Xi reaffirms significance of multilateralism

As a nation with nearly 1.4 billion people, China's biggest contribution to humanity is to handle its own affairs well, Xi said, adding that China would like to shoulder its international obligations and responsibilities.

China will prove with its real practices that a strong country may not seek hegemony, and this has been shown by the country's history, culture and tradition over the past 5,000 years, Xi said.

The people of all countries have the right to select development paths that fit their own countries' situations, and no nation can achieve rejuvenation by copying the development paths of others, he said.

Noting that this year marks the 70th anniversary of the founding of the People's Republic of China, Xi said that progress over the past decades proves that socialism with Chinese characteristics is the right path for China's development.

China will firmly uphold its path, continue to deepen reform and opening-up and achieve the "Two Centenary Goals" as planned, Xi said, adding that he is confident of China's future.