We shall soon be witnessing the dawning of a new century which will bring new hopes and vitality to the world. Not long ago, this reporter went to the Chinese Foreign Ministry and requested Foreign Minister Tang Jiaxuan to comment on the changing international situation and look back upon China's diplomacy this year. As soon as we settled down, Foreign Minister Tang observed straight to the point that China's diplomacy this year may be described as "very impressive and full of achievements". This should be attributed to the leadership of the Central Committee of the CPC, growth of the comprehensive national strength as well as the strong support of the people throughout the country.

THE INTERNATIONAL SITUATION IS RELATIVELY STABLE BUT NOT TRANQUIL. CHINA IS EXERTING EFFORTS TO ADVOCATE WORLD MULTI-POLARITY AND ACTIVELY MAKIKG PREFARATIORS FOR ECONOMIC GOLOBALIZATION

Foreign Minister Tang said that from the overall perspective of the rise and fall of various forces in the world and their changes this year, the international situation, after experiencing; the great upheavals last year, has became relatively stable and peace and development continue to be the two major themes of the current world. Political multi-polarization demonstrates a new growth momentum despite twists and turns. The call for democratization in international relations is growing with each passing day. Hegemonism, power politics and the design to set up a uni-polar world is becoming increasingly unpopular. Economic globalization continues to forge ahead, regional and sub-regional cooperation develop vigorously and the world economic situation appears to be good overall. However, we should take note of the fact that hegemonism and Cold War mentality have not yet stepped down from the arena of history and political multi-polarization will have to undergo a long process. Though economic globalization enhances the links between various countries in the world, it also exacerbates polarization worldwide and the developing countries overall are subjected to an unfavorable position in the development of their national economies. Ethnic and religious contradictions are extremely complex and some of them have become more acute. Looking back at the world, we find that the international situation is relatively stable but not tranquil and world configuration in the coming century will continue to give rise to significant changes and readjustment.

During this year, under the correct leadership of the Central Committee of the Chinese Communist Party with Comrade Jiang Zemin at the core and with the strong support provided by the people throughout the country as well as cooperation rendered by the various departments and agencies, China's diplomacy has been gearing towards the future and with a pioneering, spirit of forging ahead, has scored remarkable achievements. Our country firmly pursues a foreign policy of independence and peace, energetically advocates multi-polarity in world configuration, actively makes preparations to deal with economic globalization, vigorously participates in regional cooperation, devotes itself in promoting the establishment of a fair and just new international political and economic order and promotes the just cause of peace and development of mankind. China's views and actions have gained increasing understanding and support of the international community and its role as a responsible major power has won the admiration and affirmation of a. growing number of countries. China's diplomacy has made important contributions to the defense of world peace, enhancement of international cooperation, opposition to hegemonism and the promotion of common development. At the same time, it continues to create a sound international environment for the cause of our country's socialist modernization drive.

CHINA WILL LIVE IN FRIENDSHIP WITH ALL NEIGHBORING STATES AND BE THEIR GOOD NEIGHBOR AND GOOD PARTNER

China is a country which has the largest number of neighboring states and we stand ready to establish and develop long-term and stable good-neighborly and friendly relations with all neighboring states in which we understand each other, respect each other, treat each other equally, conduct cooperation of mutual benefits and become good neighbors, Rood friends and good partners, China has already become a significant factor in safeguarding regional peace and stability and its relations with the neighboring states have registered substantive progress.

Beginning from this year, China's diplomacy towards its neighboring-states has become more active and pragmatic. China made timely adjustment and preparations to the significant changes which occurred on the Korean Peninsular and consistently played a unique role. We firmly support both parties of the north and south on the Korean Peninsular in easing up their relations and initiating exchanges and support the Peninsular in bringing about independent and peaceful reunification. China is a neighbor of the Korean Peninsular and will continue to exert its efforts in promoting the peace and stability of the peninsular. In May this year, Kim Jong Il, Secretary-General of the Korean Worker's Party and Chairman of the rational Defence Council paid a successful visit to China, and Sino-Korean traditional friendship has been further consolidated and developed. In October, Premier Zhu Rongji paid an official visit to the Republic of Korea and both sides unanimously agreed to alleviate Sino-ROK relations of cooperation and partnership to a new stage of all-round cooperation.

New progress has been registered in China's relations with the countries of Southeast Asia and cooperation of mutual benefits in all areas have been deepening constantly. President Jiang Zemin paid a historic and successful visit to Laos, Cambodia and Brunei. Many leaders of Southeast Asia have also paid visits to China in succession. After China and ASEAN confirmed the establishment of good neighborliness, mutual trusts and partnership relations oriented towards the new century, it has, up to this year, respectively signed framework documents on strengthening bi1ateral cooperation with 10 countries of ASEAN. During the 4th ASEAN-China, Japan and the Republic of Korea (10+3) and ASEAN-China (10+1) Summits in Singapore, premier Zhu Rongji explicitly elaborated on China's perspectives of East Asia's cooperation trend and set forth a series of specific recommendations on reinforcing regional cooperation which demonstrates the sincerity of the Chinese side and which won endorsement of the various participants at the summits. China's relations with the countries of South Asia also continue to make progress. Indian President Narayana and Pakistan Chief Executive Musharaf visited China respectively. There is a marked restoration and improvement in Sino-Indian relations and Sino-Pakistani traditional friendship has been. further consolidated.

China and its Central Asian neighboring states initiated regional cooperation through the "Shanghai Five" institutionalized mechanism and the momentum of such positive development has been maintained. President Jiang Zemin visited Tajikistan and attended the 5th Summit Heeling between China, Russia, Kazakstan, Kyrgyzstan and Tajikistan. Heads of States of the five countries jointly signed the "Dushanbe Statement" which declared that the five countries will join hands in opposing ethnic splittism, international terrorism and religious extremism and reached important consensus on building up an edifice of good neighborliness, friendship, peace and cooperation oriented towards the 21st century. The "Shanghai Five" cooperative mechanism is playing an increasingly important role in maintaining regional security, enhancing regional stability and development.

CHINA ATTATCHES IMPORTANCE TO STRENGTHENING RELATIONS WITH THE BIG POWERS AND A GOOD MOMENTUM OF GROWTH HAS BEEN MAINTAINED IN ITS RELATIONS WITH THE MAJOR BIG POWERS

Foreign Minister Tang expressed that China has consistently attached importance to enhancing ties with the big powers. This year, China's relations with all the major big powers have maintained a good momentum of growth.

Sino-U.S. ties have been improved and developed. In the last few years, Sino-U.S. relations have experienced a number of ups and downs. The Chinese side adhered to principles arid made positive efforts in removing the obstacles that have emerged in the relations between the two countries. Currently, the general trend of development in the relations between the two countries is good. President Jiang Zemin and President Clinton held two important meetings when they attended the United Rations Millenium Summit and the APEC Informal Summit Meeting at which president Jiang explicitly elaborated on China's principled stand in handling Sino-U.S. relations and the two sides unanimously agreed to move Sino-U.S. relations forward alone a sound. and stable track in the new century. The passage of the Bill on permanent normal trade relations with China at the U.S. Congress is conducive to the creation of a long-term and stable environment in Sino-U.S. bilateral trade and cooperation, conducive to stability and growth of Sino-U.S. ties and accords with the interests of the peoples of both countries. Of course, the question of Taiwan remains the most important, most sensitive core issue in Sino-U.S. relations. The key to the realization of a sound and stable growth of Sino-U.S. relations lies in earnestly observing the principles embodied in the three Sino-U.S. communiqués and the relevant commitments on the part of the United States. Both China and the United States should view and handle relations between the two countries from a strategic and long-term perspective. In the days to come, in accordance with the principles of the three Sino-U.S. joint communiqués, particularly the principles of respect for each other's sovereignty and territorial integrity, mutual non-interference in each other's internal affairs and equality and mutual benefit, continue to exert efforts with the new administration of the United States to actively move relations between the two countries forward so as to achieve new improvements and progress in our bilateral ties.

Continuous deepening of relations of strategic coordination and partnership between China and Russia. Coordination between the two countries in international affairs has been further strengthened. President Jiang Zemin and president Putin have met on many occasions and exchanged views on some major issues and consensus has been reached. President Putin paid a state visit to China in July and the two countries' Heads of States signed the "Beijing Declaration Between the People's Republic of China and the Russian Federation", " Joint Statement of the president of the People 's Republic of China and the President of the Russian Federation on the Issue of Anti-Ballistic Missiles" and other important documents and a blue print has been charted out for the general development of Sino-Russian ties in the new century. Chairman Li Peng of the Standing Committee of the Chinese National People's Congress paid a successful visit to Russia, premier Zhu Rongji held a Fifth regular meeting with Russian Prime Minister Kasyanov in Beijing. All these generated significant in-fact in further substantiating and developing Sino-Russian relations of strategic coordination and partner-ship.

Sino-Japanese ties maintain the momentum of growth. In Kay this year, a Japan-China Cultural Friendship Goodwill Delegation of an unprecedented scale and comprising more than 5000 members paid a visit to China. President Jiang Semin personally attended the gathering and delivered an important speech on consolidating and developing Sino-Japanese relations, which produced a positive reaction among the people of China and Japan. Premier Zhu Rongji paid an official visit to Japan in October and in a spirit of increasing trust, dispelling suspicion and expanding cooperation, carry out extensive and penetrating work among those in the Japanese government and people of all walks of life and reached a common understanding with those in the government and those who do not hold public office on "drawing lessons from history and to be forward-looking" and deepening relations of friendship and cooperative partnership dedicated to peace and development. This has helped to enhance mutual understanding, solidified the political foundation of relations between the two countries and promoted the development of friendly cooperative relations in all fields between the two countries. At the same time, the soil and climate for militarism still exist within Japan. A very small number of forces of the extreme right every now and then make noises on the issue of history, Japan-Taiwan relations etc. in an attempt to undermine Sino-Japanese friendship. This merits increased attention of the Chinese and Japanese people and vigilance should be maintained.

Sino-European ties are progressing smoothly. This year marks the 25th anniversary of official ties between China and the European Union. China-European high level visits have been frequent and relations of mutual benefit and cooperation in all fields have been forging ahead. In October, French President Chirac paid an official visit to China. In the course of their talks, president Jiang Zemin and president Chirac reached consensus on a number of major issues and resolved that the two countries further strengthen consultations and coordination on major international affairs. Premier Zhu Rongji held a 3rd Sino-European Leadership Meeting in Beijing with French I resident, rotating chairman of the European Union as well as president of the European Council. They reached broad unanimity on further expanding cooperation in various fields. Premier Zhu Rongji also successfully visited Germany, Italy, Holland, Belgium, Luxemburg and Headquarter of the European Union and strongly propelled the further progress in Sino-European long-term, stable relations of constructive partnership.

CHINA ACTIVELY EXPLORES NEW WAYS AND NEW AREAS OF STRENGTHENING COOPERATION WITH THE DEVELOPING COUNTRIES SO THAT SUCH COOPERATION GENERATES NEW DYNAMISM IN THE 21ST CENTURY

As a developing country, China shares a profound traditional friendship and a solid foundation for cooperation with the vast number of developing countries. At the turn of the century and confronted with a new situation, we are actively exploring new ways and new areas of strengthening and developing cooperation with the developing countries so that such cooperation will generate new dynamism in the 21st century. During this year, our country's leaders like Jiang Zemin, Li Peng, Zhu Songji, Li Ruihuan, Hu Jingtao etc. respectively visited many developing countries, thus enabling relations between China and the developing countries to make new and steady strides, particularly worth mentioning is the fact that at the initiative and under the encouragement of China, the "Forum on China-Africa Cooperation, Ministerial Conference Beijing 2000" was successfully held in Beijing. Four Presidents from Togo, Algeria, Zambia and Tanzania, Secretary General of the Organization of African Unity and Ministerial level delegates from 45 African states as well as the responsible members of relevant international and regional organizations participated in the Forum. President Jiang Zemin made a four-point proposal at the Forum, which was unanimously endorsed by the participating delegates, namely on strengthening China-Africa cooperation and jointly advancing the establishment of a new inter-national political and economic order. The Conference adopted the "Beijing Declaration" and "Sino-African Co-operation Guidelines for economic and Social Development" and set the direction for China and Africa to develop long-term, stable and a new type of partnership relations of equality and mutual benefit in the coming new century. The Conference is not only a new starting point for Sino-African relations to comprehensively move on to the new century. It also lays a solid foundation for enhancing South-South cooperation and advancing the establishment of a just and fair new international order.

CHINA'S MULTI-LATERAL DIPLOMACY IS UNPRECEDENTEDLY DYNAMIC. CHINA INITIATED THE HISTORIC MEETING OF THE FIVE PERMANENT MEMBERS OF THE UN SECURITY COUNCIL

One of the striking features of our country's diplomatic work this year is the unprecedented dynamism of multi-lateral diplomacy. The New Millenium Summit of the UN was a great event in this century. President Jiang Zemin led a delegation to attend the summit and made an important speech. From a commanding height, he expounded in his speech the principles for establishing a new international political and economic order, strongly reflected the desire of the peoples of various countries and particularly the peoples of the developing states for peace and development. The Summit's participants universally endorsed his address. At the initiative of China, the Heads of the Five Permanent Member States of the UN Security Council successfully held a summit meeting, the first of its kind in history, thereby adding a chapter of far-reaching significance in the annals of UN history. At the meetings, President Jiang Zemin put forth the principles, which the "five permanent members" should observe under the new situation and were positively acclaimed by leaders of the other four countries. In addition, President Jiang conducted a great number of multi-lateral as well as bilateral activities during the summit. Within a few days, he met with more than twenty leaders of other countries prior to the summit. Chairman Li Peng of the Chinese NPC Standing Committee attended the U.N. Millenium Speakers of Parliament Meeting and delivered an important address. In his speech, Li Peng emphasized China's basic views on the world situation, proposed that exchanges between parliaments of various countries should be intensified so as to promote extensive international cooperation and his ideas were endorsed by the participants.

President Jiang led a delegation to the 8th Informal APEC Leadership Meeting held in Brunei. On the subject of globalization and its impact, President Jiang expounded China's views on globalization and the new economy. He pointed out that the gap between the rich and the poor should be narrowed so that all members of the international community are benefited from globalization and that mutually beneficial cooperation among them should be enhanced and opportunities for development broadened and common prosperity should be realized. President Jiang's remarks were given great attention by all the participants and played a constructive role in making the meeting a success and the sound development of APEC.

Premier Zhu Rongji's participation at the 3rd Asia-Europe Meeting (ASEM) is another important move in China's bilateral diplomacy this year. Premier Zhu held discussions with other participating leaders on plans for cooperation between Asia and Europe in the new century. China's propositions on the establishment of a new international political and economic order were written into the documents of the meetings in explicit terms and this illustrates the important role China played in ASEM. This meeting laid a sound foundation for the establishment of a new partnership between Asia and Europe in the new century.

China actively supports the process of world disarmament and maintains the international strategic balance. Not long ago, the 55th UN General Assembly and the Commission on Disarmament and International Security respectively adopted with overwhelming majority a draft resolution on upholding and honoring "the ABM Treaty" jointly sponsored by China, Russia, Belarus and Kyrgyzstan. This fully indicates the determination and will of the international community in maintaining the global strategic balance and stability.

On multi-lateral occasions, China has constantly opposed hegemonism and power politics, firmly defended state sovereignty and dignity. At the Conference of the UN Human Rights Commission held in Geneva, China for the 9th time, defeated the anti-China draft resolution sponsored by the U.S. and this fully demonstrates that it is unpopular to engage in the practice of interfering in other country's internal affairs on the pretext of "human rights".

THE TAIWAN QUESTION IS CHINA'S INTERNAL AFFAIR, THE GREAT CAUSE OF REUNIFICATION OF THE MOTHERLAND WILL CERTAINLY BE REALIZED NO MATTER HOW THE INTERNATIONAL SITUATION CHANGES

The Taiwan question is China's internal affair. The absolute majority of states in the world persist in their stand that there is but one China. The year 2000 witnessed major changes in the situation on Taiwan island. After assuming office, the new leaders in the Taiwan region took an evasive and ambiguous attitude towards the one-China principle while going all out to engage in so-called "flexible diplomacy" internationally. In this new circumstance, we have stepped up our opposition worldwide against "Taiwan independence" and seperatism, and waged a resolute struggle against the perverse action of the Taiwan authorities and certain international forces, which interfere in China's internal affairs and encroached on China's sovereignty over the question of Taiwan. Our just stand on the Taiwan question enjoys extensive support of the international community and all the countries having diplomatic ties with China have reiterated their adherence to the one China policy, their opposition to "Taiwan independence", the creation of "two Chinas" or "one China, one Taiwan" as well as their opposition to Taiwan's entry into any international organization where only sovereign states are eligible for membership. The Taiwan's authorities' attempt of "returning" to the UN and squeezing into the World Health Organization again ended in fiasco. Facts have proved that what the Taiwan authorities did was very unpopular and the practice of evading and negating the one China principle and persisting in "Taiwan's independence" will absolutely lead to no where. As we approach the new century, we are confident that no matter how the international situation may evolve, the great cause of unification of the motherland will certainly be realized. This accords with the will of the people and the general trend of events and no force on earth can stand on its way.

CHINA WILL CONTINUE TO PURSUE A FOREIGN POLICY OF PEACE AND CREATE A MORE PEACEFUL AND FRIENDLY INTERNATIONAL ENVIRONMENT

Tang Jiaxuan said that next year marks the beginning of a new century and the first year of China's 10th Five Year Plan. It will be a year in which China faces formidable diplomatic tasks and engage in ever-busier diplomatic activities. In the coming new year, we will continue to carry out the foreign policy of independence and peace, strive to create a more peaceful and friendly international environment for the modernization drive of our country, further carry out the struggle against "Taiwan's independence" and splittist activities internationally and advance the cause of unification of the motherland. We will exert utmost efforts and make greater contributions in safeguarding world peace and promoting the common development of mankind. As the host country, we shall do everything possible for the success of such international conferences to be held in Shanghai as the 9th Informal APEC Leadership Meeting, the 6th Summit Meeting of the "Shanghai Five" and the 3rd ASEM Foreign Ministers' Meeting. We wil1 conduct multilateral diplomatic activities in a more active manner, strengthen our work in the United Nations and other multilateral organizations. We will strive to join the WTO as soon as possible and further participate in cooperation on international trade, finance and science and technology. Faced with the advent of the new century and confronted with a. new situation, we shall, under the party's leadership with Comrade Jiang Zemin at the core, continue to follow Deng Xiaoping's thinking on diplomacy, earnestly implement the decisions of the 5th Plenary Session of the 15th Central Committee of the Chinese Communist party, seize the opportunities, take up the challenges, do a down-to-earth job and aim at achieving some accomplishment. China will surely stand like a monolith in the Far East and take on an entirely new look in the coming century.