China welcomes U.S. constructive role in Asia Pacific and urges U.S. respect for China's interests and concerns

BEIJING, March 9 (Xinhua) -- Chinese Foreign Minister Yang Jiechi said here Saturday that China welcomes a constructive role of the United States in Asia Pacific while asking respect from the U.S. for China's interests and concerns in the region.

Yang made the remarks at a press conference on the sidelines of China's annual legislative session.

Yang said that China and the United States share the most convergent interests and have the most frequent interactions in Asia Pacific.

"We welcome a constructive role of the United States in Asia Pacific, and at the same time the U.S. needs to respect China's interests and concerns in the region," he said.

Yang said that the regional affairs should be handled by all countries in Asia Pacific through consultations.

"We hope that the United States will work with us to increase dialogue and cooperation in Asia Pacific and to promote peace, stability and prosperity in the region," he said.