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.

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.

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," Chinese Foreign Minister Tang Jiaxuan said.

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.

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.

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.

In 2001, Chinese President Jiang Zemin and US President George W. Bush had their first summit meeting, and agreed to develop a constructive partnership between the two countries.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

(Xinhua News Agency December 25, 2001)