BEIJING, May 24 (Xinhua) -- Those who always seek to label China hegemonic are precisely those who refuse to let go of hegemony themselves, Chinese State Councilor and Foreign Minister Wang Yi said Sunday.

Wang made the remarks at a press conference on the sidelines of the annual national legislative session in response to a question whether China's diplomacy is getting tougher and more aggressive.

No matter how the international landscape changes, China always follows the independent foreign policy of peace, and remains committed to peace, development, cooperation and win-win spirit, Wang said.

"We never pick a fight or bully others, but at the same time, we have principles and guts," he said. "We will surely fight back against any malicious slander to defend the national honor and dignity."

Wang said decisions on global affairs should be made through consultations, rather than by one or two countries. "We will never seek hegemony on the global arena no matter how developed China becomes."