The information department of China's Foreign Ministry held a new year reception Monday evening for foreign embassy press officials, and Chinese and foreign journalists.
Assistant Foreign Minister Ma Canrong said that in the year 2001 China stuck to its independent foreign policy of peace, became more open-minded and creative in diplomatic work, and made encouraging progress.
The relations between China and other major powers continued to develop steadily during the year, Ma added.
The friendly relations of cooperation between China and its neighbors were expanded in a continuous way, he said, adding that the traditional friendship and cooperation with other developing countries was also further deepened.
China's international standing has been further upgraded, he noted.
He stated that the coming year will be of great importance for China, as it will witness the 16th National Congress of the Communist Party of China.
Also in the year, Ma said, China will take the first steps following its entry into the World Trade Organization, the reform and opening-up will be further deepened and expanded, and contacts with foreign countries will be more frequent.
Ma spoke highly of foreign journalists' work in promoting a better understanding of China among the peoples of other countries.
Representatives from relevant government departments and Beijing-based diplomats also attended the reception.
(China Daily December 11, 2001)
