BEIJING -- People of all countries should work together in building a harmonious world, Hu Jintao said in his report to the 17th National Congress of the Communist Party of China (CPC) on Monday.

"We maintain that the people of all countries should join hands and strive to build a harmonious world of lasting peace and common prosperity," said Hu on behalf of the 16th CPC Central Committee.

Peace and development remain the main themes of the present era, and pursuit of peace, development and cooperation has become an irresistible trend of the times, Hu said.

At the same time, the world remains far from tranquil and world peace and development faces many difficulties and challenges, Hu said.

Sharing opportunities for development and rising to challenges together so as to further the cause of peace and development of humanity is the fundamental interests of the people of all countries and meet their common aspirations, Hu said.

To this end, Hu proposed that all countries uphold the purposes and principles of the United Nations Charter, observe international law and universally recognized norms of international relations, and promote democracy, harmony, collaboration and win-win solutions in international relations.

-- Politically, all countries should respect each other and conduct consultations on an equal footing in a common endeavor to promote democracy in international relations.

-- Economically, they should cooperate with each other, draw on each other's strengths and work together to advance economic globalization in the direction of balanced development, shared benefits and win-win progress.

-- Culturally, they should learn from each other in the spirit of seeking common ground while shelving differences, respect the diversity of the world, and make joint efforts to advance human civilization.

-- In the area of security, they should trust each other, strengthen cooperation, settle international disputes by peaceful means rather than by war, and work together to safeguard peace and stability in the world.

-- On environmental issues, they should assist and cooperate with each other in conservation efforts to take good care of the Earth, the only home of human beings.

Hu said that whatever changes take place in the international situation, the Chinese government and people will always hold high the banner of peace, development and cooperation, pursue an independent foreign policy of peace, safeguard China's interests in terms of sovereignty, security and development, and uphold its foreign policy purposes of maintaining world peace and promoting common development.

Reiterating that China will unswervingly follow the path of peaceful development, Hu said China opposes terrorism, hegemonism and power politics in any form and does not engage in arms race or pose a military threat to any other country, and will never seek hegemony or engage in expansion.

Pointing out that China cannot develop in isolation from the rest of the world, nor can the world enjoy prosperity and stability without China, Hu said "China will never seek benefits for itself at the expense of other countries or shift its troubles onto others."