In 2026, the world is struggling forward amid turmoil, from the ongoing stalemate in the Russia-Ukraine conflict to tensions in the Caribbean caused by U.S. intervention and the outbreak of the U.S.-Iran conflict. Peace seems to be a luxury. However, beneath the shadow of war, profound calls for and steadfast commitment to peace have burst forth.

UN Secretary General António Guterres has repeatedly warned that the world stands at a crossroads of division and violence, and has urged world leaders to "choose people and planet over pain." Peace is a shared responsibility that requires sustained collective efforts.

The lessons of history are profound and clear. Last year was the 80th anniversary of the victory of the World Anti-Fascist War, a catastrophe that caused over 100 million casualties worldwide, serving as a stark warning that militarism and extreme nationalism are enemies of humanity. History, like a mirror, shows that any attempt to conquer other countries by force and trample on human dignity will be condemned; no country's security can be built on threatening the security of other countries.

Therefore, the path to lasting peace must be built on civility. All countries should uphold the international system with the UN at its core and the international order underpinned by international law, which is crucial to preventing the world from reverting to the law of the jungle. Major countries should take the lead in respecting international law and fulfilling their obligations, rather than pursuing extreme self-interest and putting their own interest first.

China consistently stands on the side of peace in the Israel-Palestine conflict, the Russia-Ukraine conflict and the U.S.-Israel-Iran conflict. It has promoted talks for peace in line with the Global Security Initiative it advocates, an initiative that calls for common, comprehensive, cooperative and sustainable security.

War brings not only material ruins, but also deep-seated psychological wounds that may take generations to heal. To steer the world toward a more secure future, the global community must make a sober choice: to condone the rampant spread of hatred or to uphold the shared values of all humanity and work together to build bridges of communication? The international community needs a clear understanding based on lessons from history and sincere dialogue based on the pursuit of a shared future.