New envoys take oath of office in Beijing yesterday, the day the Foreign Ministry invited the public to witness the ceremony for the first time.

Zhang Peng, a journalist based in Anhui province, took a 15-hour train ride to Beijing to attend the swearing-in ceremony of new Chinese ambassadors at the Foreign Ministry yesterday.

But the 22-year-old was not covering the event. Instead, he was one of the 130 people from 15 provinces and regions who applied online and won the chance to be present at the ministry's "open day".

The ministry held its first open day in 2003, and since then the day has become a regular feature. But yesterday was the first time it opened the swearing-in ceremony to the public.

"Before coming here, I thought the Foreign Ministry must be a very solemn place. I didn't expect it to be a very public-friendly place, too," said Zhang, who is a super fan of Foreign Minister Yang Jiechi, who presided over the ceremony yesterday.

"He (Yang) looks even gentler than he is on TV," he said. "But I noticed some gray hair on his head so I guess being a foreign minister must be a very tough job."

From elementary school kids to a 75-year-old retired worker, everyone watched attentively as nine newly appointed ambassadors accepted their appointment and pledged allegiance to the national flag.

"The reason we opened the ceremony to the public is that we want our diplomats to know how sacred, honorable and important their mission is," Yang said.

"China's diplomats serve the interests of the people, who are the foundation of our diplomatic work," he said.

Cheng Yonghua, the newly appointed ambassador to the Republic of Korea, said the ceremony could be a good place to interact with the public.

"It helped the public know more about our work. More importantly, it is a good way to let the people exercise the power of supervision."

Han Zhiqiang, the new ambassador to Fiji, said opening the swearing-in ceremony to the public has helped bring diplomats closer to the people. It has deepened their understanding that their fundamental mission is to protect the interests of the nation and the people.

Foreign Ministry spokesman Liu Jianchao briefed the public about the ministry's history and its achievements over the past several eventful months.

The press room, usually occupied by reporters from around the world who come up with sharp questions, had a relaxed and friendly atmosphere yesterday as people tried to grab every chance that came their way to talk or take a photograph with ministry spokesmen and diplomats.

Wu Hailong, director of the Ministry's International Department, upgraded the public on the Asia-Europe Meeting, to be held in Beijing later this week.

"The trip to the Foreign Ministry made me realize that diplomatic work is not just an honorable mission but also a tough, demanding and even self-sacrificing job," said Li Hong, a 40-year-old public servant.

(China Daily October 20, 2008)