Yang Jiechi at the press conference.

The priorities of China's diplomacy this year are to uphold peace and tackle thorny regional and international issues through dialogues, consultation and negotiation responsibly, said Foreign Minister Yang Jiechi at a press conference on Tuesday in Beijing. He took questions from journalist on the following issues:

Prioritize on?peace,?cooperation >>

China would further consolidate the friendly cooperation with other countries, and regional and international organizations to expand common interests and jointly tackle global challenges, so as to maintain world peace and boost development.

China - U.S. relations >>

Yang called on the United States to cautiously and properly handle issues related to China's core interests such as those related to Taiwan and Tibet.

To develop China-U.S. relations, both countries should always stick to the principles laid down in the three Sino-U.S. joint communiqués and the Sino-U.S. joint statement, and respect each other's core interests and major concerns, Yang said.

Relations with neighboring countries >>

Yang Jiechi said China expects relevant neighboring countries to peacefully handle and resolve differences and disagreements with China through dialogue and negotiation.

China - EU relations >>

China is confident about the euro zone and will continue to invest in the euro zone for mutual benefits and win-win results, said Foreign Minister Yang Jiechi.

China - Japan relations >>

Yang Jiechi on Tuesday urged Japan to "fully recognize" the complexity and sensitivity of issues concerning history and the Diaoyu Islands.

China - Russia relations >>

China will increase mutual political support with Russia and enhance bilateral cooperation and coordination in regional and international affairs.

China - Africa relations>>

As a developing country, China is willing to work with African countries for a bright future.

DPRK - U.S. talks >>

China welcomes the positive progress made during the recent talks between the Democratic People's Republic of Korea (DPRK) and the United States on the Korean Peninsula nuclear issue.

China's status as developing country >>

China will remain a developing country, and there is still a long way to go before China will be able to achieve modernization.

BRICS summit >>

At the fourth BRICS Summit, to be held in New Delhi late this month, China is looking forward to promoting bigger and constructive role of BRICS nations in international affairs and relaxation of regional tension so to maintain stablity.

Middle East problems >>

The problems in Middle East should be solved by the local people themselves, and the future and destiny of Middle East should be in the hands of its people, too.