Forum to offer Asian leaders closer look at nation's policies

BEIJING - The special conference on Development and People's Access by the International Conference of Asian Political Parties (ICAPP) on Sept 4 will offer a chance for Asian leaders to increase their understanding of China and its ruling party, a senior Chinese official said in a statement on Friday.

Shen Beili, director-general at the Bureau of South and Southeast Asian Affairs of the International Department of the Communist Party of China (CPC), said the conference is aimed at "introducing the CPC's concept of scientific development in order to promote the exchange and discussion of ideas and new measures to enhance governance in Asia".

The special conference will be held in Nanning, the capital city of southern China's Guangxi Zhuang autonomous region.

More than 100 representatives from 40 political parties throughout Asia will attend the three-day meeting.

Shen said that before discussion begins, the participants will visit urban and rural communities to examine policy measures taken by local government in the areas of employment, medical care and education.

"The field trip in Guangxi will help participants learn more about China and its social development and understand our methods of securing and improving the livelihood of local residents," Shen said.

Shen added that hosting multi-party conferences, such as the Second China-Europe High-Level Political Party Forum in May, is also an important way for the CPC to increase external ties, learn experiences from others and promote international cooperation.

In recent years, the CPC has actively participated in international exchanges and developed a more comprehensive diplomatic policy.

According to Shen, China has maintained different types of friendly exchanges that go beyond ideological differences and seek for mutual understanding and cooperation, engaging more than 600 parties in more than 160 countries and regions around the world.

Shen said that political parties reflect the interests of the general public and regular communication is an important bridge to link China with the international community.

"Government exchanges are half official and half interpersonal communication, which play a unique and key role in promoting friendship and international cooperation," Shen said.

Yang Baoyun, a professor of Asian studies at Peking University, said neighboring countries are keeping a close eye on China's booming economy and paying particular attention to the country's countermeasures against global financial crises.

"China should step up its effort and share tips with other countries, allowing others to benefit from China's rapid development. The country has an opportunity to share experiences, reaffirm our dedication to peaceful development with neighboring countries and eliminate unfounded anxiety," said Yang.

China Daily