Beijing mapped out its main foreign policy directions on Thursday to cope with the rising diplomatic challenges stemming from its growing strength in the region and global affairs, as the 18th National Congress of the Communist Party of China convened.

While expressing willingness to cooperate with other nations, China also underscored its resolution to protect its national interests and "never yield to any outside pressure".

In a political report at the opening ceremony of the congress, Hu Jintao, general secretary of the CPC Central Committee, said the country will improve relations with developed economies and continue to promote friendship and partnership with its neighbors to ensure that China's development will bring them more benefits.