BEIJING, March 8 -- Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi said Tuesday that China's policy on the Middle East is to facilitate peace talks with an objective and impartial attitude, instead of seeking a sphere of influence or proxies.

"China is honest and straightforward in such facilitation, which brings about unique strength," Wang said on the sidelines of the ongoing annual session of the national legislature. "Therefore, Middle East countries expect and welcome a bigger role of China."

China has long supported the cause of Arab countries for national independence, is keeping closer economic and trade ties with all countries in the region, and is actively working on peace and stability in the Middle East, Wang said.

Chinese President Xi Jinping in January visited Saudi Arabia, Egypt and Iran, blazing a new trail in cultivating relationship between China and Middle East countries, he said.

Under the framework of the One Belt and One Road initiative, China will more actively deepen cooperation of mutual benefit in various fields with Middle East countries, he said.