Chinese president stresses sovereign equality

Chinese President Xi Jinping on Saturday delivered a keynote speech at a commemoration marking the 60th anniversary of the Five Principles of Peaceful Coexistence at the Great Hall of the People in Beijing.[Photo/Xinhua]

BEIJING - Chinese President Xi Jinping on Saturday said countries should uphold sovereign equality and oppose any attempt to oust the legitimate government of a country through illegal means.

Xi made the remarks in a keynote speech at a commemoration marking the 60th anniversary of the Five Principles of Peaceful Coexistence at the Great Hall of the People in downtown Beijing.

Sovereignty is the most important feature of any independent state as well as the embodiment and safeguard of its national interests, said Xi.

No infringement upon the sovereignty and territorial integrity of a country is allowed, he said, adding that countries should respect each other's core interests and key concerns.

"These are fundamental rules which should not be cast aside or undermined at any time," he told a 700-strong audience.

Xi said all countries, regardless of their size, strength or level of development, are equal members of the international community, and they are entitled to equal participation in international affairs.

The internal affairs of a country should be managed by its own people.

"We should respect the right of a country to choose its own social system and model of development, and oppose the attempt to oust the legitimate government of a country through illegal means seeking self interests or imposing one's own views," he said.

Myanmar President U Thein Sein and Indian Vice President Mohammad Hamid Ansari participated in the commemoration and delivered speeches.

Also present at the commemoration were Chinese Premier Li Keqiang, top legislator Zhang Dejiang and top political advisor Yu Zhengsheng.

In 1954, leaders of China, India and Myanmar initiated the Five Principles of Peaceful Coexistence, which stand for 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.