Chinese President Hu Jintao made a three-point proposal in
Bangkok Monday on improving the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation
(APEC) process.
"Along with the changes in the regional and international
situation, people are thinking more and more about APEC's own
future," Hu said in a speech delivered at the first-day session of
the 11th APEC Economic Leaders' Meeting.
"China has all along committed itself to Asia-Pacific economic
cooperation and actively participated in APEC activities. The new
Chinese government will, as always, support and facilitate the APEC
process and keep up with cooperation of mutual benefit with other
members," Hu said.
He proposed that APEC member economies consider three points for
the development of the 21-member forum, which groups Australia,
Brunei, Canada, Chile, China, Chinese Hong Kong, Indonesia, Japan,
South Korea, Malaysia, Mexico, New Zealand, Papua New Guinea, Peru,
the Philippines, Russia, Singapore, Chinese Taipei, Thailand, the
United States and Vietnam.
First, Hu said, the APEC approach, which features respect for
differences, equality, mutual benefit, voluntarism and consensus,
should be upheld.
"Facts have proved that such an approach represents an effective
vehicle and a right choice for regional cooperation, as it tallies
with our region's diversity, accommodates the members' differing
needs and helps members to balance their interests," the Chinese
president said.
Secondly, APEC should embrace reform and innovation by willingly
adapting itself to changing circumstances.
"An organization can maintain its vigor and grow from strength
to strength only when it can keep pace with the times and innovate
continuously," Hu said. "APEC should act proactively to adapt to
new circumstances, take on new challenges, conduct necessary
reforms and readjustments to itself and strive to make its
activities more timely and relevant."
Thirdly, Hu said, APEC should gear its multi-faceted cooperation
more to the business communities and the general public."
"We need to learn more about what they think and what they want
and do our best to help them," Hu said.
On China's economic performance, Hu said that China has overcome
the negative impact of the SARS outbreak and have sustained the
momentum of sound growth.
"We are confident that, on balance, our targets for economic and
social development this year will be met," Hu said.
He stressed that China's development will generate new
opportunities for economic growth in the Asia-Pacific region and
the whole world.
"We will continue to strengthen our friendship and cooperation
with other countries and work for peace and development in the
Asia-Pacific region and the world at large," Hu said.
"China will forever be a force dedicated to world peace and
common development," the Chinese leader said.
(Xinhua News Agency October 20, 2003)