On the evening of January 20, 2009, Assistant Minister of Foreign Affairs held the Spring Festival reception for diplomatic envoys of Asian countries to China and their spouses at St. Regis Hotel, Beijing. Hu Zhengyue thanked the diplomatic envoys for the huge amount of effective work they did in the past year for the strengthening of the relationships between China and Asian countries and the enhancement of regional cooperation. He said that the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of China would continue to maintain communication and cooperation with the diplomatic envoys of Asian countries to China and work together with them to promote peace and prosperity in Asia.

During the reception, Kunqu performing artist Shi Hongmei and other performers presented wonderful performances. Mr. An Yunji, a great master of traditional Chinese painting, painted pictures on site and presented them to guests attending the reception.