China is a peaceful giant says Chinese President Hu Jintao
Chinese President Hu Jintao told a regional forum on Saturday that his nation is a peaceful giant that will never interfere in other countries' internal affairs.
By Agencies |
BOAO: Chinese President Hu Jintao told a regional forum on Saturday that his nation is a peaceful giant that will never interfere in other countries' internal affairs.
Hu, in the middle of a crisis over his government's handling of unrest in Tibet, said China's defence policy was not to be feared and that his country would never seek expansion at the expense of others.
"Peaceful development is the only way leading to the great rejuvenation of the Chinese nation," Hu told the Boao Forum for Asia on the south Chinese island of Hainan.
"China respects the right of other people to independently choose their development path. It does not interfere in other countries' internal affairs, nor does it try to impose its own will on others."
Chinese leaders routinely repeat the principle of non-interference, but it has attained extra significance in the wake of the violent disturbances in Tibet.
China's crackdown in the Himalayan region has set off fierce protests abroad and Chinese officials have responded by saying Tibet is no one else's business.
Rapid growth in Chinese defence spending over the past two decades has triggered concerns in the region about Beijing's objectives, and Hu on Saturday tried to address fears about its intentions.
"China is committed to peaceful settlement of international disputes and follows a defence policy that is defensive in nature. China will never seek hegemony or expansion," Hu said.
The Boao Forum for Asia is an annual gathering which China hopes will eventually evolve into an event similar to the Davos meetings in Switzerland.
Hu, in the middle of a crisis over his government's handling of unrest in Tibet, said China's defence policy was not to be feared and that his country would never seek expansion at the expense of others.
"Peaceful development is the only way leading to the great rejuvenation of the Chinese nation," Hu told the Boao Forum for Asia on the south Chinese island of Hainan.
"China respects the right of other people to independently choose their development path. It does not interfere in other countries' internal affairs, nor does it try to impose its own will on others."
Chinese leaders routinely repeat the principle of non-interference, but it has attained extra significance in the wake of the violent disturbances in Tibet.
China's crackdown in the Himalayan region has set off fierce protests abroad and Chinese officials have responded by saying Tibet is no one else's business.
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Rapid growth in Chinese defence spending over the past two decades has triggered concerns in the region about Beijing's objectives, and Hu on Saturday tried to address fears about its intentions.
"China is committed to peaceful settlement of international disputes and follows a defence policy that is defensive in nature. China will never seek hegemony or expansion," Hu said.
The Boao Forum for Asia is an annual gathering which China hopes will eventually evolve into an event similar to the Davos meetings in Switzerland.
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