Li pledges to narrow disputes with neighbors

Premier Li Keqiang on Thursday pledged to enhance shared interests with China's neighboring countries and narrow disputes for the sake of peace and stability.

"When neighbors interact with each other, it's only natural that sometimes they will come across problems of one kind or another," Li said at a press conference shortly after the conclusion of China's annual legislative session.

"But as long as they respect each other, properly manage their differences and pursue mutual benefits, there will be harmonious sounds, instead of annoying noise."

Li said China is still a developing country and to achieve modernization is the shared aspiration of 1.3 billion Chinese people. This requires a peaceful and stable neighboring and international environment.

"China has a firm commitment to pursue peaceful development. We also have an unshakable will to safeguard China's sovereignty and territorial integrity. These two points are both for the sake of upholding stability and creating a favorable environment for China's development," Li said.