China, as the world's largest developing country, is seeking closer mutual support and partnership with other Asian countries in the course of promoting peace and common development of the region, Chinese Vice President Zeng Qinghong said on Saturday.

China is a part of Asia, and Asia's harmony and prosperity "go hand in hand with China's peaceful development," Zeng said at the opening ceremony of the Boao Forum for Asia (BFA) Annual Meeting 2006 in this small town of China's southernmost province of Hainan.

China will stick to the principle of building good relationship with neighbors and the policy of fostering a harmonious, secure and prosperous neighboring environment, said Zeng.

"We will actively participate in Asian intra-regional cooperation, explore effective ways of achieving mutual benefit and win-win outcomes for all Asian countries, and promote a new security concept featuring mutual trust, mutual benefit, equality and cooperation," Zeng said.

China will strengthen political dialogue among Asian countries on the basis of the United Nations Charter and the Five Principles of Peaceful Coexistence to "enhance mutual trust, resolve disputes, narrow differences, expand common ground and promote peace, security and stability of the region."

To seek more opportunities and achieve mutual benefit and development for Asia, Zeng called on governments and peoples of every Asian nation to make unremitting efforts in deepening mutually beneficial cooperation to promote common and sustainable development, striving for harmonious coexistence while keeping the diversity in the region, and continuing to be inclusive and open to the whole world.

About 850 Chinese and overseas officials, business people and scholars are present at the BFA annual meeting, which carries the theme of "Asia searching for win-win: new opportunities for Asia."

(Xinhua News Agency April 22, 2006)