BEIJING - Foreign Minister Yang Jiechi said Tuesday China expects relevant neighboring countries to peacefully handle and resolve differences and disagreements with China through dialogue and consultation.

Yang made the remarks at a press conference on the sidelines of the annual session of the National People's Congress (NPC), China's top legislature.

In response to a question on China's disputes with neighboring countries, Yang said China hopes relevant countries to respect China's legitimate rights and interests in the Asia Pacific region and avoid making remarks or taking  moves that may complicate the situation.

The foreign minister called for relevant countries to work with the Chinese side for stability, development and progress in the Asian region.

"We believe that progress has already been made in handling these differences between relevant Asian countries. And the two sides have reached important consensus on seeking peaceful settlement and pushing forward mutual cooperation," Yang said.

On the South China Sea issue, Yang said China always believes the disputes in the South China Sea should be properly resolved through negotiations between direct relevant parties on the basis of facts and in accordance with the basic norms governing international relations.

Pending final settlement of disputes, the parties concerned may put aside disputes and engage in joint development, he said.

Yang noted that China and relevant countries have reached important agreements on peacefully resolving disputes and pushing forward practical cooperation in the South China Sea.

"At the same time, much remains to be done in this regard," he said. .

According to the foreign minister, China and the ASEAN (Association of Southeast Asian Nations) countries have reached agreements on the guidelines of the implementation of the Declaration of Conduct of Parties in the South China Sea,

China and the relevant countries have the ability and wisdom to properly handle the South China Sea issue and work together for peace and stability in the South China Sea, Yang said.