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 with goodwill and create a better future with 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.