China firmly believes it must adhere to a path of peaceful development where different cultures co-exist in today’s world, said Madam Yan Junqi, vice-chairwoman of the Standing Committee of China’s National People’s Congress.

Speaking at the S. Rajaratnam School of International Studies Distinguished Public Lecture in Singapore on Tuesday (Dec 19), Mdm Yan reiterated this stance in response to a question by an audience member on what she thought was the most serious international misunderstanding about China.

Mdm Yan pointed out that over the course of history, countries have taken different models in their expansion, with some establishing colonial settlements, engaging in war or building alliances to expand their influence.

“China has long been a developing country in the world and in history, we have also been subject to such suffering,” said Mdm Yan, who is also the President of the Chinese Association for International Understanding (CAFIU).