China 'committed to safeguarding' peace

"I am glad he responded to our concerns about where the country is going, as many are worried about the potential of China misusing its growing power."

In answering a question by Phonekeo Volakhoun, editor-in-chief of Vientiane Times of Laos, about the outlook of China-ASEAN relations, Li said that China has consistently supported the integration process of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations and the building of the ASEAN community.

Li said he would attend a summit in Laos in September to mark the 25th anniversary of the establishment of the China-ASEAN dialogue.

"We are committed to pursuing the policy of amity, sincerity, mutual benefit and inclusiveness in developing relations with neighbors," he said.

"We would like to expand political trust with ASEAN members and other Asian countries … and make concerted efforts to build a close community of a shared future in Asia."

Pana Janviroj, executive director of the ANN, said: "The premier is very candid. He wants to convey China's policies that in recent months have been subject to some skepticism. I'd say he conveys China's policies very well.

"He has confidence, vision and a good understanding of the issues."

Li also took questions from participants from Indonesia, South Korea, Pakistan, Singapore and India regarding a raft of hot spot issues, such as the Korean Peninsula and the South China Sea, and relations with specific countries.

He said that Asia, as one of the most dynamic regions in the world, has played an increasingly important part in the world political and economic arenas.

The premier said he hoped the Asian news outlets, by following the ANN's goal of improving coverage of Asian affairs by Asian media, can help create an optimal environment for peace and prosperity in the region and around the world.