On April 1, Wang Yi, a member of the Political Bureau of the Communist Party of China Central Committee and director of the Office of the Central Commission for Foreign Affairs, inspected the Research Center on Building a Community with a Shared Future for Humanity in Beijing and held a symposium with representatives from the center and the China Foreign Affairs University. His remarks at the forum were timely and instructive, especially as China is increasingly viewed as a stabilizing force in contrast to the United States.

At a time when major changes unseen in a century, conflicts with zero-sum thinking, and hegemonic logic continue to disrupt global stability, China remains committed to the vision of a community with a shared future for mankind. Wang set out five expectations: To take the initiative in advancing diplomatic thought; deepen theoretical research; strengthen international communication; provide policy-relevant insights; and cultivate capable talent. These priorities offer practical guidance for those who wish to promote China’s vision of peace — and they underscore China’s clear aversion to war. These expectations serve as reference for all who seek to promote China’s vision of peace, projecting the nation’s clear aversion to war.

Such anti-war conviction is not merely rhetorical. It is rooted, first and foremost, in China’s DNA. Wang emphasized the need to “appreciate its profound connotation that transcends time and space and bridges China and the world”. Chinese civilization has long valued harmony. Ideas such as “peace is precious” and “harmony among nations” run deep in the Chinese culture. This tradition has shaped China’s development, distinguishing it from some Western powers whose paths to modernization were often paved with colonial expansion, war, and plunder.

History bears out the contrast. Over the past five centuries, from Portugal and Spain to the United Kingdom and the United States, the rise of major powers was almost inevitably accompanied by external expansion, military conflict, or bullying. In stark contrast, China’s vision of a shared future for mankind fundamentally rejects the assumption that a strong nation must entail hegemony. It offers a different notion — a country’s strength need not come at the expense of others.

In today’s world, where conflicts continue to erupt, China’s adherence to this vision has made it a stabilizing force for peace. Wang noted the importance of understanding such a vision’s strategic role amid profound global changes. The crisis in Ukraine grinds on. Tensions in the Middle East have left a trail of devastation and suffering. Yet some countries, despite facing their own domestic challenges, persist in fueling conflicts worldwide, disregarding the human cost. The responsible choice is to stand, consistently and credibly, on the side of peace. The world has never needed guardians of peace more urgently. And China is one such guardian.

As China embarks on the next stage of its development, the country’s diplomacy and its advocacy of a “community with a shared future for humanity” deserves far greater attention worldwide, as it is obviously becoming the better option for all

China’s peacekeeping role is visible in multilateral settings. China is among the largest contributors of both funding and personnel. The international community widely regards China as a key pillar of the United Nations peacekeeping operations. On major international issues, China has consistently advocated political solutions. Following the escalation in Gaza, China helped push for the first UN Security Council resolution calling for a ceasefire. It also issued a position paper on resolving the Palestinian question through political means. In addition, China has joined like-minded countries in initiating the establishment of the International Organization for Mediation in Hong Kong, offering a valuable complement to existing dispute resolution mechanisms. Even US President Donald Trump indicated that China helped bring Iran to the negotiating table for a temporary two-week ceasefire. As UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres has noted, China’s peaceful development is a noble cause in the history of mankind and is conducive to the peace and progress of all humanity.

Today’s world is entering a new period of turbulence and transformation. Geopolitical conflicts are intensifying, and tension has reached its highest level since the end of World War II. As China embarks on the next stage of its development, the country’s diplomacy and its advocacy of a “community with a shared future for humanity” deserves far greater attention worldwide, as it is obviously becoming the better option for all. At the end of the day, no reasonable human being wants a third world war.

The author is a member of the Legislative Council and the UN Association of China.

The views do not necessarily reflect those of China Daily.