“This is the first intercontinental conference of people of color in human history,“ declared Indonesia's first president, Sukarno, in his opening address at the Asian-African Conference.

　　This photo taken on March 18, 2025 shows the venue for the 1955 Asian-African Conference in Bandung, Indonesia. (Xinhua/Xu Qin)

　　“I hope that it will give evidence that Asia and Africa have been reborn, nay, that a New Asia and a New Africa have been born!“ he said.

　　In his passionate speech, Sukarno condemned colonialism and imperialism. Most delegates echoed his stance. However, ideological divides and Western interference sparked some anti-communist rhetoric.

　　Under these circumstances, then Chinese Premier Zhou Enlai chose not to deliver a prepared speech, instead offering an improvised address focused on building common ground.

　　“The Chinese Delegation has come here to seek unity and not to quarrel, to seek common ground and not to create divergences,“ he said, calling for mutual respect and understanding among all nations, despite political differences.

　　His calm, measured tone won wide praise. Then Indian Prime Minister Jawaharlal Nehru called it a very fine speech. Philippine delegate Carlos P. Romulo described it as exceptional and conciliatory.

　　Throughout the conference, Zhou played a key role in defusing tensions and guiding discussions. As U.S. correspondent Jack Belden observed, Zhou changed the direction of the conference.

　　The summit concluded with a joint communique embracing ten core principles of solidarity, friendship and cooperation on the basis of China's Five Principles of Peaceful Coexistence. The Five Principles later becomes a foundation of international norms and law.