China to shoulder more responsibility rather than seeking leadership: FM

Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi meets the press on the sidelines of the national legislature annual session in Beijing, on March 8, 2017. [Photo: Xinhua]

Instead of seeking to become a global leader, China will shoulder more responsibility and contribute more to world peace and growth, Foreign Minister Wang Yi said Wednesday.

"Rather than talking about leadership, we should really be talking about responsibility," Wang told a press conference on the sidelines of the annual session of the National People's Congress.

The remarks were made in response to a question whether China is trying to displace the United States to seek global leadership.

"China believes in the equality of all countries, large and small, and we don't believe some countries should lead others," Wang said.

The United Nations, as the most authoritative and credible intergovernmental organization, should effectively play its role of coordinating international affairs according to the purposes and principles of its charter, he said.

As a permanent member of the UN Security Council, China will fulfil its obligation to international peace and security, he said, promising due contribution to world growth as China is the world's second largest economy.

As the world's largest developing country, China will play a bigger role in upholding the legitimate rights and interests of fellow developing countries, Wang said.