The fourth round of East China Sea consultation which concluded Tuesday between Chinese and Japanese diplomatic officials was "pragmatic and constructive," Chinese Foreign Minister Li Zhaoxing said.

"China and Japan have agreed to launch the next round of consultation as early as possible," Li said at a press conference Tuesday held on the sideline of the ongoing annual full session of the National People's Congress, China's top legislature.

It is a fact that China and Japan have different views on the East China Sea issue, but the two sides expect to address the difference through negotiation and cooperation.