As the world grapples with a sharp rise in conflicts, former national leaders and senior Chinese officials gathered in Beijing on Friday to call for a return to diplomacy and multilateral cooperation, warning that peace can no longer be taken for granted.

Some countries are prioritizing military means to resolve disputes, resulting in intertwined geopolitical conflicts and hot-spot issues, said Peng Qinghua, president of the Chinese People's Association for Peace and Disarmament, at a peace conference marking the 80th anniversary of the victory in the Chinese People's War of Resistance Against Japanese Aggression (1931-45) and the World Anti-Fascist War.

The number of global conflicts has reached a new high since the end of World War II, he said, with deficits in peace and security becoming increasingly prominent.

Peng, who is also vice-chairman of the Standing Committee of the National People's Congress — China's top legislature — reiterated China's commitment to being a force for peace, stability and progress, saying that multilateralism, solidarity and cooperation are the only right answers to global challenges.

With more than 150 representatives from nearly 60 countries in attendance, the event plays a positive role in further consolidating global efforts to uphold peace and justice and to work together toward building a world of lasting peace and universal security, Peng said.

Jeffrey Greene, chairman of the Sino-American Aviation Heritage Foundation, said that peace is not a gift from history but a responsibility to the future.

Greene, who shared the history of the Flying Tigers and the wartime friendship between the people of China and the United States, said that the bond, born of blood and sacrifice, became more than a bridge between the two countries.

"It shows us that even in humanity's darkest hours, compassion can overcome fear, solidarity can triumph over division, and peace can be safeguarded when people choose to stand together," he said.

He emphasized that history is both a warning and a guide — without peace, nothing can be built; and without cooperation, peace itself cannot be sustained.

Anwaar-ul-Haq Kakar, former Pakistani caretaker prime minister, said peace is not given, and it must be cultivated through law, diplomacy and mutual respect.

Sustainable peace requires attention to the roots of issues such as instability, poverty and terrorism, he said, adding multilateral institutions are instruments for preventing conflict and managing crisis.

Stability essential

Ueli Maurer, former president of the Swiss Confederation, said that in today's world marked by turbulence and change, stability is essential and people everywhere want security and peace.

He stressed the need for mutual trust in fostering a solid political and economic order, saying it requires respect for other cultures and the will to advance the diversity of societies.

"This does not require military conflict, but rather dialogue," he said.

Abhisit Vejjajiva, former prime minister of Thailand, said peace can no longer be taken for granted — nor can it be sustained by treaties alone.

Peace needs to be nurtured and nourished by stewardship, he said, and it is not just the absence of war — it must be characterized by respect and trust.

Global governance, he added, plays a crucial role in fostering that trust and respect, and must evolve to meet new realities. Abhisit called for reforms to make international institutions more democratic and better equipped to deal with both immediate and future challenges, such as climate justice, ethical governance of AI, and the protection of truth against disinformation and bias.

In this regard, he said, the Global Civilization Initiative and the Global Governance Initiative merit strong support.

zhoujin@chinadaily.com.cn