Chinese Premier Li Keqiang speaks at a press conference after the closing meeting of the first session of the 12th National People's Congress (NPC) at the Great Hall of the People in Beijing, capital of China, March 17, 2013. Chinese Premier Li Keqiang and Vice Premiers Zhang Gaoli, Liu Yandong, Wang Yang and Ma Kai met the press and answered questions here on Sunday. (Xinhua/Chen Jianli)
BEIJING -- China is capable of achieving sustainable economic development and a stronger China will not seek hegemony, Premier Li Keqiang said on Sunday.
"China is capable of maintaining continuous and healthy economic development and pursuing social progress," Li said at a press conference held in the Great Hall of the People in Beijing.
"There are more than 1.3 billion people in this country, and we are still on a long journey towards modernization," Li said. "That requires an international environment of lasting peace."
"Even if China becomes stronger, we will not seek hegemony," the premier said in response to concerns from overseas.
China has an unswerving commitment to peaceful development and unshakable determination to safeguard its sovereignty and territorial integrity, Li said.
"These two are not contradictory to each other. In fact, they are essential to regional stability and world peace," Li said.
China will take up its due international obligations as a large developing country, said the premier.
"We are willing to work with countries of the world to maintain global peace and expand global prosperity in the 21st century," said Li.
