China calls for embracing diversity of civilization

China on Thursday called on the international community to pursue common progress by embracing diversity of civilization, and seek common security amid growing interdependence.

Chinese Foreign Minister Yang Jiechi made the statement as he was speaking at the General Debate of the 67th session of the UN General Assembly.

"We should pursue common progress by embracing diversity of civilization," he said. "According to ancient Chinese philosophy, the world will be a great place when 'all things thrive without hurting one another, and various endeavors are pursued in parallel without collision among them'."

"We should encourage exchanges and mutual learning between different civilizations and social systems, draw on each other's strength through competition and comparison and make joint progress by seeking common ground while reserving differences," the minister said. "We should respect the diversity of the world and the right of all countries to independently choose their development paths."

"China encourages cross-civilization dialogue and exchanges," he said. "We should replace confrontation with dialogue and bridge differences with inclusiveness so as to make the world a more harmonious place and ensure common progress for mankind."

"We should seek common security amid growing interdependence," he said. "No country is immune to the complex and multiple security threats and challenges in the world."

"We should foster a new thinking on security featuring mutual trust, mutual benefit, equality and coordination, take a holistic approach to address both the symptoms and root causes of diverse security challenges and build a peaceful and stable international and regional security environment," he said.

"The United Nations should fully play its role in safeguarding world peace and security and establishing a fair and effective mechanism for common security."

"We must resolve disputes through dialogue and negotiation and oppose willful use or threat of force," he said. "We must oppose terrorism, separatism and extremism in all forms."