China to play bigger role on world stage: Ukrainian expert

KIEV, March 13 (Xinhua) -- China's role on the world stage will be strengthened after the ongoing annual session of the National People's Congress, China's top legislature, a Ukrainian international relations expert told Xinhua on Tuesday.

Viktor Kiktenko, head of the Far East Department at the Kiev-based Institute of Oriental Studies, said the new leadership that will be elected in the next few days will ensure the continuity of the Chinese foreign policy.

Meanwhile, Kiktenko spoke highly of the huge economic achievements China has made since it adopted the reforms and opening up policy 30 years ago, saying "China has fulfilled the fastest industrial revolution in history."

Kiktenko said that after the NPC session, the Chinese leadership will continue to stick to the path of reforms while maintaining its basic ideology and principles.

Kiktenko also said China, which is playing a significant role on world affairs, will stand firm in maintaining good relations with other countries.

While China and the United States will continue to cooperate with each other, China will also strengthen its cooperation with other countries, especially fellow BRICS countries -- Brazil, Russia, India and South Africa, Kiktenko added.

On the Sino-Ukrainian relationship, Kiktenko said there is a huge potential and broad prospect for cooperation between the two countries.

"Their bilateral relationship will focus on economic cooperation. The priority fields are agriculture, the military-industrial complex, as well as new projects at the state level," the expert said.

In addition, Kiktenko said that after the NPC session, China will further promote the Chinese language and culture worldwide.

"Today, the Chinese language, along with English, is the international language of business communication. The Chinese language is a prerequisite for many professionals," Kiktenko said.

"With the further development of China, the role of the Chinese language will grow," he added.