China emphasizes neighborly cooperation in diplomacy: NPC spokesman

China opposes bloc confrontation and "small circles", and its cooperation with neighboring countries are open and inclusive rather than exclusive, Lou Qinjian, spokesman for the second session of the 14th National People's Congress, said on Monday.

China has given high priority to neighboring countries in its diplomacy, and has joined hands with regional countries to keep to the right path of long lasting good neighborliness and shared progress and prosperity, Lou said at a news conference.

Belt and Road cooperation between China and its neighbors has delivered real benefits and their trade cooperation is booming, he said.

The Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership agreement, which took effect in 2022, has created the world's largest and most promising free trade area, Lou said.

China and ASEAN have been each other's largest trading partner for many years, setting an example against the headwinds of globalization, the spokesman said.

Speaking of the current tensions in the South China Sea, Lou said that China will continue to safeguard its territorial sovereignty and maritime rights and interests.

At the same time, he said, China will handle issues with relevant countries through dialogue and consultation to jointly safeguard peace and tranquility in the South China Sea.