China's development contributes to peace and stability in Asia and a stable and prosperous China is in itself an important contribution to peace and stability in the continent, Chinese President Hu Jintao said here Saturday at the opening session of the Boao Forum for Asia 2004 Annual Conference.

    China since ancient times has had a fine tradition of sincerity,benevolence, kindness and trust toward its neighbors, Hu said.

    The very purpose of China's foreign policy is to maintain worldpeace and promote common development, and China always practices what it preaches.

    "Persisting in building good-neighborly relationships and partnership with the neighboring countries, we pursue a policy of bringing harmony, security and prosperity to neighbors and dedicate ourselves to strengthening mutual trust and cooperation with the fellow Asian countries, easing up hot spot tensions, and striving to maintain peace and tranquillity in Asia," the president said. Enditem