The world today faces both unprecedented development opportunities and structural adjustments unseen in the past centuries. From a historical perspec… - Zhang Yesui

China' s development needs a peaceful and stable immediate and wider environment. The road of development we are going down is one of peaceful development. Whilst developing ourselves we will do our best to promote world peace, and our own development, in turn, will be an important contribution to world peace. China' s development will not pose any threat to any country. On the contrary, it would only serve the interests of the growth of the global economy, and be conducive to peace, stability and security of the world. We will unswervingly pursue an independent foreign policy of peace and contribute our share to world peace and common development.

Presently, what is of special importance is for countries to abandon the mentality that seeks security advantages with military might. Instead, they should embrace a new security concept with mutual trust, mutual benefit, equality and cooperation at the core. When interests of all countries become increasingly intertwined, it is difficult for any country to attain its security goals single-handedly. We need the rule of law in global affairs and more democracy in international relations. Greater multilateral cooperation and the leading role of the UN in safeguarding world peace and security help us to cope effectively with security threats and maintain common interests.

Religious and cultural diversity is an asset of the human society and an important driving force for social development, cultural exchange and world peace. In today's world, more global problems emerge and the challenges such as terrorism, climate change and food, energy and financial crisis pose grave threat to human development. The fates of all countries are more closely interlinked than ever before. At the same time, racial and religious discrimination has led to unprecedented collisions and shocks among cultures and civilizations. The international community is faced with not only the shared responsibility to enhance cooperation in coping with challenges, but also daunting task to minimize differences and seek common grounds. Against this backdrop, it has become all the more important to strengthen interfaith and intercultural dialogue and cooperation.