On September 24, 2008, Chinese Premier Wen Jiabao of the State Council delivered a speech entitled Pursuing Reform and Opening up and Sticking to Peaceful Development at the general debate of the United Nations General Assembly in UN Headquarters, New York.

On behalf of the Chinese government and people, Wen first of all expressed gratitude to the international community for the understanding, support and help it extended for China’s earthquake relief and hosting of the Beijing Olympic Games.

As to China’s political and economic direction after the Beijing Olympic Games, Wen stressed China will continue to unswervingly follow the road of peaceful development, pursue reform and opening up and implement an independent foreign policy of peace. It serves the fundamental interest of the Chinese people and people of all other countries. It also keeps pace with the trend of history.

China remains to be a developing country and still has a long way to go to realize modernization. It is both the vision and action of the Chinese government and people to focus on economic construction and seek development.

China’s development relies on reform and opening up. Only by continuously deepening the reform of economic and political systems can China obtain endless driving force for economic growth and social progress, and only by comprehensively and permanently expanding opening to the outside world can China follow the right path to realize national prosperity and well-being of its people.

To reach its development goals, China longs for a peaceful international environment. China respects the sovereignty and territorial integrity of other countries and the social system and development path chosen independently by people of all other countries. It stands ready to develop the friendly and cooperative relations with the rest countries in the world on the basis of equality and mutual benefit. China remains committed to solving the issues left over from history and real differences with related countries through dialogues and consultations. As a permanent member of the Security Council, China will, as always, play an active and constructive part to push for the peaceful settlement of international hot-spot issues and regional conflicts.

China’s development is peaceful in nature and will neither hurt nor threat anyone. China does not seek hegemony, nor will it in the future. China will promote world peace and development by its own development. As a responsible big developing country, China is ready to make joint efforts with the international community to contribute to realizing harmony and sustainable development in the world, emphasized Wen.