The Five Principles of Peaceful Coexistence are an important political underpinning for world peace and security, said Chinese Premier Wen Jiabao in Beijing Monday when addressing a conference commemorating the 50th anniversary of the Five Principles of Peaceful Coexistence.

Wen said fact shows that the old security concept centered on military alliances and arms build-ups did poorly to keep the world safe. Resorting to use or threat of force at every turn can only impede, even jeopardize, peace and tranquility in the world.

The Cold War mentality must be done away with in favor of a new security concept featuring mutual trust, mutual benefit, equality and cooperation, he said. Security should be secured through dialog and stability through cooperation.

According to him, terrorism is common enemy to all mankind. While standing on guard against and striking hard on terrorism in all forms and manifestations, it is essential to remove the root causes that breed the menace.

With respect to weapons proliferation, drug trafficking, trans-boundary crimes and other non-traditional security threats, it is necessary to take on them with strengthened international cooperation consistent with the principles of international law, he said.

In the face of such global concerns as HIV/AIDS, environmental degradation and other threats to mankind's health and survival, the Chinese premier said, it is necessary to step up a global approach bearing in mind a keen sense of responsibility for the welfare of future generations.

The Five Principles of Peaceful Coexistence are: 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.

(Xinhua News Agency June 28, 2004)