China seeks to share governance experience, not impose its political ideology

China will not impose its political ideology on other countries, but stands ready to share its governance experience, a senior official of the Communist Party of China said on Monday.

"(Political systems) should not be forced on others," Liu Jianchao, the head of the International Department of the CPC Central Committee, said.

"But we can have dialogue. We can share our experience on governance. We can share our experience on leadership. That's what really brought us here," he said at a conference in Beijing with politicians from China's neighboring countries.

Bhokin Bhalakula, former president of the Parliament of Thailand, stressed at the conference the importance of mutual understanding among countries.

"China tries to understand that each country has its own way. It tries to understand, talk, negotiate and have dialogue," Bhokin said, calling on China and its neighboring countries to "prove to the world that unity is more important than division".

Named "CPC in dialogue with political parties of neighboring countries" and bringing together more than 200 representatives, the conference came at a time of rising regional and geopolitical tensions and trade protectionism.

China has always pursued an independent and peaceful foreign policy, Liu said, adding that Asia has maintained peace and stability in general since World War II as a result of the peaceful development policies of China and its neighboring countries.

The countries have shared development opportunities and promoted regional and subregional cooperation through equal consultation, making Asia a land of development, Liu said, adding that they should cherish and consolidate the cooperation.

"China will take on its due responsibility," he said.

Liu also called on the countries to strengthen communication and strategic mutual trust.

"Poor communication can lead to misunderstanding, which will be further complicated by intervention from forces outside the region," he said.

China hopes to carry on its traditional friendship with neighboring countries, work with them to support each other over issues concerning their own core and major interests, and jointly ward off external intervention, Liu said.