China to focus on peaceful development, never seek hegemony: Wen

Beijing, Sept 24 (ANI): Chinese Premier Wen Jiabao, has said that his country, whose economy just overtook Japan's as the world's second-largest, will continue its path of peaceful development, and never seek hegemony with its strength.

The remark came after some countries raised suspicions that China is gradually becoming a hegemony, which is allegedly indicated in its arrogance in handling some disputes with other countries.

"China will continue on its path of peaceful development, to gain a peaceful global environment for its development, while itself contributing to the world peace. But the country will not concede nor compromise on issues related with its core interests," China Daily quoted Wen as saying, while addressing the general debate of the 65th session of the UN General Assembly.

Some countries have also been urging China to take a stronger international role, shoulder more responsibility in some world affairs, a demand that China finds it hard to fulfill at the current stage.

However, Wen said that despite its growing economic weight, the per capita GDP of the country only stays as one tenth of that of the developed countries.

Though China's success against poverty in the last 25 years is "undeniable," regional imbalance, a 150 million impoverished population, low-end manufacturing industry and inadequate social democracy have further added to the truth that China still belongs to a developing country category, Wen added.

He further proclaimed that for a long time China would still focus on developing its domestic economy, which should serve as the foundation for solving other problems in the country.

However, commenting on Wen's speech, Jamie Metzl, Executive Vice President of Asia Society said although China sees itself as a developing country, the world does not see it that way.

"China can and must do better to be part of solution to global challenges," Metzl insisted. (ANI)