The nation aims to work for the benefit of not only itself but for fellow Asians and the rest of the humankind, too, as its human-centric and peaceful motive dictates.

    The peaceful development of Asia depends first of all on its people's confidence.

    As economic factors play an increasingly prominent role in regional affairs, so does the competition among Asian countries in such areas as markets, natural resources, science and technology and human resources, while the momentum of demands for mutually complementary co-operation also grows.

    In fact, nations today are more likely to seek favourable interaction with one another than ever before. Such interaction includes the three stages of start, progress and result.

    Start means a nation protects its own interests while respecting others; neither can stand without the other. Progress stands for coexistence of competition and co-operation, the same as differences and compromise. And the result is win-win and all-win rather than exclusive gain for any one country.

    Amid the multi-polarization of international politics and globalization of economy, only by following the principles of equality, mutual benefit and a win-win solution, can individual nations gain as much leeway as possible for their own developments.

    As ideological issues are unavoidable in international relations, the best way to solve the problems is to seek common understanding despite differences. Where co-operation is hampered by territorial disputes, the best way to get over it is by putting disputes aside and conducting joint development.

    The scope of multilateral co-operation among Asian countries is growing every day, while regional organizations, such as the Association of Southeast Asian Nations, the 10+3 Mechanism and the Shanghai Co-operation Organization, are playing an increasingly important role.

    Co-operation among Asian countries is also spreading to other regions of the world, as shown in the activities of the 39-member Eurasia Conference, which has become the new Silk Road linking countries of the two continents.

    China is marching along the path of peaceful development in great strides.

    "Be friendly, coexist with our neighbours" is not only our declared foreign policy, but also matched with concrete actions. China's desire for peaceful development is genuine and "China threat" claims are groundless. In fact, more and more people around the world are subscribing to the belief of "China opportunities."

    We have every reason to embrace Asia thriving in political mutual trust, economic mutual complementing and cultural mutual acceptance, and earnestly seeking co-operation, promoting development and pursuing common prosperity.

    The world is advancing ahead and Asia needs to quicken its steps.

    Gone are the days when Asia was poor, weak and "disunited as a patch of loose sand." Some people have gone so far as to call the 21st Century "Asia's Century," while some others think this is true only in economic terms. But one thing is clear: Not all of this is flattery.

    An ancient Asia is ready to show the whole world an energetic new Asia.

    The author is a senior research fellow of Research Centre of Contemporary World.

    (Source: China Daily)