BEIJING - Chinese leaders have in recent months reaffirmed China's commitment to peaceful development, which has become the country's strategy.

Whether in the form of highlighted content of the report of the 18th National Congress of the Communist Party of China (CPC), or the theme of Chinese President Hu Jintao's New Year address, the promise by the Chinese leadership to adhere to peaceful development indeed testifies to Beijing's sincerity in helping build a better world.

Any one familiar with Chinese history knows that aggression or expansion has never been in the blood of the Asian nation, which has deep-rooted belief in maintaining harmony between different elements of the universe.

Aside from its peace-loving cultural tradition, China also has a more realistic motive to stay on track of peaceful development.

Despite its status as an import engine of the global economy, China still has a long way to go before the majority of its people could enjoy a life standard comparable to that in developed countries.

As noted by many scholars and observers, the need for a peaceful international environment has never been stronger as China strives to further boost development amid the unstoppable trend of globalization.

On the much-hyped Chinese military spending, a topic frequently used by biased critics and ill-intended politicians to fan the flames of China-phobia, the basic fact is that China, with its vast territory, a long borderline and complicated geopolitical surroundings, is justified to keep moderate growth in defense expenditures, not to mention that China's current defense expense-to-GDP ratio is dwarfed by many countries.

China, which advocates peaceful solutions to international disputes, has walked the talk. Whoever that suspects a rising China could be a global danger is advised to check the country's record to see whether China has ever been the first to attack. If still unconvinced, China's persistence in opposing hegemony and power politics serves as another clue.

While making clear its adherence to peaceful development, China has been taking concrete steps to address concerns over China's increasing global influence by trying to establish a new mode of inter-power relations and a more equitable global partnership of development.

Meanwhile, a peace-loving China will not hesitate to take necessary actions when its core interests are infringed upon, as said by Chinese generals and senior diplomats.

World peace and stability is high on the New Year wish list for many, especially those caught in armed conflicts. China will continue to work with other members of the international community to make the world a better place.