Xi Jinping calls for building maritime community with shared future.

Today, on April 23, Chinese President Xi Jinping called for concerted efforts to safeguard maritime peace and build a maritime community with a shared future. This took place during a group meeting with the heads of foreign delegations invited to the multinational naval events marking the 70th anniversary of the founding of the Chinese People's Liberation Army Navy.

Chinese President and Central Military Commission Chairman Xi Jinping takes a group photo with the heads of foreign delegations invited to participate in the multinational naval events marking the 70th anniversary of the founding of the Chinese People's Liberation Army Navy, in Qingdao, east China's Shandong Province, on April 23, 2019. Xi, on behalf of the Chinese government and military, extended warm welcome to naval officers and soldiers of various countries who are here for the events. (Picture Source: Xinhua/Li Gang)

Xi Jinping, also chairman of the Central Military Commission, made the remarks during a group meeting with the heads of foreign delegations invited to participate in the multinational naval events marking the 70th founding anniversary of the Chinese People's Liberation Army (PLA) Navy.

Oceans are of great significance to the survival and development of humanity as they breed life, connect the world and promote development, Xi said. "The blue planet humans inhabit is not divided into islands by the oceans, but is connected by the oceans to form a community with a shared future, where people of all countries share weal and woe," he said.

He also added that maritime peace and tranquillity concern the security and interests of all countries and need to be jointly maintained and cherished, therefore inviting other countries to join hands for maritime peace.

"Holding high the banner of win-win cooperation, the Chinese military is committed to creating a security environment featuring equality, mutual trust, fairness and justice, joint participation and shared benefits," he said. Nations should enhance mutual respect, equal treatment and mutual trust, strengthen maritime dialogue and exchanges, deepen practical naval cooperation, and pursue a mutually beneficial and win-win approach to maritime security, he then added.

"The sea is vast for it embraces so many rivers," Xi cited, calling for more and better consultations when there is an issue, instead of resorting to violence or threatening with violence.

All countries should consult as equals, improve the mechanism for communication regarding crises, strengthen regional security cooperation, and promote the proper solution to maritime disputes, according to Xi.