Chinese stories are the world's stories. China is not only the globe's biggest developing country with 1.3 billion people, but also a nation that has catapulted to the center of world affairs. China's development will not only decide its own fate, but also have a tremendous impact on the evolution of pressing international issues.

A path of peaceful development is a strategic choice based on the tide of the times and China's fundamental interests. Only by having a solid understanding of the world can the country create policies that suit the development of human civilization, reflect the need for progress and shoulder current global responsibilities.

The contemporary world is in the midst of profound and complex change, although peace and development remain a sturdy theme. The proper way forward is to consider domestic and international developments and to adhere to a mode of cooperation that is open and fair. Over the past 30 or so years, China has made a tremendous stride forward in its social and economic development, thereby raising its international status as it strives for world peace. China's peaceful development is ideologically and culturally driven. The Chinese nation – with a civilization dating back thousands of years – desires peace, advocates freedom and pursues justice.

The concept of "harmony" has been a mainstay of Chinese social ideology for thousands of years. "Do unto others what you would have them do unto you" has always been a basic value of the Chinese nation, along with "Great virtue brings harmony." A thirst for peace and harmony is deeply impressed in the mind and runs in the blood of the Chinese people.

The Chinese people fear turmoil, seek stability and long for peace and tranquility in the world. As former leader Deng Xiaoping pointed out, "If China wants to realize its development potential, a stable domestic and international environment are absolutely necessary. We don't care what others say about us; what we really need is a good environment to develop ourselves."

China is not only an active advocate for but also a loyal actor in the lofty causes of peace, development and cooperation. The Chinese economy has maintained a long period of rapid growth and its national strength has been significantly enhanced. The road to peaceful development is not easy, but China must maintain the course and never waver.

Meanwhile, the nation must never give up its legitimate rights and sacrifice its national core interests. China has played and will continue to play an increasingly important role in the international arena. While China will firmly follow a path of peaceful development, there is one thing to bear in mind: Significant global changes — such as the rise of the developing world — will undoubtedly lead to a new international order and a new mode of interaction between the world's major powers.