Beijing: China today (Sep 3, 2004) assured that it will never seek "hegemony" and "expansion" and stressed on greater economic cooperation between Asian nations by gradually eliminating trade barriers.

"China will never seek hegemony or expansion. We will always focus on achieving peace, security, cooperation and prosperity in Asia, seek friendship and partnership with our neighbours," Chinese Vice President Zeng Qinghong said in his inaugural address at the third International Conference of Asian Political Parties in Beijing.

The meeting is being attended by delegates from 34 countries representing over 80 political parties, including the Congress, BJP (Bharatiya Janata Party), CPM (Communist Party Marxist) and CPI (Communist Party of India).

All Asian countries should strengthen economic cooperation, expand mutual investment, increase the flow of technology and personnel, progressively open their markets to each other and gradually eliminate trade barriers, Zeng, also member of the Standing Committee of the Politburo of the CPC Central Committee, said.

Stressing that Asian Governments and political parties should seek common ground, he said there was a need to "pursue cooperation instead of confrontation, seek accord through consultation instead of imposing their will on others and try to bring about win-win cooperation."

"We should work hard to find new models for regional security and cooperation," he said.

"We hope that on the basis of the Charter of the United Nations and the Five Principles of Peaceful Coexistence, they (Asian countries) will resolve conflicts through dialogue on an equal footing," Zeng said.