China's president, Xi Jinping, says his country will never seek to impose its will on other nations, no matter how powerful it becomes.

Speaking in Beijing, where he hosted leaders from India and Myanmar, Mr Xi said that the era of super powers was over.

"It's not in Chinese people's genes to seek to dominate or bully, to be militaristic," he said.

"China will stick to a path of peaceful development. We will not interfere in other country's affairs."

The comments come as many of China's neighbours are embroiled in territorial disputes with Beijing.

They are concerned about China's growing military spending and what some see as its increasing assertiveness in the region.

Earlier this month, US president Barack Obama called on China and its neighbours to peacefully resolve a dispute over oil drilling in the South China Sea and avoid escalating tensions.

"It is important for us to be able to resolve disputes like maritime disputes in accordance with international law, and encourage all parties concerned to maintain a legal framework for resolving issues, as opposed to possible escalation that could have an impact on navigation and commerce," Mr Obama said.

Renewed focus on military strength

On Friday, Mr Xi said China should strengthen its frontier defences on land and sea, state media reported.

In his remarks Mr Xi said the country's weakness in the past had allowed others to bully it.

Since becoming China's leader, Mr Xi has called for the country to boost its military into a force that can "win battles".

Other officials, such as Foreign Minister Wang Yi, have stressed that China will fiercely defend territory it considers its own, but insist the country poses no threat to others.

The meeting in Beijing commemorated the 60th anniversary of an agreement on peaceful coexistence between China, Myanmar and India.

ABC/AFP