Panchsheel: ‘Five Principles’ of Peaceful Coexistence

General Studies Paper -2

Context: Recently, it is observed that China is celebrating the 70th anniversary of the ‘Five Principles of Peaceful Coexistence’, which India called it as Panchsheel.

About India-China Relations

India and China share a complex history of diplomatic relations, marked by territorial disputes, border tensions, and occasional military clashes.

• Both countries established diplomatic relations in 1950, making India the first non-socialist bloc country to do so with the People’s Republic of China.

Five Principles of Peaceful Co-existence (aka Panchsheel)

• These were first formally enunciated in the Agreement on Trade and Intercourse between the Tibet region of China and India signed in 1954.
• India welcomed Panchsheel, recognizing its alignment with its foreign policy since independence.

Ancient Roots

• It traces its origin to the Buddhist concept of Pañcaśīla, which describes the five moral vows of Buddhism: abstinence from murder, theft, sexual misconduct, lying, and intoxicants.
• Confucius, the Chinese philosopher, spoke of harmony amid differences, laying the groundwork for these principles.
• Panchsheel’s modern form emerged in China, bridging ancient wisdom with contemporary international relations.

Key Features

• Mutual Respect for Territorial Integrity and Sovereignty: Both nations committed to respecting each other’s territorial boundaries and sovereignty. It emphasised the importance of recognizing each other’s rights and boundaries.
• Mutual Non-Aggression: India and China pledged not to engage in aggressive actions against each other. It aimed to prevent armed conflicts and maintain peace.
• Mutual Non-Interference: The two countries agreed not to interfere in each other’s internal affairs. It emphasised respect for national autonomy and sovereignty.
• Equality and Mutual Benefit: India and China sought equal treatment and mutual benefits in their interactions. It emphasises fairness and cooperation.
• Peaceful Co-existence: The ultimate goal was peaceful coexistence, fostering an environment where both nations could thrive without conflict.

Relevance

• Post-Chinese Revolution, the Common Programme adopted most core Panchsheel principles.
• Panchsheel guided India-China relations and resonated in the North-South dialogue and other global groupings.
  • Its relevance persists in our ever-changing world.
• Collective Security in Asia: India and China came to the conclusion that it was not through military pacts and alliances but through the Five Principles (Panchsheel) that a system of collective security or collective peace could be established in Asia. They visualised Panchsheel agreements of this type between China and Burma, Burma and India, China and Indonesia, then Indonesia and India etc.

Global Acceptance

• The Five Principles came to be accepted almost universally by countries and finally by the United Nations Organisation.
• The United Nations (UN) accepted the Five Principles as a code of conduct in international relations. Later, Yugoslavia, Sweden and India, moved a resolution in the UN containing the Five Principles; it was adopted unanimously.
• In a series of active and independent international moves, heads of both countries visited countries in Asia, Africa and Europe and signed with most of them agreements embodying the Five Principles.
• The Asian-African conference held in Bandung accepted the Five Principles, expatiating them into the Ten Principles of Bandung.
• Panchsheel became the presiding principle of the Asian-African movement for equality and freedom against the prevailing colonial and imperialist domination of the world.
• The Conference of Non-aligned nations in Belgrade accepted them as the core principles behind the Non Aligned Movement (NAM).

Concerns Related to India and China Relations

• Boundary Questions: Since the 1980s, India and China have sought peaceful resolution of their boundary dispute. Informal summits between leaders, like those in Wuhan (2018) and Chennai (2019), emphasised strategic communication and cooperation.
  • The unresolved boundary issue remains a point of contention, leading to occasional tensions.
• Economic Ties: Bilateral trade has grown significantly, with China becoming India’s largest trading partner in goods. However, economic competition and geopolitical tensions persist.
  • Both countries vie for influence in South Asia, often competing for regional projects and markets.
• Strategic Geopolitics: South Asia lies at the crossroads of China’s Belt and Road Initiative (BRI). The region’s proximity to the Indian Ocean and shipping routes is critical for China’s oil imports and trade.
  • South Asia, where land and maritime Silk Roads intersect, plays a crucial role in this initiative.
• Infrastructure Investment: China invests heavily in port development, enhancing connectivity and securing its maritime trade routes.
• Military Dimension: China’s military ties with South Asian nations have grown, impacting regional dynamics. Its influence extends through diplomacy, culture, and economic initiatives.

Conclusion and Way Forward

• India-China relations stand at a critical juncture. Both countries need to focus on Dialogue and Diplomacy, and Conflict Avoidance. Balancing competition and cooperation is essential for regional stability and prosperity, as highlighted at the Wuhan summit.
• As both nations celebrate 70 years of diplomatic ties, revisiting the spirit of good neighbourliness and friendship remains crucial.

Today, the Panchsheel Principles continue to resonate globally. They guide interstate relations, remain relevant in addressing contemporary challenges, and foster peace, sovereignty, and mutual growth.