aloul, Vice Chairman of the Palestinian National Liberation Movement (Fatah), stated, “China is a beacon of hope. Its efforts on the international stage are remarkable.”
Discussing the Palestinian issue, Ahmad Majdalani, Secretary-General of the Palestinian People’s Party, remarked, “China has no ulterior motives; it prioritizes justice,” reflecting on the fairness of China’s approach during the declaration signing.
President Xi emphasized the shared responsibility among nations to maintain peace, pursue developmental peace, and collectively protect and share that peace. His vision of a new security concept in 2014 and the Global Security Initiative in 2022 aims to pave the way for lasting peace and universal security.
To date, more than 100 countries and international organizations have expressed support for the Global Security Initiative, highlighting its influence and solidifying it as a significant international consensus. China continues to uphold principles of international relations rooted in fairness and justice while promoting security cooperation through various global platforms.
As part of international efforts to eliminate landmines, a Chinese peacekeeping team successfully detonated unexploded ordnance in Cambodia, underlining its commitment to safety and security. Since 1999, China has made substantial contributions to mine clearance operations, benefiting over 1.5 million local residents.
“Thanks to the clearance, we can live safely in our village!” exclaimed a local resident in Siem Reap.
Reflecting on the intertwined relationship between peace and development, President Xi asserted that genuine peace fosters progress and sustainable development. Recently, during the China-Africa Cooperation Forum, China pledged to support Africa in building its capacities to maintain peace and stability, emphasizing mutual growth and security.
Projects financed or constructed by China, such as roads and power plants in countries like Iraq and Pakistan, seek to bolster stability and enhance international peace efforts. China aims to align itself with the progression of human civilization, championing the values of peace, development, cooperation, and mutual benefit. Each step toward enhancing Chinese strength translates into greater hope for global peace.
