A spokesman for the National People's Congress (NPC) on Wednesday said no country should dominate international affairs and impose its wishes as it sees fit, while stressing that maintaining stable Sino-US relations is generally welcomed by the world.

Lou Qinjian said that China is highly concerned about Iran and called for the immediate end of military operations against the country, to avoid further escalation in tensions.

"China maintains that mutual respect and equality between all countries, big or small, is what the progress of history demands and [is] the primary principle of the UN Charter," he said at a press conference ahead of the annual NPC meeting in Beijing.

"No country has the right to dominate international affairs, dictate the destiny of other countries, or monopolise development advantages, let alone impose whatever it wishes on the world."

Lou stressed all sides should resume dialogue to maintain peace and stability in the Middle East.

He also said sustained communication between President Xi Jinping and US President Donald Trump since last year had played an irreplaceable role in stabilising Sino-US relations.

Asked to give his views on the relations ahead of Trump's planned visit to China and the ongoing Iran war, Lou stressed that the vision for the two countries to help each other succeed and prosper together is tangible.

"China believes consistently that as two major countries of the world, China and the United States should respect each other, co-exist in peace, and pursue win-win cooperation," he said.

"President Xi Jinping pointed out that the two countries should be partners and friends. This is what history has taught us and what reality needs."

Lou stressed Beijing would stick to its red-lines and principles insofar as safeguarding sovereignty, safety and development interests are concerned.

As for China's relations with Europe, Lou said both sides need each other.

He said the number of meetings between President Xi and European leaders have allowed the countries to achieve an important consensus on facing global challenges together.

The spokesman said there's no fundamental conflict of interest and geopolitical tensions between China and Europe, and China is willing to work as a partner with Europe to resolve disputes in economic and trade relations and work on more cooperative programmes.


Edited by Tony Sabine