Leaders from Chinese and ASEAN defense ministries and official from the ASEAN Secretariat pose for a group photo on October 16, 2015. [Photo: China Military Online ]

BEIJING, Oct. 17 (Xinhua) -- China always insists on resolving divergence and disputes through friendly negotiations with parties directly concerned and will try utmost to avoid unexpected conflicts, a senior Chinese military official said Saturday.

China has always advocated handling disputes by peaceful manners and will not use force recklessly even if it comes to issues related to territory and sovereignty, said vice chairman of China's Central Military Commission Fan Changlong while addressing the sixth Xiangshan Forum.

Fan said China has settled land and border issues with a majority of neighboring countries through consultation.

He also reiterated that the construction on the Nansha Islands serves mostly civilian purposes, which not only improves the marine navigation but provides more public services.