Following are the highlights of  questions that Chinese Foreign Minister Yang Jiechi answers during a news conference on the sidelines of the Fifth Session of the 11th National People's Congress (NPC) at the Great Hall of the People in Beijing, China, March 6, 2012.

Priorities of China's diplomacy in 2012

--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.

--China would further consolidate the friendly cooperation with other countries, and regional and international organizations.

--China will continue to conduct diplomacy from all dimensions and in a wide range and make further innovations in theories and practices.

China-US  relationship

--China 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.

--China and the US should continue to enhance communications and coordination through such platforms as high-level mutual visits and Sino-US strategic and economic dialogues.

--keeping sound China-US ties common responsibity of both countries

--Maintianing sound relations between China and the United States is the common responsibility of both countries and complies with the overall interests of the international community.

--China welcomes the United States to play a constructive role in the Asia-Pacific region and hopes it will also respect China's interests and concerns.

Taiwan and Tibet issues

--China 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.

Syria, Iran issues

--China has kept close communication with the United States on the issues of Syria and Iran.

--Iran nuclear issue should be properly handled and resolved through dialogue and cooperation rather than confrontation and sanctions.

--China places great importance to the six-country dialogue mechanism on the Iran nuclear issue, and hopes the next round of talks could be held at an earlier date to promote the resolution of the issue.

Differences with neighbors

--China expects relevant neighboring countries to peacefully handle and resolve differences and disagreements with China through dialogue and consultation.

--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.

South China Sea issue

--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.

--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.

China-Japan relationsip

--China urged Japan to "fully recognize" the complexity and sensitivity of issues concerning history and the Diaoyu Islands.

--China-Japan relationship has come a long way in a wide range of fields, and the Chinese government places high importance on its relationship with Japan.

China-Japan-ROK

--Yang called for more efforts from China, Japan and the Republic of Korea(ROK) to promote the building of the China-Japan-ROK free trade area and push forward the future-oriented, all-dimensional cooperative partnership among the three countries.

China-Europe

--China has long been confident about the euro and Europe and will continue to invest in Europe for mutual benefits and win-win results.