On 1 April, 2023, the Nation, the largest-selling newspaper in Seychelles, published an article entitled Global Security Initiative: China’s Proposal for Solving Security Challenges - The signed article of Mr. Mu Jianfeng, Chargé d’affaires a.i. of the Chinese Embassy. The full text is as follows:

Security is a major issue bearing on the world’s future and survival of humanity. Today, the great changes that have not happened in a century are evolving with an accelerated pace, and the world has entered a new period of turbulence, as are manifested by the far-reaching impact of the pandemic, the rise of deglobalization thoughts, local conflicts, frequent upheavals, and entwined traditional and non-traditional security issues.

Building a safer world is a strong desire of people all over the world, and it is also the unswerving pursuit of China. In April 2022, President Xi Jinping proposed the Global Security Initiative (GSI), which upholds the vision of common, comprehensive, cooperative and sustainable security, pursues the long-term objective of building a security community, and advocates a new path to security featuring dialogue over confrontation, partnership over alliance and win-win over zero-sum. The GSI embodies the core tenets in the vision of a community with a shared future for mankind, and has received extensive attention and positive responses from the international community upon its introduction. At present, more than 80 countries and international organizations have expressed their appreciation and support for the GSI.

In order to further enhance the international community’s understanding of the GSI and respond to the expectations of all parties, on February 21, 2023, Chinese Foreign Minister Qin Gang delivered a keynote speech at the opening ceremony of the Lanting Forum on the Global Security Initiative: China’s Proposal for Solving Security Challenges, in which he announced the release of the GSI Concept Paper.

The GSI Concept Paper further explains the core concepts and principles of the Initiative: Stay committed to the vision of common, comprehensive, cooperative and sustainable security; Stay committed to respecting the sovereignty and territorial integrity of all countries; Stay committed to abiding by the purposes and principles of the UN Charter; Stay committed to taking the legitimate security concerns of all countries seriously; Stay committed to peacefully resolving differences and disputes between countries through dialogue and consultation; Stay committed to maintaining security in both traditional and non-traditional domains. These six commitments are interlinked and mutually reinforcing, and are an organic whole of dialectical unity.

The concept paper lays out 20 priorities of cooperation, all highly action-oriented. And cooperation platforms and mechanisms are listedwith a view to injecting new impetus and vitality to the implementation of the initiative. Special attention was given to Africa where security is a concern of many peace-loving countries. In this regard, China will support the efforts of African countries, the AU and sub-regional organizations to resolve regional conflicts, fight terrorism and safeguard maritime security. We support addressing African problems in the African way, and promote peaceful settlement of hotspots in the Horn of Africa, the Sahel, the Great Lakes region and other areas. We will actively implement the outlook on Peace and Development in the Horn of Africa, promote the institutionalization of the China-Horn of African Peace, Governance and Development Conferences, and work actively to launch pilot projects of cooperation.

As the largest developing country, China has shared weal and woe with the vast number of African countries and is a constructive participant and active contributor to the cause of peace and security in Africa. China has proposed and promoted the implementation of China-Africa Peace and Security Cooperation Fund projects to provide various support to African peacekeeping and stability efforts. At the moment, nearly 2,000 Chinese peacekeepers are on duty in Africa under the flag of UN. In addition, China and Africa have launched the 2035 vision for China-Africa cooperation, jointly implemented the "nine projects" under the framework of Forum on China-Africa Cooperation (FOCAC), including the "Peace and Security Project".

Pursuing peace and development is the common aspiration of China and Seychelles. We are committed to safeguard the purposes and principles of the UN Charter and defend the UN-centered international system and the international order underpinned by international law. Enjoying traditional friendship,our two countries have been firmly supporting each other in safeguarding sovereignty, territorial integrityand independence, and maintaining close communication and cooperation in facing the traditional and non-traditional security challenges. In the past, Seychelles has hosted peace negotiations and used its diplomatic skills to help resolve disputes. It’s the contribution cherished by the international community, and it also demonstrates that any individual country can play an important and active role in promoting peace and security.

Global Security Initiative is public good to all. China will continue to work with Seychelles in addressing common challenges. We will further strengthen cooperation on maritime security,tackling transnational crimes at sea such as piracy. Sustainable development is the foundation for peace and security. We will further strengthen bilateral and multinational cooperation in addressing climate change, protecting ecological system, maintaining stable and smooth supply and industrial chains, so as to speed up the implementation of the UN 2030 Agenda.

With concerted effort, I am confident that China and Seychelles will make even greater contribution to the world peace and security based on the principles and priorities outlined in the Global Security Initiative.