BEIJING, Dec. 27 (Xinhua) -- China is willing to hold constructive dialogue with Vatican on the basis of related principles to bridge differences, expand consensus and improve bilateral relations, a senior Chinese religious affairs official said Tuesday.

Wang Zuo'an, director of the State Administration for Religious Affairs, made the remarks at a national conference of the Catholic Church in China.

"The stance of the Chinese government on China-Vatican relations is consistent and clear," he said.

Wang expressed hope that Vatican can adopt a flexible and pragmatic attitude as well as take concrete actions to create favorable conditions for improving relations.