As we celebrate the arrival of 2012, I, on behalf of the Foreign Ministry, wish to express sincere thanks and extend cordial New Year greetings to you, friends from home and abroad, who have cared for and supported China's diplomatic work along the way.

The year 2011 marked the beginning of the implementation of the 12th Five-Year Plan in China. Enabling a good start of the 12th Five-Year Plan was the center of our diplomatic work throughout the year. Under the leadership of the CPC Central Committee and the State Council and with the support of people across China, we made progress in all the areas of our diplomatic work. We deepened relations with major countries, neighboring countries and other developing countries, responded appropriately to various external challenges and effectively safeguarded China's national sovereignty, security and development interests.

The year 2012 will see here in China the 18th National Congress of the Communist Party of China and the all-round implementation of the 12th Five-Year Plan. Around the world, there will continue to be complex and profound changes, in which opportunities will exist alongside challenges. Against this backdrop, we will stay committed to the path of peaceful development, the independent foreign policy of peace and the win-win strategy of opening up. It is our job to foster a more favorable external environment for China's development and spare no effort to help bring about peace, stability and prosperity of the world.

I will look to you, friends in China or overseas, for continued care and support for China's diplomatic work and for your valuable ideas and suggestions in the coming year.

(Signed) Yang Jiechi