Whatever stage of development it may reach, China will never pursue hegemony or expansion, and will never impose its will on others. China does not seek spheres of influence, and will not fight a cold war or a hot war with anyone.

Remarks at a dinner with U.S. corporate executives during the 2023 Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) forums, as quoted in "Xi Says China Will Not Fight Cold or Hot War With Anyone", Bloomberg (16 November 2023), and in "China not to fight cold war or hot war with anyone: Xi", in China Daily (16 November 2023)