BEIJING, Dec. 4 -- How can China, the world's second largest economy, ensure it will not follow in the footsteps of those big powers that sought hegemony once they grew strong?

One may find the answer in a new foreign policy address as the Chinese leadership vowed to develop a distinctive diplomatic approach befitting its role as a major country and imprint it with salient Chinese features and an overarching Chinese manner.

Instead of seeking hegemony like some big powers, President Xi Jinping said in a major foreign policy address during the weekend that China would follow the independent foreign policy of peace and pursue peaceful development and win-win cooperation.

China's interactions with the international community have become closer than ever before. Its dependence on the world and its involvement in international affairs are deepening, as is the world's dependence on China and its impact on China.

China should not only take into consideration its own development demands on the international environment, but also the demands and aspirations of the international community on China when handling international relations.

Boosting common interests continues to be a key part of China's diplomacy.

Xi has publicized the building of "a community of common destiny" in multiple international events since he took office.

The notion underlines the importance of pursuing win-win cooperation, promoting a new type of international relations featuring win-win cooperation, and seeking common development with an opening up and win-win approach.

By abiding by this win-win approach, China will engage in cooperation with other countries in every aspect of its external relations.

China will not only ensure its own interests and space for development, but also leave space for others to develop, it wants to ensure its own security and it also wants others to feel safe.

The new foreign policy address underlines the importance of promoting "democracy in international relations", stressing all countries, regardless of their size, strength and level of development, are equal members of the international community.

While China remains on its path to peaceful development, it will also help other countries to develop peacefully.

Under the leadership of Xi, a foreign policy rich in Chinese features is gradually taking shape.

Over the past two years, China has taken steps to advocate the building of a new type of international relations, underpinned by win-win cooperation and the championing of a new vision featuring common, comprehensive, cooperative and sustainable security.

China has also made efforts to build a new model of major-country relations; put forward a neighborhood policy featuring amity, sincerity, mutual benefit and inclusiveness; as well as guidelines on relations with Africa featuring sincerity.

The moves have shown the world China's sincerity and enabled other countries to take advantage of the achievements and opportunities brought about by its reform and development measures.

As an important force to safeguard world peace and promote common development, China will remain committed to the path of peaceful development, undertake more international obligations, and prove itself to a reliable partner and friend in the international community.