Commentary: Mutual respect key to maintaining peace in a world of diverse civilizations

The ongoing annual brainstorm in the Swiss mountain resort of Davos offers the world a valuable opportunity to pause for a second for meditation, reflection and introspection.

The recent Paris terror attack and the ongoing Ukraine crisis once again remind us that we are not living in a perfect world. Mistrust, misunderstanding and misconception are still souring international relations and jeopardizing peace.

Needless to say, judging from their beliefs, characters and cultures, people are in deed different.

Yet that is not all there is to it. These differences do not necessarily warrant a fragmented world full of conflicts and confrontations.

History has proved time and again that in an increasingly interconnected world, there is no such a thing as "winner takes all."

Interdependence among countries across the world has made mutual benefits more attainable and win-win cooperation the most viable option.

Just like what Chinese Premier Li Keqiang stated Wednesday in Davos, that the human society should be a garden where all sorts of civilization can flourish, and that members of the international community should seek agreement while shelving differences.

In such an interdependent world, countries should avoid imposing their wills onto others and give up the delirium of ruling the entire world on its own.

Clearly, mutual respect cannot eliminate conflicts in the short term, but in the long run they can cement mutual understanding and trust and thus squeeze and even wipe out its breeding ground.

China believes that all countries should treat each other as equals and with respect regardless of their size, respect different religions, cultures and civilizations, and never try to impose one's ideology on others.

To strengthen mutual respect, China has long been taking a set of diplomatic approaches accentuating the need to forge better ties with neighbors, set up a new pattern of relationships between major countries, and build a community of common destiny.

"China is against all forms of terrorism, and will continue to pursue a peaceful development, maintain regional stability and has no intention to seek a showdown with any country," said Li in his keynote speech at the annual meeting of the World Economic Forum.

This year marks the 70th anniversary of the end of World War II. The world must not forget the costs and sacrifices the entire human race made for peace and stability now enjoyed by all, and the international community should be always vigilant against any attempt to whitewash history and undermine the postwar order.

It is highly hoped that nations worldwide could take this opportunity to learn more about how to respect each other, especially those confronting or even warring parties. Just give peace a chance. Endi