BEIJING, Nov. 20 -- Chinese Vice President Li Yuanchao on Thursday met with senior foreign defense and military officials attending the fifth Xiangshan Forum in Beijing.

The Xiangshan Forum, scheduled for Nov. 20-22, focuses on security in the Asia-Pacific region and is expected to see delegates from 57 countries for this year's meeting.

Upholding the spirit of peace, development, cooperation and win-win, China has adhered to a peaceful development path and remained an important force for regional and world peace and stability, Li said.

Asia's development has drawn the attention of the world. Now the region needs a security guarantee for its development, Li told the foreign representatives, including defense chiefs from Malaysia, Maldives and Kyrgyzstan, among others.

China is willing to work with other countries to strengthen security cooperation and address challenges to foster common security and development, Li said.

The biennial event, organized by China Society of Military Sciences, has been held since 2006. It will be held annually starting this year.

To adapt to a changing security environment in the Asia-Pacific region and the need for security cooperation, the fifth forum will change from a pure academic forum to a high-end security and defense forum, said Yuan Zhiming, head of the forum's preparation team.