Beijing Reception for Overseas Press Officials, Reporters 　　The Information Office of the State Council of China held a reception February 8 for the press officials of foreign embassies in Beijing and overseas correspondents stationed in Beijing. 　　Zhao Qizheng, director of the Information Office, thanked the press officials and correspondents for their work in introducing China to the world. 　　He said that China needs to increase exchanges and cooperation with the international community and enhance understanding and friendship with the people of other countries, and the press can play an important and positive role in this regard. 　　This year is significant in Chinese history because it marks the 50th anniversary of the founding of New China and the return of Macao to the Chinese motherland, Zhao said. China will also accelerate reforms and work to achieve the objectives mapped out at the 15th National Party Congress. 　　The Information Office of the State Council will provide the overseas press with more interview opportunities and greater convenience in their work, Zhao said, adding that he hopes that they will depict China in a fair and more objective way. 　　 HomeNews 1999-02-09 Page4 Full Story in Chinese