interview: Peace-loving China playing significant role in preserving world peace: Indian expert

Peace-loving China has always played a very significant role in preserving global peace and never shys away when there is a threat to world peace, an Indian foreign affairs expert has said.

"A strong believer in the fact that intervention is apt only when there is a threat to world peace and security, it (China) has so far made significant contribution to the United Nations peace-keeping forces across the globe," Prof R.K. Chaudhury, formerly of Delhi University, said in a recent exclusive interview with Xinhua as this year marks the 45th anniversary of the restoration of China's seat at the United Nations.

"This only shows China's commitment to world peace and stabilty. China is also known to be a peace-loving country and perceived by many as a non-aggressor, and precisely that is the reason why it's military might is aimed at keeping the world peaceful."

Hailing Chinese Premier Li Keqiang's speech about the national plan for the implementation of the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development at the United Nations, Chaudhury said it's clear from the speech that the ultimate goal of China's modernization is to have some 1.3 billion people live a well-off life. "And that's very much achievable," he said.

"The foremost aim of the agenda for sustainable development is to end poverty in all its forms everywhere. China has been doing its best to lift its people out of poverty and it has not stopped there -- it's also contributing globally to help other nations, particularly the developing nations, to help them achieve the same," the expert said.

Stating that poverty could soon become a thing of the past in China, the expert said "The Chinese government's intention to lift some 40 million or so rural residents out of poverty is clear as since 2004 it has worked to raise the minimum wages for migrant workers, improve rural incomes through tax cuts and enforce labour contract law."

On China's contribution to humanitarian assistance, the promotion of world development and the improvement of global governance, Chaudhury said that the east Asian giant's humanitarian aid is growing with each passing year.

"Well, China has just pledged an additional 100 million U.S. dollars humanitarian aid for refugees, and that is split evenly between supporting peace and security, as has been reported in the international media. Whereever such aid is required, particularly in times of natural disasters, China chips in," he said.

"China always believes in world peace and and promoting world development. And it has played a key role in the improvement of global governance as well. China has earlier kept a low-profile, but it's now growing and showing its willingness to be a leader in global governance," the expert said.

"This is also clear from China's rising international stature, it's seriousness in narrowing the rich-poor gap and playing a role in international peace," he summed up. Endit