China will never allow external forces to interfere in its internal affairs, and will firmly safeguard its sovereignty, unity and territorial integrity, a senior official said in Beijing on Wednesday.

Safeguarding national sovereignty, security and development interests are both the starting point and ultimate goal of China's foreign engagement, said Lou Qinjian, spokesman for the fourth session of the 14th National People's Congress, at a press conference.

His remarks came in response to a question on how China plans to build on relations with neighboring countries amid both growing regional cooperation and difficulties and setbacks in China–Japan ties.

Lou stressed that the Taiwan question is purely China's internal affair and is at the core of the country's interests. China firmly opposes erroneous remarks related to Taiwan made by the Japanese leader, he said.

Noting that neighboring countries cannot be moved further away, Lou said China has always given its neighbors a primary position on its diplomatic agenda and remains committed to promoting regional peace, stability, development and prosperity.

Under the strategic guidance of head-of-state diplomacy, China has worked with neighboring countries to strengthen strategic mutual trust, deepen comprehensive cooperation and expand exchanges across various fields, injecting strong momentum into regional stability and development, he said.

China's top legislature will continue to cooperate with the legislative bodies of neighboring countries at bilateral and multilateral levels, contributing to Chinese modernization while promoting mutually reinforcing development with its neighbors, Lou added.