China to enhance common interests, narrow disputes with neighbors: Premier Li

BEIJING, March 13 -- China will enhance common interests and narrow disputes with neighboring countries for the sake of peace and stability, said Premier Li Keqiang here Thursday.

China has unwavering commitment to pursuing peaceful development and unshakable will in safeguarding its sovereignty and territorial integrity, both for the sake of upholding stability and creating a favorable environment for its development, said Li at a press conference after the annual parliamentary session ended.

As a developing country, China needs a favorable neighboring and international environment for its modernization drive, he said.

"When neighbors interact with each other, it is only natural that sometimes they will run into problems of some kind or another," Li said. "As long as they respect each other, properly manage differences and pursue mutual benefits, there will be harmonious sound instead of jarring noises."

Peace and friendship and peaceful coexistence represent common aspirations of all people in China and its neighboring countries, he said.

As long as China and its neighbors together improve common interests and narrow differences, they will bring greater benefits to their people, he said.