Top legislator Wu Bangguo said in Santiago Wednesday that China's peaceful rise is not a threat to any country.

 

"It has been well proved, and it will continue to be proved, that China's development poses no threat to any country in the world. Its development will bring about more opportunities and a broader market (for other countries)," Wu said in a speech at the China-Chile Economic and Trade Cooperation Forum.

 

Wu, chairman of the Standing Committee of China's National People's Congress, said having suffered deeply from foreign powers' invasion and oppression, the Chinese people know better how precious peace is.

 

He said no matter how international situation changes, China has always followed the independent foreign policy of peace, adhered to the goal of safeguarding world peace and promoting common development and been committed to building an open, just, reasonable and transparent international trade system and harmonious regional and international environment.

 

"China was, and it still is, a firm force in maintaining world peace and promoting common development. It will remain so forever," Wu said.

 

Wu arrived in Chile for an official goodwill visit on Tuesday. He is expected to leave Chile on Thursday.

 

(Xinhua News Agency September 7, 2006)