China has sent more than 5,000 peacekeepers to peace-keeping operations by the United Nations, said Chinese Foreign Minister Li Zhaoxing Tuesday.

China actively participates in anti-terrorism, nonproliferation actions as well as peace-keeping operations of the United Nations, said Li at a press conference on the sidelines of the annual session of the National People's Congress, China's top legislature.

China pursues an independent foreign policy of peace, said Li, adding that the country protects its own lawful rights and respects the lawful rights and interests of other countries.

He said that China pursues military transparency as part of its defense policy.

The foreign minister said that the Chinese government seeks to solve differences with other nations through negotiation and meet challenges through cooperation.