Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi, also a member of the Political Bureau of the Communist Party of China Central Committee, held a press conference on Sunday on the sidelines of the fourth session of the 14th National People's Congress.

Wang answered questions of journalists from home and abroad on China's foreign policy and external relations.

Here are some highlights from the press conference.

On heads-of-state diplomacy

Heads-of-state diplomacy is the anchor of Chinese diplomacy.

On China-Russia ties

China and Russia, bound by strong political mutual trust, do not fear any external attempts to sow discord or impose coercion. The two major countries have always upheld strategic autonomy, respected each other's core interests, and refrained from imposing their own will or agenda on each other. (Read more)

On APEC

China is committed to translating the goal of building an Asia-Pacific community into concrete action and turning the blueprint into reality as it hosts the Asia-Pacific Economic Leaders' Meeting in Shenzhen, Guangdong province, this year. (Read more)

On US-Iran conflict

"This is a war that should not have happened—a war that does no one any good," he said, calling for an immediate halt to military operations and urging efforts to prevent the situation from escalating further, and avoid the conflict spilling over and spreading. (Read more)

On global governance

China has called on more countries to participate in and support the Global Governance Initiative, and to work together to revitalize, defend and strengthen the United Nations. (Read more)

On China-US ties

Foreign Minister Wang Yi said China and the United States need to make thorough preparations for their high-level exchanges, foster the right conditions, manage differences and remove unnecessary disruptions. (Read more)

On neighborhood diplomacy

China always places neighboring region a priority in its diplomatic agenda.

On protecting Chinese nationals and institutions overseas

Wang Yi explains China's efforts to strengthen protection of Chinese people and institutions overseas; China's diplomats overcome various challenges to fulfill duties.

On Global South

Global South should strengthen communication and coordination, jointly safeguard its legitimate rights and interests, and expand the space for independent development amid the rise of hegemonism and power politics. (Read more)

On China-Europe ties

China-Europe relations have been regaining strength; China is not a competitor but a global partner.

On Palestine-Israel conflict

Two-state solution is the only solution to Palestinian question.

On multipolar world

China committed to building an equal and orderly multipolar world, pursuing path of peaceful development.

On China-Latin America ties

Latin America and the Caribbean nations reserve the right to development and global relations.

On visa service

We will make it more convenient and comfortable for foreigners to travel in China.

On China-Africa ties

For 70 years, China-Africa friendship has withstood changes in international circumstances.

On globalization

Pursuing protectionism is akin to locking oneself in a dark room; Principle is to leave no country behind, pathway is for countries to draw on each other's strengths.

On China-Japan ties

The future of China-Japan relations hinges on Japan's choice.

On South China Sea

Peace, cooperation and friendship should be the new narrative in the South China Sea.

On China-India relations

SCO Tianjin Summit brought about further improvement in China-India relations.

On Taiwan question

Taiwan has been an integral part of China since ancient times; Taiwan's DPP is the root cause of disruption to peace and stability across the Taiwan Strait.

On community with shared future for mankind

Our enemies are not each other, they are poverty, war, hunger and injustice.