Premier says China's development affects no other countries

BEIJING, March 14 (Xinhua) -- China's development will not affect other countries, Premier Wen Jiabao said here Sunday.

Chinese Premier Wen Jiabao smiles during a press conference after the closing meeting of the Third Session of the 11th National People's Congress (NPC) at the Great Hall of the People in Beijing, capital of China, March 14, 2010. (Xinhua/Xing Guangli)

China has always adhered to the path of peaceful development, Wen told a press conference after the conclusion of the annual session of the National People's Congress (NPC).

The country has never sought hegemony in the past, and would not do so as a developed country in the future, he said.

But China has always been steadfast on issues concerning its sovereignty and territorial integrity, even when it was still poor, the Premier added.