Five Principles of Peaceful Coexistence

Key concepts

How Five Principles of Peaceful Coexistence connects to the ideas, people and events around it.

1. Mutual respect for sovereignty and territorial integrity

   includes

   This principle asserts that states must honor each other's borders and sovereign rights. It was first articulated in the 1954 Sino-Indian agreement.

2. Mutual non-aggression

   includes

   The principle states that nations should not use force or threaten each other militarily. It was reaffirmed during the 1955 Bandung Conference.

3. Non-interference in internal affairs

   includes

   This tenet declares that countries should not intervene in the domestic politics of other states. It underpins China's stance on issues like Taiwan and Tibet.

4. Equality and mutual benefit

   includes

   The principle calls for reciprocal advantages and equal treatment among nations. It was highlighted in the 1955 Afro‑Asian Conference.

5. Zhou Enlai

   promoted by

   Zhou Enlai was China's first Premier and a chief architect of the Five Principles. He presented them in diplomatic talks with India in 1954.

6. Sino-Indian border dispute

   applied in

   The border dispute between China and India escalated into the 1962 war. The conflict tested the practical application of the Five Principles.

7. Non-Aligned Movement

   inspired

   The Non-Aligned Movement sought independence from Cold War blocs. China cited the Five Principles as a moral foundation for the movement.

8. Charter of the United Nations

   mirrors

   The UN Charter, signed in 1945, enshrines principles of sovereign equality and non-interference. The Five Principles echo these provisions and are often referenced in UN debates.

Questions about Five Principles of Peaceful Coexistence