BEIJING, Oct. 16 (Xinhua) -- China will never seek hegemony or engage in expansionism, Xi Jinping said on Sunday at the opening session of the 20th National Congress of the Communist Party of China.

Chinese peacekeeper Yu Peijie (R) sings songs with local children in Juba, South Sudan, on April 30, 2018. (Photo: Xinhua)

China stands firmly against all forms of hegemonism and power politics, the Cold War mentality, interference in other countries' internal affairs, and double standards, Xi said.

China remains firm in pursuing an independent foreign policy of peace. It has always decided its position and policy on issues based on their own merits, and it has strived to uphold the basic norms governing international relations and safeguard international fairness and justice, Xi said.