Thaindian News

Beijing, March 6 (IANS) Neighbouring countries should peacefully resolve differences with China through dialogue, Foreign Minister Yang Jiechi said Tuesday.

Yang made the remark at a press conference on the sidelines of the annual session of the National People’s Congress (NPC), China’s top legislature.

Responding to a question on China’s disputes with neighbouring countries, Yang said China hoped they will respect Beijing’s legitimate rights and interests in the Asia-Pacific region and avoid making remarks or taking moves that may complicate the situation.

The foreign minister called for countries concerned to work with China for stability, development and progress in the region, Xinhua reported.

“We believe that progress has already been made in handling these differences between the relevant Asian countries. And the two sides have reached important consensus on seeking peaceful settlement and pushing forward mutual cooperation,” Yang said.

On the South China Sea issue, Yang said China always believed the dispute should be properly resolved through negotiations between the concerned parties on the basis of facts and in accordance with the basic norms governing international relations.

Pending final settlement of disputes, the parties concerned may put aside disputes and engage in joint development, he said.

Yang noted that China and relevant countries have reached important agreements on peacefully resolving disputes and pushing forward practical cooperation in the South China Sea.

“At the same time, much remains to be done in this regard,” he said.

A host of contentious issues have tended to shadow bilateral ties between China and India in recent months. China has voiced its concern over India’s deal with Vietnam for exploration in the South China Sea. India has defended the deal.