Chinese President Xi Jinping on Thursday warned against a major power contest in the Asia-Pacific in a written speech to a regional economic meeting, saying the region is "no one's backyard," according to the country's official Xinhua News Agency.
"No attempt to wage a new Cold War will ever be allowed by the people or by our times," Xi said in the speech to the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation CEO Summit, against the background of an intensifying rivalry between China and the United States.
Noting the Asia-Pacific, once a ground of major power rivalry and a place fraught with international disputes, suffered so much from conflicts and wars, Xi said, "We should follow a path of peaceful development," according to Xinhua.
The Chinese leader also said openness and inclusiveness are vital for human prosperity and advancement and that "the Asia-Pacific miracle has been created by all of us working hand in hand and overcoming difficulties and obstacles."
Xi also called on APEC members to respond to the challenges of the times and "steadfastly advance" regional economic integration before he and other APEC leaders hold a two-day summit from Friday in the Thai capital.
The 21 APEC members including China, the United States and Japan account for roughly half of global trade and 60 percent of the world's total gross domestic product.
