BEIJING - China has achieved positive results this year in safeguarding its national interests, Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi said on Monday.

Wang made the remarks during a speech at a seminar in Beijing to discuss China and the world in 2013.

He spoke highly of the country's diplomatic efforts in curbing illegal activities carried out by certain countries which had infringed on China's territorial sovereignty and maritime rights.

China has always advocated to seek a solution through dialogue and discussion with full respect of historical facts and international law, Wang said.

The minister said China and the Association of Southeast Asian Nations have discussed a code of conduct with regard to the South China Sea, under the framework of the Declaration on the Conduct of Parties in the South China Sea.

China has reached agreement with Brunei and Vietnam in maritime cooperation with a view to safeguard peace and stability of the South China Sea, he added.

Also at the seminar, Wang said the Sino-Russia relationship has been upgraded to a new phase. And China and the United States have entered a new era of building a new type of relationship between big countries.

Wang also briefed the seminar about China's diplomacy with neighboring countries and African nations as well as its attempts in addressing major international issues.