The Foreign Ministry launched in Beijing Monday its newly-upgraded website in an effort to promote the on-line publicity work of the ministry and all Chinese embassies and consulates overseas.

First launched in July 1998 and upgraded for the first time in October 1999, the website has just undergone a second upgrading to become more user-friendly and informative, said ministry spokesman Zhu Bangzao.

The website provides information focusing on "the Ministry," "Policy," "Regions," "Resources" and "Services," he said.

According to Zhu, Chinese diplomats will be invited to the website from time to time to have on-line dialogue with the public on China's foreign policy as well as international issues, while encouraging visitors to comment on the government foreign policy.

The ministry has also developed an integrated Internet information publishing and management system which links the ministry with the overseas missions.

(Xinhua 12/25/2000)