Our philosophy on building a harmonious world has been understood and accepted by an increasing number of countries and their people. It shows that we have a bigger influence in the world.

The CPC report makes clear how to build a harmonious world. It declares that China will always take the peaceful road unswervingly.

The prerequisite for a harmonious world is that all countries - big ones in particular - pursue peaceful development. Otherwise, a harmonious world is impossible.

Committing itself to peaceful development, China has made it clear to the outside world that it will not follow in the footsteps of the traditional big powers.

China's declaration should set a good example for the rest of the world, especially other big powers.

China's development in the past decades has always been peaceful, and the country is an important force in safeguarding peace in the world.

China has underlined it will adopt a mutually beneficial and win-win strategy. This is the path that leads to a harmonious world.

So far no country has declared to the world that it will pursue a win-win foreign policy as the CPC in its political doctrine.

We have done what we said we will do. The country's reform and opening up to the outside world marked the beginning of its mutually beneficial and win-win strategy.

China has paid a cost for opening to the world, but the policy has made the country's speedy growth possible and helped remove obstacles in its revitalization.

In this sense, China has the very right to talk about mutual benefits and a win-win strategy.

Also, China has moved such a strategy to a higher level, declaring it will pay attention to and support impoverished and developing countries.

In reality, the strategy has been implemented far beyond the economic sphere and has included humanitarian concerns.

China should start with its neighboring countries and regions when promoting its philosophy of building a harmonious world. It shares many common interests with these countries and regions.

One of the characteristics of a harmonious world is pursuing "harmony with differences". It means all countries with different social systems, historical and cultural backgrounds, and development modes - be they are big or small - should be respected.

The author is vice-minister of foreign affairs. The article was originally published in World Affairs magazine

(China Daily, March 6, 2008)