(Xinhua)
Updated: 2008-04-12 19:06

BOAO, Hainan -- Chinese President Hu Jintao reaffirmed Saturday that China would keep to the path of peaceful development, follow the opening-up strategy and be dedicated to a harmonious world.

He told participants at the opening ceremony of the Boao Forum for Asia Annual Conference in the scenic town of southern island Province Hainan, peaceful development was a "strategic decision" made by the Chinese government and people on the basis of China's realities and in keeping with the trend of the times.

"Peaceful development is the only way leading to the great rejuvenation of the Chinese nation," he said in his keynote speech at the opening ceremony.

Hu emphasized that the strategy had demonstrated the consistency of China's foreign and domestic policies, the fundamental interests of the Chinese people and the common interests of the world's people.

The president reiterated that China respected the right of other peoples to independently choose their development path.

"China does not interfere in other countries' internal affairs, nor does it try to impose its own will on others. China is committed to peaceful settlement of international disputes and follows a defense policy that is defensive in nature. China will never seek hegemony or expansion," he said.

Hu also assured the participants a "win-win strategy" of China's opening to the outside world by promising that China would be committed to promoting the sustained and steady growth of the world economy.

China will expand market access in accordance with generally accepted international economic and trade rules.

"As we strive to develop ourselves, we are also ready to accommodate the legitimate concerns of other countries, developing countries in particular," he said.

Hu said China supported international efforts to help developing countries to strengthen capacity for independent development and improve the lives of their peoples, as well as the efforts to improve international trade and financial systems, promote trade liberalization and investment facilitation, and seek collective solutions to financial risks and energy security.

"We hold that economic and trade frictions should be solved through consultation and cooperation, and countries should share in development opportunities and jointly meet challenges," he said.

Hu said China was dedicated to building a harmonious world of lasting peace and common prosperity. China would abide by the purposes and principles of the Charter of the United Nations and observe international laws and universally recognized norms governing international relations, he said.

He pledged that China would promote democracy, harmony, cooperation and common progress in international relations and respect diversity of human civilizations, endeavor to make international relations more democratic, take an active part in international cooperation in counter-terrorism, non-proliferation, climate change, environmental protection and prevention and control of infectious diseases, and work for a more just and equitable international order.