On June 8, 2005, Assistant Foreign Minister Shen Guofang met with the joint journalist delegation of five south Asian nations. Shen elaborated China's policies concerning developing the good-neighborly friendship and cooperative relations with South Asia, stressing that the important visit of Premier Wen Jiabao in April this year has raised China's relations with South Asian nations to a new level. He expressed hope that the media can play a more active role in strengthening the understanding of South Asian people about China and promoting the development of China's relations with South Asian nations. The journalists noted that China's achievements since reform and opening up are remarkable and after the visit they will introduce the dynamic China to the people of their nations more comprehensively so as to contribute to reinforcing the traditional friendship between the South Asian people and the Chinese people. Shen also answered questions of the journalists on the bilateral economic and trade relations between China and South Asian nations, India-Pakistan relations, the situation of Nepal and the UN reform.

The 15 members of the delegation come from Pakistan, Bangladesh, Nepal, Sri Lanka and India are received by the Information Department of the Foreign Ministry. In addition to Beijing, they will also visit and make interviews in Yunnan and Shanghai.