China vows to improve ties with neighbors for development

Chinese President Xi Jinping has vowed to engage in more 'advance and proactive' diplomacy with the neighboring countries to create a favorable environment for development.

Xi said that the country needs to build better relations with neighbors and make good use of strategic opportunities to safeguard its sovereignty and development interests, the China Daily reports.

Experts said Xi has been taking the approach of "friendship first, issues later" in working with its neighbors.