The Fifth Session of the Eleventh National People's Congress held a press conference in the Great Hall of the People on 6 March 2012. Foreign Minister Yang Jiechi answered questions from Chinese and foreign press on China's foreign policy and external relations. On China's foreign relations with its neighboring countries, Foreign Minister Yang said:

I believe one should view China's relationship with its neighboring countries in the broader context of the general trend of development. I believe now the general trend is a positive one. China pursues a policy of building good-neighborly relationships and partnerships with countries in its neighborhood. We are committed to deepening the mutually beneficial cooperation with other Asian countries. Relations between China and other Asian countries are in good shape, and there are a lot of positive factors.

First, there have been close high-level exchanges. Last year, there were high level mutual visits between China and the majority of other Asian countries. Take ASEAN countries as an example. There were over 50 high-level mutual visits between the Chinese side and the ASEAN countries. High-level exchanges have played an irreplaceable role in guiding the efforts of China and other Asian countries in increasing mutual understanding and friendship.

Second, the interests of China and other Asian countries have become more closely entwined. Just now you said that some countries are worried about China's rising national strength. But I am afraid their worry is that what if China's development becomes too slow. I have visited some Asian countries recently. I feel that the Asian countries want to see the sustained, positive momentum of the Chinese economy. And they hope that China will enjoy continuous development as that will bring abundant benefits to people of the two sides in terms of business cooperation and mutually beneficial cooperation in other fields. When there are so many benefits, why not do it?

This world is far from a balanced one. Some have megaphones, some only small microphones and some none. Yet I always believe that the real figures speaker louder than microphones. China has become the biggest trading partner of the majority of its neighbors. Last year, trade between China and other Asian countries topped US$1 trillion. China's investment in the Asian region approached US$20 billion. Cooperation between China and other Asian countries in science and technology, finance, energy and infrastructure has been unprecedented in terms of both breadth and depth.

Third, mutual coordination has increased. China and other Asian countries have helped each other and worked closely together in handling major regional and international issues, pushing forward regional cooperation and tackling the international financial crisis and major natural disasters.

Forth, there have been dynamic cultural and people-to-people exchanges. Last year, China and many other Asian countries held such cultural and people-to-people exchange activities as Year of Friendship and youth festival. These activities have witnessed the deep friendship between the Chinese people and people of other Asian countries.

It is true that there are some differences and disagreements between China and some of its neighboring countries over some issues. China believes that these disputes should be peacefully handled and resolved through dialogue and consultation. At the same time, we hope that the relevant parties will respect China's legitimate rights and interests, avoid making remarks or taking moves that may complicate the situation and work with China for stability, development and progress in the Asian region. We believe that progress has already been made in handling these differences between China and the relevant Asian countries. And the two sides have reached important consensus on seeking peaceful settlement of related disputes and pushing forward mutually beneficial cooperation.

Let me say a few words about the South China Sea issue here. China always believes that the disputes in the South China Sea should be properly resolved through negotiations between the parties to the disputes on the basis of facts and in accordance with the basic norms governing international relations. Pending final settlement of the disputes, the parties concerned may put aside their disputes and engage in joint development. China and the relevant countries have reached important agreement 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. China and ASEAN countries have reached agreement on the guidelines on the implementation of the Declaration on the Conduct of Parties in the South China Sea. In a word, we believe that China and relevant countries have the ability and wisdom to properly handle the South China Sea issue and maintain peace and stability in the South China Sea.