China not to engage in conflicts to pursue goals: Xi
Iran Press TV
Mon Nov 17, 2014 10:22AM GMT
Chinese President Xi Jinping has pledged that his country will never resort to force to pursue its national interests, reaffirming Beijing's commitment to protecting global peace and security.
"A review of history shows that countries that attempted to pursue development with force invariably failed," said the Chinese leader in an address to the Australian parliament in Canberra on Monday.
Referring to China's maritime row with its Asian neighbors, Xi reiterated Beijing's "longstanding position" to address the disputes through "dialogue and consultation."
"The Chinese government is ready to enhance dialogue and cooperation with relevant countries to maintain freedom of navigation and the safety of maritime routes, and ensure a maritime border of peace, tranquility and cooperation," Xi added.
Xi's remarks come days after US President Barack Obama said Washington wants China "to be a partner in underwriting the international order, not undermining it."
On November 10, Xi met with Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe for first time since September 2012, when bilateral Beijing-Tokyo ties soured with a territorial dispute over a group of uninhabited yet strategically-important islands in the East China Sea, known as Diaoyu in China and Senkaku in Japan.
Tensions grew after Tokyo nationalized part of the resource-rich islands in 2012.
Beijing claims also sovereignty over almost the whole of the South China Sea --- which is also claimed in part by Taiwan, Brunei, Vietnam, Malaysia and the Philippines. The waters are believed to sit atop vast reserves of oil and gas.
China has frequently warned the US to be cautious in its words and actions with regard to territorial disputes involving China and its neighbors. Chinese officials have repeatedly called on Washington not to take sides over the issue.
MKA/NN/HRB
|
NEWSLETTER
|
| Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list |
|
|
|
