China more active in int'l affairs (2)

China and the U.S. share the most convergent interests and have the most frequent interactions in Asia Pacific, he said, citing that China welcomes a constructive role of the U.S. in Asia Pacific, and the U.S. should also respect China's interests and concerns in the region.

"The regional affairs in Asia Pacific should be handled by all countries in the region through consultations to promote peace, stability and prosperity in the region," he said.

The relationship between China and the European Union is one of the most important bilateral ties in the world. This year marks the 10th anniversary of the establishment of the comprehensive, strategic partnership between China and the EU.

In the latter half of this year, the two sides will hold the 16th China-EU summit and discuss an institutional framework for their medium-to-long-term cooperation.

"We will also step up collaboration in such areas as urbanization, new energy sources, scientific and technological innovation and green development," Yang said.

GOOD NEIGHBORLY RELATIONS

Neighboring countries became increasingly important in China's diplomatic setup.

In 2012, China's trade with neighboring countries exceeded the total that China had with Europe and the U.S. to reach 1.2 trillion U.S. dollars. The trade volume is further expected to increase.

Besides the trade growth, China has established strategic partnerships with most neighboring countries. More than 100 high-level official visits were made last year.

"It is not surprising to see 200 or even 300 such visits in the future. As neighbors, our relations will be closer with more exchanges," he said.

China will host an annual meeting of the Boao Forum for Asia next month in Boao, Hainan Province, in which state leaders of China and some foreign countries, as well as heads of international organizations will attend.

China and the Association of Southeast Asian Nations have launched the largest free trade area (FTA) among developing countries in the world while the Shanghai Cooperation Organization has formed its first strategy for medium and long-term development.

The negotiations for an FTA among China, Japan and the Republic of Korea as well as the regional comprehensive partnership have been launched.

On territorial disputes with some neighbors, Yang said China sticks to a firm stand of defending its sovereignty and legitimate rights and interests, while hoping to properly handle and resolve the disputes through negotiation in order to maintain regional peace and stability.

China has taken firm measures over the tension over the Diaoyu islands. The Diaoyu Island and its affiliated islets have been China's inherent territory since ancient times, Yang said.

"The current situation has been caused by the Japanese side single-handedly. The root cause of the Diaoyu islands issue lies in Japan's illegal seizure and occupation of China's territory.