BALI, Indonesia - The international community should listen more to the voices of developing countries when promoting democracy, a senior Chinese official said here Thursday.

Hailing the achievements of the emerging economies in developing their own democracy pattern while pushing for modernization, Dong Yunhu, Deputy Director of China's State Council Information Office, said it would not be in the spirit of democracy if a few developed countries dominated the topic.

"The international community should take into consideration the experiences and contributions both by the developed and developing countries in terms of democracy, the efforts made by the developing countries in particular," he said at the 4th Bali Democracy Forum.

The 2-day forum, under the theme of "Enhancing Democratic Participation in a Changing World: Responding to Democratic Voices" , has drawn participants from more than 80 countries to talk about the development of democracy from various perspectives.

"For China, the fundamental principle is to adhere to the essence of democracy, or the government works for the majority of the people. It is also the biggest advantage of Chinese democracy," he said.

The Communist Party of China and the Chinese government have been able to realize sustainable, rapid economic growth, improve people's lives and enhance national strength, that's why it wins the support of the majority of its citizens, he said.

He cited a survey by the Pew Research Center in 2008 that 86 percent and 82 percent of the Chinese were respectively satisfied with the country's development trend and economic conditions.

Each country differs in their history, culture and development, therefore, there is no universal model to achieve democracy, Dong said, adding that copying others' democracy model would be detrimental.

China's experience shows that democracy building needs to be in line with the evolving economic and social development and people's growing participation in political affairs, Dong said.

Despite many challenges, China will continue to follow its socialistic development path with Chinese characteristics, actively and prudently promote political system reform and expand people's political participation in social, economic and cultural affairs, he said.

Bali Democracy Forum was initiated by Indonesia in 2008 to strengthen communication and understanding of Asian countries to foster democracy and political development, as well as maintaining peace, stability and prosperity in the region and beyond.