中文原文：

中国坚定不移地走和平发展道路，是基于中国国情的必然选择。1840年鸦片战争以后的100多年里，中国受尽了列强的欺辱。消除战争，实现和平，建设独立富强、民生幸福的国家，是近代以来中国人民孜孜以求的奋斗目标。今天的中国虽然取得了巨大的发展成就，但人口多，底子薄，发展不平衡，仍然是世界上最大的发展中国家。推动经济社会发展，不断改善人民生活始终是中国的中心任务。坚持走和平发展道路，是中国实现国家富强、人民幸福的必由之路。中国人民最需要、最珍爱和平的国际环境，愿尽自己所能，为推动各国共同发展作出积极贡献。

英文译文：
China ' s firm stand on peaceful development is only natural, given the country ' s unique situation. In the ensuing 100 plus years after the Opium War of 1840, China suffered great humiliation at the hands of the world ' s big powers. The Chinese people have, throughout the modern times, yearned and sought for a peaceful, independent, prosperous and happy life free from wars. Despite the tremendous growth we are witnessing in China today, the country is still faced with a large population, a weak economic foundation and rather uneven development. It is still, as it were, the largest developing country in the world.   China ' s major focus, therefore, is on socio-economic development and continued improvement of people ' s livelihood. The only way to achieve prosperity for China and happiness for its people is by sticking to the path of peaceful development. The Chinese people will try their utmost to promote and contribute to common development among nations and, in order to do that,  they need and cherish to the highest degree a peaceful international environment.