China plays its due role in the international system and upholds and contributes to this system, a senior Chinese lawmaker said on Monday.

Xu Jialu, vice-chairman of the Standing Committee of the National People's Congress (NPC), China's top legislature, made the remarks at the 16th annual meeting of the Asia- Pacific Parliamentary Forum (APPF), which opened in New Zealand's largest city of Auckland on Monday.

Parliamentary delegations from nearly 30 countries attended the four-day meeting, focusing on political security, economic and trade, Asia-Pacific regional cooperation, climate change and energy security.

In his speech, Xu said, the Asia-Pacific, one of the most dynamic and promising regions in the world, has become an engine of global political and economic development. Peace, development, stability and cooperation are the shared aspiration of the peoples throughout the Asia-Pacific region.

However, discord and instability still exist in the Asia Pacific, he added.

To address various challenges, enhance common security and achieve common development, "We need to follow the principles of mutual trust, mutual benefit, equality and cooperation, remain committed to multilateralism, and intensify collective action and international cooperation," Xu told the lawmakers.

The world needs a "peaceful and stable, united and cooperative, open and inclusive" Asia -Pacific region, Xu added.

China has fulfilled its due responsibility, and will be more active in international cooperation and continue to play a responsible and constructive role in the region, he said.

"The National People's Congress of China will work with other members of the forum and contribute to play a positive role in enhancing exchange, understanding, trust and friendship among parliaments and peoples of Asia-Pacific countries, and make the region an open and inclusive one," Xu added.

The APPF is an annual gathering of parliamentarians from the Asia-Pacific countries. Since it first met in Tokyo in 1993, the APPF has grown into a valuable forum for building understanding and cooperation among the region's parliamentary leaders.
 
(Xinhua News Agency January 22, 2008)