China's development over the past 75 years is nothing short of remarkable, former vice-president of Seychelles Vincent Meriton said. China has pulled hundreds of millions of people out of poverty, developed into the second-largest economy in the world, and became a leader in many areas, including technology, he said. "China has become a dynamic partner on the international stage, not for economic or military hegemony, but as a force for good, peace, development, security, tolerance, understanding, and most of all, mutual respect."