Settlement of disputes through peaceful means is a proper way to safeguard regional peace and stability. Dialogues and cooperation are major pillars for regional peace and development, and APEC and ARF represent multilateral efforts based on dialogues and cooperation. All in all, we should redouble our efforts in these four areas in order to build a lasting peace and stability in the Asia-Pacific region. In this context, we should foster a new concept of regional security responsive to the diversity of the region. The stability and prosperity of China herself constitute a strong support for regional peace and prosperity.
China pursues an independent foreign policy of peace.
It seeks neither alliance nor confrontation. China has always stood for settlement of disputes between states through peaceful means. It has tried to increase mutual confidence and resolve issues with other countries through sincere and candid dialogues and consultations. A case in point is the negotiated settlement of the Hong Kong question by China and Britain. The Macao question will also be resolved between China and Portugal in 1999.