和平共处

• Pinyin: hé píng gòng chǔ
• Hanzi breakdown: 和平 = 和 (harmony) + 平 (equal/flat/peaceful); 共处 = 共 (together/shared) + 处 (to dwell/be in a place)

Meaning

Peaceful coexistence. To live or exist alongside others without conflict, especially between nations, ideologies, or differing groups.

A key principle in China's foreign policy, articulated in the Five Principles of Peaceful Coexistence established in 1954. Beyond diplomacy, used more broadly to describe harmonious coexistence between different cultures, beliefs, or groups. Also used informally to describe tolerant coexistence in everyday life situations.

Examples

1. 和平共处五项原则是中国外交政策的重要基石，至今仍具有深远的现实意义。 The Five Principles of Peaceful Coexistence are a key cornerstone of China’s foreign policy and remain profoundly relevant today.
2. 在这个文化多元的都市里，不同背景的居民和平共处，相互尊重，彼此包容。 In this culturally diverse city, residents from different backgrounds live together peacefully, respecting and accommodating one another.
3. 科学与信仰并非必然对立，二者完全可以在一个人的内心世界和平共处。 Science and faith aren’t necessarily opposed; the two can coexist peacefully within a person’s inner world.

Usage Guide

Context: diplomacy, international relations, politics, philosophy

Tone: neutral

Do Say

• 倡导和平共处、反对霸权主义，是中国长期坚持的外交立场。(Advocating peaceful coexistence and opposing hegemonism is China's long-held diplomatic position.)
• 即便存在根本性的价值分歧，各方仍可探索和平共处的可行路径。(Even with fundamental value differences, all parties can still explore viable paths toward peaceful coexistence.)

Don't Say

• 和平共处 for trivial everyday coexistence situations — use 相安无事 for lighter, informal contexts; 和平共处 carries formal political weight and should fit the register

Origin & History

和平 (peace; peaceful) + 共处 (to coexist together; to live alongside one another)

Cultural Context

Era: Post-1954 Cold War era to present

Generation: All ages

Social background: Universal