China: Xi Jinping Says Beijing Will Never Use Force to Achieve its Goals

Chinese President Xi Jinping has declared that Beijing will never use force in order to achieve its goals, including maritime disputes with four Southeast Asian nations.

Just days after US President Barack Obama spoke of the dangers of conflict in Asia, Jinping said that the Asian powerhouse was only seeking peace and not conflict.

"A review of history shows that countries that attempted to pursue development with force invariably failed," he said in his address to the Australian parliament.

"This is what history teaches us. China is dedicated to upholding peace. Peace is precious and needs to be protected."

"We must always be on high alert against the factors that may deprive us of peace."

China's relations with a number fellow Southeast Asian nations are tense, for example disputes with Vietnam and the Philippines over territory in the South China Sea.

The Chinese leader said that he was open to dialogue with these nations over such disputes.

"It is China's long-standing position to address peacefully its disputes with countries concerned and territorial sovereignty and maritime interests through dialogue and consultation," he said.

"China has settled land boundary issues with 12 out of its 14 neighbours through friendly consultation. And we will continue to work in this direction.

"The Chinese government is ready to enhance dialogue and cooperation with relevant countries to maintain freedom of navigation and the safety of maritime routes, and ensure a maritime border of peace, tranquility and cooperation."