China would pursue a peaceful foreign policy and ensure its development did not come at others' expense, President Hu Jintao pledged.
Highlighting the need for concerted efforts to protect the environment and for world peace and stability, Mr Hu told delegates to the 17th party congress the country's fate was linked with that of the rest of the world. He said all countries should co-operate in conservation efforts to take good care of the Earth, humanity's only home.
Analysts said his remarks were an extension of the nation's international policy in recent years and its awareness of international concerns about a rising China and its role on the world stage.
'Historic changes have occurred in the relations between contemporary China and the rest of the world, resulting in ever closer interconnection between China's future and destiny and those of the world,' Mr Hu said. The country was committed to peaceful development and its national defence policy was truly 'defensive' in nature.
'[China] opposes all forms of hegemonism and power politics and will never seek hegemony or engage in expansion,' Mr Hu said.
'China will unswervingly follow a win-win strategy of opening up. We will continue to contribute to regional and global development through our own development, and expand the areas where our interests meet with those of various sides. While securing our own development, we will accommodate the legitimate concerns of other countries, especially other developing countries.'