Yearender: China's Diplomacy Fruitful

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Last updated at: (Beijing Time) Wednesday, December 26, 2001

Yearender: China's Diplomacy Fruitful

In the face of world political flux and economic depression China has been making continuous efforts to strengthen friendly ties with countries and regions, promote regional cooperation and push forward global multipolarization during the year 2001.

China's Diplomacy Fruitful

World political turmoil and economic recession

Pakistani President Pervez Musharraf left China Monday after a successful state visit, concluding a successful year for China's diplomatic endeavors. (Musharraf's talks with President Jiang)

In the first year of the new century, the international situation was in a dramatic state of flux. The September 11 terrorist attacks in the United States not only shocked the world,but seriously affected the international political, economic and security situations. (US Under Terror Attack)

The world economy is now in the fourth recession after World War II, and clashes frequently occur as a result of national and religious issues.

China composed in face of challenges

Against this global background, China has maintained its composure as it observes and copes with challenges, and makes full use of opportunities.

"China's diplomacy has entered a new stage, and its observations reflect an image of a peaceful, just and responsible country. China's international status has been promoted remarkably," said Chinese Foreign Minister Tang Jiaxuan.

Success of APEC meeting

No doubt, the success of the ninth Economic Leaders' Meeting of the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) is the most important achievement of China's diplomatic activities for the year.(APEC Leaders' Informal Meeting)

Although the September 11 terrorist attacks led to cancellation of various international meetings, leaders from 20 APEC members came to Shanghai, China's largest economic hub, to promote multilateralism through group consensus.

Condemning terrorist activities

After the tragedy on September 11, China issued an immediate reaction condemning any form of terrorist activities. During the war in Afghanistan, Chinese President Jiang Zemin had frequent phone conversations with leaders of many countries in which China's proposals for resolving the Afghanistan issue were raised. (Chinese President Jiang's Message)

Strengthened ties with other countries and regions

In 2001, Chinese President Jiang Zemin and U.S. President George W. Bush had their first summit meeting, and agreed to develop a constructive partnership between the two countries. (Full Story)

In July 2001, China and Russia signed a treaty on good-neighborly relations and friendship, laying a foundation for the development of bilateral ties in the 21st century. (Full Story)

The fourth China-Europe summit meeting this year was fruitful, marking the smooth development of the China-Europe partnership.

The friendly cooperation between China and its neighbors has been promoted to a new level, evidenced by the improvement of the China-Japan ties.(Premier Zhu Attends 4th China-ASEAN Summit)

Promoted global multipolarization

China actively pushes forward global multipolarization. June 2001 witnessed the establishment of the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO), which includes China, Russia, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan and Uzbekistan. (Full Story)

The SCO advocated mutual trust, disarmament and cooperative security, fostering the "Shanghai Spirit" of mutual benefit, equality, consultation, respect of various civilizations and common development.

Active regional cooperation

China promotes regional cooperation in the process of economic globalization. China supported the launching of a new round of multilateral trade negotiations, even before its accession to the World Trade Organization.

China and ASEAN (Association of Southeast Asian Nations) countries will build their free trade area within 10 years, announced Chinese Premier Zhu Rongji. (Full Story)

The shocking September 11 terrorist attacks did not fundamentally change the trend of the current international situation, which was still themed on peace and development. Both multipolarization and economic globalization are inevitable, and bring opportunities as well as challenges to China's future diplomacy.

Major Diplomatic Events of China in 2001