Chinese State Councilor and Foreign Minister Wang Yi answers questions at a press conference on China's foreign policy and relations on the sidelines of the second session of the 13th National People's Congress in Beijing, capital of China, March 8, 2019. (Xinhua/Shen Bohan)

BEIJING, March 8 (Xinhua) -- China hopes Pakistan and India will replace confrontation with dialogue, settle disagreement by goodwill and create a better future through cooperation, Chinese State Councilor and Foreign Minister Wang Yi said here Friday.

When responding to a question about the recent tension between Pakistan and India, Wang said that China welcomes the willingness expressed by the two countries in recent days to de-escalate the situation and start talks.

"China has stressed from the beginning the need to exercise calm and restraint and prevent escalation," Wang said at a press conference on the sidelines of the second session of the 13th National People's Congress.

China suggests the two sides find out what happened and resolve the matter through dialogue while fully respecting each others' sovereignty and territorial integrity, he said, adding that China has followed these principles in its mediation efforts and played a constructive role in defusing the tension.

China hopes the two countries, which are neighbors and heirs to an ancient civilization, will get along, help each other and progress together, Wang said.

"China also hopes Pakistan and India will transform the crisis into opportunity and meet each other halfway," Wang said. "We advise both parties to quickly turn this page and seek a fundamental long-term improvement in their relations."