President Xi Jinping has vowed to build better relations with neighboring countries, with an expert saying this is the latest sign reflecting the new leadership's diplomatic policy focus.

China should engage in more "advancing and proactive" neighboring diplomacy to create a favorable environment for development, Xi said at a meeting in Beijing.

The meeting, held on Thursday and Friday and presided over by Premier Li Keqiang, mapped out the goals and strategy for China's diplomacy with its neighbors for the next five to 10 years, a statement said.