Highlights of foreign minister's press conference

China to boost ties, advance Belt and Road Initiative in Africa

China will step up cooperation with African countries and will jointly advance the Belt and Road Initiative to help Africa address challenges of maintaining peace and security and promoting development, Wang Yi said.

"Africa is an indispensable partner in our effort to build a global community with a shared future. China welcomes our African brothers and sisters in getting on board of the fast train of development," the minister said.

China determined to maintain peace in South China Sea

China always firmly and consistently deals with the South China Sea issue by taking into account the interests of its people, the facts of history, the regional peace and the international law, Wang Yi said.

China's determination to maintain peace and stability in the South China Sea is unshakable and sincere, Wang said.

"The situation in South China Sea is turning better, China and ASEAN countries have reached a consensus on maintaining the hard-won tranquility through making the Code of Conduct (COC) in the South China Sea," the minister said.

There are challenges, he said, noting that some outside forces are not happy with the calm and try to stir up trouble and muddy the waters by sending aircrafts and vessels to the sea to show off their military power, which are the biggest destabilizing factors in the area.

China-ASEAN ties most dynamic model in the region

The cooperation between China and the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) is the most successful and dynamic model in the Asia-Pacific, said Wang Yi.

The minister said in 2018, China will continue to put the ties with ASEAN high on its agenda of international cooperation and looks to upgrade the strategic partnership and build a closer community of shared future with ASEAN.

Wang laid out three priorities: drafting a 2030 blueprint of China-ASEAN strategic partnership with ASEAN, fostering more cooperation programs in new fields, and forging a new platform for cooperation, further cultivating the Lancang-Mekong economic development belt and build a cooperation framework with the eastern part of ASEAN’s growth area.

China to promote Xiongan New Area to world

China will promote the Xiongan New Area to the world this year, Wang Yi said.

Elaborating on the goals of the ministry in 2018, he said the office will play an active role in facilitating domestic development, telling China story and protecting China's overseas interest.

The foreign ministry will also contribute its efforts in poverty alleviation and contribute in reform and opening-up policy.