China more active in int'l affairs (3)

"The Japanese side needs to face up to the reality, take real steps to correct its mistakes and work with China to properly handle and resolve the relevant issues through dialogue and consultations to prevent the situation from further escalating or even getting out of control," he said.

"We are willing to promote the strategic and mutual beneficial China-Japan ties on the basis of the four political documents signed by the two countries," the minister said.

Tensions on the Korean peninsula were once again heightened, after the Democratic People's Republic of Korea (DPRK) conducted its third nuclear test on Feb. 12. It conducted two nuclear tests in 2006 and 2009.

The UN Security Council passed Resolution 2094, demanding that the DPRK not proceed with further nuclear tests, give up any nuclear arms program, and return to the nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty.

The resolution also called for peaceful, diplomatic and political settlement of the current situation and a resumption of the six-party talks which began in 2003 but stalled in late 2008.

Yang said China holds that sanctions are not the end of the UN Security Council actions, nor the fundamental way of solving the Korean Peninsula nuclear issue.

The only solution to the Korean Peninsula nuclear issue is to hold negotiations and address concerns of all parties in a comprehensive and balanced way, he said.

"We call on all relevant parties to bear in mind the larger interest, stay calm, exercise restraint, and refrain from taking any moves that may further worsen the situation," Yang said.

ADVANCING TOGETHER WITH AFRICA

China is committed to growing its relations with African countries. Strategic partnership between China and Africa has developed fast over the years, and the two sides are actively implementing the follow-up actions to the fifth Ministerial Conference of the Forum on China-Africa Cooperation.

The cooperation between China and African countries, nevertheless, has aroused suspicions and accusations.

"We hope all parties can view the cooperation between China and African countries in an objective manner, and respect the African friends in choosing cooperative partners by themselves," Yang said.

"If you want to walk fast, walk alone; if you want to walk afar, walk together," Yang cited an African proverb to elaborate on the importance of the cooperation with African countries.

The cooperation between China and African countries is in line with African people's aspiration for stability and development in their own countries, unity among African countries, and fairness and justice of the international order, Yang said.

China and Africa will further promote cooperation in such fields as investment and financing, assistance, African integration, civilian exchanges, peace and security in Africa.

Yang said many countries are now advancing their cooperation with Africa, and China welcomes such cooperation.

Yang said China is willing to develop cooperation with regional organizations such as the Community of Latin American and Caribbean States, and promote establishment of the forum on China-Latin America cooperation.