China will firmly safeguard sovereignty, security and its development interests but at the same time it will uphold the banner of peace, development, cooperation and mutual benefit, new Chinese Foreign Minster, Wang Yi said on Monday.         China will assume its due responsibility and make un-remitted efforts to build a harmonious world of sustained peace and common prosperity, Wang who succeeded Yang Jiechi said while assuming his responsibilities.        

In a message posted at the official web site of the foreign ministry, the new foreign minister said China will continue to pursue the mutually beneficial strategy of opening up to the outside world and advance friendly cooperation with all other countries on the basis of the five principles of peaceful co-existence.        

China will firmly safeguard sovereignty, security and development interests, he said without directly referring to the present tensions between China and Japan over the disputed islands or differences between Beijing and various South  East Asian countries over South China Sea.