China is open to proposals that aim to promote the common development of the Asia-Pacific region, the Chinese Foreign Ministry said on Thursday.

Ministry spokesman Qin Gang made the remark at a regular press conference when asked about Australian Prime Minister Kevin Rudd's proposal on establishing an Asia-Pacific Community.

He said it was a trend of the times to increase regional cooperation.

"We hope the countries of the Asia-Pacific Region would strengthen political mutual trust and deepen cooperation in a bid to promote common development and realize the mutually-beneficial and win-win results."

(Xinhua News Agency June 6, 2008)