Hu: China has its own path in era of globalization

Source: Xinhua  |   2008-12-18  |     ONLINE EDITION

PRESIDENT Hu Jintao said today that China would adhere to its own social system and development path and never bow to foreign pressure.

Hu made the remarks while addressing a grand gathering in Beijing to mark the 30th anniversary of the reform and opening-up drive, which turned the once poverty-stricken country into one of the world's largest economies.

Hu said the future and fate of China as well as the rest of the world have become increasingly intertwined, thus the country should maintain its independence while courageously participating in globalization.

For such a populous developing socialist country as China, independence and self-reliance should form the basis of development, which means the country must adhere to the social system and development path chosen by its own people, he said.

President Hu said the fundamental interests of the Chinese people and the common interests of the world would be the starting point for China's foreign policy. Thus, China's position and policies would be based on the merits and demerits of each case, Hu added.

He also said China would address its affairs with careful observation and in the spirit of mutual respect while searching for common ground. Nonetheless, China would never succumb to external pressure, he said.