Chinese President Hu Jintao said Saturday that China will hold high the banner of peace, development and cooperation and keep steadfastly to the road of peaceful development.

"It is only through the road of peaceful development that the progress of the human race and the prosperity of a nation shall and can be achieved," Hu said at a gathering to commemorate the 60th anniversary of the victory of the Chinese People's War Against Japanese Aggression and the the victory of the World Anti-Fascists War.

"History tells us that any attempt by a country to realize its interests through the use or threat of force, or to place its interests above those of other nations will get nowhere. Such attempts are against the tide of history of human development and against the fundamental interests of people all over the world," Hu said.

He said having suffered bitterly from the scourge of war in modern times, the Chinese people are keenly aware of the value of peace.

"China will continue to pursue an independent foreign policy of peace and carry out the policy of opening to the outside world in all dimensions," he said.

He said China will seize the favorable opportunity of world peace and development to develop itself while at the same time promoting world peace and development with its own growth.

He said China is forever an important force safeguarding world peace.

"China has never sought hegemony, and never will in the future, " he said.

Source: Xinhua