BEIJING, March 5. /TASS/. China intends to pursue an independent and autonomous peaceful foreign policy, according to a government report released on Sunday at the opening session of the first session of the 14th National People's Congress (the supreme legislative body).
"We will steadily adhere to an independent and peaceful foreign policy, steadily pursue the path of peaceful development, and unwaveringly develop friendly relations and cooperation with all countries on the basis of the five principles of peaceful coexistence," the document said.
According to the report, China intends to pursue a strategy of openness to the outside world, to be focused on mutual benefit, to always promote world peace, and to contribute to global development and protect international order.
"China is willing to carry out the global development and security initiative together with the global community, to spread the common values of humanity, to join hands with all countries of the world to promote the building of a community of common destiny of humanity, to protect world peace and maintain regional stability," the document said.
The first session of the 14th National People's Congress will end on March 13. Chinese lawmakers will discuss key issues of socio-economic development and coordinate directions for further reforms. In addition, the new leadership of the country will be elected, including the chairman of the People's Republic of China and the Premier of the State Council.