China believes nations should treat each other in a democratic way, Chinese former Vice Premier Qian Qichen said in an article published Monday in China's leading newspaper, People's Daily.  

China supports democratized international relations, and hopes all nations can respect and serve the common aspirations of people in the world for peace and development when handling international relations and specific affairs, Qian said in the article entitled Adjustment of American National Security Strategy and International Relations at the Beginning of the New Century.

China calls for a new view of security centered on mutual trust, mutual benefit, equality and cooperation, Qian said. All nations should work to build a safe and stable international environment by abiding by the United Nations Charter and the five principles of peaceful co-existence, he added.

Qian also said nations should make joint efforts in safeguarding the authority and leading role of the United Nations. He said global challenges call for global cooperation, which must be built upon a well-run global mechanism. As an organization with the most recognized authority, the United Nations has scored acknowledged achievements in safeguarding regional and world peace as well as promoting the progress and development of mankind.

"The world's hope lies in an effective, united and powerful UN," Qian said.

Qian summed up the article, saying favorable and unfavorable conditions for peace and development are interwoven while opportunities and challenges coexist in the international relations in the new century.

Faced with such a complicated international situation, the international community should stick with multi-lateralism, strengthen international cooperation, maintain common security, and achieve common development, the former vice premier said.

(Xinhua News Agency January 19, 2004)