Aggressiveness has never been the tradition of China, and China never believes that a powerful country must be hegemonic, Chinese State Councilor and Foreign Minister Wang Yi said on Friday.

Wang's comments came in response to a foreign reporter's question concerning supposedly aggressive remarks recently made by some Chinese ambassadors. 

Wang was speaking during a press conference in Beijing on the sidelines of the second session of the 13th National People's Congress (NPC), answering media questions regarding China's foreign policy and external questions.

Wang stressed, like other countries, China of course should safeguard its own legitimate rights and interests and will never allow any violation of its sovereignty and dignity.

In the event of such a situation, any Chinese diplomat, no matter where he or she is, will unswervingly express their position, he added.

The Chinese foreign minister pointed out that as an uninterrupted civilization lasting 5,000 years, China can be regarded as the most continuous and predictable country in the world.

Mutual respect for different civilizations, peaceful coexistence with all countries in the world and win-win cooperation with the international community have always been China's aspirations, beliefs and goals, he noted.

Wang also said China is bound to be strong, but it will not be uncompromising; China advocates independence, but will not be arbitrary.

No matter how far it develops, China will make a fair judgement according to the merits and demerits of the matter itself, and will adhere to the rule of law within the framework of international law, he added.