Chinese Premier Wen Jiabao pledged in Helsinki, Finland, on Sunday that China, as a responsible player in the world stage, would participate more actively in international cooperation in a bid to make greater progress in its development drive.

The Chinese premier made the pledge as he was attending the 6th summit of the Asia-Europe Meeting (ASEM) in the Finnish capital of Helsinki.

China attaches great importance to and has taken an active part in the process of Asia-Europe cooperation, the premier said.

"We have actively promoted multilateral cooperation, economic exchanges and dialogue between different cultures and civilizations," Wen said, adding that "we are ready to make greater contribution to peace, cooperation and development of Asia and Europe."

On China's foreign policy, Wen said China is committed to pursuing peace, cooperation and development, and China endeavors to develop friendly relations and cooperation with all the other countries on the basis of the Five Principles of Peaceful Co-existence.

On economy, China is committed to making the international political and economic order fairer and more equitable, the premier said, adding that China honors its international obligations and is assuming greater responsibility in the United Nations, the WTO and other multilateral institutions.

"China strictly honors its WTO commitments and observes WTO rules, and is opening its market in phases," Wen said.

On counter-terrorism, Wen said China is opposed to associating terrorism with a particular nation or religion and is against applying double standard.

"We should take a comprehensive approach in fighting terrorism and address both symptom and root causes," he said, adding that high priority should be placed on alleviating poverty and resolving regional conflicts so as to remove the causes of terrorism.

On defense policy, the prime minister said China pursues a transparent defense policy, which is defensive in nature and aimed at safeguarding China's national security and unity.

China is firmly committed to international arms control, disarmament and non-proliferation, he added.

As a responsible country in handling international issues, Wen said, China has provided financial and technical assistance to the countries stricken by the Indian Ocean Tsunami and the South Asian earthquake.

In the fight against SARS and bird flu, China has also participated in international cooperation in a responsible manner, he added.

In conclusion, the Chinese premier said China will continue to develop friendly relations and cooperation with its Asian and European partners and other countries across the world and work with them to build "a world of harmony, durable peace and common prosperity."

The two-day summit, which also marks ASEM's 10th anniversary, gathers leaders from the 25-member European Union and the 10 members of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN), plus China, South Korea and Japan.

(Xinhua News Agency September 11, 2006)