Former Chinese Vice Premier Qian Qichen called in Beijing Monday for adding new dimensions to the Five Principles of Peaceful Coexistence.

At an international seminar on the Five Principles of Peaceful Coexistence, Qian said the Five Principles have also kept pace with the times, and under the new situation, it is necessary to add new dimensions to them according to the characteristics of the times.

Qian said in recent years, there have been new developments in the international arena both in theory and in practice on the question of establishing a new international order under the new situation.

People have come to the same conclusion through practice and deliberation that in today's diversified world, the Five Principles still have wide application as the fundamental theory guiding international relations, Qian said.

The Five Principles, initiated by China, India and Myanmar in 1954, include 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.

"In half a century thereafter, the Five Principles weathered the vicissitudes of the international situation and were gradually and universally accepted by the international community as the fundamental norms guiding international relations," Qian said.

As to how to add new dimensions to and develop the Five Principles, Qian suggested that the sense of equality should become the bedrock of democracy and legality of international relations, the new security concept of mutual trust, mutual benefit, equality and coordination should be fostered, the diversity of the world should be respected, multilateralism should be actively promoted and the human society should seek sustainable development.

Qian said the Five Principles had been written into China's Constitution long ago, and constitute the basis of China's independent foreign policy of peace. The Five Principles are also embodied in all the communiqués on the establishment of diplomatic relations between China and more than 160 countries, he said.

For over half a century, China has been endeavoring to implement the Five Principles and to develop friendly relations and cooperation with all countries of the world on the basis of these principles, he said.

China is ready, together with the people of all other countries, to constantly enrich and develop the spirit of the Five Principles, and to make unremitting efforts to promote the establishment of new international order, he said.

The seminar, being held from June 14 to 15, was sponsored by the Chinese People's Institute of Foreign Affairs to mark the 50thanniversary of the establishment of the Five Principles. Over 100 domestic and foreign politicians, scholars and experts from China and 12 other countries across the world attended the seminar.

(Xinhua News Agency June 15, 2004)