ASIA/CHINA - Chinese representative to the UN: religions can play a positive role in promoting peace and resolving conflicts

Monday, 20 November 2023 religious community wars dialogue pluralism area crisis orthodoxy

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New York (Agenzia Fides) - The People's Republic of China hopes that "religions can play a positive role in promoting peace and strengthening solidarity", in particular by taking an "active role" in the "political solution to the Russian-Ukrainian conflict". This was emphasized by the Deputy Permanent Representative of the People's Republic of China to the United Nation, Geng Shuang, with a view to the expectations of the political authorities in Beijing regarding the involvement of faith communities in resolving wars and conflicts in the world. The hopes of the Chinese authorities for a positive role that religious communities can play in the current historical period were expressed on November 17 during the UN Security Council discussions on the involvement of the Orthodox churches in the conflict in Ukraine. As the Chinese state news agency "Xinhua" reports, Geng Shuang described religion as "an important part of human civilization and an important carrier of culture." "Peaceful coexistence, dialogue and exchange between different religions within a country," the Chinese representative continued, "can contribute to promoting social harmony and civil coexistence between different groups." "And if religious issues are not properly addressed," said Geng Shuang, "they can easily create barriers, increase tensions and even lead to clashes and conflicts." This also applies in the current context, said the Chinese representative. The People's Republic of China supports "mutual respect, increased exchange and better understanding between different religions and religious denominations in playing a positive role in reducing tensions and maintaining peace". Regarding the ongoing conflict in Ukraine, the Chinese representative noted that its continuation "has led to a variety of problems and the escalation of religious, cultural and social contradictions." "China has always stood on the side of peace and dialogue," emphasized the Deputy Permanent Representative of the People's Republic of China to the United Nations, who reiterated that, in Beijing's view, "dialogue and negotiations are the fundamental way to find a political solution to the Ukrainian crisis". (NZ) (Agenzia Fides, 20/11/2023)