As we joyously ring in the New Year and ring out the old, I wish to express, on behalf of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the People’s Republic of China and also in my own name, our sincere thanks and extend our best wishes to all our friends who take a great interest in China’s diplomatic work, particularly those who have willingly participated in the construction of the Foreign Ministry’s website and who have offered us many valuable comments and suggestions via our online Forum on China’s Foreign Affairs.  I wish you and your family a very Happy and Prosperous New Year!

The outgoing 2001, which marks the beginning of the new century, is an eventful year in the midst of an intricate and complicated international situation.  Nevertheless, peace and development remain the themes of our time and the world continues to move toward multi-polarization in spite of the many twists and turns in the process.  China has scored remarkable achievements on its diplomatic front and played an increasingly important role in maintaining international and regional peace and stability and in promoting development.  China will face, as it did in 2001, both opportunities and challenges on its diplomatic front in 2002, with the former outweighing the latter.  The Chinese Government will continue to pursue unswervingly its independent foreign policy of peace, resolutely safeguarding China’s sovereignty, independence, territorial integrity and national dignity.  We will, on the basis of the Five Principles of Peaceful Co-existence, work vigorously to develop friendship and cooperation with the rest of the world and open up new prospects for our diplomatic work.  I hope that you will continue to care for China’s diplomatic undertakings and render your support.  Let us work together for the lofty cause of world peace and development and for a better future of mankind.