China's development brings opportunities, not threats

(Xinhua)
Updated: 2008-10-01 18:28

PARIS -- China has made unparalleled achievements since it adopted the policy of reform and opening-up 30 years ago and China's development "brings opportunities rather than threats," a French expert told Xinhua in a recent interview.

Jacques Marsaille, a renowned expert on economic history and professor at Sorbonne University, has visited China four times in the past 10 years and garnered a well understanding of the Asian country.

Due to 30 years of unremitting efforts, the number of people living in poverty has been greatly brought down and huge changes have also taken place in the Chinese society, Marsaille noted.

"I don't hold that China's swift development poses any threat to others, instead, it brings opportunities," he said.

"China, with a unique history and culture, has not been seeking hegemony in its rapid development despite the ever-strengthening of its economic muscle," he said.

Holding an optimistic attitude toward China's future, Marsaille said the Chinese people will undoubtedly stride forward on its own development path.

Touching on the economic cooperation between China and France, the professor said the ever-expanding Chinese consumption market brings wonderful opportunities to French enterprises.

"I will go all out to help the French entrepreneurs better understand the Chinese culture and market since huge potentials in the Chinese market awaits them to tap," Marsaille said.