'Expansion not in Chinese DNA'

Premier tries to ease concerns over nation's increased regional clout

Premier Li Keqiang sought to allay mounting fears over China's growing regional strength on Wednesday by highlighting the nation's long-held resistance to expansion and hegemony.

"Expansion is not in the Chinese DNA, nor can we accept the logic that a strong country is bound to become hegemonic," he told an audience of about 350 in London, including international studies researchers.