China’s top legislator promotes ‘Asian security model’, positions Beijing as global growth driver
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Click here to return to FAST Tap here to return to FAST FAST East Asia Recent Searches Trending Topics CNA Explains Budget 2026 artificial intelligence China Indonesia Malaysia podcasts Wellness Thailand Japan Advertisement Advertisement East Asia In a keynote address at the Boao Forum for Asia on Thursday (Mar 26), Zhao Leji also pushed back against what he described as power politics and bullying in the international landscape.
Zhao Leji, chairman of the Standing Committee of China's National People’s Congress, delivers a keynote speech at the Boao Forum for Asia Annual Conference in Hainan, China, Mar 26, 2026. (Photo: CNA/Fabian Koh) New: You can now listen to articles. This audio is generated by an AI tool.
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Get bite-sized news via a new cards interface. Give it a try. Click here to return to FAST Tap here to return to FAST FAST BOAO, Hainan: China’s top legislator Zhao Leji has called for an “Asian security model” based on dialogue and non-interference amid a fraught geopolitical landscape, while casting Beijing as a steady driver of global growth focused on improving livelihoods at home and abroad.
“We should respect the sovereignty and territorial integrity of all countries, adhere to non-interference in internal affairs, and resolve differences through peaceful means … to build an Asian security model based on dialogue and consultation,” Zhao said on Thursday (Mar 26) in a keynote address at the Boao Forum for Asia in China’s tropical Hainan province.
Positioning Asia as a key pillar of stability, Zhao, who is the chairman of the standing committee of China’s National People’s Congress, called on countries in the region to deepen integration and maintain stable supply chains. “Asian countries have forged a path of mutual benefit and win-win cooperation, creating an ‘Asian miracle’,” he said in a speech that lasted around 15 minutes.
CNA Games Guess Word Crack the word, one row at a time Buzzword Create words using the given letters Mini Sudoku Tiny puzzle, mighty brain teaser Mini Crossword Small grid, big challenge Word Search Spot as many words as you can Show More Show Less At the same time, Zhao pushed back against what he described as power politics and bullying, urging countries to reject bloc confrontation and deepen cooperation.
While no country was named, his comments come amid the United States’ increasingly unilateral approach under President Donald Trump, including the use of tariffs. Washington also recently carried out a military operation in Venezuela, seizing its leader, and is currently embroiled in an escalating conflict with Iran.
“We should uphold true multilateralism … and work towards a more just and equitable global governance system,” Zhao said, echoing remarks made by other senior Chinese officials in recent months. Turning to China’s domestic agenda, Zhao said the country remains focused on economic development and improving people’s livelihoods, while contributing to global growth through its own progress.
He highlighted China’s push to become a global leader in innovation, saying the country would “pursue innovation-driven development and continuously unlock new growth drivers”, including through advances in areas such as artificial intelligence and quantum technology.
At the same time, he underscored efforts to support businesses and attract investment, pledging to further open China’s market and improve the business environment. Zhao said China would “continue to host major international t…