Chinese President Hu Jintao said in Mexico City Monday that China, the world's largest developing country, will keep steadfastly to the path of peaceful development.

Addressing the Mexican Senate, Hu said the Chinese people are keenly aware of the value of peace and has learned that all peoples in the world can only achieve their goals of development by peaceful means.

Hu, who arrived in the Mexican capital Sunday on a state visit, elaborated on the importance of peaceful development.

Development can last and be reliable only if it is achieved by peaceful means, said Hu, adding that such development not only benefits the people in that particular country but people all over the world.

China will hold high the banner of peace, development and cooperation, continue to pursue an independent foreign policy of peace, keep firmly to the path of peaceful development, and adhere to the mutually beneficial and win-win strategy of opening up.

He told the Mexican lawmakers that China will develop itself through extensive cooperation with other countries while at the same time promoting the common development of all countries in the world and making incessant contributions to world peace.

(Xinhua News Agency September 13, 2005)