China calls for peace & stability at 2013 Shangri-La Dialogue

The 12th Shangri-la Dialogue, also known as the Asia-Pacific Security Summit, has concluded in Singapore. China's representative has insisted that its development is peaceful and poses no threat to the Asia-Pacific region.

Instead of focusing on conflicts, this year's Shangri-la dialogue has taken the theme of cooperation. That theme was evident in a speech delivered by Lieutenant General Qi Jianguo, deputy chief of general staff of the People's Liberation Army of China.

Qi Jianguo, Deputy Chief of General Staff, PLA, said, "China will always follow the road of peaceful development and remain committed to peaceful, open, co operative and mutually beneficial development. China's development and prosperity is a major opportunity rather than a challenge or even a threat to countries in the Asia-Pacific region. China seeks cooperation and mutual benefit, and just its own exclusive development."

Qi also said that China encourages dialogue and consultation to resolve disputes in the region, but it will not waiver in its determination to safeguard national interests.

"China's hope for sustained peace and stability in this region, and its stress on dialogue and consultation for the sake of peace by no means denotes unconditional compromise. Our resolve and commitment to safeguarding core national interests always stands steadfast."

In 2012, the US officially laid out a strategy of rebalancing its presence in the region. One year on, its relationship with China has become a center of attention at the Dialogue. US Defense Secretary Chuck Hagel said the US welcomes the rise of a powerful and responsible China.

Chuck Hagel, US Defense Secretary, said, "We have interests here too, just as China and Russia and other nations have interests all over the world. We don't want miscalculations and misunderstandings. The only way you do that is to talk to each other. You got to be direct with each other. You have to share with each other. I think we are on track with that. We've made progress on that. I think we've made continued progress and we'll make more progress."

The Shangri-La Dialogue was launched in 2002. It aims to provide a platform for Asia-Pacific military and government officials to foster practical security cooperation in the region.