In recent months, an inspiring vision of the "Chinese dream" put forward by newly elected President Xi Jinping has been enthusiastically discussed throughout China. But what does it mean to Europe and the world at large? In his keynote speech at the Fourth China-Europe High-Level Political Parties Forum held in Suzhou of east China's Jiangsu Province, Liu Yunshan, Member of the Standing Committee of the Political Bureau of the Communist Party of China Central Committee, interpreted the Chinese dream from a global perspective. Excerpts follow:

Following a long, strenuous period of exploration we have succeeded in finding a correct path that leads to development and progress in China - socialism with Chinese characteristics. This path has enabled China to grow its economy by nearly 10 percent every year for more than 30 years, achieve a more than 30-fold increase in residents' income and account for more than 70 percent of global poverty alleviation. It has also brought us closer than ever to the goal of national renewal after more than three decades of reform and development.

To make the Chinese dream a reality, we must stick to this path, advocate for the Chinese spirit and pool Chinese strength. The Chinese dream is the dream of Chinese people and its fundamental purpose is to deliver benefits to them. As China develops, we encourage every Chinese to pursue his or her own dreams. We will create conditions that will allow them to advance in life, realize their dreams and grow along with the motherland.

The realization of the Chinese dream will bring peace, development, cooperation and more opportunities to the world. It will not pose any threat to anyone.

The Chinese dream, which emphasizes peace and harmony, will present more opportunities to other countries. Over the past years, China has developed with the big picture in mind and made significant contributions to lessening the Asian financial storm, curbing the global financial crisis, opening markets and improving global governance. China's foreign trade volume exceeded $3.8 trillion in 2012, making it the world's largest trading nation. In the next five years, the Chinese will import about $10 trillion in goods, invest $500 billion overseas and likely make more than 400 million trips abroad. All of this will help reinvigorate the global economy.

We are willing to share the Chinese dream with Europe and the world. As trends move the world toward multi-polar, economic globalization and an information society forms, countries in the global village are becoming more interconnected and interdependent. The destinies of China and Europe have never before been as intertwined as they are today. The EU remains China's largest trade partner and technology supplier, and China is the EU's largest source of imports and second largest export market. Every year, 5 million visits are made between China and Europe, with more than 70 flights connecting the two each day. China and Europe share common interests and similar stances in supporting multilateralism, strengthening global governance, promoting world economic recovery and dealing with various global challenges. We have cooperated extensively on a wide range of international and regional issues. These facts provide evidence that China-Europe relations are strengthening and deepening. To raise these relations to new heights, we need to make joint efforts in the following areas:

First, we should uphold the principle of win-win cooperation to positively develop the China-EU comprehensive strategic partnership. In an interdependent world, relations between countries can not become a cutthroat competition or a zero-sum game. China firmly supports European integration, as well as Europe's efforts to manage its debt crisis. Our nation considers a united, prosperous and strong Europe a boon to China and the world. Europe, for its part, has supported China's reform and opening up and regards China's development as an opportunity. We should transcend differences, abandon the zero-sum mentality and instead build mutual support and win-win cooperation. We should also compete in a healthy manner while sharing benefits and responsibilities.

Second, we should expand cooperation to lay a solid economic foundation for the China-EU strategic partnership. As China works to complete the building of a moderately prosperous society and as Europe implements the Europe 2020 Strategy, we will find more common interests, which will present new opportunities for deepening cooperation. China's changing economic development pattern and its growing consumer demand, imports and investment in Europe will offer new business opportunities to European industries and drive growth and job creation in Europe. The EU's advanced development concepts, managerial expertise and technology will invigorate China's development. We should explore new ways of collaboration, expand areas of cooperation and promote the balanced and sustainable development of bilateral trade. We should strengthen cooperation in scientific research and innovation, deepen cooperation in energy and environmental protection and advance partnerships in urbanization. We should try to make urbanization, the green economy and technological innovation new highlights of China-Europe cooperation.

Third, we should strengthen cultural exchanges to create new bonds in the China-EU comprehensive strategic partnership. While economic and trade interests lay the material groundwork for strengthening China-Europe relations, mutual understanding and trust between peoples offer further support. We should be more active in boosting exchanges between all sectors of China's and Europe's societies while working together more closely in cultural areas. We should shape a favorable public opinion for friendly relations between China and Europe by developing non-governmental ties.

Fourth, we should manage disputes and friction in a proper way that serves the overall interests of the China-EU strategic partnership. In light of our different historical and cultural backgrounds, social systems and development stages, it is normal that China and Europe see some issues differently. Given our expanding economic and trade ties, competition and friction are also unavoidable. We should show mutual respect and understanding, while fostering equality and a give-and-take attitude. We should remember that, when protecting one's own interests, one must take partners' reasonable concerns into consideration. We should resolve disputes through dialogue and negotiations to ensure positive bilateral cooperation.

Fifth, we should confront global challenges together and strive to build a world of enduring peace and shared prosperity. As important powers in the current international system, China and Europe have major responsibilities in safeguarding world peace and development. No country can solve global challenges including financial crises, resource shortages, climate change, nuclear security and terrorism alone. China and Europe must cooperate. We should be active in global governance, promote trade and investment liberalization, oppose protectionism and continue to communicate with each other on global and regional issues. We believe that through joint efforts, China and Europe will properly manage and grow their comprehensive strategic partnership and contribute to world peace and development.