China will never seek hegemony or expansion regardless of the level of its development, General Secretary Xi Jinping said on Wednesday at the opening of the 19th National Congress of the Communist Party of China (CPC).

"The development of China is no threat to any other country. No matter how much China has developed, it will never seek hegemony or expansion," said Xi.

"China will never seek its own development at the cost of sacrificing interests of other countries," Xi said.

Still, he noted that "China will also by no means quit its legitimate rights and interests".

Xi said the CPC would strive to make greater contributions to mankind and individuals, as always.

"No country can handle the various challenges facing human beings on their own, while no country can retreat to an isolated island."

He called on people of all countries to work together to forge a "community of shared future for mankind" and create a clean and beautiful world which enjoys lasting peace, universal security, common prosperity, openness and inclusiveness.