[ Qualifier ]

Peaceful

China’s leaders frequently state that the PRC’s desire for peace is rooted in traditional Chinese values as well as the country’s own historical experiences of foreign aggression and colonisation. Its promise that China’s rise will be fundamentally different from the expansionism of Western nations is enshrined in the “peaceful development” (和平发展) doctrine adopted in the 1950s.

Beijing maintains that its primary goal is domestic modernisation, which requires a stable, peaceful international environment, and that China’s military power is for defensive purposes only. But China also forcefully defends its territorial claims against neighboring countries on land and sea and retains the right to use military force to assert its sovereignty over Taiwan.

In international conflicts, China promotes itself as a neutral mediator, such as in Ukraine, Gaza and simmering conflicts in the Middle East. It regularly offers to serve as a platform for talks and has published peace plans (albeit rather short and vague), while positioning itself as a force for post-war reconstruction. Despite participating in peace and humanitarian aid missions, the PRC maintains a strong policy of non-intervention.

Key Examples

“The deeper meaning behind “confidence in China” and “trust in China” is that the international community recognises that China has overturned the Western narrative of “might makes right” and achieved a peaceful rise. Today’s China increasingly integrates its own development with the pursuit of the common well-being of all humankind.” — Global Times Editorial, July 10, 2025
“China and Russia will stand firmly on the side of international justice and are willing to work with peace-loving people around the world to resolutely uphold the post-war international order and build a better future for humanity.” — China-Russia Joint Statement released by the PRC Foreign Ministry, September 5, 2025
“We are willing to create broad space for peaceful reunification, but we will never leave any room for any form of “Taiwan independence” separatist activities. China’s affairs should be decided by the Chinese people.” — PRC White Paper on “The Taiwan Question and China’s Cause of Reunification in the New Era”, August 10, 2022