China to adhere to peaceful development - Hu

SEOUL -- China will unswervingly follow a path of peaceful development and a reciprocal win-win strategy in its opening-up process, said visiting Chinese President Hu Jintao here on Tuesday.

Hu made the remarks when addressing a luncheon¹ jointly² hosted by the Korea International Trade Association, the Korea Chamber³ of Commerce and Industry, the Federation⁴ of Korean Industries and the Korea Federation of Small and Medium-sized Businesses.

China will seek development based on peacefulness, opening up and cooperation, said Hu, noting the Chinese people are willing to work hand-in-hand with other peoples to develop a harmonious⁵ world of lasting⁶ peace and shared prosperity.

In his address entitled "Deepening Cooperation for Mutual⁷ Benefit and Creating a Brilliant Future", Hu highlighted the role that economic and trade cooperation has played in boosting bilateral⁸ ties between China and South Korea.

The Chinese leader also had a review of China's experience since it adopted the policy of reform and opening-up 30 years ago and the consequent achievements.

The Chinese president and his South Korean counterpart Lee Myung-bak earlier Tuesday met with representatives of Chinese and South Korean youth and attended a tree-planting event.

Hu also held talks with South Korean Prime Minister Han Seung-soo and National Assembly Speaker Kim Hyong-o on the same day.

Hu is paying a two-day visit to the country as the first leg of his six-day Asian tour which will also take him to Tajikistan and Turkmenistan.

He will also attend the annual summit of the Shanghai Cooperation Organization slated⁹ for August 28 in Dushanbe, Tajikistan's capital.