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Chinese President Xi Jinping has urged political parties globally to pursue development and uphold multilateralism and cooperation in addressing the challenges that humanity faces.

President Xi, who is also the General Secretary of the Communist Party of China (CPC) Central Committee, said this at a virtual summit with leaders of more than 500 world political parties.

The summit was on the theme: "For the People's Wellbeing: the Responsibility of Political Parties".

President Xi said it was imperative to address global challenges as wars and conflicts persisted in some parts of the world, while hunger and disease prevailed, with misunderstanding and opposition deepening.

"No country can stand aloof in the face of global challenges, and cooperation is the only choice," he emphasised.

Political parties should, therefore, embrace the idea of global community with a shared future.

"Viewed from the perspective of 'my own country first,' the world is a cramped and crowded place perpetuated in fierce competition," President Xi explained.

"Viewed from the perspective of ' a global community with a shared future,' the world is a vast and broad place full of cooperation opportunities.

"On the road to the well-being of all mankind, no country or nation should be left behind."

He noted that all countries and nations were equally entitled to rights to development and opportunities rather than an exclusive privilege of the few.

Political parties must thus face up the problem of the development gap, and pay more attention to the less developed countries and regions.

They should also jointly oppose the practice of seeking technology blockade and divide as well as decoupling.

"We need to enable all countries to step up development cooperation, and see to it that the fruits of development are shared by all," President Xi said.

He reiterated that any political manipulation for the purpose of sabotaging the development of other countries and undercutting the livelihood of other peoples would receive little support and prove to be futile.

"We should stand opposed to the practice of unilateralism disguised as multilateralism and say no to hegemony and power politics," President Xi said.

"International rules should be agreed upon by all countries, not a few people. Cooperation among countries should aim to serve all mankind instead of seeking hegemony by way of group politics."

He stated that China would never seek hegemony, expansion, or sphere of influence," adding, "China will always be a member of the developing world".

President Xi said the CPC was willing to make new contributions to improve human well-being.

China has helped 98.99 million rural people get out of poverty since 2012 and met the target of the UN 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development 10 years ahead of schedule.

Speaking of China's success in poverty alleviation, President Xi said the CPC was willing to contribute more Chinese solutions and Chinese strength to the poverty reduction process worldwide.

China would spare no effort to support international cooperation against COVID-19, he pledged.

It would also make relentless efforts in delivering its promise of achieving carbon peak and neutrality.