Chinese Premier Wen Jiabao said on Monday that China's development was peaceful, open and cooperative in nature.

Wen made the remarks at the welcoming banquet hosted by Australian Prime Minister John Howard.

He said that as China grew stronger, people were asking: What future path of development will China take? What responsibilities will China assume for the international community? Will China become a force for world peace and prosperity?

Wen stressed that the path embarked upon by China was one of peaceful development. In essence, it meant that China was seeking to develop itself by working to sustain a peaceful international environment and promoting world peace through its own development.

China mainly relies on its own strength, reform and innovation to achieve development. At the same time, it remains open to the outside world. China conducts exchanges and cooperation with other countries on the basis of equality and mutual benefit in order to achieve a win-win outcome and common development, he said.

Wen said pursuing the path of peaceful development was a natural choice for China.

He said that first, this is determined by China's history and cultural traditions. The Chinese nation believes in harmony, peace and honoring commitment.

Secondly, this is determined by China's need for development. Expediting economic and social development to build a modernized country is a historic mission undertaken by the Chinese people. To achieve this goal, China must have mutual confidence and live in harmony with other countries.

Thirdly, this is dictated by the global trends. The pursuit of peace, development and cooperation is the shared aspiration of all peoples. As a member of the international community, China needs to achieve its own development goals. At the same time, it also needs to keep pace with the global trend, and shoulder, together with other countries, international responsibilities for maintaining peace.

He said that in short, the path of peaceful development taken by China was by no means an expediency. Rather, it is a fundamental choice and solemn commitment made by the Chinese government and people.

Wen arrived in Australia on Saturday at the invitation of Howard, kicking off his official visit.

Source: Xinhua