China plays its due role in the international system and upholds
and contributes to this system, a senior Chinese lawmaker said on
Monday.
Xu Jialu, vice-chairman of the Standing Committee of the
National People's Congress (NPC), China's top legislature, made the
remarks at the 16th annual meeting of the Asia- Pacific
Parliamentary Forum (APPF), which opened in New Zealand's largest
city of Auckland on Monday.
Parliamentary delegations from nearly 30 countries attended the
four-day meeting, focusing on political security, economic and
trade, Asia-Pacific regional cooperation, climate change and energy
security.
In his speech, Xu said, the Asia-Pacific, one of the most
dynamic and promising regions in the world, has become an engine of
global political and economic development. Peace, development,
stability and cooperation are the shared aspiration of the peoples
throughout the Asia-Pacific region.
However, discord and instability still exist in the Asia
Pacific, he added.
To address various challenges, enhance common security and
achieve common development, "We need to follow the principles of
mutual trust, mutual benefit, equality and cooperation, remain
committed to multilateralism, and intensify collective action and
international cooperation," Xu told the lawmakers.
The world needs a "peaceful and stable, united and cooperative,
open and inclusive" Asia -Pacific region, Xu added.
China has fulfilled its due responsibility, and will be more
active in international cooperation and continue to play a
responsible and constructive role in the region, he said.
"The National People's Congress of China will work with other
members of the forum and contribute to play a positive role in
enhancing exchange, understanding, trust and friendship among
parliaments and peoples of Asia-Pacific countries, and make the
region an open and inclusive one," Xu added.
The APPF is an annual gathering of parliamentarians from the
Asia-Pacific countries. Since it first met in Tokyo in 1993, the
APPF has grown into a valuable forum for building understanding and
cooperation among the region's parliamentary leaders.
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(Xinhua News Agency January 22, 2008)
