Wang Yunlong, deputy Secretary General of the Standing Committee of the National People's Congress of China, attending a regional meeting of lawmakers in Manila Monday, proposed five aspects of efforts to achieve stability and prosperity of Asia in the new century.

"Peace in Asia bears on not only the well-being of Asian countries and peoples, but also peace and development of the world," Wang said.

In a statement at the ongoing Fourth General Assembly of the Association of Asian Parliaments for Peace (AAPP), Wang said that as the first aspect in the efforts, all AAPP members should give full play to the spirit of the Chongqing Declaration adopted at the Third General Assembly of the AAPP in April last year.

The declaration, according to Wang, embodies the common aspirations and propositions of Asian countries to promote the establishment of a new international political and economic order and seek peace, cooperation and development.

All nations should adhere to peaceful means to settle international disputes, Wang stressed, explaining that one should keep in mind the overall peace and stability, and proceed from the long-term interests of all people.

This, Wang said, is to find practical solutions through friendly consultations and negotiations on the basis of taking into full account of the interests of all parties concerned.

The other three proposed aspects of the efforts are to foster anew concept of security with mutual trust, mutual benefit, equality and coordination as the core; to enhance multifarious regional cooperation; and to intensify dialogue and cooperation on translational issues among the countries and territories.

Wang said China hopes the AAPP will be able to get more Asian parliaments involved and become an important force in safeguarding world and Asian peace.

"China, being the largest developing country, its own growth and stability is a significant contribution to the cause of Asian peace. China needs a long-term international environment of peace for its development," Wang said.

"In the new century, we will continue to build a good neighborly relationship and partnership and enhance regional cooperation with our neighbors and bring our exchanges and cooperation to a new high," he said.

"We are convinced that as long as we work hand in hand and strengthen solidarity and cooperation among Asian countries, a hundred years of peace in Asian will be achieved," Wang said.

The AAPP annual general assembly, which opened Monday morning, focuses its energy on four areas, which are political stability, economic development, peace and security, and protection for women, children and the youth.

The AAPP, formally launched in the Bangladesh capital of Dhaka in September 1999, is committed to promoting peace through dialogue and policy-making for the cause of political, economic and social development. Its third annual meeting was held in China in 2002.

The AAPP is the largest regional parliamentary organization in Asia and the most influential platform and channel for dialogue among Asian parliaments and lawmakers.
 
(Xinhua News Agency September 2, 2003)