The first session of the 12th National People's Congress held a press conference in the Great Hall of the People on March 9, 2013. Foreign Minister Yang Jiechi answers questions from Chinese and foreign press on China's foreign policy and external relations. [Photo by Feng Yongbin/Asianewsphoto]

Japan should be responsible for the current tensions between China and Japan and the root cause of the problem lies in Japan's illegal seizure of China's territory, Chinese Foreign Minister Yang Jiechi said at a press conference on the sidelines of the ongoing parlimentary session in Beijing on Saturday.

China hopes Japan can face up with the reality and take real steps to correct the mistake and resolve the conflict through dialogue before it is out of control.

China urges Japan to make concrete efforts, improve relations with China and play a positive, responsible role for peace and stability in the region.

Yang Jiechi said China and Africa are good neighbors and brothers and Xi Jinping's planned visit will give a new boost to the relations.

Yang said we are living in a global village and countries need to stick togther in the same boat rather than crowding each other out.

Yang said China is going to host the APEC leaders meeting next year and all preprations are well underway.

China welcomes US's constructive role in Asia-Pacific region and US side also needs to respect China's concerns and interests. Asia-Pacific issues should be handled by countries in the region. China wants the US to promote peace and stability.

Today in the 21 century when our world is confronted with many problems and challenges, it is important for China and the US to show big vision and courage to seek common ground, while shelf differences and work together to build a new type of relations between major countries, which are unprecedented and inspiring for the next generations to come.

The growth of China-Africa cooperation is in keeping with the wishes of African people. China has made an important contribution to the fast development of Africa amid economic crisis.

Yang said China urges all parties to view China-Africa ties in an objective light, respect African people’s choice, and promote more exchanges and fewer accusations.

China doesn't want to see the tension on the Korean Peninsula. UN resolution opposed DPRK's nuclear test and reaffirmed the support to resume Six-Party talks. China believes sanction is not the end to resolution and it can't fundamentally address the issue.

China calls for all parties to stay calm, help ease tension, stick to dialogue, foster mutual trust, work jointly, and bring about enduring peace. China is ready to continue to work with other parties and international organizations to achieve the goal.

To win a game of chess, the player needs to have a whole picture in his mind. Macro and long-term perspective is needed to evaluate China's neighboring environment. Progress has been continuously made in the ties between China and its neighbors, such as the increasing trade and people's exchanges.

China's trade with its neighboring countries reached $1.2 trillion dollars in 2012, which exceeds the combined value of China's trade with the EU and the US in the same period.

China has a firm will to safeguard its territorial integrity and legitimate interests, and China has also been sincere to resolve the disputes through negotiations.

Syria crisis has been going on for more than two years. China is distressed and deeply concerned about the affected people. China respects the wishes of Syrian people. China maintains contact with both the Syrian government and opposition parties to encourage dialogues and a peaceful solution, while continuing to provide humanitarian support.

China is one of the biggest victims of hacking. China has introduced laws and regulations to ban and fight against the hacking activities. Some media reports are quite eye-catching but built on shaky ground and politically motivated. Cyber space doesn't need a war but cooperation. China opposes turning Internet as a battle field or a tool to interfere in other countries' internal affairs. China calls for building a peaceful, secure, and cooperative cyberspace.

China is fully confident about the EU debt crisis. This year marks the 10th anniversary of the establishment of comprehensive, strategic relations between China and Europe. China believes EU can turn challenges into opportunities and achieve new growth. China is fully confident of Europe's future and China is a firm supporter of European efforts to tackle the debt crisis.

Looking back on his term of service, the minister said he highly valued the opportunity to serve the country. He thought it a noble work with daunting tasks and a lot to learn. Yang said he felt proud of China's rising strength and international status.

China Daily reporter Wu Jiao asks a question at the 12th National People's Congress held a press conference in the Great Hall of the People on March 9, 2013. Foreign Minister Yang Jiechi answers questions from Chinese and foreign press on China's foreign policy and external relations. [Photo by Feng Yongbin/Asianewsphoto]