China will pose no threat to the rest of the world, Premier Wen Jiabao told the fourth Asia Cooperation Dialogue (ACD) ministerial meeting in Islamabad, Pakistan yesterday.

"Some people are worried a stronger and more developed China will constitute a threat to other nations. Such a worry is completely misplaced," he said at the event's inaugural session.

Wen said Asia is one of the most promising and complicated regions in the world and should take up a historic responsibility to usher in a new era of peace, stability, cooperation and development.

The premier is on a three-day visit to Pakistan and the annual ACD gathering, whose 26 members are discussing region-wide partnership, is scheduled to end today.

"It is with sincerity and firmness that China adheres to the path of peaceful development," Wen said, "The Chinese people will always be a trustworthy and reliable partner for the rest of Asia."

The premier's remarks were made in part to respond to fears in some countries about the country's emerging economic and political influence in the world arena.

Wen stressed that China is still a developing country ranked well below 100th place in terms of GDP, and would continue to concentrate on addressing domestic concerns.

Citing the formidable challenge of exploiting natural resources while protecting the environment, Wen said China has relied largely on its own efforts, while engaging in mutually beneficial collaboration with others and refraining from interfering in other countries' affairs.

"Even if we become stronger and more advanced, we will not stand in the way of others, still less become a threat to them," said the premier.

His Pakistani counterpart Shaukat Aziz said China's spectacular economic transformation and emergence as a global economic force has secured it a unique position to advance the goals of peace and prosperity in the continent.

"The increasing integration of the Chinese economy with other economies of the region is a source of strength and stability for Asia," Aziz told the meeting.

Wen and Aziz agreed that Asia was a continent of opportunities, requiring joint effort to harness its full potential.

Wen said China will strengthen security dialogue with other Asian countries, properly handle historical issues, and uphold justice, champion fairness and protect the rights and interests of developing countries.

"Our focus should be on trade and not aid," said Aziz, "Our ultimate goal should be an Asian free trade agreement."

(China Daily April 7, 2005)