Visiting Chinese Premier Wen Jiabao said on Wednesday that a more prosperous and open China will bring tremendous opportunities for the development of other countries, especially the neighboring countries.

"As the world's largest developing country, China will unswervingly stick to the path of peaceful development, which is not an expedient measure, but the long-term strategic choice and diplomatic guideline," Wen said at luncheon with entrepreneurs from both countries.

The path of peaceful development is decided by taking into consideration not only China's reality of underdeveloped productivity and poor basis, but also its history, culture and traditions, Wen said.

Domestically, China will continue to deepen reforms, expand the opening-up, focus on its economic development drive, achieve comprehensive and sustainable development and build a harmonious society, he said.

Meanwhile, China will continue to pursue a peaceful and independent foreign policy, stick to the win-win and mutually beneficial strategy of opening up to the outside world, join hands with other countries to build a harmonious world of lasting peace and common prosperity, he added.

Wen arrived in Seoul on Tuesday morning for his first visit as premier to South Korea.

He held talks with his South Korean counterpart, Han Duck-soo, and South Korean President Roh Moo-hyun on Tuesday, and attended the opening ceremony of the China-South Korea Exchange Year.

The Chinese premier will leave for Japan on Wednesday and is scheduled to conclude his two-nation Asia tour on Friday.

(Xinhua News Agency April 11, 2007)