China has no hegemonic aspirations, UN hears

China is pursuing a path of peaceful development, building its military strength only to protect its sovereignty and territorial integrity, the General Assembly’s high-level debate was told today.

“China does not seek hegemony now, nor will it do so in the future,” Premier Wen Jiabao told delegates at United Nations Headquarters.

Noting that it poses no threat to others, he said that China takes great pride in its economic development, social justice, civility of the people and moral strength.

“China will, through its own development, contribute to the peace and development of the world,” the Premier said.

The Asian nation believes in resolving differences through dialogue and negotiation, he said. “As a permanent member of the UN Security Council, China will continue to play an active and constructive role in promoting peaceful settlement of international hotspot issues and regional conflicts.”

But Mr. Wen also declared that his country will make its own decisions regarding international issues based on both its national interests and the welfare of the world’s people.

“We will neither blindly follow the position of others nor give way to the pressure of any forces,” he said. “In international relations, China does not seek to build [alliances] or become a leader and will never do so in the future.”