SHENZHEN - China adheres to the path of peaceful development and is a positive force for world prosperity, the Guangdong Party chief said Friday at a forum on regional peace and development.

Peace and stability have been essential for China's reform and development achievements over the past years, as well as for economic success of the Guangdong Province, according to Wang Yang, secretary of the Guangdong Provincial Committee of the Communist Party of China (CPC).

The three-day forum, began on Friday on the International Day of Peace, with senior officials and experts from China and Southeast Asian nations attending.

Cooperation between China and Southeast Asian nations has not only benefited its people but also contributed to regional peace, stability and prosperity, said Wang, who is also a member of the Political Bureau of the CPC Central Committee.

Wang said that strengthening friendly cooperation with Southeast Asian nations was an important part of China's neighboring foreign policy, noting that Guangdong was willing to create a favorable environment for the forum.

The event is being jointly held by the United Nations System in China, the Chinese People's Association for Peace and Disarmament and the Shenzhen municipal government.