Xi Jingping warns of new “challenges” to Asia stability

Xi Jinping's address at the Boao Forum opening ceremony on April 7th emphasized China's commitment to regional peace and stability — with some harsh words for those who potentially sought to upset the balance.

Jinping stressed that Asia needs to "enhance mutual understanding, build consensus, and enrich and deepen cooperation so as to strike a balance among the interests of various parties and build mechanisms that bring benefits to all," as he addressed the forum held in the Southern Chinese city of Boao, wrote Xinhua.

Read more from GlobalPost: Xi Jinping arrives for Russia tour

Attendees at the high powered Boao forum included Myanmar President Thein Sein, Australian Prime Minister Julia Gillard, and IMF Managing Director Christine Lagarde among other world leaders, according to Reuters.

Jinping warned that Asia faced "new challenges" to its stability — without specifically naming long-time ally North Korea — and came out against all players who might foster "chaos for selfish gains."

"We need to make concerted efforts to resolve major difficulties to ensure stability in Asia," said Xi, according to AFP reporters.

"Stability in Asia now faces new challenges as hot spot issues keep emerging and both traditional and non-traditional security threats exist," he added.

Jinping also emphasized the vast import of development in the region to the audience, noting that despite a recent economic slump, China would continue to export wealth to its regional neighbors, according to Reuters.

"For Asia, development is still the top question, development is still crucial for solving many problems and conflicts," said Xi. "Without peace, there is no need to talk about development."

"Achieving common development for all countries remains an uphill battle," he added.