Ren Hongyan: The Echoes of the Bandung Spirit in the New Era and China's Contribution
Seventy years ago, the Bandung Conference opened a new chapter of solidarity and cooperation for Asia, Africa, and the developing world—a pioneering feat in the history of post-war international relations. As a key participant, China made indispensable contributions to the success of the conference. Over the past 70 years, the Bandung Spirit of solidarity, friendship, and cooperation has become a brilliant banner guiding developing countries to change their own destinies, achieve common development, and participate in global governance. Inspired by the Bandung Spirit, the Global South—as a collective of emerging market economies and developing nations—has increasingly become an important force for maintaining peace, promoting development, and deepening cooperation in international and regional affairs. Today, 70 years later, facing a world of turbulence and transformation [1] filled with uncertainty, it is of great practical significance to further carry forward the Bandung Spirit, endow it with new contemporary connotations, and push the Global South toward collective self-reliance [2] in a joint commitment to the great cause of building a community with a shared future for humanity.
I. The Far-reaching Influence of the Bandung Conference
In the 1950s, the Cold War between the United States and the Soviet Union intensified, plunging the world into bipolar confrontation. Simultaneously, the wave of casting off colonial rule and striving for national independence that began after World War II surged forward. From April 18 to 24, 1955, representatives from 29 countries across Asia and Africa gathered in Bandung, Indonesia, to discuss major issues concerning the common interests of their peoples. They voiced a collective demand for anti-imperialism, anti-colonialism, and independence, demonstrating the urgent desire for solidarity and cooperation among newly independent nations—a moment that left a profound mark on world history.
An accelerator for the world national liberation movement. At the Bandung Conference, the declarations to "thoroughly eradicate colonialism" and "let a new Asia and a new Africa be born" were deafening. The call to "unite in support of non-independent regions" greatly inspired confidence in the national liberation movements of Asia, Africa, and Latin America. Many colonized and oppressed nations broke their shackles to seek independence and autonomy, accelerating the total collapse of the global colonial system. From 1955 to 1969, the number of independent countries in Asia and Africa increased from 29 to 73. In Africa alone, 17 countries gained independence in 1960, which became known as the "Year of Africa." Latin America was also moved by the Bandung Conference, as mass movements and guerrilla warfare against U.S. influence and imperialism broke out in several countries. The success of the Bandung Conference accelerated the end of the colonial system established by the West over centuries, ushering in a new era of world history.
The clarion call for South-South cooperation. The Bandung Conference was the first large-scale international conference held independently by Asian and African countries without the participation of colonial powers. It marked the formal start of South-South cooperation and wrote a magnificent prologue to the history of solidarity and struggle among Asian and African nations. The conference elevated the struggle for national independence and liberation and the efforts of newly born states to defend their autonomy into a common cause of anti-imperialism and anti-colonialism. Meanwhile, faced with poverty, backwardness, economic desolation, and fragile governance, the conference recognized the "urgency of promoting economic development in the Asian-African region." it advocated for mutual assistance and "huddling together for warmth" [3], ensuring that the pursuit of common development was the core task of South-South cooperation from the very beginning. Addressing the differences and estrangement between Asian and African countries, the conference called for a cooperative path moving from understanding to respect, and from respect to collective action. On the basis of seeking common ground while reserving differences [4], it formed a powerful momentum of solidarity and progressive thought that has served as the "source water" [5] for the continuous development of South-South cooperation for decades.
A manifesto for world peace and justice. Facing the Cold War, Asian and African countries were unwilling to be drawn into the two camps dominated by the U.S. and the Soviet Union, nor did they wish to see the world fall back into a maelstrom of conflict. They resolutely resisted the intervention and penetration of superpowers, defended their own independence, and stood firmly on the side of global peace. Based on the Five Principles of Peaceful Coexistence, the participating countries reached the Ten Principles of the Bandung Conference. These included respect for fundamental human rights and the purposes and principles of the UN Charter, respect for the sovereignty and territorial integrity of all nations, recognition of the equality of all races and all nations large and small, and non-intervention or non-interference in the internal affairs of another country. These Ten Principles were absorbed into United Nations documents and became a cornerstone for regulating international relations and establishing the post-war international order. They announced the arrival of the newly independent Asian and African nations on the international stage as a major political force, showing the world their wisdom, conviction, and action in promoting a just and rational international order.
A milestone for New China’s entry onto the international stage. Seventy years ago, Premier Zhou Enlai overcame significant obstacles to lead a delegation to the conference. Holding high the banner of solidarity against imperialism and adhering to the principles of seeking common ground while reserving differences and reaching consensus through consultation, he provided effective solutions to resolve differences between countries and facilitated a series of conference consensuses. The Five Principles of Peaceful Coexistence advocated by China became an integral part of the Ten Principles of the Bandung Conference, expanding China’s influence and discourse power in international affairs. At that time, the People's Republic had been founded for less than six years and faced an aggressive diplomatic blockade by the United States. Many Asian and African countries had not yet established diplomatic relations with China. Using the Bandung Conference as a platform, the Chinese delegation engaged in direct dialogue and exchange with these nations, effectively breaking out of its relative diplomatic isolation. This began to shape New China’s international image as a nation that seeks common ground, loves peace, upholds justice, and cooperates in a friendly manner, winning widespread praise and respect and elevating China's international status.
All these major achievements and historical processes have collectively nourished, enriched, and fused into the Bandung Spirit. Its core carries the value pursuit of solidarity, friendship, and cooperation for the vast number of developing countries. It embodies progressive elements of modern international relations norms, such as sovereign equality, peaceful coexistence, and multilateralism. It continues to guide developing countries toward collective self-reliance and win-win cooperation, playing a lasting and significant role in maintaining world peace and promoting common development.
II. The Bandung Spirit: Timely and Ever-New
Years of trial have brought changes to the world. The developing countries that had just won national independence back then have now risen strongly as a collective force—the Global South. Every era has its own opportunities and challenges, and every generation has its own dreams and missions. General Secretary Xi Jinping has pointed out that "under the new circumstances, the Bandung Spirit still possesses strong vitality." Facing the accelerated evolution of changes unseen in a century, the Global South needs to revisit its original aspiration [6] from the road that began in Bandung, creatively develop the precious spiritual wealth left by the conference, and let the light of the Bandung Spirit continue to illuminate humanity's journey forward.
Grasping the fundamental trend of the Global South’s rising strategic status and strengthening strategic confidence in promoting the Bandung Spirit. During the Bandung era, there were fewer than 30 independent countries in Asia and Africa, generally with weak economic bases and much to be rebuilt. Today, these two ancient continents have undergone extensive and profound changes, becoming regions of immense developmental vitality. Looking around the world, the Global South accounts for more than two-thirds of the world's countries and total population, more than 40% of the global economy, and 80% of world economic growth, becoming the main engine driving the world economy. In recent years, intra-Global South trade has grown rapidly, and the momentum to "overtake on the curve" [7] in the new round of technological revolution and industrial transformation is evident, indicating strengthened long-term development potential and endogenous drive. As General Secretary Xi Jinping noted, "the Global South is growing with great momentum, playing a pivotal role in promoting human progress." The Global South is experiencing another world-shaking political awakening, playing an increasingly important role in promoting world peace, safeguarding fairness and justice, and cooperating to meet global challenges. It is a force for stability, for good, and for progress in today’s world. Standing at the forefront of the times, the Global South is committed to empowering world peace and stability and promoting common prosperity while consolidating the fruits of independence, thus demonstrating the contemporary value and practical significance of the Bandung Spirit.
Continuing the momentum of the leapfrog development of South-South cooperation and expanding the space for promoting the Bandung Spirit. As the largest developing country, China’s participation, leadership, and investment have stimulated enormous vitality in South-South cooperation. From a strategic height and global perspective, General Secretary Xi Jinping has proposed grand ideas and a series of initiatives for South-South cooperation, conducting close bilateral and multilateral exchanges with Global South countries, sketching a blueprint, and contributing Chinese wisdom and solutions. With the comprehensive rollout of the Belt and Road Initiative and the establishment of the Asian Infrastructure Investment Bank (AIIB) and the New Development Bank (NDB), South-South cooperation has made great strides in policy coordination, facilities connectivity, and financial integration. The implementation of the Global Development Initiative has driven new actions in sustainable, innovative, and green development within South-South cooperation. China has proposed the concept of "teaching a man how to fish" [8], which is fully reflected in the sharing of experiences in poverty alleviation and state governance, enhancing the effectiveness of South-South cooperation. Regional cooperation organizations in the Global South are playing an increasingly important role in mediating regional conflicts, maintaining stability, counter-terrorism, and combating transnational crime. Furthermore, Global South countries are using the UN system as their primary arena for effective communication and coordination to defend their legitimate rights in economic, social, environmental, and health spheres.
Promoting the institutional construction of Global South cooperation mechanisms and solidifying the support for the Bandung Spirit. Cooperative organizations and platforms at all levels are constantly emerging and complementing one another, forming a powerful synergy and efficient organizational capacity. At the regional level, international organizations such as ASEAN, the African Union, the Arab League, CELAC, the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO), and CICA are maturing. China's cooperation mechanisms with developing regions now have "full coverage," playing a core role in promoting economic cooperation, political coordination, and cultural exchange. At the cross-regional level, the BRICS cooperation mechanism has become the "backbone" of Global South cooperation. Through a new round of expansion and the strengthening of the "BRICS+" and BRICS partner country mechanisms, its influence on the Global South has greatly increased. By holding regular leadership summits, ministerial meetings, and cooperative projects across various fields, it plays a leading and demonstrative role in Global South cooperation. At the global level, in addition to traditional mechanisms like the "Group of 77 and China" and the Non-Aligned Movement, newly established mechanisms for communication, consultation, and implementation centered around the Belt and Road Initiative and the Global Development Initiative, Global Security Initiative, and Global Civilization Initiative also provide strong organizational guarantees for Global South cooperation.
Promoting the construction of a community with a shared future for humanity and endowing the Bandung Spirit with new contemporary connotations. In 2015, in a speech at the Asian-African Leaders' Meeting, General Secretary Xi Jinping pointed out: "We should vigorously carry forward the Bandung Spirit, constantly endow it with new contemporary connotations, promote the construction of a new type of international relations centered on win-win cooperation, promote the international order and system to develop in a more just and rational direction, and promote the building of a community with a shared future for humanity to better benefit the peoples of Asia, Africa, and other regions." Seventy years ago, faced with the major question of "what kind of world to build and how to build it," China contributed its wisdom and strength to the success of the Bandung Conference and the establishment of the Bandung Spirit. For 70 years, inspired by the Bandung Spirit, China has consistently adhered to an independent foreign policy of peace, opposed hegemonism and power politics, and actively spoke out for Southern countries, demonstrating the responsibility of a major power on the international stage. China advocates and practices a global governance outlook based on extensive consultation, joint contribution, and shared benefits. It has proposed and worked with the international community to implement the Global Development Initiative, Global Security Initiative, and Global Civilization Initiative, injecting new impetus into South-South cooperation. China actively improves cooperation platforms such as China-ASEAN, the Forum on China-Arab States Cooperation, the Forum on China-Africa Cooperation, the China-CELAC Forum, BRICS summits, and the SCO, and actively supports BRICS expansion to increase the representation and voice of emerging markets and developing countries in global affairs. As the building of a community with a shared future for humanity expands from a Chinese initiative to an international consensus and transforms from a beautiful vision into rich practice, it will surely push the world toward a bright future of peace, security, prosperity, and progress.
III. Carrying Forward the Bandung Spirit is Crucial Under the New Situation
Currently, the international situation is characterized by intertwined changes and chaos; geopolitical conflicts persist, various challenges emerge one after another, and factors of instability and uncertainty have risen significantly. People of all countries generally expect to strengthen mutually beneficial cooperation and achieve common development. However, the trend of anti-globalization is rising, unilateralism and protectionism are making a comeback, and certain major powers are engaging in power bullying, undermining international rules, creating division and confrontation, and wantonly containing and suppressing emerging forces. The world has once again reached a crucial crossroads. Meanwhile, historic changes are occurring in the balance of power between the East, West, South, and North. If the world is to stabilize and improve, the Global South is the key. Carrying forward the Bandung Spirit is both an inevitable requirement for following the correct direction of international relations and the trend of the times, and an objective necessity for responding to current global challenges and building a better world.
Defending international fairness and justice. How a major power treats small countries and how a strong nation treats weak ones is the best "touchstone" for testing international justice. Certain major powers harbor a blind faith in the supremacy of power and "their own country first," engaging extensively in unilateral bullying, which has led to a turbulent international situation and frequent outbreaks of chaos. The Global South must take the occasion of the 80th anniversary of the victory of the Anti-Fascist War and the founding of the United Nations as an opportunity to raise a clear banner and give voice to the powerful call of our era: for unity over division, cooperation over confrontation, and justice over hegemony. We must jointly resist all regressive actions [9], collectively safeguard the international system with the United Nations at its core and the international order based on international law, and together promote global governance based on extensive consultation, joint contribution, and shared benefits [10], so as to prevent humanity from returning to a "jungle world" where the weak are prey to the strong.
Maintaining an environment of openness and cooperation. In recent years, the process of global development has suffered severe shocks, and the momentum for international development cooperation has weakened. The countries of the South, situated in the "fragile zones" of the world economy with weaker risk-resistance capacities, have borne the brunt of this. There are no winners in trade wars or tariff wars; engaging in "decoupling and severing supply chains" [11] harms others and oneself alike, and protectionism offers no way out. Politicizing, instrumentalizing, weaponizing, and over-securitizing economic and trade issues violates economic laws and damages the well-being of people in all countries. The Global South should actively participate in mechanisms such as the joint construction of the Belt and Road Initiative and the Global Development Initiative, promote a universally beneficial and inclusive economic globalization, firmly safeguard the multilateral trading system, maintain the stability of global industrial and supply chains, enlarge the "cake" of common development, and form an open, diverse, and stable world economic order to promote win-win cooperation among all nations.
Guarding world peace and tranquility. Peace is the most enduring aspiration of humanity. Most Global South countries have suffered the miseries of foreign aggression and internal warfare; they understand the preciousness of peace and cherish a life of tranquility. In the face of intensifying major-power competition and the continuous emergence of regional hotspots, the Global South must work together to promote the implementation of the Global Security Initiative, oppose the creation of bloc confrontations and military coercion, advocate for bridging differences through dialogue and resolving disputes through cooperation, and promote political settlements for international and regional hotspot issues, contributing the wisdom and strength of the Global South to the maintenance of world peace and stability. Faced with external interference and the spillover effects of conflicts, it is necessary for the Global South to strengthen strategic communication, enhance mutual trust in security, support one another on issues involving each other's core interests, and strengthen coordination on major international and regional issues to jointly create a secure and stable international environment.
Promoting the diversity of human civilizations. Although rhetorics such as the "clash of civilizations" or "civilizational superiority" occasionally resurface like dregs [12], human history has proven that civilizational diversity is the inexhaustible driver of human progress, and that exchange and mutual learning between different civilizations is the common desire of all peoples. The Global South comprises over 160 countries with vastly different social systems, histories, cultures, and values, together forming a brilliant and diverse tapestry of civilization. Faced with various forms of civilizational discrimination and suppression, the Global South should together practice the Global Civilization Initiative, take the common values of all humanity as a universal guide, support all countries in exploring modernization paths suited to their own national conditions, strengthen the exchange of experience in state governance, promote mutual understanding and affinity among peoples, and advance the inclusive mutual learning of all civilizations.
The wheels of history roll forward, yet certain spirits transcend time and space, remaining fresh as ever. Seventy years ago, Premier Zhou Enlai declared to the Asian and African nations that the Chinese delegation "has come to seek common ground, not to create divergence" [13]; ten years ago, General Secretary Xi Jinping emphasized that "no matter what stage of development it reaches, and no matter how the international situation changes, China will always be a reliable friend and sincere partner of developing countries." History has witnessed the hardships and glories of China and Asian-African countries walking hand-in-hand and shoulder-to-shoulder; it will undoubtedly continue to witness the new achievements and contributions made by China and the Global South as they march toward modernization and join hands to build a community with a shared future for humanity.
(The author is the full-time Deputy Secretary-General of the Xi Jinping Reform Research Center on Diplomatic Ideology and Vice President of the China Institute of International Studies) Source: Qiushi (Red Flag Manuscript), 2025, No. 8 Web Editor: Ma Jingren