Visiting China's top legislator Wu Bangguo said in Nagoya Monday that the development of China will not pose a threat to other countries, and it will strive to safeguard regional and world peace.

Wu, chairman of the National People's Congress (NPC) Standing Committee, made the remarks in a speech to dignitaries from central regions in Japan.

"China's development will benefit not only the Chinese people but also Asia and the whole world. China, with its huge highly qualified work force and market of great potentialities, is an ideal destination for investment," Wu said.

China had made remarkable achievements since it adopted the policy of reform and opening up over two decades ago, he said.

The 16th National Congress of the Communist Party of China, which elected the new generation of collective leadership last November, set the objectives of building a well-off society in an all-round way, he added.

The top legislator appreciated the view held by Japanese Prime Minister Junichiro Koizumi, who sees from China's development opportunities rather than threats to Japan.

"We are glad to see that such view has become the consensus of the Japanese government and political parties," Wu said.

He repeated that China will never seek hegemonism or expansionism, even if it grows stronger in the future.

"Without peace, it is impossible for China to develop its economy, let alone achieving the goal of prosperity. This is a lesson drawn from China's distressful past and economic development it has attained so far," Wu said.

"Therefore, China calls for the establishment of a new, just and rational international political and economic order," he said.

China will consistently pursue an independent foreign policy of peace, and is willing to develop friendly cooperation with all countries on the basis of the Five Principles of Peaceful Coexistence, said the Chinese top legislator.
 
(Xinhua News Agency September 8, 2003)