The Fifty-first Munich Security Conference came to an end several days ago. Participants focused on dramatic changes in the international security situation and explored ways to solve and deal with challenges.

The international security situation is seeing the most profound and complex changes since the end of the Cold War. Although World War is unlikely, old contradictions have not been fully resolved and new conflicts have increased significantly. And yet peace and development remain the theme of the times and the development is still vitally important.

Some regions are experiencing great upheaval. The Ukraine crisis reflects a resurgence of geopolitical conflict; the extremist organization "Islamic State" is wreaking havoc in the Middle East. World economic recovery is faltering and the profound impact of the financial crisis continues to make itself felt.

Global security cannot keep up with developments and changes. Differentiation of national interests leads some countries to put their own interests above the common interest. Some countries cling to the Cold War mentality and zero-sum game and they believe in power first, favoring their security at the expense of other countries.

Faced with this complex international security situation, China has actively advocated a security concept that is common, comprehensive, cooperative, and sustainable, and is willing to work with the international community to build a new pathway to security.

China is trying to achieve comprehensive security and solve security challenges in an integrated way. Considering both history and the prevailing reality, and current and long-term, domestic and international, traditional and non-traditional factors, China promotes global security governance.

China adheres to cooperative security, rejects zero-sum thinking, advocates peaceful means to resolve disputes through dialogue and communication, seeks to enhance strategic mutual trust, and works to avoid confrontation.

Economic development and prosperity can provide an important guarantee for safeguarding security. China practices sustainable security. Many conflicts and much unrest in the world today relate to development issues. China will continue its commitment to its own development and will actively support developing countries in their quest to realize progress and prosperity.

Generally, overall peace and stability coexist with local conflicts and unrest, and development and opportunities stand alongside challenges. We strive to transcend differences, increase consensus, and make the earth a home where countries can share peace, security and prosperity.

The author is a Chinese ambassador to Germany Shi Mingde.