President Xi Jinping said on Thursday that China adheres to a security outlook that is comprehensive, cooperative and sustainable in nature.

China is willing to deepen cooperation with other countries to foster development and enhance international security, moving together toward a better, shared future for all of mankind, he said in a congratulatory message to the three-day Eighth Beijing Xiangshan Forum, an international security and defense conference co-hosted by the China Association for Military Science and the China Institute for International Strategic Studies.

General Wei Fenghe, state councilor and minister of national defense, read Xi's letter at the forum's opening ceremony.

In the letter, Xi said China's military is always a defender of world peace and stability. He called the forum a significant platform for dialogue on international security and defense issues, praising it for its contribution to security dialogue, mutual trust and collaboration in the Asia-Pacific region.

Xi encouraged participants at the forum to share their thoughts and generate consensus to help to establish a better international system.

The theme of this year's forum is: "Building a new security partnership that features equality, mutual trust, cooperation and mutual benefit". It involves 500 attendees from 67 countries and seven international organizations. High-ranking defense officials from countries including Russia, Vietnam, Nigeria and the Democratic People's Republic of Korea gave speeches at the forum.

Li Zhanshu, chairman of the Standing Committee of the 13th National People's Congress, China's top legislature, said on Wednesday during a reception banquet in Beijing for the event that the forum aims to strengthen mutual trust, resolve uncertainties, generate consensus and expand collaboration.

China will never seek hegemony no matter how strong the country becomes, Li said.

The nation sticks to the approach of dialogue and negotiation among equals, and always honors international rules, norms and consensus when it comes to settling international issues, Li added.

Regarding Sino-US relations, Li said that conflicts will harm both sides and cooperation is the only option for the two countries. He urged both nations to resort to dialogue and negotiation to address problems in the relationship between the two countries.

In his speech at the forum on Thursday, General Wei Fenghe said that China adheres to a defensive military strategy and a peaceful development path.

Wei explained that the country's goal of building a moderate military power is intended to safeguard the Chinese people and world peace.

China will never pursue hegemony or expansion, and will not take part in any arms race, Wei added.