China is Not ‘Seeking Hegemony’ as Rising Power - Foreign Minister

During a speech at the Fourth World Peace Forum, Foreign Minister Wang Yi reaffirmed Beijing's stance in protecting present-day international order and system.

Chinese Foreign Minister dismissed the notion that China as a major rising power might be seeking hegemony, Xinhua reported.

During a speech at the Fourth World Peace Forum held in Beijing, Wang Yi reaffirmed China’s stance in protecting present-day international order and system.

“As a participant of and contributor to the global and regional order, a growing China would only mean greater strength for peace and more positive energy in the world,” said the minister.

Wang also said that China will work with other countries to safeguard the freedom of navigation and overflight used by all countries in accordance with international law in the South China Sea.

He added that China is determined and able to continue to safeguard its justified rights and interests of the Spratly/Nansha Islands by legitimate means by working with the ASEAN countries in order to restore peace in the islands.

China makes up the largest number of peacekeeping personnel among the permanent members of the UN Security Council, and takes an active part in settling global issues through political dialogue.

Wang also noted that this year marks the 70th anniversary of the signing of the UN Charter and China was directly involved in designing and building process of the international order, hence, it would not upend it nor will it want to start everything anew.