Photographers and reporters take pictures at a news conference in Beijing on Monday, the eve of the opening of the second session of the 14th National People's Congress. [FENG YONGBIN/CHINA DAILY]

The United States should honor its commitment and work with China to build a stable, healthy and sustainable bilateral relationship, Lou Qinjian, the spokesman for the second session of the 14th National People's Congress, said on Monday.

Speaking at a news conference on the eve of the opening of the annual meeting of the nation's top legislature, Lou said that China's position on developing relations with the US has been consistent, and follows the principles of mutual respect, peaceful coexistence and win-win cooperation put forward by President Xi Jinping.

"We have taken concrete action toward that. It is hoped that the US will honor its commitment, make the five pillars for China-US relations stronger, and translate the understandings and vision agreed on by the two presidents in San Francisco into real action," Lou said.

On how the US general election later this year would influence China-US relations, Lou said the election is the US' internal affair and China does not take a position on it. "No matter who becomes the president, we hope that the US can work with China to advance a stable, healthy and sustainable China-US relationship," he said.

Some members of the US Congress have proposed bills to counter China and target Chinese institutions, companies and individuals, while some Congress members have made provocative visits to China's Taiwan region. Lou said these actions grossly interfered in China's internal affairs, undermined China's legitimate rights and interests, and disrupted normal exchanges and cooperation between the two countries.

Noting this year marks the 45th anniversary of China-US diplomatic relations, Lou said that it is important for the two countries' legislatures to have more exchanges, dialogue and communication to deepen mutual understanding and play a constructive role in the stable development of China-US relations.

Lou also highlighted China's position on the South China Sea, saying that the country will continue to firmly safeguard its territorial sovereignty as well as maritime rights and interests. "We are willing to handle relevant issues with countries concerned through dialogue and consultation, and jointly safeguard peace and tranquillity in the South China Sea," he said.

Regarding China's relations with neighboring countries, Lou said that China and the Association of Southeast Asian Nations have been each other's largest trading partners for many years, setting an example on how to counter the headwinds of anti-globalization.

He emphasized that China's cooperation with neighboring countries is open and inclusive, not exclusive. Beijing will continue to uphold the concept of amity, sincerity, mutual benefit and inclusiveness, deepen friendship, cooperation and converging interests with neighboring countries and bring more benefits to its neighbors through Chinese modernization, Lou said.