"We will continue to implement the independent foreign policy of peace and strive to create a more peaceful and stable international environment for the country's modernization," Zhang told a regular press conference.

She said the year 2001 will be the first year of the tenth Five-Year Plan period for national economic and social developments.

In the new century, China will make greater efforts to safeguard world peace and make its contributions to the development of the world.

Zhang said that the country has made notable achievements in its relations with other countries in the past year.

China has actively promoted peace and development for mankind and worked to establish a just and fair international political and economic order, which is understood and supported by an increasing number of countries, the spokeswoman added.

In the year 2000, China has improved and developed its relationship with major world powers, enhanced good-neighborliness with bordering countries, and consolidated its traditional friendship with developing countries, Zhang said.

In addition, China has been active in multilateral diplomacy, and has defended state sovereignty and promoted the process of national reunification.

(Xinhua 12/19/2000)