The Olympic Games will give China a chance to inject new vitality into its diplomatic image, experts said.

The Games should contribute greatly not only to the development of sports, but also to the ties between China and the rest of the world, they said.

Tsinghua University professor Liu Jiangyong said China will use the Games to display its impressive achievements in the past 30 years and publicize diplomatic concepts such as "harmonious world" and "peaceful development".

Dozens of heads of state and government, and royal family members have said they want to attend the Beijing Olympics. In all, more than 550,000 foreigners are expected to be in the capital during the Games.

The attendance of so many foreigners is certain to go down in history as a bright chapter in understanding between China and the rest of the world, he said. "China fever" is rising and will take center stage during the Games.

The Olympics apart, this year is big for China's diplomatic mission because Beijing will host the Asia-Europe Summit some time in October, when leaders of the 43 member states and the heads of European Commission and ASEAN Secretariat are scheduled to meet.

Held alternately in Asia and Europe every two years, the summit is the most important Asia-Europe political meeting.

Among the other important diplomatic activities scheduled for this year are the fourth round of Sino-US Economic Dialogue in the US, President Hu Jintao's visit to Japan and the official launch of China-Europe negotiation on the partnership and cooperation agreement.

Renmin University of China professor Shi Yinhong said harmonious ties among the major powers are essential for the establishment of a harmonious world. "China will maintain the good momentum in its diplomacy, and its diplomatic arena will be widened this year."

(China Daily February 11, 2008)